CRITTER CHATTER: Even at a wildlife rehab facility, “It takes a village…

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.