Wildlife Rehab Report for April 12, 2024

Wildlife Rehabilitation

April 12, 2024

Baby squirrel getting special care — A baby squirrel getting special care from Ashley, one of our wildlife rehabbers.

Orphaned Baby Squirrels

These two baby squirrels were admitted to the Wildlife Center after construction workers noticed they had fallen out of a nest on their job site. They kept them in a safe place where they hoped the mom would find them. These squirrels fell out of the tree due to high winds, but the activity of the job site kept the mom from rescuing her babies. So, the squirrels were brought to the Northwoods Wildlife Center for care until they developed enough to be released back into the wild.

Too often, we hear things like, “It’s just a squirrel. Why would you go through the effort?” But this story is an excellent example of just one of the reasons why we go through the effort. Because we care, and all kinds of people care. We realize these animals have a right to live their best lives. But sometimes, our actions put wildlife in danger. So, thank you to the construction workers for caring and bringing them to us so they can live out their wild little lives.

Common Redpoll

This Common Redpoll was brought to us after it was found on the ground, near a feeder, unable to fly. We suspect a window strike because it had swelling to the front of its face and right eye. We also suspected a fracture to its left coracoid and possibly to its right radius. But fortunately, x-rays showed there were no breaks. So we treated it with some light painkillers and are taking good care of it while it recovers from its bumps and bruises. As of this email, it’s perching, eating well, and fluttering around like a little bird should. We expect to release it very soon!
Also, please remember to keep your bird feeders clean. We are seeing a lot of salmonella in song birds.

Injured Mouse

We keep a sharp eye out for wildlife, healthy or otherwise. Kayla, one of our rehabbers, found this little mouse dazed and lethargic in a grocery store parking lot. There are many things that could cause a mouse to have problems like this, but after our intake exam, we suspected poison. So, we treated it with some activated charcoal to help pull any poison out of her system. With rest, healthy food, and a warm place to recover, she was quickly released. Just not in a busy parking lot! This story is an example of why we don’t condone poison to control rodent problems. While we found her and were able to help, owls, foxes, and other predators often find them first and end up poisoning themselves!

Bryon Black