Baby turkey vulture dies days after Timber Fire rescue

SALINAS, Calif. —

UPDATE 3:20 p.m.

The baby turkey vulture rescued from the Big Sur wildfires had died, according to SPCA Monterey County. The organization said it could not provide a cause of death at this time.

A baby turkey vulture rescued from the wildfires in Big Sur is recovering at the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.

A California State Parks ranger found the juvenile bird near Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park along a stretch of Highway 1.

Wildlife rescue specialists said the bird was thin, cold, and smelled of smoke. They believe it was forced to leave its nest early while fleeing from heavy smoke and fire from the Timber Fire.

The bird is estimated to be 40 to 50 days old. They typically begin to learn to fly when they are between nine and 11 weeks old.

According to the SPCA, the vulture weighed 780 grams, about 1.7 pounds, when it arrived in their care, significantly less than the expected 2,000 grams, or about 4.5 pounds of a typical adult turkey vulture.

Specialists expect it to make a full recovery.

The SPCA is also sheltering 14 evacuated pets displaced by both fires. They’re providing emergency support for those animals as well.

People who need help with animals in distress can call the SPCA at 831-373-2631 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. After-hours assistance is available at 831-646-5534.