CRITTER CHATTER: Some things never change at the wildlife center

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by Jayne Winters

Admissions at Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center slow down at this time of year; the only new resident I saw today was a gray squirrel which had been hit by a car several days ago. No external injuries were seen and Don said it was eating and drinking normally, so hopefully it has suffered only bruising. Although seemingly on the road to recovery, the weather is too cold now for release, so he’ll be moved from his carrier in the living room to a larger cage in the basement until spring time. The little red squirrel rescued from the glue trap is doing very well, but his tail reminds me of a poodle that has been groomed, with the tuft of fur on the end. He and Chippy will also be overwintering with Don and enjoy the peanuts I’ve left as a treat.

As most of us are looking forward to Christmas and time off from work or school, Don and the volunteers at Duck Pond get no vacation or reprieve. The daily chores still have to be done, no matter the weather, chilly temperatures or dark hours. Preparations for winter were well documented by Carleen in previous columns:

From 2008: “The babies that arrived in the spring and summer have been released. There is much to do before the first snowstorm. All the dishes, cages, empty pens and dog houses used to shelter animals need to be cleaned, repaired and painted. The power washer is a tremendous help…dirt and mud just melt away and soon they are clean and white, ready to be stored for the winter. Nothing is put away dirty. The mobile pens are moved to one area where they will be covered with tarps to protect them from the snow and ice.

The young deer need to be moved to their winter pen. Barriers are set up to walk them from one pen to the next. The concern is that they not get spooked, jump over the barrier and run off, probably never to be caught and too young to be on their own in the wild. The geese and ducks need to be rounded up off the ponds. This can be a challenge as they always want to go in the wrong direction.”

From 2009: “After the animals ready for release are gone, reality sets in again. Pens need to have tarps replaced as the raccoons really enjoy shredding them. Buildings and shelters in need of paint will be spiffed up.

Living in Maine, the inevitable happens – the first snowfall. We sit in the warm house, watching the accumulation, knowing that we will soon have to remove snow from the pens that hold the wildlife that were not big or fat enough to be released in the fall. Pens will need to be shoveled, along with plowing and using the snow blower to clear paths to all the enclosures. Ice will be pounded from every water container several times a day as fresh water freezes almost instantly. Whatever hasn’t frozen to the bottom of the pen (food and other debris) will be raked up, carried away and disposed of. Everyone needs to be fed – hay is carried to the deer pen and grain to where the birds are housed.

The howling winds, bitter cold and blowing snow do not end calls about wildlife in need. Homeowners want unwelcome skunks removed from under their houses. Raccoons, deer, and other animals that are victims of vehicle hits will need to be picked up and taken to the vet to determine if injuries are life threatening. If not, they will recover at the Care Center [or transferred to another rehabber] until spring release. The work really never ends, it just slows down for a few months. In spite of all the work and heartache over animals we are unable to save, we always look forward to the first spring baby!”

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.

CRITTER CHATTER: The dangers of glue traps

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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.

CRITTER CHATTER – Hit or miss: a squirrel and chipmunk

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chipmunk

by Jayne Winters

When I visited with Don today, there were two new admissions in small cages in his living room: a young chipmunk and a gray squirrel, both likely HBC (Hit By Car) victims. The chipmunk wasn’t in good shape; he was hunched up in a corner of his cage, his fur very disheveled. Don said he didn’t appear to have any broken bones, but initially had a bloody mouth and was in shock.

Even if an injury is minor, shock can quickly kill. When I researched on-line, I found it interesting to learn that an animal with a mild head injury may be more likely to survive than one with minor fractures because the ability to register fear and pain can be impaired from a head injury, whereas fractures cause more pain, fear and stress, which can lead to shock. Being careful not to handle the chipmunk much and further traumatize him, Don has syringe-fed him with squirrel or puppy milk to provide nourishment and hydration. Over a couple of days, the chipmunk has been able to eat and drink on his own, as well as ‘go potty’ and is moving around the cage, albeit stiffly. He’s being kept warm with a small heating pad.

The squirrel came in the same day as the chipmunk and physically looks to be in much better condition. He had a bloody nose upon arrival, but his larger size probably helped him tolerate the impact better. He, too, was sleeping soundly when I was at the house, but curled up in a normal position; he’s now been eating and drinking appropriately. I also learned that small animals can be given infant or child ibuprofen for pain; dosage is determined by the animal’s weight.

squirrel

According to World Atlas, about 41 million squirrels are killed by drivers annually. Researchers theorize that squirrels (and I would assume other rodents and small mammals) view oncoming cars as predators. Squirrels tend to stop and start and change direction constantly in an effort to confuse and avoid predators such as hawks, owls, and foxes. They often freeze and then run out of the way at the last minute in an effort to escape claws and jaws. Unfortunately, that instinct doesn’t work well with cars.

