Lizzeebee

An orphaned raccoon from last year’s bunch formed a special bond with our coon-hound. He’s now grown and living on his own but we still see him from time to time.

Many people have probably never heard this sound, but if you do, stay alert! It could be a great horned owl warning you to keep your distance. These magnificent birds can do some serious damage if their warnings are ignored. The owls in this video are at wildlife rehab being prepared for their return to freedom. One was hit by a car; the others were fledglings brought in by well-meaning citizens, possibly unnecessarily. There are a few nerve-wracking days in most birds’ lives when they leave the nest but are not yet capable adults. It’s best to leave them alone; just be sure the parents are around and maybe keep your pets in for a few days. If you see a baby that can’t fly at all, is injured, is orphaned, or is in serious harm’s way, call a local wildlife rehab for help. There’s an app called Animal Help Now that’s great or you can call your state Wildlife unit. (Don’t be surprised if they tell you to ‘let nature take its course’🤨) Or Google ‘wildlife rehabilitation in your area.

A fawn we’ve been helping wanted to come inside with the dogs. It’s illegal to confine a wild animal where I live except for rehabbers, but deer are not ‘rehab-able. However, he came in through the dog door so I guess that satisfies the law, technically. It didn’t take long for him to get frisky in the cool air conditioning. Time to go outside, Scout! And time to latch that dog door:(

This is what happens at my house when UPS comes up the driveway. I’m a wildlife rehabber sub-permittee, but so many people drop off dogs that I’ve taken in a bunch of them, too.

Leelee is a very old opossum who was trapped by a homeowner and turned in to Animal Control for euthanization. AC called the rehab I volunteer with, and we took her in. She’s got some mobility issues, and it’s questionable (doubtful) whether she will become releasable. Another issue is that she is the sweetest possum we’ve ever seen - has no fear of humans whatsoever. Not a healthy trait for an animal who has to survive in the wild. So we’re working to strengthen her back legs and find a placement where her lack of fear won’t be a problem. And spoiling her silly with grapes and Havarti cheese.

Bizzy D, a young raccoon we released a couple of weeks ago, came by for a visit. She found some potato chips left on a plate and took full advantage. Update: Bizzy’s visits are getting fewer and further between but I still see her around sometimes. She doesn’t come running up any more, though, which is a good thing in terms of wildlife rehab. Our little girl is growing up.

This baby nutria was playing in a run-off stream near our house. Such a cutie pie!