Volunteer Amy Messier feeding a young raccoon. (File photo)

by Jayne Winters

When I stopped by Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab this week, as there were no critters awaiting transfer to other rehabbers, Don and I talked again about how smoothly things have gone since his hospitalization in May and subsequent transition to semi-retirement. Over just a few days – thanks to Inland Fisheries & Wildlife staff, volunteers, Avian Haven and other rehabbers – he was able to receive the medical care he needed and not have to worry about his furry and feathered friends.

After I got home, I looked through old files and found a couple of articles Carleen Cote had written and thought this would be a good time to share them. This one is from 2003:

“We will never forget our wonderful volunteers who have come and do all the “dirty work.” Their payment is having an opportunity to feed and play with the wildlife babies – to see animals they would probably never see in their natural habitat. Cheri Muschamp was the first volunteer. Robyn Jacques was our first intern from Unity College, followed by Josh and Jayme. Blanche Bourdeau, Carol Thibodeau, Micki Poor, Amanda Watson and Nikki Reynolds volunteered many hours to clean pens, wash dishes and feed the babies. We can never say thank you enough to these wonderful volunteers who came to help and provided us some respite and time to get a few minutes of sleep during the day. They will be returning for their third summer.

We have met many wonderful dedicated animal control officers, police, sheriffs and animal damage control people who have gone many miles out of their way to bring us young and wounded animals. We have also had the opportunity to meet and work with Maine game wardens. They have brought many needy birds and mammals to the Center. We also assist them by responding to wildlife problems when they are unable to do so.

We have met many other rehabilitators. There is an exchange of information and experiences so no one has to “re-invent the wheel” whenever anyone gets a species of bird or mammal for the first time. Help is only a phone call away, and everyone is willing to share their knowledge.

Because of the numbers of mammals we receive, we are unable to care for many bird species because of the great time demands of baby birds. We are fortunate to have Avian Haven, in Freedom. Marc and Diane take the birds we are unable to care for. We do take owls, hawks and eagles.

Trish and Gary Newcomb (founders of The Town Line) were frequent visitors to the Center. They would ask if we would write about our experiences for the newspaper. We always said we didn’t think we had the talent to write. In 1996, I went to The Town Line on business. Trish and Gary again asked if I would write articles about our Center. I finally said I would try. The rest is history – eight years later I still enjoy writing about our experiences of sharing our life with all the little creatures and all our adventures. So many people have told us how much they enjoy the articles, how much they have learned about Maine’s wildlife. That’s the inspiration that keeps me writing and sharing our joys and sorrows. You know the saying, ‘We could write a book!’ I don’t think that will happen.”

In November, I’ll continue with the stroll down Memory Lane!

Don is still busy with many phone calls and continues to provide advice and make referrals. He accepts and assesses small injured or abandoned wildlife, usually transporting them to other facilities for further treatment, care and release. Please remember to check these websites for someone close to you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html. In addition, you can contact your local Animal Control Officer through your town office. – Donald Cote operates Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3 in Vassalboro. It is a non-profit state permitted rehab facility supported by his own resources & outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. EMAIL ADDRESS IS NOT BEING MONITORED AT THIS TIME.

Young raccoon resting comfortably. (photo by Jayne Winters)

by Jayne Winters

As is often the case, I wasn’t sure what this month’s article would be about and had asked Don to give it some thought so we could talk about it last week. And, as is often the case, it didn’t take very long for that question to be answered!

When I stopped by Duck Pond the other day, Dr. Cody Minor, of Windsor Veterinary Clinic, was finishing up a house call for a young raccoon, whose story is the topic of this column. Although my cat has received care at Windsor Vet for several years, I didn’t realize Dr. Minor has experience in zoo/wildlife medicine, as stated on the clinic’s website. And amazingly, one who apparently makes special home visits!

Don received a phone call from a woman who, while walking her dog, found a young coon that had been hit by a car (maybe even two). One of its eyes had popped out of its socket and it appeared to have suffered a broken front leg, maybe internal injuries as well. Friends were able to bring the coon to Duck Pond and Don immediately called Windsor Clinic and took the animal in for X-rays.

The coon did have a broken right leg, as well as two fractures in its jaw. Dr. Minor put the eye back into its socket, and treated/stitched the area in the hopes it could be saved. The jaw was wired and the front leg set and put into a cast. The patient was being weaned off pain medication and is being manually syringed soupy canned dog/cat food while under observation at Duck Pond. Just one day later, he seemed to be gaining strength and moving around in his crate in Don’s living room. I hope next month’s column will include a positive update, thanks to the Good Sama­ritan, Dr. Minor, the staff at Windsor Veterinary, and Don.

