I just got back from introducing project "Saving Stephenville's Wildlife" to the City Council. I hope it finds support and will go through the necessary channels to be approved. Frankly, it's a nobrainer...saves the city money and spares the lives of animals. I cannot find a single reason that would speak against my proposal.
This is what it is all about (and what I read to the city council):
While at the local animal shelter I have observed our Animal Control Officers bringing in traps with healthy adult raccoons and other wildlife, which are often needlessly euthanized.
Naturally, being licensed by the State to provide assistance to State owned wildlife, I started wondering if there is any way to save these animals without causing more work.
Due to facility restraints at the Rainbow Wildlife Rescue I am not capable of offering to take all these animals in, however, I have come up with a solution that I am confident will benefit all involved.
I am authorized to legally transport raccoons within 10 miles from where they were collected. We have ample and appropriate release sites that are carefully selected and within the legal limits. I am extremely diligent in matters of potential overcrowding and do not release more than 10 animals of each species at any given site per year.
Our plan is to install trail cams and microchip the relocated animals to assist in a State research project on relocation adjustment, as well as support the USDA sponsored TVR (trap-vaccinate-release) program. This will provide a further service in vaccinating wildlife against rabies and providing effective data.
To implement this effort the Rainbow Wildlife Rescue would allow the Animal Control Officers to drop off healthy trapped animals away from the public shelter at our Clifton Street facility, which is less than ½ mile from the shelter.
I will provide a secure enclosed area that's easily accessible to the officers where they will simply leave the animal remaining in the trap and take an empty trap back with them, which will also be provided.
I then will evaluate the animal and upon finding it suitable for release will proceed with the program as stated, or take the necessary steps to have the animal humanely euthanized.
This will save the city and the officers time, effort, supplies, money and completely prevent physical exposure, handling and euthanizing these animals while a the same time providing useful information to science and research.
I can accept raccoons, opossums, rabbits and squirrels for relocation. I will not accept skunks, foxes, bats, deer or coyotes.
I am looking forward to your support and am prepared to implement the simple steps needed to begin.
A wildlife rehabilitator is a person licensed by their State to take in orphaned and injured wildlife for the general public, as required by the State. Orphaned baby animals will be raised properly and injured or ill critters are rehabilitated. Your main responsibility is to the animals you are caring for. The goal is to get these animals back into the wild where they are supposed to be, and want to be. That's what it is all about...the animals remaining wild. Wanting them to be pets is not what they want!
Documentary: Wildlife Rehabilitation in America Part 1
Working with wildlife is very different from working with domesticated pets. Where it's ok to hold an orphaned kitten or puppy to comfort it when it's missing it's mother, it's not ok to hold a cottontail rabbit for example, because it can die of fear in an instant.
Keeping handling and human exposure to a minimum is vital for the animals' survival in the wild later on.
How do you get the animals?
We receive calls from people like you who came across an animal that appeared to be in need of human intervention. We often receive animals from the local Animal Control Agencies, Game Wardens, Businesses, Police Departments, Sheriff Offices, Veterinary Clinics and Animal Shelters.
Why do animals end up with a wildlife rehabber and what kind?
Animals end up with a wildlife rehabilitator for various reasons. It can be a baby squirrel that fell out of a nest, usually after a storm, and found by school kids; a songbird that flew into a window and has a concussion and needs a safe place to recover; an opossum mother hit by a car with living babies in the pouch that caring individuals saved and brought to us; a baby raccoon sitting next to his dead mother on the side of the road crying; the litter of cottontail rabbits whose mother fell victim to a lawn mower or a wild animal hurt by our dogs and cats...the stories are endless.
Documentary: Wildlife Rehabilitation in America Part 2
What do you do with them?
In the case of infant critters where a re-union with the mother has been ruled out, they will be raised and taught how to relate to others of their species, given a chance to develop their survival skills, know what their predators are, and how to find food and shelter before they will be released back into the wild.
What about injured animals? Do you have medical training?
Even though wildlife rehabilitators have to go through training and study as much as possible, they are not veterinarians and have to seek professional medical assistance in case of an injured animal, such as an owl with a broken wing or a deer hit by a car with a leg fracture; a raccoon caught by a dog covered in bite wounds; a squirrel with bb gun pellets in its back...again, the stories are endless.
