Hi all, thought I'd stop in and introduce myself. I am a state and federally licensed wildlife rehabilitator here in northwestern, pa. I care for around 800 injured and orphaned wild animals every year and have a release rate of 75% at this time. It's hard work but worth it to watch them go free. Some things that people who don't rehab but try to care for wildlife is the fact that they must remain wild to have any chance at all. I don't talk too, pet, love on, etc... any of the wildlife here, I cover my face with a cammo netted mask and never talk when caring for them. I never associate food and humans so that they don't try to come back to humans for food. I care for everything from field mice/squirrels/cottontails on up to hawks/owls/eagles. They all get the same treatment as it's all a great circle that needs to be kept going. My biggest problems are outside cats...90% of all the small animals and songbirds this year have come in via being caught by cats. Cats of course are a non native predator and they carry pasteurella on their claws and in their mouth. Our wildlife has not been able to produce the antibodies to fend off this bacteria and normally die within 48 hours after being bitten or even a tiny scratch unless put on antibiotics. I know most horse people have barn cats which is actually very sad...as they take away the prey that the hawks, owls, fox's, etc... rely on to survive.

So, if anyone needs help finding a wildlife rehabber in their state let me know, I'll try to help. Most states have laws pertaining to caring for wildlife...in PA here, it's illegal to care for any wildlife without a license and the fines are steep and of course they destroy the animal.

Take care!

Maryjane

Maryjane Angelo
Skye's Spirit Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
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