Wildlife Rescue Stories: From Foxes to Marmots

Every year, countless wild animals fall victim to various accidents, illnesses, or simply need help during critical periods. Personal experiences of wildlife rescue can be both touching and enlightening. In this article, we share some of the remarkable stories from a dedicated wildlife rescue team and the lessons learned from them.

Juniper: A Rental of Inspiration and Love

My family adopted a stray cat named Juniper. She quickly became the "big sister" to our more sedate cat, Princess. Cats, much like wild animals, are animals that cherish humans but do not consider us as part of their natural environment. Despite her wild nature, Juniper found a safe home and became a beloved member of our family.

The Long and Hard Journey of Wildlife Rescue

My experience in wildlife rescue began with a 6-month internship in wildlife rehabilitation, where I worked closely with over 6000 baby mammals. During this time, my family and I spent 20 years rescuing and rehabilitating birds of prey and other birds like herons. These experiences were long, hard, and often emotionally rewarding. However, the physical and emotional toll eventually became too much, and we had to stop due to our advancing age. No longer able to navigate through 20 acres of thorny bushes with ease, we decided to hang up our rescue gear.

A Tale of Squirrels and the Paralyzed Rabbit

One of the most memorable instances of wildlife rescue was the juvenile red squirrel that we rescued while biking. It was almost completely bald and was taken to a wildlife rehabilitation facility, where it was found among other squirrels with similar conditions that had mysteriously passed away even though they appeared healthy at first glance.

Another story involves a hind limb paralyzed adult cottontail rabbit that I found in the middle of the night. This rabbit was left in a box where it shouldn't have been and had a spinal cord injury that could not be treated. It was left in my shower for the night and eventually had to be humanely euthanized.

Efforts Without Reward: Turkey and Goose Rescues

Despite our best efforts, some rescue attempts were unsuccessful, such as multiple attempts at rescuing turkeys and geese. These birds can still fly and usually escape unaided. Their resilience is both admirable and heartbreaking.

Rescue without Resources: Personal Initiative

For those living in remote areas with limited access to wildlife rescue services, taking matters into one's own hands can be a necessity. On several occasions, we brought home birds that had collided with buildings and made cozy places for them to die. Another time, we found a marmot seizing on the side of the road after what we believed was being run over by a bike. We took it to animal control, but it passed away on the way.

These experiences have taught us the importance of community involvement in wildlife rescue and the resilience of animals in the face of adversity. It also highlights the dire need for more accessible wildlife rescue services to better support these magnificent creatures and their fragmented ecosystems.

Conclusion

Every story of wildlife rescue serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of our world and the responsibility we have towards our wild neighbors. If you find yourself in a position to help, consider getting involved in local wildlife rescue efforts or volunteering at a rehabilitation center. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless wild animals.