What’s New With PRWC
❖ During the month of August, PRWC admitted 215 animals. This brings our total intake for 2024 to 1,977. Our rehabilitation team released 25 animals back into the wild and transferred three to other wildlife facilities.
❖ Please do not bring injured wildlife to the Ponce Park location. Injured or orphaned wildlife should be dropped off at PRWC’s wildlife hospital located at 223 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Punta Gorda, open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please call 941-637-3830 with wildlife questions or concerns.
❖ Our education center and gift shop at Ponce Park are open to the public for visits and tours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week. The education center is an outdoor facility; however, pets are not allowed-only ADA service dogs are permitted.
❖ This time of year, it may become necessary for our facilities to close early during adverse weather events. Please call 941-637-3830 before dropping off wildlife or planning your visit when weather conditions are questionable. For after-hours wildlife emergencies, please visit our website at prwildlife.com.
caption: Dug, PRWC’s resident eastern gray squirrel
Next time, make a reservation!
This osprey was rescued from the Sunseeker Resort after being found stuck on a balcony. After five days of supportive care for dehydration and mild respiratory symptoms, it was healthy enough to release back into Charlotte Harbor to find its way home.
Hopefully, no more visits to the local resort without a reservation!
It’s baby squirrel season once again
So, you’ve found a baby squirrel in your yard. What should you do next?
Just because it’s on the ground doesn’t mean that mom has abandoned it. Quite often, after a storm or when one of these little ones gets squirmy, it may fall out of the nest. By following these steps, you may help keep a perfectly healthy baby squirrel with its family.
Make sure the baby squirrel is not in immediate danger from predators, traffic, or other hazards. If the squirrel appears injured or sick, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Renesting is not appropriate for injured or ill animals.
If the squirrel appears healthy, use a small box or basket lined with soft materials like old T-shirts, towels, or fleece. Avoid using materials that could unravel or get tangled. Place the temporary nest in a warm area. Baby squirrels need to be kept warm, as they cannot regulate their body temperature well. Use a heating pad set on low, or a warm water bottle wrapped in a cloth, to provide gentle warmth.
After securing the baby, look for the original nest in a tree. If found, try to place the temporary nest as close to it as possible or at the base of the tree. Look for a drey (a leafy nest) or a tree cavity.
Observe quietly and watch from a distance to see if the mother returns to care for the baby. It may take a few hours for her to notice and accept the relocated nest. Keep noise and activity to a minimum to avoid stressing the mother and babies.
If the mother does not return within 24 hours, or if you’re unsure about the process, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or rescue organization for further assistance. Please do not attempt to feed or keep the squirrel as a pet.
By following these steps, you can give the baby squirrel the best chance of being successfully renested and cared for by its mother or kept wild enough for release by a licensed rehabilitator.
Call 941-637-3830 for wildlife emergencies or visit our website at prwildlife.org.
Eastern gray squirrel fun facts:
* Adorable arrival ~ Baby eastern gray squirrels are born blind, deaf, and hairless. Their eyes start to open around four weeks of age, and they begin to grow their fluffy fur shortly after!
* Squirrel squeaks ~ Newborn squirrels make high-pitched squeaks to communicate with their mother. These sounds help their mom locate and care for them in the nest.
* Nesting nook ~ Baby squirrels are raised in a cozy nest called a “drey,” which is a tightly woven structure made of twigs, leaves, and fur. This snug home is usually built high up in the trees to keep it safe from predators.
* Growing up fast ~ Eastern gray squirrel babies grow rapidly. By eight weeks, they’re usually ready to venture out of the nest and start exploring their surroundings, although they might still return to their mother’s nest for a few more weeks.
* Tail-twirling fun ~ Even at a young age, baby squirrels are full of energy and can often be seen practicing their tail-twirling and climbing skills. Their tails help them balance and steer as they begin to explore their arboreal playground.
* Sibling bonding ~ Baby squirrels are social creatures and spend a lot of time interacting with their siblings. This playful behavior helps them develop the skills needed for survival, like climbing and foraging.
* Memory master ~ Squirrels are known for their impressive memory, which they use to locate their food caches. Even as babies, they start learning the basics of this skill by watching their mother hide and find food.
Back to nature
This black vulture was admitted on August 15 with a left-wing droop and an abrasion on its left carpal edge. Our rehab team treated it with anti-inflammatory medication, wing wraps, and supportive care. After several days, the vulture began perching and eventually flying around its enclosure. Release day came after 11 days of care.
Another job well done by our PRWC team! We love happy endings.
RESCUE • REHABILITATE • EDUCATE
(941) 637-3830
