Friday, January 1, 2010
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Woman killed by Coyotes
Very sad. While still considered rare, Coyote attacks do occur, particularity in states with limited or no trapping, IE: Massachusetts and California.
However, they don't normally kill the person they attack.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091029/ap_on_re_ca/cn_canada_coyote_attack
However, they don't normally kill the person they attack.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091029/ap_on_re_ca/cn_canada_coyote_attack
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Monday, October 19, 2009
Seal season
Each winter, we receive a few calls regarding Seal sightings. They are becoming more common in Connecticut and that is a good thing.
There are four types of Seals in Long Island sound. The Harbor and Gray Seals are here from September to June generally speaking. The more recent Ice Seals, the harp and the hooded are Winter visitors that come from as far away as Canada and near Greenland! They leave in the spring.
A few things to remember about the Seals, regardless of the type is they do need to come to land and rest, sometimes for 2 days,or,up to 48 hours without eating or getting wet. A lot of people assume because the seal is out of the water, that it must be injured but this is rarely the case. It is normal for them to spend a period of time, each day on land, and they can rest anywhere including a lawn, a dock, beach or floating ice.
People that approach a seal, thinking it is in need of assistance or hurt in some way, cause the animal stress which can be shown in a number of ways including vocalization and Shaking or trembling. This could be misunderstood as the animal is cold but that is wrong. Seals have a lot of fat to keep them warm in the cold waters they frequent and are just showing stress due to being approached.
A few things to remember when seeing a Seal this winter are, it is normal for them to be on land, even for 2 days, don't approach or let a dog approach a seal to close and Seals are federally protected and it is illegal to touch,feed,capture,harass,hunt or kill a Seal.
If you feel the the Seal needs assistance or want to speak to someone who is knowledgeable with the Mammals, you can contact the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Program at 860 572 5955
I've always felt one of the best ways to enjoy life is to learn more about the wildlife and natural landscape around us. To learn more about these fascinating creatures, you may want to visit the Mystic aquarium sometime.
There are four types of Seals in Long Island sound. The Harbor and Gray Seals are here from September to June generally speaking. The more recent Ice Seals, the harp and the hooded are Winter visitors that come from as far away as Canada and near Greenland! They leave in the spring.
A few things to remember about the Seals, regardless of the type is they do need to come to land and rest, sometimes for 2 days,or,up to 48 hours without eating or getting wet. A lot of people assume because the seal is out of the water, that it must be injured but this is rarely the case. It is normal for them to spend a period of time, each day on land, and they can rest anywhere including a lawn, a dock, beach or floating ice.
People that approach a seal, thinking it is in need of assistance or hurt in some way, cause the animal stress which can be shown in a number of ways including vocalization and Shaking or trembling. This could be misunderstood as the animal is cold but that is wrong. Seals have a lot of fat to keep them warm in the cold waters they frequent and are just showing stress due to being approached.
A few things to remember when seeing a Seal this winter are, it is normal for them to be on land, even for 2 days, don't approach or let a dog approach a seal to close and Seals are federally protected and it is illegal to touch,feed,capture,harass,hunt or kill a Seal.
If you feel the the Seal needs assistance or want to speak to someone who is knowledgeable with the Mammals, you can contact the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Program at 860 572 5955
I've always felt one of the best ways to enjoy life is to learn more about the wildlife and natural landscape around us. To learn more about these fascinating creatures, you may want to visit the Mystic aquarium sometime.
Fall is Squirrel season
If you have Squirrels that have gained entry into your attic, your not alone!
This is the time of year for increased Squirrel activity.
The Fall litter is mostly weaned and out and about, sometimes getting into trouble and I removed an adult Gray Squirrel from a fireplace in Chester today.
Squirrels are focused on preparing for winter and that involves finding somewhere warm to sit out the cold spells and also to store food. Acorns which are so abundant this year are taken buy the Squirrel into the attic, ceiling space or soffit with the idea of stashing some away for winter.
They have a lot of competition for the prized nut from Turkeys, Flying Squirrel, Chipmunks, Bears, mice and some birds. Some years, there will still be Acorns and other nuts on the ground come spring time. Other years, when less are produced, they are quickly consumed.
This is the time of year for increased Squirrel activity.
The Fall litter is mostly weaned and out and about, sometimes getting into trouble and I removed an adult Gray Squirrel from a fireplace in Chester today.
Squirrels are focused on preparing for winter and that involves finding somewhere warm to sit out the cold spells and also to store food. Acorns which are so abundant this year are taken buy the Squirrel into the attic, ceiling space or soffit with the idea of stashing some away for winter.
They have a lot of competition for the prized nut from Turkeys, Flying Squirrel, Chipmunks, Bears, mice and some birds. Some years, there will still be Acorns and other nuts on the ground come spring time. Other years, when less are produced, they are quickly consumed.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Spring is here, Don't touch that baby!
Finally, after a long, long winter, it's warm again. It's May and a lot of species are giving birth right now to young. That includes Raccoons,Skunks,Woodchucks,Fox,Rabbits and Deer to name a few. While we do not rehab animals here, I would like to offer some advice on what to do in these situations. Please note the phone numbers and links at the bottom of this post.
