Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge

Me, Neuri, and Shiloh

2011-12-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

Hey, It's me, Pink Floyd! I have been out and about in the wild but now that it has turned cold I have returned to the er.....den! That means my enclosure out back in the Refuge. I had an absolutely awesome reunion with Neuri and Shiloh, the other two unreleaseable raccoons here at the Refuge. They have both grown up since I have been away. They have been spayed and given an annual rabies injection. They are BEAUTIFUL! Check out all our photos and I am sure you will agree that we are all just GORGEOUS!
Why are we nonreleaseable? When we were babies we probably contracted raccoon parvo or maybe distemper. All three of us have limited mobility. We can climb just fine and just ask Evelyn about stuff we can open with our hands! But, we can't walk or run very well, so we are happy being in the Refuge. Come and visit sometime!

Flyers!

2011-11-25T16:38:00.000-08:00

We have 3 flying squirrels at the Refuge. One older juvenile and two youngsters. They are very, very cute. The flying squirrel does not actually fly; it glides from tree to tree using a flap of loose skin that connects its front and rear legs. It steers with its tail and can glide up to 150 feet. It lands on a tree trunk gripping with all four feet. They are seldom seen as they are nocturnal. Indeed, they have been busy all night at the Refuge! They like to eat seeds, nuts, flowers, roots, and bulbs. Sometimes they eat insects, eggs, worms, small birds,and other small animals.
The three little guys are eating well and will be wilding up soon!

New Arrivals at the Refuge

2011-11-08T05:36:00.000-08:00

A couple of new masked faces arrived the day after Halloween. Two baby raccoons had been found cold and all alone on a neighborhood sidewalk on Halloween night. Approximate 5 1/2 weeks old, they must learn very quickly how to nurse from a bottle. A male and a female, they are looking for names! We think....."Trick or Treat!"

Elliot has left the building.....but he is in the neighborhood!

2011-09-23T12:43:00.001-07:00

We released Elliot, a gray fox kit in early July. It was a "soft" release, meaning we kept his enclosure open for him with food and water available until he got fully acclimated to being on his own in the wild. However, we never saw Elliot again.
Until.....a picture of a young gray fox appeared in Mary Reid Barrow's Coastal Journal in the Virginia Beach Beacon recently. One of our volunteers spotted it and contacted Mary Reid Barrow, who confirmed that the photo came from a neighbor down the street from the Refuge. We believe it is Elliot....what do you think? We think he looks awesome!

Hurricane Irene: The Weekend It Rained Baby Squirrels

2011-09-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

The last weekend in August, everything changed at the Refuge. A hurricane was coming....her name was Irene.
Irene blew through and left thousands of baby squirrels dead, injured, or orphaned. A lucky few (more than 200) came through the Refuge and our partner rehabilitators. It seemed like it was raining baby squirrels! Although the Refuge was without power for almost two days, we managed with a borrowed generator and our wonderful volunteers who stepped in to help.
Click here for a short video recapping the weekend.

Where have all the male Mallards gone?

2011-08-15T09:41:00.000-07:00

Are you wondering where all the male Mallard ducks have gone? Read on......
"In mid-summer after breeding, the male Mallard has a complete molt, producing a dull-colored basic plumage, aptly termed the eclipse plumage. Male Mallards in eclipse plumage look remarkably like females, but their bills are light olive green, while females' are orange marked with black. Because flight feathers are also molted at this time, the birds become temporarily flightless and tend to be very secretive. The male Mallard's basic plumage is kept only a few weeks; it is soon lost in a molt of the body feathers which produces the brightly colored head and other distinctive features of the breeding plumage. The timing of this molt is related to courtship in Mallards, which begins in the fall." ~ The Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Male Mallard in eclipse plumage

Female Mallard

Go gentle into that good night....

2011-08-13T15:03:00.000-07:00

The majority of the orphan raccoons have been released from the Refuge, so it is really quiet around here. All raccoons here are vaccinated against rabies and then they go through what is called a "soft release."
Their pen is kept open so they can come and go as they please. Bottle feeding has been stopped and human contact is limited. Food is put out at night but that's it. They gradually disappear into the wild and become wild raccoons.
But, it's been a very hot summer here in Virginia, so we still get visits on occasion. Sometimes we find them napping on top of their pens. Sometimes they climb on Evelyn's deck and peek into her sunroom!
We miss these awesome little coonies, but we know they will love being wild and free! Go gentle into that good night........

