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Blog: News & Events

A Wild End To A Wild Year

By Sarvey Wildlife / Saturday, December 31, 2022 /

How are we here? The end of the year is upon us and 2022 was a busy year for us. Over 2,800 patients arrived at our facility, and we currently have 31 in care. Usually at the end of the year, we have about a dozen patients at any given time. Due to our recent snow and ice storms, we saw many injured and debilitated birds. Some hummingbirds were found "frozen" in torpor and many small songbirds hit windows. We also have a record number of Virginia Opossums in care for this time of year.

Our bears are peacefully hibernating, and several raptors are ready for release, but we are waiting until after the New Year’s Eve festivities to send them on their way! Fireworks and gunshots are not just an issue during the 4th of July, often the celebrations of a new year can create similar conflicts. We always want to provide the best scenarios for releases of our patients, so waiting out celebrations, weather, and other issues are important considerations.

Here is a list of our current patients, somehow it feels like the list is suitable for a Christmas carol. if you’re musically inclined… this would make an interesting rehab rendition to the tune of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”…

 “On the last day of the year, our hospital was full. Our staff continue to care for…. 

  • One Northern Flicker
  • Two American Black Bears
  • Three Eurasian Collared Doves
  • Three Great Horned Owls
  • Five Rock Doves
  • AND…… 
  • One Northern Pygmy-owl
  • One Dark-eyed Junco
  • Three Red-tailed Hawks
  • Three Varied Thrushes
  • Eight Virginia Opossums
  • AND….. 
  • One Hairy Woodpecker” 

Patients Dec 2022

Top Row: This Great Horned owl was found entangled in netting over a chicken coop. His expression says it all. Bottom row: An adorable, but ferocious little Northern Pygmy-owl was attacked by a cat. He was not seriously injured and will be released soon. This Spotted Skunk made his way into someone's home and was caught in a humane trap. We kept him for a few days and then returned him to his territory.  

We want to thank you all for your continued support and wish you all the best in the New Year! We look forward to sharing more about our new Wildlife Hospital plans. You can see a short video explaining the project on our YouTube channel. Permits have been filed with the county and we know that 2023 will be an exciting time for us. After over 40 years, we are in desperate need of a new building to help us continue to care for the animals entrusted to our care by the community. 

If you missed donating during #GivingTuesday, and still want to make an end of the year contribution, please use our donate button below. THANK YOU to everyone that made 2022 possible by contributing funds, goods, and items for our auction. We truly are grateful for such an amazing community that cares deeply about the work we do for the wildlife in our backyards. 

 

 INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES NOW OPEN

If you know of a college student or someone interested in our internship program, please share this link with them. We are currently accepting applicants and will begin interview soon. If you are interested in volunteering, stay tuned… we will open new opportunities as we get closer to spring. 

 

 

    

    

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