Wildlife Info
General Wildlife Info & Links | Cottontail Info | Wildlife We've Rescued
General Wildlife Info & Links
Please keep in mind that holding wildlife without a state permit is illegal in NC. If you find injured, sick or orphaned wildlife.please contact a licensed rehabilitator immediately. Keep the animal secluded and warm, away from pets and children and do not attempt to offer food or water unless instructed to do so by a rehabber or vet. Below are some useful links. The first link is to a page where you can find a licensed rehabilitator anywhere in North Carolin
a ... sorted by county.
http://216.27.49.98/fs_index_06_coexist.htm
www.piedmontwildlifecenter.org
Cottontail Info
Wild rabbits, most often eastern cottontails, can be found all over the country. In some areas they actually breed all year. In the springtime
, it is very common to find rabbit nests. Here are some helpful hints on helping wild rabbits. Keep in mind that it is illegal in many states to hold wildlife.even if you are attempting to help. This it to protect both you and the animal. In NC, you must obtain a permit from the Wildlife Division. Check with your local and/or state authorities regarding orphaned/injured wildlife.
- Do not assume the babies are orphaned because you have not seen the mother. Being prey animals, rabbits like to stay out of sight. The mother is probably nearby watching. They have also been known to bite when their babies are at risk and can inflict a painful injury. She nurses usually once a day.very early in the morning. If the babies are fat and warm, the mother has been caring for them. A simple way to see is to place pieces of string or straw over the nest. If it is disturbed the next morning and the babies are there, she is caring for them.
- Intervene only if the babies are in extreme danger.
- Cottontails generally fare poorly in a rescue situation. They are very prone to stress. They also require a special formula. Their digestive system is delicate in the best of times and baby rabbits do not have an established system.
- If you must intervene, keep the babies warm. This is best done with a heating pad on the lowest setting. Use a cardboard box or something similar lined with towels and place the heating pad under part of the box. This will allow them to move away if they become too warm.
- Keep children and pets away from the babies. They are very delicate especially the spine and are easily stressed which leads to additional concerns. In some cases, they carry "zoonotic" diseases.which are diseases that can be passed from animals to humans.
- Do not offer food or water.
- Contact a vet or wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. Here is a link to wildlife rehabilitators. http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contact.htm
KEEP THE WILD IN YOUR HEART ~ NOT IN YOUR HOME.
Wildlife We've Rescued
This is a young owl we assisted. We were called by a local vet where the bird had been taken by a good Samaritan. This little guy apparently was learning to hunt as he appears quite young and somewhat underweight. Unfortunately, he had an encou
nter with a car. He was in quite a bit of distress. He had multiple injuries including a broken leg, injured wing and a devastating eye injury. He showed no response to visual stimuli in the other eye. We felt he may have a closed head injury.
We decided that there was no chance of recovery for this bird and humanely ended his suffering without delay. A beautiful animal. And a word of caution...this animal was brought in by a well meaning person. Please remember that these animals are wild and are unpredictable especially when injured. A bird of prey such as this can inflict serious injuries on unsuspecting people. While I applaud the compassion...please be very careful when handling any sick and/or injured animals...even your own pets. I encourage people to contact their state's natural resources or wildlife departments for a listing of trained rescuers and rehabilitators that are available to safely help the animals.
The eagle was injured when he flew into the path of a car. A wildlife officer had taken custody of the bird and took it to a local vet. They know that we do wildlife, so the officer called and asked for assistance. The eagle was stabilized with a warm and quiet resting place, fluids and pain meds and started on antibiotics as a precaution. It doesn't appear that he had any broken bones. We transported him to Piedmont Wildlife Center for further treatment and rehabilitation. He was more alert after his arrival and he seemed to be aware of his surroundings.
~ Despite our best efforts, he passed away 5/10/06 ~
Sabrina's House has assisted in the rehab and release