As young animals begin exploring on their own, they can become separated from family; their parents can be injured or killed in traps or by vehicular collisions; they can come into contact with diseases that wreak havoc on their immature immune systems.
All of these potential tragedies are dealt with by wildlife rehabbers from coast-to-coast. And they do it all because they love the animals.
This week, the CBC reported on a Nova Scotia rehabber who’s in crisis. Not because of some new disease or invasive species, but because a washing machine broke down. Rehabbers like Hope for Wildlife do an incredible amount of work with a pitifully few resources – a setback like machinery seizing can literally lead to the loss of lives of animals in need.
Despite this, all that Hope for Wildlife is asking for is donations of bath towels.
Yes, financial resources are needed, but so are items like towels, cleaning supplies, crates, and volunteers to drive animals or help in care.
Please find your local rehabber and offer them assistance today. Because they’re very often the only thing that stands between wild animals in need and sad endings.
Photo of orphaned beaver kit provided by Critter Care Wildlife Society