In addition, because their eyes are positioned on the side of their heads, depth perception and any ability to sense how fast cars are moving are severely limited. Their visual perspective is much different than ours – their eyes are about 2 inches from the pavement! While they may comprehend something is coming, their brain and vision can’t process the concept of speed. By the time instinct kicks in, it’s simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time that determines whether it successfully gets across the road or not.

Autumn seems to be peak time for squirrel fatalities on the road. They’re busy collecting food for the winter and looking for places to store it, crossing roads more frequently. Young squirrels are out of the nest and on their own for the first time; inexperience and lack of evasive maneuvers from potential predators increase their chance for collisions.

Despite what some people may think, it’s highly unlikely that wildlife play tag or chicken with on-coming cars or trucks. Sadly, there are drivers who find sport in chasing down an animal, no matter its size or species, and intentionally swerve out of their way to hit it, but I hope they are few and far between.

A follow-up to the opossum I mentioned in last month’s article: another suspected HBC victim, it had suffered a broken jaw. Although it was fed milk and vitamins with a syringe for a couple of days, Don was concerned about its ability to survive in the wild. He took the opossum to the vet and they discovered in addition to the broken jaw, its nasal cavity was also severely fractured. These injuries were not anything that would heal well; the kindest thing to do was humanely euthanize it.

Other rehabbers continue to generously provide 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.

CRITTER CHATTER: An unusual release

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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.

CRITTER CHATTER: Critters ready for release

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by Jayne Winters

When I stopped by to chat with Don at the Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center today, I expected to see the usual pet carriers and cages with rescued critters in the living room. I was surprised to find no one in the incubators or cages!

Sadly, the chipmunk that had been admitted last week with injuries from a dog bite didn’t survive. The litter of four red squirrels brought in a few days ago has been transferred to another rehabber for the extra feeding and care needed for such small ones. The most recent admission is a young raccoon that had been found in a barrel; it seems to be in good condition other than being dehydrated and hungry, so after a few more days of fluids and food, will be released. Outside pens are currently housing several red foxes and one gray; the three fawns I mentioned in last month’s article have been transferred together and continue to flourish at their new rehab facility.

Don is planning to release three of the red foxes and the gray next week. I looked through some old columns and rather than re-invent the wheel, thought I’d share a portion of one written by the late Carleen Cote in 1996 about release sites:

“Our gratitude can’t be expressed enough to the landowners who have allowed us to enter their properties to release critters. To protect their privacy and the animals, we do not reveal where any of the critters are released. Without the landowners’ generosity, finding appropriate sites would be difficult, maybe impossible.

“For the mink and skunks who are usually released in August, we always find a source of water: marsh, beaver bog or stream. The mink scurry into the water, diving and splashing, swimming away with nary a look back. The skunks immediately start grubbing, looking for their natural food of slugs and insects.

“The release sites we have selected for raccoons [and foxes] are deep in the woods, away from people. We never know how close we will be able to drive into the site; in many places, a trek by foot is needed to arrive at a source of water. So, a wheelbarrow is tied onto the cap of the truck to use for transporting the raccoons, safe in a dog kennel, through the woods. We learned early on that carrying a kennel with four or five raccoons weighing 10-15 pounds each was a task we didn’t want to repeat! The trek could be through water, brush piles, and over fallen trees – quite an obstacle course. The beauty and serenity of being alone in the woods, listening to the singing birds and rushing waters from a nearby brook is spoiled only by the buzzing, biting mosquitoes and deer flies. We soon reach our destination and prepare to say farewell to the raccoons we have cared for over the last five months. The ‘coons cautiously emerge from the kennel. Some stop to look around, others dive into the water or start climbing a tree. We leave three to four days’ supply of food and say, “Good-bye and good luck!” As happens every year when we have made the last trek into the forest… I say to my husband, Donald, “Do you know what I’m thinking?” He says, “Yeah! What will we get next year?” He’s right!”

As noted above, 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 nonprofit 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.

