Spring’s newest

This is the time of year when well-meaning people flood vet offices with wildlife babies they believe are in need of rescue and intervention. Often, this is a mistake.

For example,baby bunnies are born February through September and the adult rabbit may have three to four litters. According to the Humane Society of the United States, the babies are scentless (their only defense against predators) so the adult rabbit will only visit her litter two times/24 hours at night when it cannot be seen. Humans will probably never see the mother at her nest, and many assume that the babies have been abandoned.

Baby deer (fawns) are also protected by the fact that they do not have a scent. The doe will visit her babies every several hours to nurse her young, and she is very secretive and timid. If humans are near, she will stay away. A sad bleating “maaa, maaa” is the pathetic cry of a fawn that should be watched from afar to see if her mother returns to nurse her. Contacting a wildlife fawn rescue rehabilitator may be necessary for intervention if the doe does not return.

A baby bird can be gently and safely put back into the nest without the mother rejecting it. Many baby birds practicing their gift of flight will be seen on the ground in your yard. Before intervening, watch for a while from a distance, and you will probably see the adult birds watching and tending to their babies. This is a natural process for babies birds learning to fly.

Baby raccoons are born March through May, and adult raccoons are very attentive throughout the day and night. If you notice one that has been alone for several hours, it is probably an orphan. These babies could have rabies, so do not attempt a rescue by yourself. You need to contact a local wildlife rescue rehabilitator for assistance.

Happy Spring and enjoy that beautiful wildlife that surrounds you.

Stricter Pet Food Requirements May Be Near

As a result of the huge pet food recall, the Senate voted Wednesday on an ammendment that would require more stringent production and pet food labeling standards so pet owners would have more detailed information on the food they buy for their pets.

Nearly 4,00 dogs and cats total have died so far from the cantamination by Chinese manufacturers.

According to the Latimes in Los Angeles, “The amendment would require the FDA to establish a registry to collect information on cases of suspected food contamination to improve surveillance and increase public awareness of potential problems with the food supply.”

Honey Bees Vanishing

For some reason unknown to scientists, honeybees are vanishing. Usually, when bees die off, they are found near the hive. The honeybees are simply vanishing without a trace. This year’s die-off has been more than 5 times the normal winter die-off and proposes a real threat to our food supply. According to a USDA Official, “This is the biggest general threat to our food supply”. The honeybees pollinate more than 90 of our favorite and tastiest fruit producing flowering trees.

9 year old Jack Russel Terrier fights off pit bulls and saves 5 children

According to The Associated Press, a 9 year old Jack Russel Terrier was playing with five children when a group of pit bulls lunged at the children. “George”, the terrier lunged back at the pit bulls, defending the children. The pit bulls turned their attention onto George, who fought relentlessly against the pit bulls. The children stated that George did not give up; two pit bulls biting him at the same time. George was mauled too badly to be saved, and had to be put down, his owner said. This mauling took place in New Zealand.

San Fransisco number 1 for pets

San Fransisco has been named the friendliest U.S. city for pets. This is based upon the number of households with pets, number of dog parks, leash-free parks, pet hotels, pet restaurants, and low numbers in animal shelters. Nice job San Fransisco!