Virginia Opossum- BabyBaby came to us at just a few weeks old. He unfortunately encountered a dog after being separated from his mom. Fortunately for him though the dog's owner was able to get him away from the dog and contacted us. Baby had trauma to his nasal passages, a head tilt, and difficulty walking correctly. As a result of his injuries and the time of year, Baby spent the winter with us while learning to walk and gain a proper attitude of aversion to humans. He was successfully released spring of 2022 when the weather warmed up and was optimal for a successful reintroduction.
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Eastern CottontailsThese three bunnies successfully completed their stint in rehab to be released back to the wild. Although they look small, bunnies leave their mom at 4-5 weeks old to set out on their own. We make sure to release at an appropriate age so that they get to know the world around them and gain the life skills they need that us humans simply cannot provide. They were returned to the same property they were found away from the work area that distrupted their nest. Fortunately, they still have plenty of woods and field space to live on.
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Eastern Gray Squirrel- Loki"Loki" came to us suffering from head trauma likely the result of a fall. For wildlife these types of injuries often result in them needing to be euthanized or unable to be released as they suffer permanent neurologic impairments. Thankfully, Loki quickly showed improvements in her neurologic status making us hopeful that she would be able to be released. Within a week Loki had made it known that she would make a full recovery and demand to be released. Loki transitioned to our outdoor enclosure and proved she was able to climb and forage for food on her own proving that sometimes even the little ones can overcome the worst types of injuries.
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Virginia Opossum- HubertThis little guy dropped off his momma right at our property and waited to be found. Opossum moms don't search for their young when they fall and so he became an orphan. The little guy was dehydrated and underweight, so he found himself at the right place for continued care. He was housed in our outdoor enclosure for older juveniles while he gains weight and gets a bit bigger before he gets released. After several weeks in rehab and a few weather-related release stalls, Hubert was finally able to return to the wild. We attempt to release at optimal weather conditions so avoiding cold spells or severe rains are key to allowing the animals to put their best foot forward when they head out the door back to their adventures.
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Snapping TurtleThis snapping turtle came to us after being hit by a car. Fortunately, the snapping turtle's injuries were not too severe, and it was able to be repaired and healed enough to be released back to the wild. It was released close to where it was found, but far enough away from the road to avoid traffic. Wildlife are released back to where they are found to improve their chance of surviving as some animals will stress and die if they are released to a new location.
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Injury present when arrived
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Face healed and ready for release
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Eastern CottontailsThis litter of rabbit kits came to us after having their nest disturbed by a dog. One bun even ended up inside the dog's mouth so for the safety of all the buns involved they were transferred to us for rehabilitation. These buns were all ready to go and even though they look small it is best to release them as the stress of captivity can be too much for these delicate creatures. Thus, once cottontails have met certain requirements we release them as quickly as possible to avoid this. The rabbits were released back to an ideal environment with plenty of fresh greens and no dogs.
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CopperheadThis poor copperhead found itself stuck on a sticky trap in someone’s garage. Thankfully, the people reached out to seek help that the snake desperately needed! The copperhead was successfully removed from this trap and released back to the wild. Copperheads are one of the venomous snakes found throughout North Carolina. Although many don't appreciate copperheads, they can play a vital role in the environment since they prey on a wide variety of species. Therefore, if it is possible to assist or rehabilitate the species we will do so. This one made a full recovery and was returned to a location away from the garage.
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Virginia OpossumsThis group of opossums are in their slow-release caging, which allows them to adjust to and explore the environment prior to being released. Once at this stage they are housed in an outdoor enclosure that provides an even more natural environment to help them prepare for release. After acclimating to the slow-release cage the door is opened, and the animals decide once they are ready to leave. Most of the time, once the animals are at this stage, they typically leave at the first chance provided.
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Eastern CottonTailThis little Eastern Cottontail is definitely the bunny that could. It suffered from a fractured leg and an infected wound. After a course of antibiotics, the infection resolved and with more time the leg fracture healed. Leg fractures can often determine the fate of the wildlife and their ability to be rehabilitated. This little one was fortunate that the leg fracture was able to heal and allow her to resume normal activities. Thanks to the animal control officer that responded to her location this bun was able to be successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild.
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Flying SquirrelThis flying squirrel initially appeared lethargic or in a trance from unknown trauma. Upon allowing him to decompress in a dark and quiet place for a while he perked right up. He passed his physical and behavioral exam and seeing as there were no injuries or apparent lasting trauma, he was promptly released back where he came from.
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Eastern Grey Squirrel- MapleMaple here suffered an unknown trauma and was found by a good Samaritan on the ground with no mother around, bleeding from the nose, and swelling of her limb. It turned out Maple had a broken femur in addition to being an orphan. After several weeks in rehabilitation Maple's limb healed and she was able to use it perfectly. She had also grown large enough to be able to care for herself. After moving her to an outdoor enclosure she met every criteria, required for her to be released back into the wild. Pictured is Maple just days prior to her release back to the wild climbing and running around her enclosure.
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Flying SquirrelSometimes it takes a village to provide the best rehabilitation opportunities. This little girl was far too young to be on her own and reuniting attempts failed so the next best option was selected for her. She spent several days with us while we tracked down another organization that had a flying squirrel of similar age also orphaned so that they could be raised together and learn proper squirrel socialization. She was transferred to their facility to continue rehab with them after successfully transitioning to syringe feeding and continued growth with us.
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Black Racer SnakeThis Black Racer was found with multiple old lacerations to its body that were already starting to heal. Its wounds were all cleaned and regularly monitored for appropriate antibiotic use. Fortunately, its wounds showed no signs of infection, and it was allowed to heal by secondary intention, which took several weeks. It stayed in captivity with us to prevent contamination of the wounds either by environmental debris or insects. Once fully healed, it was release back to the wild at the location where it was found.
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Eastern Gray Squirrel- AutumnAutumn was found in downtown Raleigh on the sidewalk. We were unable to locate a nest or mom. Autumn was bleeding from the nose and showed signs of trauma associated with falling. Autumn spent almost two months in our care while recovering from its injuries and learning to become a wild squirrel. Autumn was given a slow release at the end of the rehab season allowing it to return to the enclosure for shelter and food as needed. Until Autumn finally stopped returning. Autumn was spotted carrying leaves and building a nest off in the woods on her own.
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Black RAT SnakeThis Black Rat Snake was found in an individual's garage where it had become lodged in the door somehow. The snake had extensive injuries needing emergency surgery if it was to have any chance of survival. The snake spent one night with us while transferring it as quickly as possible to Carolina Wildlife Rehabilitation Wildlife Center for surgery with one their veterinarians.
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Muscovy- WhiskeyWhile not part of native wildlife, this Muscovy duck was found residing outside of an ABC store in a not-so-great location in Raleigh. Whiskey was sitting on a clutch of non-viable eggs and in poor body condition. She spent several weeks with us recovering and getting proper nutrients before being transferred. Whiskey was transferred to a long-term location and will need to undergo a good molt and regrowth with healthy feathers.
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