Category Archives : How to Help Critters

Suggestions from Patti of what to do to keep animals safe, how to tell if they are injured, and when to help them.


A Big Misunderstanding

I find a common misconception exists about Wildlife Rehab and Release.  Most people think I get paid to do this job.  I do not.  They also think the state gives me money to feed the wildlife.  It does not.  Although the State of Wisconsin approves my license, I receive absolutely no funds from either the […]


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, […]


The Highest Stress Wildlife

Baby bunnies are not like the Easter bunny.  They are the highest stress wildlife and can literally die in your hands if you pick them up.  They look so cute and vulnerable that handling them and protecting them comes naturally to many of us.  What we ought to do is just the opposite.  They don’t […]


Lawn Fertilizer Can Kill Birds

Among all the dangers to birds in the spring, one of the worst is fertilizer on lawns.  Since most of our birds are ground feeders, they ingest the fertilizer directly or through insects and seeds that have gotten the fertilizer on them.  Birds may also have contact with lawn fertilizer by touching it, drinking water […]


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 […]


The Critters and I Need Your Help…

In celebration of its 25th Anniversary, the Eau Claire Foundation has a special grant offering for organizations in the environmental category, which includes us, that raise the most money.  Right now every penny you give to Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release through the Foundation counts toward our total.  If we raise over $1000, we are eligible […]