Many people call wildlife rescues asking for help rescuing or relocating cottontail rabbits found in their yards. While it’s wonderful that so many people want to protect wild bunnies, the best way to keep them safe is to simply leave them exactly where they are. Cottontail mothers are not particularly attentive, and only come toContinue reading “Can I Move Wild Baby Rabbits?”
Category Archives: General Info
When is a Cottontail Independent?
Mother cottontails only feed their babies twice a day, and a rarely seen. But, even if a baby cottontail is definitely orphaned, it does not necessarily need help. Once a bunny is the size of a softball, it no longer needs its mother’s care and shouldn’t be captured or “rescued.” Cottontail rabbits are extremely sensitiveContinue reading “When is a Cottontail Independent?”
The Smoke-Phase Turkey
These beauties occur throughout the United States, including right here in Tennessee! Smoke-phase turkeys are distinctly different from albinos and can range from solid white, to pale grey, to— like this fellow here— white with handsome black markings. These gorgeous patterns are a natural occurrence in wild turkeys and do not mean that the turkeyContinue reading “The Smoke-Phase Turkey”
To Fake a Broken Wing
It’s certainly understandable if you mistake this for a bird with a broken wing. This superb acting has been fooling would-be predators for millennia, and humans are no exception. But there’s no need to rush to call a wildlife rehabilitator. Chances are, this bird is actually just fine. This is a mother killdeer. Killdeers liveContinue reading “To Fake a Broken Wing”
Protect Wildlife:End Light Pollution
Here are some simple things you can do to reduce light pollution: -Turn off your outdoor lights when not needed for safety. -Replace your private street lamps and flood lights with motion-activated lighting. -Use low-glare lighting fixtures for outdoor light. One company that offers star-friendly outdoor lighting is Starry Night Lights. -Write to companies inContinue reading “Protect Wildlife:End Light Pollution”
How Do Cactus Bucks Happen?
Deer like this are a rare sight, but have been spotted almost everywhere in the United States, and in almost every species of deer. These cactus bucks, as they’re called stand out because of their bizarre, deformed antlers covered in irregular growths. A cactus buck’s irregular antlers develop due to low testosterone levels, which causeContinue reading “How Do Cactus Bucks Happen?”
Red Raccoons?
This raccoon’s beautiful coat is caused by erythrism, a genetic condition that causes reddish pigmentation of the fur and skin. Erythrism in raccoons usually runs in families. It isn’t harmful and, other than making them more likely targets for fur trappers, erythrism doesn’t affect a raccoon’s life expectancy.
Grey Foxes on the Decline
Three hundred years ago, grey foxes were much more common throughout the U.S. than wolves, coyotes, or red foxes. That’s because we had more old-growth forests and these beautiful animals thrive in areas with large, knobby trees with hollow openings, which are their preferred dens. They also use trees for climbing and hunting. That’s right:Continue reading “Grey Foxes on the Decline”
Why Do Skunks Smell Like Weed?
I am a big fan of the furry type of skunk, personally. As a licensed skunk rehabilitator, I transport these amazing creatures frequently in my car and have been sprayed a few times while rescuing upset animals. The resemblance between skunk musk and marijuana has, unfortunately, led to some awkward encounters. “Yes, sir, I doContinue reading “Why Do Skunks Smell Like Weed?”
The Silver Fox is a Red Fox
If you’re lucky, you might spot one of these beautiful creatures in the wild one day, including right here in Tennessee. Although often mistaken for an exotic pet or the distantly related grey fox, this animal is actually the exact same species as the familiar red fox. Like a black cat or panther, a silverContinue reading “The Silver Fox is a Red Fox”
For Fox Sake Wildlife Rescue 