by Jayne Winters

At several recent visits with Don Cote at Duck Pond Wildlife rehab, I couldn’t help but notice that the resident chipmunk has seemed more “chipper” (pun intended) than usual. Despite his rehab stint in the living room, I suspect his natural internal clock is nudging him about the warmer weather, signaling him to become more active, seek food, prepare for nesting and maybe even find a mate.

We all know that hibernation is the time of year when some animals pack it up for the winter and instead of moving south, hunker down to snooze until spring. Survival depends upon their ability to decrease their body temperature, as well as their heart, respiratory and metabolic rates. I was surprised to learn there are only three true hibernators in Maine: little brown bats, whose heart rate drops from 1,000 beats per minute to five; groundhogs, who spend the winter in a den located below the frost line and above the water table, dropping its body temperature to 38°; and meadow jumping mice, who spend only two weeks fattening up and won’t wake to eat or drink until spring.

Other species can reduce their body temperature and metabolic rate during the winter are not considered true hibernators because they rouse easily and can become active during warm periods. This semi-hibernation is called ‘torpor’ and Maine critters that utilize this behavior include black bears, skunks, racoons and reptiles. Reptiles are considered cold-blooded because they can’t produce their own body heat – their temperature is controlled by their environment. When the cooler days of fall arrive, they go into a dormant period called “brumation” [I’d never heard of this!], during which they can survive long periods without eating, but still need to drink to prevent dehydration.

Back to the chipmunks: At around 40°F, they start gathering nuts, seeds, twigs, and other items in those cute little cheek pouches, moving large quantities of food into their burrow storage rooms called ‘caches.’ They’re always busy, gathering up to 165 acorns per day! An enormous amount of food can be held in their cheek pouches, which can stretch to three times the size of the head. Within just two days, a chipmunk will have collected enough food to last through the whole winter. They don’t sleep for the entire season, but wake up occasionally to bring their body temperature back to normal, eat to build up their fat reserves, urinate and defecate. In addition to maintaining a constant lower body temperature for the winter, they slow their heart rate from the usual 350 beats per minute to only four beats per minute. A new study has found that as winter temps become milder because of global warming, chipmunks may become less likely to hibernate in the coldest months. Research indicates that follow normal hibernation procedures have a winter survival rate of about 87 percent, while those that remain active because of warm winter weather are almost certain to die by spring.

I’ve noticed a couple of Chippies in our yard the past few days and I’m sure the little guy at Duck Pond will be happy to be released back into the wild where he can start filling those cheeks!

Don and his volunteers appreciate and thank the other rehabbers who continue to generously accept critter transfers from Duck Pond. Please check the following web sites to see if there is one near you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html . 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.

Squirrel with strawberry

by Jayne Winters

I love chatting with Don Cote at the Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab Center – he has over 50 years of critter stories to share! Not all have happily-ever-after endings, but I think every one of the animals Don and his late wife Carleen cared for over the decades touched his heart. It’s comforting to me to know that those who didn’t survive were tended to by folks who did their best to keep them safe and comfortable in their final days or hours.

When I dropped by Don’s house the other day, I had to first check in on the Little Red who was the victim of a glue trap a couple months ago. I’m happy to report that he’s doing well, very active and soon to be put into a larger cage for more space to get exercise. His tail still looks funky, like a poodle’s tuft on the end, but the fur is getting longer and even the hairless part is starting to show signs of new fuzz.

Don and I started talking about squirrel food preferences: unsalted peanuts in the shell, sunflower seeds, mixed bird seed, and fruits. He mentioned Little Red loves the peanuts I’ve brought, but the gray, not so much, which I found odd as the grays I feed at home make short work of peanuts, in the shell or out. One ‘tidbit’ of information Don shared is that a diet of just nuts or sunflower seeds is bad for squirrels. Even though we see them stealing seeds from our bird feeders, their diet in the wild is varied: bark, pine cones, fungi (like mushrooms), fruits, berries, nuts, flowers, buds, and even insects, eggs, and small birds (I remember years ago, I was shocked and disgusted to see a gray squirrel eating a dead chickadee that had hit a window on our deck). A proper calcium to phosphorous ratio is important, especially in mammals. Sun-flower seeds and other nuts have plenty of phosphorous, but little, if any, calcium. Calcium is important for all kinds of body functions, like blood circulation and respiration, as well as bone strength. Without a calcium-rich diet, squirrels can become weak or paralyzed and can suffer from seizures. Sunflower seeds and other nuts should make up only about five percent of a squirrel’s diet!

