SNN (ScrollingNetworkNews) ✿ ✿ Our Mel and Sydney returned to their nesting box with plenty of bonding occurring..but after 2.5 months of Sydney in the box from Dec 2013 to mid Feb 2014, the lack of prey gifts from Mel ( perhaps due to the severe and historic drought underway in California)and they have forgone the nesting process this year as many other raptors ✿ Compared to other owls of similar size, the Barn Owl has a much higher metabolic rate, requiring relatively more food. Pound for pound, Barn Owls consume more rodents – often regarded as pests by humans – than possibly any other creature. ✿ We remind viewers that sometimes owlets may not survive - the parents will dispose of things in "The Owl Way" -viewer discretion is advised, this is nature and the "Owl way". ✿ ~ ✿ “Animals, like us, are living souls. They are not things. They are not objects. Neither are they human. Yet they mourn. They love. They dance. They suffer. They know the peaks and chasms of being.” ― Gary Kowalski, The Souls of Animals ✿ Each species is a masterpiece, a creation assembled with extreme care and genius." ~ E.O. Wilson

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

The Wildlife Center of Virginia

Admission Date: November 3, 2012 
Location of Rescue: Bath County 
Cause of Admission / Condition: Suspected collision with a moving vehicle Patient Status: Current Patient 

 On November 3, as most of the Wildlife Center staff were preparing for the annual gala, a Black Bear cub was admitted as patient
#12-2527.

The cub was brought to the Wildlife Center by a permitted rehabilitator who received the bear from a state trooper; it is suspected that the young bear was hit by a moving vehicle in Bath County.
 During the initial physical exam, the cub appeared bright and feisty. Other than a minor abrasion under the bear’s arm, there were no obvious abnormalities or injuries. Dr. Dana gave the bear subcutaneous fluids to assist with hydration. The bear also received pain medication, in case he was experiencing pain or discomfort.

On November 4, the bear was observed “knuckling” on his right forelimb – walking on the knuckles instead of flat on the pad of the foot. The cub was sedated and a more extensive exam was performed. Radiographs revealed asymmetry between the right and left wrist and an increase in space between the carpal bones in the right wrist. The radiograph results suggest that there may be nerve damage or an orthopedic injury to the cub’s right front foot. The cub continues to knuckle on his right forelimb, but otherwise appears bright with a good appetite.
The veterinary team will continue to monitor the bear’s attitude and use of the right forelimb.
 In order to limit his activity, the bear is currently housed in the Center’s holding room. The cub will remain here until the vet staff can further evaluate his foot injury.