| |
|
| Home | About Us | Rehab | FAQ's | Your Backyard | TN Wildlife | For Kids | Volunteer | Friends/Contributors | Links | Contact |
Frequently Asked Questions
 What is a wildlife rehabilitator? One who has been licensed by the state wildlife agency and the US Fish & Wildlife Service to take in wildlife indigenous to the state in which he or she is licensed, and to raise or treat the animals to be released back into the wilds of that state. How do you obtain the licenses? Each state has its own laws and guidelines. In most states knowledge in biology, zoology or wildlife (resources) plus mentoring under a licensed & experienced rehabilitator is required. Some states require testing. What does Tennessee require? Briefly, TN requires that one works 2000 hours with a licensed rehabilitator, is a veterinarian, or a vet technician with wildlife training. To rehab the larger mammals in the state, you must take a test. How many rehabilitators are there? It varies. Tennessee licensed about 106 in 2004. In North Carolina, there are over 1,000 licensed rehabbers. Why spend time and money on rehabbing an opossum or starling? Foremost, we are a compassionate species and are empathetic toward any suffering. That is the wisdom of humans. Secondly, because we care for a variety of species from diverse habitats, we are a prime source of information concerning the health of wildlife and the health of their habitats. A rehabber in New York, I believe, was first to report the symptoms that lead to the discovery of West Nile virus and subsequent data that helped wildlife biologist begin to isolate its cause and effects. With the rapid destruction of habitats our wildlife is moving to the cities. More and more are injured or orphaned. So we need ever more knowledge about our wild neighbors. Does Tennessee have any endangered or threatened wildlife? Yes. In fact, Tennessee has more endangered, threatened or of special concern wildlife than any landlocked state in the country. Go to the US Fish & Wildlife Service's website, to Teaming with Wildlife Coalition's site, or to Tennessee's Wildlife Resource Agency's 2000 performance audit on the Internet for details. I see birds dive at my cat. Do you know what kind of bird it is? Many birds take life-threatening risks to protect their nests and their young. More than likely it was a grackle, a mockingbird or a cat bird. Occasionally, a blue jay or starling will feel threatened enough to scream and dive at a perceived danger. What if I find a baby squirrel. Can I keep it as a pet? First, the regiment of formulas, feeding and, shall we say, potty-time is more costly & time consuming than most individuals can afford. Secondly, you've got to consider the possibility of disease. Third, just like children, young squirrels grow to be "teenagers" and required the freedom to assert their "squirrelness." Fourth, squirrels are rodents, which means they gnaw, a lot. And, you don't want to risk a bite from an animal that cracks hickory nuts with it's teeth. Once you discover that a squirrel doesn't become a pet, the poor diet and familiarity with people has doomed its chances to survive, even in your backyard. Another factor to consider is that it's against the law in TN to have indigenous wildlife as pets. |
Purple Martins ... Swallows & Nighthawks have a voracious appetite for mosquitos. For control in your backyard, keep standing water out of gutters, planters, old tires. If it collects rainwater, turn it over or bring it in. Don't let water stagnate in small pools or depressions. Non-toxic mosquito rings work in gutters, pools and puddles that won't drain in 2-3 days.   A bird's sense of smell is poorly developed. It was a clever parent who started the old wives' tale "Don't touch that baby bird. The mother bird will smell your scent on its baby and stop feeding it. |