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| Wild Bunch Wildlife Rehabilitation Newsletter -- November, 2003 Wild Bunch wishes to give you a brief update of our activities during the month of November. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Virginia organization devoted to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of native wildlife. 83 acres have been developed in the Northern Neck of Virginia near the Rappahannock River to serve as our refuge. The officers and directors are Erika Yery, Pat Crusenberry, Diana O'Connor, Charlene DeVol and Bonnie Brown. Due to the time of year, and the fact that all but five of our animals have been released, there is no new information to give regarding intake animals that have come to us for care. Truthfully, it is a nice respite to the otherwise hectic times that we normally work in. While most wildlife are not dealing with the issue of raising young, they are indeed preparing for the upcoming winter. Finding suitable habitat for the long cold months, storing food where necessary, or just eating enough to give them the needed stores of body fat for the long cold days ahead takes a lot of time and energy on their part. You may have noticed that there are a large number of acorns in abundance this year. Most experts will say that it means an especially cold winter ahead. Because it is so important to have additional food available, many of our friends collect acorns for us to have on hand as a supplement. In addition to securing food supplies for the winter months, local wildlife are also looking for safe and warm places to live. Because most wildlife move from place to place during the year, no one nest or den is permanent. As the days become colder, they will instinctively look for warmer dwellings which, in many cases, means a home's attic or chimney. It is extremely important to remember to safeguard these entry points... unless you don't mind a temporary visitor. If repairs need to be made, they should be done during the fall and winter months before the birthing season begins. This typically starts as early in February. We unfortunately hear too many stories of mothers that have been evicted from attics and chimneys in late winter and early spring with no understanding that babies may be present. It is always best to eliminate an entry point before it becomes a death sentence for the wildlife family. This month, our True Stories section of the Wild Bunch web site is featuring an article by Bonnie Brown. Bonnie is a Wild Bunch director who works with Erika Yery as a wildlife care provider. She writes about an unforgettable baby raccoon that arrived at Erika's this summer and was discovered to be suffering from a debilitating and painful injury. This is the story of the delicate but strong-willed little raccoon's startling diagnosis, incredible veterinary treatment, and amazing recovery. As always, we are grateful for your many generous donations. From food and supplies found locally, persimmons sent to us from South Carolina, as well as monetary donations, we are always amazed at the generosity of others. Because we find it necessary to help other rehabbers throughout the year, our resources are constantly strained. Your contributions have much more meaning than you can imagine. Please visit our website at www.wildbunchrehab.org to find out more about our refuge and the work we do, as well as how to contact us and make donations. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. If you would like any friends or relatives added to our list of newsletter recipients email us at wildbunchrehabyery@starpower.net. The more people that know about us and can find ways to contribute to the well being of our native Virginia wildlife the better for all. At this time of year we give thanks for all that comes our way and hope and pray that Mother Nature is benevolent to our wildlife in the months ahead. We wish all of our Wild Bunch friends and family a truly wonderful holiday season. |
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