An amazing story of survival

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The fawn in the back of the SUV being delivered to the Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab Center. (contributed photo)

by Jayne Winters

As I slowed down to turn into the driveway at the Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab Center, I couldn’t help but notice the SUV ahead of me did likewise. I could never have imagined the story the driver soon shared with me and Don about the three-week-old fawn she had in the dog kennel in the back of her vehicle.

While in the car with her husband, a doe had unexpectedly crossed the road in front of them and they couldn’t avoid hitting her. Naturally upset and concerned, her husband got out of the vehicle to make sure the doe wasn’t suffering. She had died upon impact, but he was shocked to find she had expelled her fawn, still in its placenta. He went back to the car for his wife and together they delivered the baby, rubbing it down with a blanket and massaging its mouth to get the airway functioning. Its first breaths were drawn while being held by its human “parents.” What a gift, especially under such sad circumstances.

(contributed photo)

Although they were initially advised by IF&W to let nature take its course, they simply couldn’t leave it, knowing it wouldn’t survive. They brought the fawn home and made calls to several rehabbers, none of whom had room for a newborn (I couldn’t help but think of the Christmas story, with “no room at the inn.”). However, having grown up and currently living on a farm, Savannah was familiar with raising young animals, so she took on the care and feeding of the little guy. Looking at his size and behavior in the kennel, it was obvious she had done a great job. He was alert, with bright eyes and a beautiful coat. She provided Don with details of what she had fed him, how often, his level of activity and habits. In addition, she left food so that his diet wouldn’t be changed while in rehab. An expectant mother herself, it was apparent that her nurturing extended beyond her own family.

While I’m sure it was bittersweet to leave the fawn at Duck Pond, Savannah was able to observe him quickly bond with two younger fawns in the stall. They literally looked up to him, he was that much taller! All three were eventually taken to another rehabber where they will stay together until their release back into the wild. A happy ending to what began as a sad story.

Many critters continue to be transferred to other rehabbers who 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 nonprofit 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.

CRITTER CHATTER: Some things never change

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The late Carleen Cote and one of her rescues.

by Jayne Winters

I was planning to write about the two fawns at the Duckpond Wildlife Rehab Center, but after reading through some old columns written by Don’s late wife, Carleen, I was again moved by the years of dedicated, tireless – and often under-appreciated – commitment the Cotes have given to literally thousands of wild critters since they began to rehab (initially it was part-time) in 1964. Here we are, almost 60 years later, and Don continues to rescue and provide TLC to abandoned, injured and sick animals. It’s truly mind-boggling to me, even as one who has loved animals since I was a young child.

In 2010, Carleen wrote the following: “When I wrote that first article [for The Town Line in 1996], we typically received fewer than 100 birds and animals a year. How times have changed! Since that first Critter Chatter column, Donald has retired. We now receive between 350 to 400 mammals and birds.

“Our day starts about 6:30 a.m., when the alarm goes off. Donald prepares the bottles of milk to be fed to the fawns. I prepare the formula for the raccoons and other babies. Soon our much-valued volunteers arrive to help with feeding the babies that have begun stirring and crying for their milk. All want to be first! The floor of the living room is crowded with tubs where the babies live until they are big enough to go outside. We go from tub to tub, feeding the ones that scream the loudest.

“Even though they are hungry, some are reluctant and will eat only if I feed them. If they won’t eat, we have to guess about what could be the problem. Is the milk warm enough or do they not like the nipple? We re-warm the milk in the microwave. We pass the bottles back and forth until we get the nipple the baby will accept. It is frustrating trying to get the stubborn ones to eat.

“Other volunteers, meanwhile, are outside feeding the older babies – milk and bread for some, puppy food for others. Clover and dandelions and other greens are picked for the woodchucks. After Donald feeds the fawns, he prepares food for baby foxes, coyotes and bobcats. Then, pens need to be cleaned, food and water dishes washed and disinfected, and fresh water provided before we can stop for lunch.

“At 1 p.m., it starts all over again! Donald feeds the fawns, the rest of us repeat the same scenario – feeding, changing soiled bedding, washing out the tubs, making formula, coaxing the reluctant ones to take the bottle, dispensing medications to those that need it.

“In addition, there is the special caring for the smaller, weaker babies in the incubators, feeding, cleaning the incubators, changing their towel bedding. There will be two to three more feedings before all settle down to sleep for the night. The soiled towels have piled up – seven to eight loads of laundry every day to be washing [sic], dried, and folded, ready for the next day.