When you happen upon a nest of young Rabbits or a fawn spotted Deer, the temptation to try and help can be strong but stop and think first. Usually, there is no need for intervention. By removing these young from the nest or picking up and carrying a baby Deer, you will lessen it's chances for survival. The calls that come into our office are well meaning people that usually assume something has happened to the adult animal as they don't see it with the young or on the nest.
This is normal. A doe Deer or Rabbit for example is never far away and sometimes even watching you. She's not on the nest of young on purpose. A predator is more likely to spot her, a larger animal and smell her, than the young so she keeps her distance during the day, tending to them at night. Remember, these are Nocturnal animals and are normally sleeping during the day.
Another example frequently seen now is young squirrels that people assume have fallen from a nest. Again, hands off initially, and take a wait and see approach. Usually, these calls all come in to us at once and are just Squirrels leaving the nest for the first time. They are young and everything is new. They may appear in distress but it may just be a rough transition for a day or two as they figure things out. Even if the happen to be in your driveway or yard, leave them alone unless you know for a fact that the young is hurt (blood,wound etc.) or that the adult has been killed.
Mortality is more common with the young than the Adult and odds are, she is fine.
In the case of an adult Deer being struck by a car and possibility that the Doe is dead and orphaned a fawn or two, still, do not move the animal at first but instead think about who you are going to call and find those numbers. A small animal Rehabber would be the person to contact for a Rabbit or someone that is licensed to handle a Deer is needed ( and very hard to find) for that fawn. A plan has to be figured out before the animal is moved.
Rehabbers are trained and licensed in the state of CT. It takes special facility's and training to care for a young animal and not all Rehabbers can care for all species. Someone may specialize in birds while someone else may take in only small animals. Please be aware that these people are going to be very busy and you are not the only one calling them.
Here are some contact numbers and live links that may be a good place to start.
CT DEP General wildlife number ~ 860 424 3011
List of State rehabbers ~ http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contactA.htm
List of Ct Bird Rehabbers ~ http://www.newhavenbirdclub.org/lbr.htm
Excellent list of Ct Rehabbers ~ http://wildliferehabber.com/modules/xoopsmembers/index.php
When you happen upon a nest of young Rabbits or a fawn spotted Deer, the temptation to try and help can be strong but stop and think first. Usually, there is no need for intervention. By removing these young from the nest or picking up and carrying a baby Deer, you will lessen it's chances for survival. The calls that come into our office are well meaning people that usually assume something has happened to the adult animal as they don't see it with the young or on the nest.
This is normal. A doe Deer or Rabbit for example is never far away and sometimes even watching you. She's not on the nest of young on purpose. A predator is more likely to spot her, a larger animal and smell her, than the young so she keeps her distance during the day, tending to them at night. Remember, these are Nocturnal animals and are normally sleeping during the day.
Another example frequently seen now is young squirrels that people assume have fallen from a nest. Again, hands off initially, and take a wait and see approach. Usually, these calls all come in to us at once and are just Squirrels leaving the nest for the first time. They are young and everything is new. They may appear in distress but it may just be a rough transition for a day or two as they figure things out. Even if the happen to be in your driveway or yard, leave them alone unless you know for a fact that the young is hurt (blood,wound etc.) or that the adult has been killed.
Mortality is more common with the young than the Adult and odds are, she is fine.
In the case of an adult Deer being struck by a car and possibility that the Doe is dead and orphaned a fawn or two, still, do not move the animal at first but instead think about who you are going to call and find those numbers. A small animal Rehabber would be the person to contact for a Rabbit or someone that is licensed to handle a Deer is needed ( and very hard to find) for that fawn. A plan has to be figured out before the animal is moved.
Rehabbers are trained and licensed in the state of CT. It takes special facility's and training to care for a young animal and not all Rehabbers can care for all species. Someone may specialize in birds while someone else may take in only small animals. Please be aware that these people are going to be very busy and you are not the only one calling them.
Here are some contact numbers and live links that may be a good place to start.
CT DEP General wildlife number ~ 860 424 3011
List of State rehabbers ~ http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contactA.htm
List of Ct Bird Rehabbers ~ http://www.newhavenbirdclub.org/lbr.htm
Excellent list of Ct Rehabbers ~ http://wildliferehabber.com/modules/xoopsmembers/index.php
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
It's February and to us that means breeding season. Skunks, Raccoons and Squirrels can all breed this time of year. That will not only cause a spike in activity but Skunk odor as well. Males will fight each other sometimes over the rights to breed a female in heat. Often to the death.
All this leads up to young this spring. Did you know Skunks can have ten kits in a litter? Raccoons average 4 or 5 but I've had Sows with litters of 7 and 8 to remove.
I will have a lot to write about in the spring especially with regards to fawn deer and what we should do when happening upon one behind our homes or in the woods.
All this leads up to young this spring. Did you know Skunks can have ten kits in a litter? Raccoons average 4 or 5 but I've had Sows with litters of 7 and 8 to remove.
I will have a lot to write about in the spring especially with regards to fawn deer and what we should do when happening upon one behind our homes or in the woods.
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