Unfortunately not every vet clinic is willing or capable of assisting wildlife rehabilitators with these animals for various reasons.
If the injuries are too severe, the only option left is to euthanize the animal to shorten their suffering. If the injuries are not life threatening, we triage the animal, provide everything that goes along with healing the wounds and providing the proper care, nutrition and housing until the animal is ready to be returned to the wild.
What else does a wildlife rehabber do besides caring for wildlife?
Another important part of being a wildlife rehabilitator is dealing with the public. Once spring starts and the first animals of the season, usually squirrels, are being born, the calls are coming in about pink hairless babies found on the ground. There are a lot of caring folks out there that go the extra mile to help out that infant and take it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or wildlife facility.
A lot of people attempt to care for these animals on their own and only call us when they see that their approach didn't work. Sadly, at that point it is often too late for us to help.
Many folks proudly explain all the things they have done wrong, believing they did everything right, which doesn't make it necessarily easy to educate them without coming across as criticizing. Busting old wife's tales takes a lot of our time, that is why I am here now.
We often get calls from rude people that are trying to threaten or ridicule us, seem to enjoy grossing us out with the gory details of their hunting stories, or tell us they will kill the animal if we don't come right now and pick it up. Fact is that most of us home based rehabilitators can't just rush out and drive around to pick up animals.
Who will take care of the critters we already have? The focus has to be on the animals already there. We are happy to take in critters, but we are so grateful when people can bring them to us. We simply don't have the resources to do everything they expect us to do, but the majority of people that call want to help and don't mind the transporting the critter.
Can I make a lot of money being a wildlife rehabilitator?
Most wildlife rehabilitators these days are home based. We can't charge for anything we do because these are State owned animals, so we survive strictly on donations. If you are in this for the money you will be disappointed.
It's a life style, a passion and a commitment, and most rehabilitators front the bills out of their own pockets and don't get paid anything. Some things just can't be weighed in money...but knowing at the end of the day that you are doing the right thing is more rewarding than a fancy car to most of us.
Wildlife Rehabilitation used to be more of a hobby than a profession back in the days, but times and laws have progressed. The government requires us to be trained in order to obtain the necessary permits, provide proper facilities which are subject to inspection in most states, provide release sites, even pay for our own pre-exposure rabies shots.
Fortunately, more national and international organizations are working on research and studies benefiting our local wildlife, and offer rehabilitators extended training courses.
Some rehabilitators establish a wildlife center in their area, usually a nonprofit based organization because the government does not financially support wildlife rehabilitation. Yet. That's why there are not many independent wildlife facilities in America, most are connected to colleges or vet clinics, so paid jobs in this field are still hard to find.
How do I get a wildlife rehabilitation permit?
There are permits you have to obtain from your State for mammal rehabilitation. If you also want to rehabilitate birds, you will need a federal permit from the US Fish and Wildlife in addition to the State permit. That's for nearly all types of birds from songbirds to birds of prey.
Different agencies are responsible for issuing wildlife rehabilitation permits and requirements also vary from state to state. In some states the department of natural resources is in charge of wildlife rehab permits, in other states it's the parks and wildlife department or fish and wildlife commission. You will find direct links to each State's application on our website at www.wildlife-education.com .
In almost all states it is illegal to take an animal out of the wild and attempt to treat it on your own, no matter what your motives are. Even if you plan to release it later on back into the wild, it's most likely not going to happen if you don't know what you are doing.
Can everybody become a wildlife rehabilitator?
As a wildlife rehabber you have to be a very strong and determined person. There is a lot of frustration involved when dealing with the public and administrative side of this vocation. It's about hard work, long hours, no weekends or holidays and never enough money, and also a lot of emotional and heartbreaking cases where you have done everything you can but still can't save an animal.
All we can do then is to provide a warm, safe place for an animal to die. However, being able to work with wild animals that most people don't even get to see up close, to touch them safely, heal them, and see them be free again…that is a privilege to most rehabbers. Knowing they made a difference and got this animal back to where it belongs is worth all the efforts, expense, and even the heartaches.
How much does it cost?