“After the outside critters get their afternoon feedings and pens cleaned, it is finally time for volunteers to end their day with us. I will give another one or two feedings to the house babies and Donald still has two more feedings for the fawns. We usually get our evening meal about 11 p.m. Last chores are accomplished at 1 a.m. and we get to bed between 2 and 3 a.m. As soon as our heads hit the pillows, we are asleep…oh, darn, that can’t be the alarm going off so soon!”

Although many critters are being transferred to other rehabbers, the daily chores and feeding schedules remain the same. Don has slowed down with age, but his commitment and that of volunteers Jane and Debbie are inspiring. Thank you to you all! Please check the following websites 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 nonprofit 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.

CRITTER CHATTER: Fox news: And I don’t mean the cable channel

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by Jayne Winters

In mid-April, I got a call from Don at the Duckpond Wildlife Rehab Center, asking if I still wanted to take pictures of a “little red.” I’m always up for a photo opportunity, especially of young critters, so I headed over expecting to see a baby red squirrel in one of the incubators. When I arrived, however, the incubators were empty and Don pointed to a plastic pet carrier in the living room. I peeked inside and looked into the sweetest face of a tiny fox kit!

Her background story was, of course, sad. She had been found by the side of the road in the Belfast area; Don suspected the mother fox had been moving her litter to a new den and, at some point in crossing the road, was startled by a car and dropped this little girl. He guessed her age to be about four weeks old. The plaintive cries coming out of the carrier were truly heartbreaking; l assumed she was missing her litter mates and scared of being in a strange place with humans. As soon as I opened the latch, she popped right out for her photo shoot and became interested in her new surroundings.

Like most red fox kits, “our” little girl has soft fuzzy fur, mostly gray, except for a white tip on her tail. When I visited last week, she was very playful and active, apparently thriving under adoptive parental care. Wild animals have higher metabolisms and different nutritional requirements than a domestic kitten or puppy, so it’s important to provide the right type of fat and protein. She’s currently being fed a mixture of canned dog food and milk replacement, four times a day. Even as an adult, she would not be fed dry food as it has too much ash, which can cause kidney stones or even death. Foxes are canines, closely related to wolves and dogs, so should not be fed pork, cat food, or anything toxic to dogs, like chocolate or grapes. As she gets older, she’ll be gradually transitioned to all canned dog food, with occasional raw chicken as a treat. Don is also treating her for mites, as she has evidence of bites under her fur, and he wants to ward off mange.

Don was hoping another kit would be admitted so the two of them could share a pen outside, once they’re a bit bigger and the weather warms up (especially overnight). Last week, a second fox kit was rescued, but he’s larger and wary (which is a good thing), not good roommate material at the moment. It’s likely there will be more kits brought to Duck Pond in the upcoming weeks, so hopefully “Little Red” [my name for her] will bond with one or more of them.

The goal of rehabbing is to not only rescue and nurture injured and/or abandoned animals, but to return them to the natural environment where they belong. I asked Don how younger kits are “trained” to hunt so they can be successfully returned to the wild. Not to my surprise, it’s a difficult task. Over time, dead mice will be put in the outside pen, hidden in hay or under brush, so the kits can “hunt” for their food. Their survival in the wild depends on their ability to fend for themselves and avoid human contact. It’s hard to maintain minimal contact with the very young animals when you have to feed them frequently (often with a bottle) and provide health care. The sooner “Little Red” can be outside the carrier, out of the house and in the natural outside elements, and with others of her kind, the better her chance for successful release.

Spring is officially here and there are signs of new life everywhere, from plants and flowers starting to bloom to birds nesting and, of course, more calls coming in to Duck Pond about orphaned or injured critters. Don, Jane, and Debbie are certainly keeping busy! Some rescues are still being transferred to other rehabbers who are helping to keep critter care at Duck Pond manageable. 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.

CRITTER CHATTER: Words of wisdom

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An owlet at the Duck Pond Rehab Center. (photo from the Duck Pond Wildlife Archives.)

by Jayne Winters

Even though most of us still have some patches of snow in our yards, it won’t be long before it melts and we have more constant warmer temperatures of spring. For wildlife rehabbers, spring brings an increase in phone calls from well-intentioned folks who are worried about young animals that appear to have been abandoned by their mothers. I didn’t even need to ask Don Cote, at the Duck Pond Wildlife Center, what our column this month would be about. It may seem like “old news” to repeat this reminder every year, but sharing an article written by Carleen Cote about whether to rescue or not is advice that still holds true today:

“With the return of warmer, sunny days, our feathered friends are returning from their southern hiatus and the native wildlife are beginning to move around. This is an appropriate time for a reminder about whether or not young wildlife that appear to need rescuing really do need human intervention.
White-tail fawns probably are being rescued when they should have been left where they were found. A very young fawn will not move until given a signal from its mother. The doe does not remain with her fawn at all times; she leaves to feed herself and may not return to the fawn for several hours. A young fawn also has no odor, so if it is found by a dog, coyote or other potential predator, it’s only by accident, not from a scent.