I found some interesting info on-line about what to include (or not) in a squirrel diet: almonds should be given sparingly (they contain a chemical also found in aspirin, which is stored in the body and takes up to three weeks to disappear); pumpkin seeds should only be given now and then (they’re high in phosphorous and make squirrels – and people! – nervous). Do NOT feed Portabello or white button mushrooms because they contain three carcinogens; do NOT put out a whole ear of corn as it sours and molds quickly; and do NOT feed apple slices with seeds in the core (they contain cyanide and are toxic).

Grapes should be cut in half and other fruit into small pieces; grape skins should be removed if feeding baby squirrels so they don’t choke. Grapes and other fruits are naturally sweet. While they provide energy, frequent consumption can lead to weight gain and dental problems, much like in humans. Tooth decay can be a serious problem in squirrels as healthy teeth are needed for foraging. Fruits should always be washed (avoid soaps or detergents) to clean them of pesticides and other chemicals. Fruits with pits or seeds can pose a choking hazard and may contain compounds that can be harmful if eaten in large quantities. Just as with our own diet, diversifying foods ensures a range of nutrients to provide overall good health. It’s always best to do thorough research or consult with wildlife experts before introducing any new food to squirrels.

Squirrel with pumpkin

Don and his volunteers greatly appreciate other rehabbers who continue to generously provide assistance to help keep critter care at Duck Pond manageable. Please check the following web sites to see if there is one near you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html –

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.

Red squirrel

by Jayne Winters

I knew immediately what I wanted to write about this month after seeing a young red squirrel recently admitted to Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab – he was the sole survivor of his litter mates who had come in contact with a glue trap. Although typically used to control or eliminate insects, mice, and rats, these horrible traps are advertised as, “a smart alternative to poisonous bait…non-toxic, easy to use and cost effective.” In reality, they are an ineffective, cruel and dangerous way to rid your home of pests.

Also known as glue board traps or trays, they are simply flat pieces of cardboard or plastic covered with a specially designed sticky adhesive, either scented (such as peanut butter) or unscented. They are placed on floors flush against the wall where rodents often travel. Because it appears to be part of the floor, a mouse will walk across it and immediately become stuck, unable to free itself until it eventually dies: an often agonizingly slow death by starvation or suffocation. The Humane Society states, “…they are responsible for more suffering than virtually any other wildlife control product on the market.” PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, notes it is “one of the cruelest methods of killing animals in existence today.”

Although their popularity is in part due to claims of being safe to use, there are concerns. If an animal is still alive while glue-trapped, people often try to beat it to death. This is inhumane and carries the risk of being bitten or scratched by the terrified victim.

Manufacturers suggest boards be thrown in the trash even if live animals are stuck to the surface, but they fail to mention the animals are left to struggle and die exhausted or injured days later. As observed with other trapped animals, “they have been known to bite through their limbs in an attempt to free themselves.” These traps are also dangerous to household pets, no matter their size. Removal may require surgery by a veterinarian, but even if a cat or dog manages to pull the trap or tray off, it likely will lose fur and/or skin. In addition, the US Centers for Disease Control advise against using glue traps because they increase people’s exposure to a variety of pathogens transmitted by animal feces and urine.

Despite bans in several countries and territories, the US has placed no regulations on their use and has provided very little consumer education about their potential dangers. Hundreds of companies, however, prohibit their sale, including Target, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens.

Other animals unintentionally trapped on these glue boards include chipmunks, opossums, birds, lizards, snakes, frogs, turtles – pretty much anything that lands on their surface. If you find an animal or bird caught on one of these traps, please consider it an emergency and contact either a vet or wildlife rehabber. Trying to release it yourself could cause further injury to the animal or possibly to you or anyone else attempting to help. Even if the animal doesn’t display injury, it is scared and in a stressful situation.

Killing wildlife is not a long-term solution for population control because survivors breed faster and more will move in to take the place of their deceased friends. Control of rodent populations should focus on removal of the cause and source, i.e., access and food. Plug entry holes with foam sealant, steel wool, hardware cloth, ammonia-scented rags/cotton balls or moth balls; store food items (especially pet food) in metal or airtight containers with lids, rather than in bags or boxes that can be chewed; remove clutter, grass clippings and weeds that might be used for nest building; pick up fallen fruit and veggies; store grills, outdoor furniture and wood piles away from buildings; and don’t feed wildlife, as grains and seeds will attract unwanted visitors. There are a variety of humane traps that catch critters alive for release away from your home, but free them in their natural territory so they can find shelter, food and water. If lethal methods for rodent control are recommended, at least be sure they die quickly.