In addition to the required permits you will need a lot of items ranging from inside cages and incubators to outside enclosures and habitats. You'll be using medical supplies, syringes, nipples, wound care supplies, bottles, feed, blankets, towels, educational material, different formulas for different species, bedding, building supplies, volunteers, fundraising skills, time for education, and not to forget your own family and social life. In other words, a LOT!
It really helps if you are good with basic business skills so you can be professional in what you do with the public, organize fundraising events and such.
Be proud
Some folks find the idea of wildlife rehabilitation ridiculous or claim it's "messing with nature". These folks neglect to see that most wildlife related calls that require our human intervention ARE the direct result of unnatural conditions such as careless behavior of people, toxins, poisons, automobiles, guns, traps, lawn mowers, to name just a few.
Often we are confronted with animals that have suffered traumatic wounds and horrific injuries. Some animals come in poisoned, shot, injured by cars and left for dead by humans. The stories and cases are endless and heartbreaking. THAT is called “messing with nature” and careless humans do it everyday, whether we mean to do harm or not.
We, as wildlife rehabilitators, are dedicated warriors on the front lines between suburban development and natural habitat and are grateful for every bit of support we can get. Thank you!
This survey will assist in determining approximately how many people raise raccoons and under what circumstances.Any information you can provide would be helpful. You may remain anonymous if you choose to do so. We simply need honest responses. To receive Wildlife Coalition newsletter please check the yes box.
Teachers join the Rainbow Wildlife Rescue - Educational programs are under development - Outdoor cameras needed to stream video from the animal habitats live into the classrooms - Laptop or netbook needed for recording video and images and classroom presentations.
This year is starting out very promising! After gaining the 501(c)3 status from the IRS we are in the process of forming a board of directors/trustees. In addition we welcome our first Wildlife Assistant Rehabilitator and sub-permittee Loree Behymer who will be in charge of the squirrels this year.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg! Three teachers from Gilbert Intermediate School in Stephenville, DeeAndra Lambert and Valarie and Doug Burns, have visited the Rainbow Wildlife Rescue and want to become actively involved ranging from joining the board of directors to assisting in fundraising, receiving basic wildlife care training, and most importantly develop educational programs to get the kids involved. This would make one of my lifelong dreams come true!
The highlight of our educational program will be cameras installed in the animal enclosures streaming videos and images of different native wildlife species live into the classrooms. The kids can observe these animals throughout the day and collect data on them. This aligns with the state Science TEKS particularly with 5th grade and below.
Usually these animals are seen dead on the side of the road but students rarely observe them alive, watching them eat or learning where the sleep. The benefit of having the kids watch the webcam in class would hopefully show them how much amazing wildlife is in their own area.
The students taking the TAKS test will be asked some questions relating to their state and the animals/plants that grow here. If they have never been able to observe an animal in it's habitat it's hard for them to relate.
In order to achieve this goal we need 3 outdoor cameras that can operate wireless and are capable of streaming video over the internet. In addition we need a laptop or netbook to record the pictures and transport data and presentations to schools and other educational demonstrations.
The videos and images will be viewable to everybody on the internet through our Rainbow Wildlife Rescue website, including you, not only the classrooms which however are the number 1 priority. Here is an example of a live squirrel cam: http://lpyardcams.camstreams.com/
Please help us get "Wildlife in the Classroom" program into place.
Different Ways to Donate The Rainbow Wildlife Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. All donations are tax deductible.
Mail a Check, Moneyorder or Items to:
Rainbow Wildlife Rescue 502 E. Clifton Street Stephenville, TX 76401
If you would like to become a sponsor of the Rainbow Wildlife Rescue or have contributed in the past and would like your name to be added to our Thank You page, please click HERE.
If you like to make a contribution or think you have items that we could use, please visit our Donation page to view our wishlist.
This year is starting out very promising! After gaining the 501(c)3 status from the IRS we are in the process of forming a board of directors/trustees. In addition we welcome our first Wildlife Assistant Rehabilitator and sub-permittee Loree B. who will be in charge of the squirrels this year.
But that's just the tip of the iceberg! 3 teachers from Gilbert Intermediate School in Stephenville have visited the Rainbow Wildlife Rescue and want to become actively involved ranging from joining the board of directors to assisting in fundraising, receiving basic wildlife care training, and most importantly develop educational programs to get the kids involved. This would make one of my lifelong dreams come true! Stay tuned for the introductions.
