In the Bay Area, where housing subdivisions butt up against wilderness areas, humans and wild animals are bound to cross paths. When that happens, people are often surprised and relieved to learn there are wildlife hospitals in the area, tending to the injured and the orphaned throughout the year. They're places you can call upon if you find an animal in harm's way, and need advice on what to do.

In the next month, several of these organizations are hosting events and fundraisers to benefit their wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts in our Bay Area backyard:

• Marine Mammal Center - Sausalito
  Evening at the Ballpark (May 31, 2008)
  An opportunity for fans to learn more about the Marine Mammal Center. Educators and docents will be stationed throughout the park with informative displays. Fans will have chances to win Giants prizes -- and can visit the Make Your Own Lou Seal store. Proceeds go directly to The Center.
• Lindsay Wildlife Museum - Walnut Creek
  14th Annual Golf for the Wild (June 16, 2008) and Fiesta in the Park (June 1, 2008)
  Golf benefit event at the Contra Costa Country Club in Pleasant Hill -- and family day at the museum, featuring live animals, music, Mexican food, children's activities and a silent and live auction. Purchase tickets in advance.
• Peninsula Humane Society - San Mateo
  Classic Golf Tournament (June 16, 2008)
  In addition to providing sanctuary and adoptions for domestic animals like cats and dogs, the Peninsula Humane Society treats about 4000 wild animals each year. This tournament benefits the organization. The PHS/SPCA annual Mutt Strutt happens on August 16, 2008.

Two other Bay Area facilities not mentioned on the event list are International Bird Rescue Research Center (IBRRC) in Cordelia and Wildcare in San Rafael (Marin). Both organizations rescued and rehabilitated oiled birds after last November's Cosco Busan oil spill. And both have ongoing wildlife hospital services year round.

See more information on Bay Area Wildlife Hospitals.

^{Photos © Ingrid Taylar}