More spring rehab activities

It is busy, here. Last week we received over 1,200 calls to our wildlife hotline. We are fully mobilized, firing on all cylinders as we approach the height of songbird season.

Young gray squirrel transitioning to solid foods (Photo by Eric Flores)

Released Eastern box turtle

Young robin and cardinal learn to feed themselves.

Downy woodpeckers just before feeding and nest replacement.

Juvenile fox about to be nursed.

Fox hit by car during undergoes examination.

Young bluebirds just before a feeding

A sampling of spring patients

Spring is in full swing. That means our buildings are filled with the sounds of orphans feeding.

Here are some of their pictures, captured by Eric Flores.

Orphaned gosling

Orphaned woodchuck

Orphaned red squirrel

Orphaned raccoon

Orphaned mallards

Orphaned gosling

Orphaned great horned owl

Orphaned great horned owl pair

Orphaned Virginia opossum

Orphaned red fox pair

Baby mammal season

March is baby mammal season. We already have young squirrels, rabbits, foxes, and raccoons in our nurturing care. Next to arrive will be woodchucks, skunks, and deer.

Nursing red fox (photo by Eric Flores)

In the vast majority of cases, it is possible to keep the family intact (even if they were temporarily separated) avoiding the need for admission. These cases are handled entirely on the phone. Baby animals’ best chance of survival is with their parents, and we take every step to preserve their care.

Nursing red fox (photo by Eric Flores)

Only as a last resort, when all other measures have failed, do we accept a baby animal into care. At the clinic, most mammals are fed species-specialized formula with a nipple and syringe four times a day. They spend the rest of their time in an incubator until they are capable of thermoregulation.

Orphaned gray squirrel (photo by Eric Flores)

Never contact Pennsylvania’s Rabies Vector Species (woodchuck, fox, bat, raccoon, skunk, coyote) with bare skin.

Orphaned gray squirrel (photo by Eric Flores)

If you find a baby wild animal, please call us before you take any action. We advise you about the best course of action. (267) 416-9453

A sample of our patients

Baby season in full swing: foxes

We don’t take foxes unless we are absolutely sure they are orphaned. About 3 out of 4 times, upon investigation, the animals should be left alone. Please call us if you are worried about any young foxes. We will help you navigate the situation keeping the animal’s best interest at heart.

Foxes wean in about 6-8 weeks. Both mom and dad take care of the young. If one mate dies, the other can pick up the slack.

Another fox post.