The highlight of our educational program will be web cams in the enclosures streaming live pictures of the animals into the classrooms. The kids can observe these animals throughout the day and collect data on them. This would align with the state Science TEKS particularly with 5th grade and below.
Usually these animals are seen dead on the side of the road but students rarely observe them alive, watching them eat or learning where the sleep. The benefit of having the kids watch the webcam in class would hopefully show them how much amazing wildlife is in their own area.
The students taking the TAKS test will be asked some questions relating to their state and the animals/plants that grow here. If they have never been able to observe an animal in it's habitat it's hard for them to relate.
In order to achieve this goal we are in need of 4 outdoor webcams or security cams that can operate wireless and on batteries and are capable of streaming video over the internet. In addition we need a laptop or netbook to record the pictures and transport data and presentations to schools and other educational demonstrations.
Is your pooch mad for people food? Does your kitty like to self-medicate? Sadly, not everything we love is good for us. In fact, many common household goods that we take for granted as harmless can poison our furry friends. In 2009, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, IL, handled more than 140,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic household substances, including insecticides, cleaning supplies and prescription medications.
To help you keep your pet safe and sound in 2010, our experts have created a list of the 10 common poisons that most affected our furry friends last year. Here’s a sneak peek at their advice:
Top dishonors—once again—go to human medications, which accounted for the most calls to the ASPCA’s 24-hour poison control hotline in 2009. Pets often snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up meds accidentally dropped on the floor. Remember to keep all medications, including pain remedies, antidepressants and decongestants, in a cabinet far away from pets’ prying paws.
Cats and dogs are often the unwitting victims of our efforts to battle flea infestations. The misapplication of spot-on flea and tick products can be especially problematic for our feline friends. Talk to your vet about choosing the right, species-specific flea treatment for your pet and never use products made for dogs on cats, and vice versa.
Some of the most delicious people food—including citrus, avocado and raisins—can be poisonous to pets. Chocolate ingestion accounted for nearly half of all people food-related cases in 2009, so be sure to keep cocoa hidden from your resourceful cat or dog.
Pet parents also need to remember to protect their cats and dogs from common household cleaners such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. These products, when inhaled by our furry friends, can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract.
Household plants may keep your house green and your air clean, but some can cause serious gastrointestinal problems for companion animals who nibble on them. Check out our toxic plant list before your next visit to the nursery.
1. Do not ever pity a dog. Most dog owners make the mistake and apply human psychology to a dog by talking to them in a high pitched baby voice and offering affection or treats in the attempt to provide comfort to the fearful canine. This only reinforces the fear and teaches the dog that it's ok to be scared. He even gets rewarded for it with affection and treats. That's obviously not the message we want the dog to get.
2. Do not feed into the fearful behavior, ignore it. Instead wait for him to show the slightest hint of courage and brave behavior, then praise him.
3. Provide the dog with as much socialization and exposure to new things as you can, always in a calm and assertive manner.
4. You've probably heard it from the Dog Whisperer Cesar Milan before: No Touch, No Talk, No Eye Contact.
Make sure your guests understand that they need to completely ignore the dog until he makes contact on his own, usually by sniffing. Even then they need to avoid eye contact, do not bend over the dog which appears as a threat to most canines, and pet the dog under the chin and chest instead of the top of the head. This is the hardest part of all..getting humans to understand that they do not do the dog a favor by feeling sorry for him and forcing their affection on them.
5. The power of the pack works every time because learning from other dogs that are balanced is much more effective than any human effort could accomplish.
Doogle was kept in a small round bird cage hanging off the ceiling in a run down puppy mill and then dumped over the animal shelter's fence in the middle of the night about a year ago. He couldn't even walk.
Had no clue how. After his rehabilitation, which took 2 surgeries and a lot leadership to give this little 3 lbs guy some confidence, he has come around nicely and lives with 2 Great Danes and a Labrador at the Rainbow Wildlife Rescue in Texas, his forever home. We are considering teaching him some more tricks and taking him to schools to teach kids how to take proper care of their own pets. GO DOOGLE DUCK GO!