If, when out walking in the fields and woods, you should spot a fawn, do not immediately assume that it needs to be rescued. Mark the spot where the fawn was spotted and leave. Return after a few hours or the next day. If the fawn is in the exact same spot, then it is probably safe to assume that something has happened to the doe. Contact a game warden or wildlife rehabber and follow the advice given.

If you find a young bird on the ground and no nest can be found, make a substitute nest 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 any birds, especially when there may be young birds in a nest that cannot survive without being fed, the cat should be confined rather than removing the birds. Fledglings – young birds that are feathered and out of the nest ­ – need time to master the art of flying. Though they may spend time on the ground, this is not necessarily an indication they need human intervention. Observe whether there are adult birds flying around as they could be the parents, either bringing food to the young or coaxing them to take their first flight.

There are times when rescue is necessary such as when an adult female has died, but her young survive, or when young animals have been observed for some time, but no adult arrives to care for them and lead them to safety. If you do rescue wildlife, as cute as they may seem, bring them to someone who has the necessary permits and knowledge to give them a greater chance of survival. If you are in doubt about the need to rescue any bird or animal, or have any questions about the little critters we all enjoy and for which we are concerned, please call. We’re happy to answer any questions or advise you as to where you might get an answer.”

Although Don, Jane, and Debbie are gearing up for the hectic weeks ahead, they will still transfer some rescues to other rehabbers who are helping to keep critter care at Duck Pond manageable. 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.

CRITTER CHATTER: It’s time to spring forward

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by Jayne Winters

By the time you read this month’s column, we will have turned the clocks ahead an hour and despite any late season snow storms, we know that spring is right around the corner. In looking through some of Carleen Cote’s old articles (dating from the 1990s), I thought I’d share one that is still applicable all these years later:

“Warmer days are becoming more frequent. This winter was very kind. We only had to shovel snow from our 25 pens three or four times. The major inconvenience was the icy paths to the pens – there was much slipping and sliding, but most of the time we managed to stay upright. The supply of sand we had stored in buckets in the cellar came in handy to provide traction on the paths.

Because the pens are constructed with plastic-covered wire, we cannot wear creepers in the pens. They would cut into the plastic, defeating the purpose of the plastic – to prevent the wire from rusting and to prolong the life of the pens.

The wildlife that spent the winter at the Center include late babies that were not ready to be released last fall, who will soon be released. All the pens and equipment will be cleaned and sanitized. Necessary supplies have been ordered, the milk has been purchased and the incubators are ready for the spring babies that will soon be arriving.

Squirrels will be the first, followed by baby raccoons. We never know what will arrive or how many. Every year is different.

Most people who find baby squirrels are happy to pass them on to a rehabber. However, there are those who go on the internet to find information on how to care for a wild animal in order to keep it. Anyone can post anything on a website; not all postings are correct. Some folks tell us they just couldn’t take the animal away from their kids. There is more to raising a baby squirrel than just giving it food!”

As Carleen noted in her article, typically some critters will be held over the winter for release the following spring. Reasons vary, but often fall admissions aren’t strong or well enough to survive the colder temperatures and reduced food sources of the winter months. Don is always particular about his release sites, mindful of habitat and fresh water availability, both of which may not be accessible after autumn weather sets in. Last spring, the triplet bobcats, three red foxes, and ten fawns were successfully transported and released back into the wild. This year, Don has a couple opossums, three red foxes, one gray fox, and two gray squirrels to return to their rightful homes.

Admissions have slowed down during the winter, but there are still calls from folks worried about animals that appear to be injured, sick, or struggling to survive. Don continues to take them in, but transfers some rescues to other rehabbers who have graciously offered to provide assistance to help keep critter care at Duck Pond manageable. 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 supported by his own resources & outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. PLEASE NOTE THE PRIOR wildlifecarecenter EMAIL ADDRESS IS NOT BEING MONITORED AT THIS TIME.