About Wildlife Rehabilitation
Wildlife rehabilitation can be a very demanding, yet rewarding job.
As members of a local non-profit rehab group, my husband and I receive literally hundreds of injured or orphaned creatures every year: Raccoons, squirrels, opossums, cottontails, flying squirrels, fox, skunks, chipmunks, etc. Every effort is made to nurse them back to health and release them back into the wild.
One of our biggest challenges is determining whether an animal needs assistance or is just "home alone". (Many times, well meaning individuals will interfere with Mother Nature by picking up an animal that really doesn't need help). Most mothers will reclaim their young if given an opportunity. Educating the public on how to co-exist with their wild neighbors is our primary goal.
If you find an animal that is obviously injured or orphaned, do not endanger the animal, yourself or your family. Call a licensed rehabilitator or other qualified agencies for advice. Above all, do not attempt to feed the animal. Improper feeding techniques and improper diet can cause irreparable harm.
"Baldy" the Raccoon was brought to us without any hair. Someone had tried to keep him as a pet, feeding him mainly sweets and junk food. His improper diet caused the loss of hair and weakened bones which ultimately led to his broken leg.
He was nursed back to health on a proper diet and quickly regained his beautiful coat. His leg mended and he was released in 200 acres of wooded area behind our house. He stops by every now and then to show us his new coat and his new friends.
A Wildlife Rehabilitator's work is never done!
(click pictures for a better view)
Links to other Wildlife Rehab Information
Southeastern Outdoors http://www.southeasternoutdoors.com/wildlife/rehabilitators/directory-us.html
WILDLIFE INTERNATIONAL http://www.wildlifeinternational.org/index.html
IWRC (International Wildlife Rehabilitation Counsel) http://iwrc-online.org/
NWRA (National Wildlife Rehabilitation Assoc.) http://www.nwrawildlife.org/default.asp
Wildlife Information Directory http://umn.edu/~devo0028/
Animal Rehabilitators of The Carolinas (ARC) http://www.arcwildlife.org/