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BMR Acres Newsletter>
Wildlife Rehabilitation at Divine Nature
November 25, 2009
Wildlife Rehabilitation at
Divine Nature at BMR Acres, Inc.
In addition to the farm, (and a full time job) Mary Ellen Rose, one of the owners of BMR Acres, is a NYS licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator. Because of Mary Ellen’s love of animals, it just seemed a perfect fit. Hence, Divine Nature at BMR Acres, Inc. was formed in July of 2009. Wildlife rehabilitation is greatly needed in our area. It sometimes can be a time consuming, draining (physically, mentally & financially) experience, but the reward of releasing rehabilitated wildlife is like no other.
Here is a little information about wildlife rehab and what you can do.
Getting up in the middle of the night to feed a baby squirrel or rabbit, feeding baby birds every daylight hour and cleaning up the inevitable messes are just a few of the things licensed wildlife rehabilitators do. This dedicated group of volunteers are licensed by the state and federal government to care for injured and orphaned wildlife. Each spring in New York alone, thousands of orphaned wildlife are placed in their care. The animals are raised with appropriate and balanced diets, kept warm and clean, and provided with veterinary care when needed so that they can be released back to the wild. Release is the ultimate goal of wildlife rehabilitation.
What can the public do to help? The first thing to remember is not to interfere unless there truly is a problem. Baby mammals often stray from their parents to explore and investigate their new world. Many baby birds leave their nest BEFORE they are able to fly. This is a normal part of the learning process and they are still under their parents’ care. All too often a child or well meaning adult will take such an animal, thinking it is an orphan. Your interference can mean death for a young animal and distress for the parent. Watch patiently from afar and usually a parent will appear to care for its young. You can help by keeping cats indoors during this time. If you do encounter an animal that is positively orphaned or distressed, DO NOT attempt to care for it yourself. Proper diet and handling are essential if the animal is to survive, and it is illegal to keep a wild animal without a license. Time is critical, so contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible. To get the name of a rehabilitator in your area contact your local Department of Environmental Conservation or the New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (NYSWRC).
Wildlife rehabilitators do not charge for their services, although donations are always appreciated. All expenses for food, medicine, housing, and education are from their own pockets and their time is volunteered.
If you would like further information about wildlife rehabilitation, please contact Mary Ellen Rose at Divine Nature at BMR Acres, Inc. at 315-697-5476 or toll free at 1-877-855-4BMR. Divine Nature is located at 2542 Pine Ridge Road, Canastota, NY 13032. Mary Ellen is a member of New York State Wildlife Rehabilitators Council (NYSWRC), The National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA), and the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC).
Did you know? All purchases at BMR Acres Country Farm Store benefit Divine Nature at BMR Acres, Inc. Wildlife Rehabilitation. Of course, donations are also accepted and greatly appreciated.
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