Post on 24-Feb-2016
description
Building a Sustainable Future for Wildlife and Our Community
The Truth About Wildlife
Mission- build a sustainable future for wildlife in our community through medical treatment, rehabilitation, educational outreach, research, and conservation activities.
Center for Wildlife
Medical treatment, rehabilitation processes, and daily care of injured/orphaned wild animals until they are able to be returned back into the wild.
Wildlife Rehabilitators: have state and federal permits work closely with a licensed veterinarian have the proper housing and training to care for each species safely.
There is no state or federal funding or program for the medical
care of wild animals.
What is Wildlife Rehabilitation?
90-95% human caused injuriesCars, power lines and
windows, domestic cats, power lines, oil spills, habitat loss, etc.
Quality of Life
Public Safety
Difference between domestic and wildlife: Fear of humans
Why not just let nature take its course?
Species We Treat
BirdsSmall MammalsReptilesServe ~ 100 mile
radius of York, ME
Visit NWRA website and find your state
Find out who does marine animals
Call your local rehabbers and find out:What species they
takeWhat is their
capacityWhat is their range
Get to know your local rehabilitator
Tips
Nesting Dates for Common Species
The Myth and the Legend- What’s True? If you touch a baby bird or baby mammal you
can’t put it back in the nest- the mom will reject it
Any baby without a parent around needs help
Loons cannot walk on land
If you can catch an adult wild animal, it needs help
Animals do not feel pain the way humans do
Opossums are dirty and carry rabies
Porcupines can throw their quills
If a nocturnal animal is out during the day it most likely has rabies
Most bats have rabies and should be removed from buildings and barns immediately
Handler safetyPlan Ahead- Work
EfficientlyProper positioningFight or Flee
DefenseDiminish sense
perceptionsUse minimum
restraintEquipment
RodentsOpossumsPorcupinesRaccoons, foxes, weasels,
bobcats, etcCoyotesRaptorsWaterbirdsWaterfowlSongbirdsTurtlesBats
Wild Animal Capture and Restraint Tips
Capture and Restraint Species Specific
Transport TipsKeep animals in closed containers:
STRESS! Every contact takes energy from patientSHOCK can killSAFETY for both animal and rescuer
Monitor Temperature:Babies and trauma victims need heat (water bottle or
snuggle safe)Any animal that has just been chased can easily
overheat- watch for panting and open-mouth breathing
DO NOT FEED UNTIL THE ANIMAL HAS BEEN MONITOREDFood and water can kill if not stableThe wrong diet can be deadly
Wildlife Rehabilitation Laws It is legal for ACO’s and general public to transport
wildlife to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for medical treatment (in accordance with IF&W and NH Fish and Game)
Wildlife rehabilitators must have a federal permit to treat birds (excluding some game and introduced species)
Wildlife rehabilitators must have a state permit to treat mammals and reptiles
Individuals and organizations must have an education and exhibition permit to house wild animals permanently
Because of WNS it is now illegal to remove bats from unoccupied buildings during May 15th-August 15th in NH
Endangered and threatened species protected from killing, harassment, taking, or injuring species listed. Maximum penalty is up to $13,000 fine.
Public Interest Center for Wildlife receives over 10,000
phone calls per year from the general public
Many callers are frustrated as they have made several phone calls to local vets, police departments, animal shelters, etc and no one can help
Most members of the public call to check on their patient and want to be involved with the release
Since 1986 public has brought over 20,000 wild animals to Center for Wildlife
Center for Wildlife hosts over 70 volunteers and 20+ college interns each year
Q & A
1. What is your initial response?
2. What would you advise public?
3. If you had to capture/restrain/transport the animal, how would you do it?
4. Who would you bring it to?
5. Did you learn anything new?
Scenario Discussion