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Fully grown Fox squirrel enjoys cookie.
Photo by Author
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Words For Wildlife
by State licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator, James Orr
ANIMAL UPDATES
If you read this column regularly you know we deal with a number of wildlife patients at any given time. People often ask how they are doing so I thought I would provide an update on some of our most recent patients.
SQUIRRELS
We have had a number of squirrels. There is only one that still needs to be released and he is just about ready to go. He has been bottled raised and has to undergo the “wilding up” process before we can release him. He has been moved to an out door cage and is getting use to natural food (acorns, trigs, leaves, fruit etc.) Given a choice he would prefer milk and cookies but since Mother Nature does not provide cookie jars his treat days are about over.
The actual release is staged in multiple steps to give the squirrel a chance to acclimate to the wild. Stage One is moving him outside to get use to the sounds and weather of the great outdoors. Stage two is to fatten him up and get him use to eating natural foods. Stage three is to open his cage and allow him to come and go as he wishes. The cage provides security, comfort and food while he figures out how to find his own food and shelter. Most squirrels come back to the cage the first few days and then head off on their own.
DEER
Both deer have been moved out doors and are now grazing on natural food. They still get supplemental food in a pellet form that contains vitamins, nutrients, salt and minerals. They also get some fruit in small doses. They are very tame and can not be released until they learn to avoid people and dogs.
OPOSSUMS
All the opossums have been moved outside into a large cage with climbing branches, hollow logs, rocks and a natural earthen floor. The first litter of four opossums are almost big enough to release, the others are still two small but are growing fast.
OWL
The Great Horned Owl is doing very well. He was skin and bones when he arrived here but is eating all the time and building his strength and muscle. He can fly and has no visible injuries other than malnutrition. He will likely be ready for release in a few weeks when his stamina and endurance are built up sufficiently that he can hunt.
KESTREL FALCON
The Falcon was raised from a chick rescued from a felled tree. Initially I thought he was a Red shoulder Hawk but he surprised me and grew into a Kestrel Falcon. He is fully grown and was released a few weeks ago.
COYOTES
Both Coyote pups fully recovered from their mange and injuries and have been released. The first one actually released himself, getting out of his cage, climbing on a counter, opening a window and tearing through the screen. They tell you in rehabilitation class the animals tell you when they are ready to go. This guy was obviously very outspoken.
DONATIONS NEEDED If you would like to help any donation amount it is greatly appreciated. Donations should be made out to Witter Wildlife Refuge and can be sent to P.O. Box 1118, Huntsville AR 72740.
See web page under "HOW YOU CAN HELP" for specific ways you can help us help wildlife