Speaking of Don, by the time you read this, he will have just turned 87. His continued commitment to helping wildlife is inspiring, to say the least. As noted last month, following his May hospitalization, he has transitioned into semi-retirement. While he isn’t admitting wildlife for extended care, he receives many calls every day, answers questions, provides advice and makes referrals to other wildlife rehabbers. Duck Pond is now primarily a drop-off site for folks to bring in the small injured or abandoned wildlife they’ve found, with other rehabbers coming by almost daily to transport the animals to their own facilities for additional treatment and care. Duck Pond prefers not to accept fawns, but Don can help people connect with and/or coordinate transfer with nearby rehabbers.

He has been working primarily with Misfits Rehab, in Auburn (207-212-1039; FYI, Jen accepts bats and mice), Wilderness Miracles, in Bowdoin (207-720-0074), Bridget Green, in Wiscasset (207-631-0874), Critterville Wildlife, in Brooklin (845-549-2407), and Saco River Wildlife (207-702-1405). As mentioned in last month’s column, mid-coast Maine has a newly-licensed turtle rehabber! Pam Meier can be reached at The Turtle’s Back (203-903-2708).

As you can imagine, wildlife rehabbers are inundated with their own rescue calls at this time of year, especially for young animals that require extra feedings and care, and Don greatly appreciates their assistance with Duck Pond rescues. Please remember to check these websites for someone close to you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html

In addition, you can contact your local Animal Control Officer through your town office.

Donald Cote operates Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3 in Vassalboro. It is a non-profit state permitted rehab facility supported by his own resources & outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. EMAIL ADDRESS IS NOT BEING MONITORED AT THIS TIME.

by Jayne Winters

“It takes a village to raise a child” is an African proverb referencing the need for a community of people to provide and assure its children grow in a healthy, safe environment. It’s not limited to children, however, as evidenced by all that has happened at Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab Center since last month’s column.

As noted in our May article, Don was dealing with some health issues and not accepting any new wildlife admissions. We included contact information for Wilderness Miracles Wildlife Rehab, in Bowdoin, as well as the usual links for website listings of other rehabbers around the state. Don’s condition did not improve, but – no surprise to anyone who knows him – he refused to seek medical attention until long-term care for the animals at Duck Pond was finalized. And this is where “it takes a village…” comes in. In a matter of a few days, a wonderful network of family, friends, rehabbers and Inland Fish & Wildlife staff came to the rescue, literally.

Ducks and geese were released or rehomed, with six adults going to Avian Haven to serve as surrogate parents to current and future orphaned young waterfowl. Rehabbers transferred several young and adult red foxes, all of which were temporarily quarantined at their new facilities. The non-releasable adult deer were tranquilized by IF&W and taken to the Maine Wildlife Park, in Gray. Sadly, four elderly racoons had to be euthanized because they had parvo-related disabilities which prohibited their release or socializing with others. All in all, however, the critters were successfully released or relocated and Don finally agreed to see a doctor.

He was admitted to the hospital for about a week’s stay and is recovering at home with noticeable progress being made. His “village” continues to provide assistance with grocery shopping, rides to appointments and for errands, mowing and critter transfers. Although Don isn’t admitting wildlife for extended care, his decision to wait until this fall to reassess his situation has gone by the wayside (again, no surprise!). During the past couple of weeks, Duck Pond has been serving as a transfer site for small injured or abandoned wildlife, with other rehabbers coming by at least once a day to transport animals to their own facility for treatment and care. These include at least a dozen baby coons, a woodchuck, squirrels, and a weasel. A chipmunk and gray squirrel (both hit by cars) that Don has been caring for in his living room ‘nursery’ are doing very well and will be released in the near future.

Serving as a wildlife rehabber for over 50 years is a way of life for Don and although he won’t be assuming the 24/7 care of the past, being able to answer calls, make referrals, and provide initial care pending transfer to other rehabbers will keep him active in the career he continues to feel passionate about. As one of many of Don’s friends, I extend my personal thank-you to all those who have helped him during this recent emergency situation. It’s a nice reminder of another phrase, “What goes around, comes around.”