The red squirrel at Duck Pond was carefully removed from the glue trap, but unfortunately left fur behind and its tail gunked up with glue. Don had been advised by another rehabber to apply PAM Cooking Spray to the fur, followed after 15-20 minutes by gentle cleaning with Dawn detergent (yes, just like in the duckling commercial!). Three weeks later, Little Red is thriving and the fur is slowly growing back on his stumpy tail. Don asked that I mention if anyone has questions about removing glue or any adhesive from an animal, to please give him a call.

Regarding the chipmunk and grey squirrel that were hit by vehicles in October, we had a totally different outcome than expected. The chipmunk, which was barely moving and just beginning to eat on its own, has survived and is very active, with a good appetite and normal grooming habits. The squirrel, although by outward appearances seemingly to have suffered only minor injuries, did not survive. He apparently succumbed to severe internal organ damage or failure.

Don and his volunteers greatly appreciate other rehabbers who continue to generously provide assistance to help keep critter care at Duck Pond manageable. Please check the following web sites to see if there is one near you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html – 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.

by Jayne Winters

I wasn’t sure what this month’s column would be about, but I needn’t have worried. Don always has a story or two (or more) to tell about the critters and experiences at the Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center!

After over 50 years in wildlife rehab, you’d think that he’s seen about everything, but he was anxious to tell me about the release of two red foxes a couple of weeks ago.

He and volunteer Jeff had taken the sibling foxes to an area near a gravel pit for release. The foxes had been placed in individual large pet carriers and tolerated the ride to the release site very well. The first to be released cautiously headed down a gravel road and around the corner, out of sight. The second fox followed a few minutes later, in the same direction, so Don and Jeff quietly went down the road to see where they had gone. There was a flooded area across part of the road, significantly larger than just a rain puddle.

Don was surprised to see one of the foxes standing belly deep in the middle of the water, not drinking or playing, just standing statue still. The other fox was on the edge of the water, but gradually waded over to where his brother was, working his way into the deeper part. They eventually left the pool of water and leisurely made their way into a nearby wooded area. While this may not sound especially noteworthy to us, Don said he had never seen anything like it in his many years of working with foxes. Although he always releases wildlife into areas with streams or ponds, he has never seen foxes swimming or standing in water much above their “ankles.”

Of course, I had to Google “Do foxes swim?” and learned that although canines, like our pet dogs, they don’t generally swim “for fun” unless they’re overheated, trying to escape a predator, or looking for food, such as ducks or fish. They keep their noses in the air and their tails straight, doing the familiar “doggy paddle.” However, they’re not strong swimmers, averaging 2-3 miles an hour, and usually try to avoid water since they don’t enjoy getting wet.

Of particular interest, one article I read stated, “They may even try to stay away from puddles if they are capable of doing so.” Don and I guessed that the foxes in this story sought relief from the hot and humid weather of the past couple of weeks by cooling off in the water before striking out to explore their new surroundings.

There were two admissions during the hour I visited with Don last Sunday. The first was a young gray squirrel which apparently had a foot injury from an encounter with a dog. It didn’t appear to be broken, but Don will further examine and observe it. Hopefully, a little TLC and rest will be all that’s needed.

The second critter was an opossum that had been found by the side of the road. Initially, the couple who saw it were able to encourage it to move away from the asphalt, but noted later that it had returned and was quite lethargic. They were able to get it into a plastic tote and brought it to Don. At cursory examination, Don suspected it had run into the tire of a passing car as there was obvious jaw injury, but no evidence of body abrasion or bleeding. It was semi-feisty, which is always a good sign in wild animals brought into human contact, and seemed to be healthy otherwise.

It will be fed milk and vitamins with a syringe for a while and eventually canned cat food mixed with milk in a blender until its jaw has healed enough for semi-solid food. Don noted that trying to set and wire the jaw would stress the animal, reducing its chance of survival; Mother Nature is often the best healer.

As noted previously, other rehabbers are generously providing assistance to help keep critter care at Duck Pond manageable. They are greatly appreciated! Please check the following web sites to see if there is a rehabber near you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html –

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.