Category Archives : Critter Stories

True stories of critters Patti has rehabilitated and released.


This Time of Year Young Ones Get in Trouble…

I have released six owls lately.  As fast as I release them, they are replaced by others that have gotten into trouble.  The babies from 2023 are out on their own and having problems.  Remember owls can’t move their eyes.  When they spot food, they go for it, unaware of anything such as a vehicle […]


Beware of Well-intentioned Actions

I am continually amazed at the actions some people think are helpful for wildlife.  While their intention is to assist wildlife, they do not consider the wildlife’s perspective.  A recent example of that was a lady who called me about a turtle a few weeks ago.  “How long have you had it?” I asked. “Just […]


Cheech and Chong Are Free

We released Cheech and Chong back into the wild recently.  Cheech was excited to fly off immediately while Chong hung back, uncertain.  Through the years of worrying about wildlife that is reticent to return to the wild, I have learned patience.  “Stand back and wait,” I advise everyone.  “The creature will exit the carrier when […]


We Lost Eight out of Eleven

A few years ago we took in eleven fawns in a short time period during spring.  We lost eight, partly I strongly suspect, because they were chased.  While I never know exactly what happened to wildlife I take in prior to my getting them, I can make pretty good guesses, especially with fawns.  You see, […]


Owl Found Hanging over the Red Cedar River Released

I’m excited to share with you that Sunday evening I released the great horned owl which had been discovered hanging from a branch over the Red Cedar River in Menomonie.  To avoid a group of crows attacking the owl, I released it close to sundown. You may recall that the owl was recovering from getting […]


A Skunk Problem

A lady called me last week frantically asking advice on handling skunks that had taken up residence underneath her cabin.  “Skunks,” I informed her, “not only are a smelly problem, they also can carry many diseases including rabies.  The best way to get rid of them is to play the worst music you can find […]