By Charlene Marchand
For Capital Region Independent Media
With the onset of good weather (finally), our properties are abuzz with deer grazing, birds and small mammals nest building, and hunts for food sources, always at the top of the list for our wildlife.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation puts out a leaflet regarding the care of young wildlife at this time of year. The buy-word is “If you care…leave them there!”
Many of us often see fawns lying, seemingly vulnerable and unprotected with no doe in sight. We often come upon fledglings just leaving their nests, young rabbits, squirrels, and chipmunks. The DEC reminds us that typically our thoughts turn to abandonment by the parent, possible illness, or even injury.
When in doubt, don’t touch. Stay away, so the parent animal can return to attend their offspring. If it is felt there is reason to suspect an injury, or if it is evident that a parent has been killed, call one of our local New York state licensed wildlife rehabilitators for counsel.
Many years ago, I found a young injured bat in my horse barn. I called and brought the baby to Jane Beaven. Three weeks later, that now healthy and healed individual was returned to my barn where he/she was discovered. I took personal delight in the fact that the rehabilitated bat took up residence in my barn for a number of years, keeping Dudley and SoFar in their glory by consuming tons of those pesky mosquitoes.
One of the few exceptions in handling young wildlife is given to hatchling songbirds. If you can identify the nest from which the baby bird has fallen, you can return it safely to the nest. It is a misconception that you should avoid transferring your scent to the probable fledgling.
Here is a list of go-to licensed rehab specialists:
GREENE COUNTY:
- Scott Paul (Small Mammals), Cairo, (845) 518-7936
- Terri Esposito (Small Mammals), Cairo, (845) 867-6196
- Petra Link (Gamebirds/Passerines, Small Mammals, Waterfowl, Reptiles/Amphibians), East Durham, (716) 697-0682
- Robert Shoemaker (Gamebirds, Reptiles/Amphibians, Small Mammals), Hannacroix, (518) 312-9962
- David Loverde (Gamebirds/Raptors/Reptiles/Amphibians/Small and Large Mammals), Hunter, (518) 989-6534
- Casey Seleman (Small Mammals), Lanesville, (518) 817-0748
- Robert Orin (Small Mammals), Round Top, (518) 965-8085
- Tonya Frickey (Small Mammals), Round Top, (518) 929-3003
- Tyffani Hanes (Small Mammals), Catskill, (845) 706-7148
- Samantha Henning (Small Mammals), Acra, (518) 610-5902
COLUMBIA COUNTY:
- Faith Connolly (Reptiles/Amphibians), Canaan, (518) 965-3121
- Maria and Susan Geel (Large and Small Mammals, All types of birds), Chatham, (518) 653-0971
- Rachel Ford (Small Mammals), Copake, (914) 843-3281
- Doreen Grand-Baretsky (Small Mammals), Hudson, (518) 828-0333
- Rhonda Leavitt (Reptiles/Amphibians, Small Mammals), New Lebanon, (413) 446-1059
- Kari Jo Bliss (Small Mammals), Hudson, (415) 218-8700
- Melanie Hoopes (Small Mammals), Chatham, (518) 653-0971
- Ethan Reahr (Small Mammals, Reptiles/Amphibians), Elizaville, ethanreahr@gmail.com
Feel free to call us with any questions at (518) 828-6044 or visit our website at www.cghs.org. The food bank is open to any from the public in need of pet food or for those wishing to donate food from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Spay/neuter clinics for cats are $100 male or female, including a rabies vaccination and a 5-in-1 feline distemper combination vaccination. Nail clipping services are available every Saturday from 10-11 a.m. at the shelter for a donation of $10 for cats and $15 for dogs (currently prepaid only).
Charlene Marchand is the chairperson of the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA Board of Directors. She may be contacted at cghsaaron@gmail.com.
