“Wonders of Nature”

...Notes of Hope for Colorado’s Wildlife

Spring 2011 Newsletter

2010 Rescue of the Year

by Carolyn Weed January 30, 2011

Last November, a Wild Forever volunteer saw a story on the news about a duck in Nancy Lewis Park with an arrow in its wing and contacted our phone center. I called Scott on Monday morning to see if he was available to come over and catch it. He came to the scene right away, bearing bits of bread to entice it. The task proved difficult: not only had a well-meaning person already fed the duck, but a group of children were playing nearby, spooking the flock. Injured or no, the duck was impossible to catch! Undismayed, Scott returned bright andearly the next morning and coaxed the duck near him with the bread. When Scott actually grabbed the duck, not only was there an arrow in the wing, but one through the chest as well.

This poor duck had been suffering for at least 4 days this way! The duck was then taken to one of WFF’s veterinarian partners, High Country Veterinary Hospital. Upon arriving, everyone worked to get the duck to relax using some anesthesia. While not pleased with the process, the duck finally did calm down and the doctor was able to take xrays. Both arrows had worked their way out during the capture and initial medical exam, but that did not prevent the x-rays from showing the damage. While one arrow had only gone through tissue and did not break the wing, the other arrow had gone through the duck’s upper torso piercing the windpipe. There was nothing that could be done to repair the wound and save the duck. Clearly this was a case of animal abuse and not hunting; however, it is important to note that hunting is not allowed within the city limits of Colorado Springs. This duck should not have perished. If you ever see anyone “playing” with any type of bow and arrow, crossbow or any other arrow and they appear to be threatening harm to animals (wild or domestic); it is up to you to stop it. If you find a wild animal that has been shot, please contact WFF at 719-475-WILD (9453) and we will try our best to capture the animal in hopes of a successful rehabilitation and release back to the wild.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Looking for a rewarding way to give back to the community? Volunteering to help wildlife is a great way to start. We are looking for dedicated individuals to join the Wild Forever team.

Positions

Volunteer Coordinator This position works closely with the Board of Directors and serves as liaison to the volunteer base. This person coordinates resources and activities, recruits new volunteers and communicates necessary information to the ranks.
Event Coordinator This position works closely with the Board of Directors and collaborates with the Volunteer Coordinator to facilitate community events. This person researches outreach programs and community events relative to the WFF mission and reports the program effectiveness to the Board of Directors.
Grant Writer Researches and acquires public and private funds that promote the WFF vision. Along with the positions mentioned above, WFF is always looking for telephone hot-line assistance, transporters and licensed rehabilitators.

If any of the above positions interest you, please visit our website and submit your on-line application here.

Topic

Preventative Maintenance — Spring is the time where birds and mammals look for places to raise their offspring and often times they find that your home provides some of the best shelter. Animals will exploit openings in your roof, attic space or chimney and make their nests in the safety of your home. Squirrels and raccoons can be destructive while making themselves at home. Often times, baby animals are abandoned or orphaned and left alone in those dark tight spaces and need to be rescued, resulting in costly rehabilitation – both, the house and the wildlife. There are many things you can do to not only prevent damage to your home, but to keep the wildlife safe. Here are a few things you can do around your house:

Install window well covers to keep animals out.
Install a screened chimney cap that will prevent birds and mammals from nesting in your chimney.
Repair any holes that may provide access into your roof or attic space.

Prevention is the most common answer when asking how we can co-exist with urban wildlife. The little things we do can have a huge effect on the wellbeing and conservation of all wildlife.

Profile

Aurora McGee is one of WFF’s talented and devoted rehabilitators. Aurora has been tending to wildlife such as squirrels, rabbits, doves, pigeons, and various songbirds for the past four years. Currently, Aurora has a special room devoted entirely for animal rehab, with nice clean cages, little hammocks for the squirrels to lounge in and plenty of sunshine for the doves to bask in. In the spring and summer, Aurora has a backyard oasis, complete with spacious cages under a gazebo laden with vegetation and bountiful flowing water fountains. When it comes to rehabbing, one of the points Aurora emphasizes was of concern to how an individual should approach a situation of an animal in need. With reference to squirrels, if a baby has been separated from its nest, it is important to let the mother try to come back for her youngster. If at all possible, put the baby in a shoebox with a towel and if available a warm water bottle up near where the nest is, far from the dangers of neighboring cats, dogs, or people. Usually the mother will come back for its young, but after careful monitoring and an obvious unsuccessful reunion it is then appropriate to contact a rehabber with WFF for further instruction.

JOIN US
You are invited to attend our monthly meetings, held the second Tuesday of each month from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm at our Administration Office. We are located at 911 S. 8th Street, Suite. G, Colorado Springs , CO 80906

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

We are looking for dedicated individuals to join the Wild Forever team. Our volunteers are committed to making a difference for urban wildlife.

Volunteer Coordinator This position works closely with the Board of Directors and serves as liaison to the volunteer base. This person coordinates resources and activities, recruits new volunteers and communicates necessary information to the ranks.

Event Coordinator This position works closely with the Board of Directors and collaborates with the Volunteer Coordinator to facilitate community events. This person researches outreach programs and community events relative to the WFF mission and reports the program effectiveness to the Board of Directors.

Grant Writer Researches and acquires public and private funds that promote the WFF vision.

Wild Forever is always looking for telephone hot-line assistance, transporters and licensed rehabilitators. If any of the above positions interest you, please visit our volunteer page.

Thank You to all of our donors participating in Community Shares and the Combined Federal giving campaigns