Don has been working primarily with the following wildlife rehabbers: Misfits Rehab, in Auburn (207-212-1039), Wilderness Miracles, in Bowdoin (207-720-0074), Bridget Green, in Wiscasset (207-631-0874), Critterville Wildlife, in Brooklin (845-549-2407), and Saco River Wildlife (207-702-1405). As you can imagine, they are inundated with their own rescue calls, especially for young animals which require extra feedings and care, so please check these websites for someone close to you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html In addition, you can contact your local Animal Control Officer through your town office. –

Donald Cote operates Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3 in Vassalboro. It is a non-profit state permitted rehab facility supported by his own resources & outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. EMAIL ADDRESS IS NOT BEING MONITORED AT THIS TIME.

Carleen & Baby Fox

by Jayne Winters

Owlet

As we’ve done for several years, this month’s column is a reminder from Don Cote at the Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab Center that not all young animals that appear lost or orphaned actually need to be rescued. Despite people’s good intentions, some babies do not need human involvement other than careful observation. Again, I’m going to honor Carleen Cote by sharing her words of wisdom from many decades of wildlife rehabbing:

baby raccoon

“If you find a young bird on the ground and no nest is found, make a substitute from a berry box or basket; be sure there are holes for drainage and hang it in a tree close to the spot where the bird was found. The adults will respond to the feeding calls of their youngsters. If cats are prowling or stalking birds, especially when there may be young birds in a nest that can’t survive without being fed, the cat should be confined rather than removing the birds.

by Jayne Winters

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds,” is a phrase we associate with U.S. postal carriers, but I think it could easily describe Don Cote and his volunteers at the Wildlife Care Center in Vassalboro. (Out of curiosity, I searched on-line and found a “Wildlife Rehabilitator Code of Ethics” which addresses high standard quality care/methods; education; adherence to federal, state and local laws/regulations; health and safety practices; community support/involvement; professional conduct; and the obvious need for personal integrity, compassion and commitment).

But back to the weather not preventing the “completion of their appointed rounds.” Although we haven’t had many heavy snowstorms this winter, access to the outside wildlife enclosures still need to be plowed, snow-blown and/or shoveled. Treacherous icy paths to the pens need sanding. Frozen water tubs need to be emptied and refilled with fresh water. Cages need to be mucked out and bedding replaced. Roofs need to be cleared of snow and ice. Fencing, enclosures and tarps often need to be repaired. All of this in addition to the daily food preparations for breakfast and dinner feedings, dispensing of medications, changing dressings, washing and disinfecting food dishes and doing laundry for soiled blankets and towels.

In addition to Don’s personal 12 ducks and 22 geese, current winter residents include one chipmunk, two red squirrels, one gray squirrel, six foxes, and three deer, all of which require tending to at least twice a day. Some are carry-overs from last fall because they were too young or not healthy enough for release; the remainder are fall and winter rescues from vehicle hits, natural or predatory injuries and home “invasion” critters seeking food and shelter from the harsh elements. New admissions are evaluated and many are transferred to other rehabbers who have graciously offered their assistance to help keep animal care at Duck Pond manageable. Spring and summer rescues can quickly become overwhelming for Don and his two volunteers, one of whom is only available on weekends.

Any time during the day Don may need to respond to rescue calls, set up and monitor traps, transport severely injured wildlife to the vet, or pick up food donations from Hannaford, Wal-Mart, animal shelters, etc. Being on-call 24/7 requires patience, understanding and flexibility in his schedule. He is most appreciative of folks who can meet him at a half-way point or bring the animal directly to Duck Pond if they can safely transport it.

In addition to the day-to-day activities of operating the rehab center, annual state and federal reports have to be submitted at this time of year, with license renewal applications due every two and five years, respectively. Don doesn’t have a computer, so I’ve been helping him by downloading forms, copying, etc. I even have reminders on my own calendar of their due dates so we don’t forget! As a nonprofit organization, he has to keep accurate records of all donations, whether they are cash, checks or gift cards (Hannaford and Walmart are visited weekly), for tax preparation and filing. I must admit I’ve been impressed with his up-to-date files. I think Carlene trained him well!

Don and his volunteers appreciate and thank the other rehabbers who continue to generously accept critter transfers from Duck Pond.

Donald Cote operates Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3 in Vassalboro. It is a non-profit state permitted rehab facility which is supported by his own resources and outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. Please note the previous e-mail address is no longer monitored.