Elliott is free

2011-07-07T17:39:00.000-07:00

After some soul searching, it was decided that it was time for Elliott, the gray fox kit, to be set free. Elliott had been here since May and we had been trying to find him a foster home with some other grays, but it was not to be. Elliott's interaction with humans was very limited, in the hopes that he would regain his instinctive fear of them. It appeared to be working: he actually growled at Evelyn!
Elliott had been vaccinated against rabies and had been in an outside enclosure for a while, when Evelyn noticed he had started pacing. It was time for him to be released. The door was opened, and he was give his freedom.
Goodbye, Elliott. We will miss you. All good things are wild, and free.

Prelude to Release

2011-06-13T13:51:00.000-07:00

This is a short video of a group of baby raccoons that came to EWR from the Virginia Beach SPCA. They were brought there by a wildlife exterminator who had trapped the mother raccoon who was nesting in someones attic and then "relocated." her. The babies were discovered several days later. They have received rabies vaccinations. The door to their pen is now open during the day. This video was filmed on the first day they were allowed to explore the great outdoors which will soon become their permanent home.

The first Raccoon babies of 2011 move outside

2011-06-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

The first raccoon babies of the season have been moved to a spacious pen outside. They are still receiving 2 bottle feedings a day and enjoying a more natural diet. They have been exploring some small trees to sharpen their climbing skills and doing some swimming to hone some fishing skills. They have received rabies vaccinations and will be ready to be on their own very soon.

Elliott, gray fox kit

2011-05-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge

2011-04-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

An interview with Evelyn. Please watch and consider what you can do to help wildlife, improve our environment, and save our planet for future generations.

Roxy, the Red Fox Kit

2011-04-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

We were blessed this past week to start Roxy, a young Red Fox kit, on her road to being released back into the wild. Roxy was brought to the Refuge after being discovered on a local golf course. She was alone, possibly abandoned or orphaned, but no sign was ever found of her parents or litter mates. A compassionate animal control officer with the city of Virginia Beach checked Roxy into our Refuge.
We knew that Roxy was healthy and that for her to be successfully rehabilitated and released, she needed to be with other red foxes. We connected with a wildlife rehabiltator who specializes in foxes in Roanoke, VA. They have surrogate fox parents and siblings for Roxy to learn to be a fox with. As much as we would like to see Roxy grow up, we know this is where she needs to be. Good luck, Roxy!! Born to be wild and free!

Baby Mourning Doves

2011-04-19T14:25:00.000-07:00

Two baby mourning doves (nestlings) have arrived at the Refuge.....and they did not have to be here. A homeowner cut down a tree, and down came the nest. Mourning doves do not build the most stable nests to begin with. Please PLEASE delay cutting down trees, ANY TREE, until late in the Fall.
We do think they are so darn cute, though! Don't you agree?

Orphaned Baby Raccoons

2011-04-05T14:59:00.000-07:00

We have a group of orphaned baby raccoons keeping us busy here at the Refuge. Virginia Beach Animal Control had answered a call at a local residence. It seems there was a "nuisance" raccoon hanging around their property, that the folks trapped and probably destroyed. A few days later, they found the babies, and called Animal Control for a pickup.
It is not unusual for Mamma Raccoon to forage for food during the day. She is very, very hungry and will go to great lengths for her nursing babies. In this case, she looked for food on the property of some ignorant people and she paid with her life. But, these babies got lucky and ended up with a compassionate Animal Control Officer who delivered them to us. They now have a good chance of survival.

Night Visitors

2011-02-26T09:25:00.000-08:00

The animals come out to share food.

Things that go bump in the night

2011-02-08T14:14:00.000-08:00

We put up a wildlife camera on the back of the property at the Refuge to see what was going on after dark. Here are a few pics that the infrared, motion activated camera caught.

the Crow aka Mikey

2011-02-04T18:44:00.000-08:00

The crow was brought into the refuge by Mike, a good, or rather great Samaritan. It was around the holidays, so things were quiet. The crow had a badly damaged wing, which was set. Unfortunately, when the splint was removed not much improvement was noted. But, young crows are fairly resilient, so we are still hopeful. Even though he cannot seem to fly, he has the run of the wildlife room, and seems pretty happy. His savior, Mike, still calls to check on him. We have named him "Mikey," to honor the man who was compassionate enough to take the time and make the effort to find a wildlife rehibilitator, in order to give Mikey a chance of survival. We are trying to find Mikey a permanent home, but in the meantime, he rules the roost.

