What if I found a dead bird?
The UTEP Biodiversity Collections currently actively accepts salvaged birds.
In response to recent Avian Flu concerns, the UTEP-BC recommends following TPWD guidance .
Avian flu is low risk to humans, but common safety precautions (gloves or turning a bag inside out) are still recommended. We are continuing to accept salvage birds at this time that have been killed by non-illness related causes. Birds that have died due to suspected illnesses should instead be reported to an agricultural extension agent or USDA at 1-866-536-7593.
Instructions for salvaging dead wild birds for the UTEP Biodiversity Collections:
It is an unfortunate but regular occurrence to come across a wild bird that has expired either due to natural causes or from a window or vehicle strike, cat predation, etc. If deposited and cared for in a natural history collection, however, these birds can have new life as resources for teaching, research, and outreach. If you find a dead bird and are interested in contributing it to the UTEP Biodiversity Collections, please follow these steps:
1. Do not touch the bird, but do find a way to get it into a ziploc bag. The easiest way to do this is to turn a bag inside-out, put your hand inside, grab the bird, and then re-invert the bag and seal it.
2. Fill out the Salvage Form and record the date and location where you found the bird as well as your name on a piece of paper and include it in the bag.
3. If you have time, record the color of the beak, eye, and legs (these can fade before it arrives at UTEP, so it's great to have the information from when it was first found).
4. Put the bird on ice (e.g., your home freezer, be sure to label it as NOT FOOD!)
5. When you have time, contact the current collections manager by phone 915-747-5479 or by email mzhuang@utep.edu . The UTEP Biodiversity Collections can not accept all donations due to space constraints and all accepted donations may not be suitable for deposition, but can be still be used for education and student training. Come to the Biology building, which is behind the Bioscience Research Building on Wiggins Rd. (just north of the library). The front door is open between 9am and 5pm M-F.