Monthly Archives: January 2017
Brown Bat
14.3 gram Brown Bat caught by a cat suffered significant damage to his right wing (middle photo). Compare the bottom photo of the left wing which was not damaged. The damage to the wing may not heal properly, but we decided to try. Bats are declining and needed in controlling insect populations. Every bat is vital. Please keep cats indoors!
Head Trauma
The Southern Flying Squirrel we posted about a week ago is doing well! She has almost entirely recovered from her head trauma and she was moved into a larger cage a few days ago. She is now able to run all around her spacious enclosure instead of spinning in circles constantly as a result of her trauma. We hope that she will continue to recover so we can release her back to her home.
Box Turtle
Eastern Box Turtle rescued after a year in captivity. The turtle is enjoying a soak and a meal at the luxurious rehab accommodations at Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke. We were able to find out where the turtle was originally found and release is scheduled for spring of 2017.
Northern Cardinal
This Northern Cardinal was released back to her home in the woods near Eastern Montgomery Elementary School two days ago. She had collided with a window and was brought to the center with trauma as a result of her collision and made a full recovery. Many birds that have crests use those feathers to socialize and gesture to each other so having good feather quality is an important criteria for the release of these birds.
Captain Hook
Captain Hook seems concerned about his talon trim and coping. Our Education birds of prey must have their beak and talons trimmed. In the wild, the talons and beak of raptors naturally wear down when they eat and break bones of their capture.
Squirrel
What a tail! This adult female southern flying squirrel was admitted to the center suffering from head trauma. As you can see in this photo, southern flying squirrels have a long, relatively flat, wide tail. This adaptation helps stabilize their bodies as they glide from tree to tree. They also use their tails for warmth during the winter months and for communication with other squirrels.
Napping
Napping Eastern Screech Owl did not stir while food was being placed in his cage. The owl was rescued in Bedford, Virginia. Still recovering from the car collision the patient must pass the vet’s approval before he graduates to mouse school. Mouse school is the last phase owls must pass before release.
Eastern Screech owl
Eastern Screech owl transferred to SWVWCR for flight school. This patient is recovering from a collision with a car that left the patient with a wound in the shoulder area. Healed, the patient now needs flight stamina and feather growth at the wound site. Permitted wildlife centers are full with injured owls this winter. Consider donating to help with the cost to feed the owls in rehab.