Hope

2011-01-04T11:07:00.000-08:00

This is Hope, our little Christmas visitor. She arrived a bit before Christmas with a seriously injured back leg which prevented her from getting food. Her dining preferences here at the Refuge are Gerber's Chicken Dinner baby food and Trix yogurt. At first we had to force feed her but now, I am happy to report that she is eating on her own. She is on antibiotics and her leg is still sore, but improving. She just loves her warm, cozy denning box and doesn't want you to bother her, unless it's feeding time!
Hope will definitely let us know when it is time to be set free!

Raccoon babies

2010-11-15T18:39:00.000-08:00

Things are finally slowing down here at the Refuge. We have two little raccoon babies in the nursery.......Little Rock (everyone names coons "Rocky") and Scout (after a Boy Scout working on his Eagle Scout Project here). Both babies had bite injuries, probably from adult raccoons in the colony. They were brought here to the refuge by a couple of caring humans who found them suffering. I love people who will take the time out of a busy day and try to save a wild life!
Evelyn and Jim have been nursing them and giving them the very best of care. I am happy to report they are doing quite well. They are very, very shy and won't let anyone take a picture, so here is a recent pic of me, Pink Floyd, when I came by to check on the new arrivals.

2010-10-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

Driving with Wildlife in Mind

It's that time of the year again. The days are getting shorter, the sun is setting earlier, and wildlife is out and about.
Scan the road as you drive, watching the edges for wildlife about to cross. Not only will this help you to avoid harming or killing wildlife, but it will also make you more aware of other hazards such as bicyclists, children at play, and slowly moving vehicles.
Be alert!
Be especially watchful for wildlife at dawn, dusk, and in the first few hours after darkness falls. Many species of wildlife are most active at these times.
Edges of roads that border agricultural fields or natural habitats are places to be particularly watchful for wildlife.
Assume that animals do not know to get out of your way. Young animals, in particular, do not recognize cars as a threat.
Lower your dashboard lights slightly. You'll be more likely to see your headlights reflected in the eyes of animals in time to brake.
Every apple core, french fry, and smelly sandwich wrapper tossed out of a car attracts wildlife to roadsides—often with fatal results. Never throw litter from your car.
Remember that where there is one animal crossing, there may be more, young animals following their mother or male animals pursuing a mate.
Try to slow down, especially after dark. Many animals needlessly become victims simply because people drive too fast to avoid hitting them. Speed poses a risk to human safety as well.

- What to do if you injure an animal.
Do not put your own safety at risk. Unless you can move the animal from the road in absolute safety, do not attempt to do so. Use your hazard lights or emergency road flares to warn oncoming traffic of the injured animal. Never attempt to handle a large animal, like a deer, or one that could give a serious bite, like a raccoon.
Call someone with the proper training and equipment. When you need assistance, call the non-emergency number of the local police department (it's a good idea to have this number programmed into your cell phone, if you have one) and describe the animal's location. Emphasize that the injured animal is a traffic hazard to help ensure that someone will come quickly. Stay in the area until help arrives.
If you try to rescue a small animal yourself, remember that the animal doesn't know you are trying to help and may bite or scratch in self-defense. Use heavy gloves to protect yourself or avoid direct handling. An old towel is helpful if you need to move an injured animal. Gently coax or place the animal into a cardboard box and transport him/her to a shelter, wildlife rehabilitator, or a receptive veterinarian. If there is a delay, keep the animal in a dark, warm, quiet place to minimize fear and stress.
If you accidentally kill an animal, try to move the animal off the road—providing you can do so in complete safety. Otherwise, report the location of the animal's body to the local police department, and it will arrange for it to be removed. This will prevent scavengers from being attracted onto the road and eliminate a potential traffic hazard.

~The Humane Society of the United States

BABY SQUIRREL ALERT! BABY SQUIRREL ALERT!

2010-09-02T08:09:00.000-07:00

With the approach of Hurricane Earl, we are preparing for a possible influx of many, many baby squirrels. Very young babies, called "pinkies" are especially vulnerable.
What to do if you find a baby squirrel?
1. Keep the baby warm. Put it in a box or other small container with ventilation, in a quiet place, away from children and pets. Put a heating pad under the box and maintain a constant warm temperature.
2. Do NOT feed the baby!! This is very important. Many well intentioned humans feed baby animals milk or infant formula. Resist the urge, as this will kill the baby.
3. Find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator here AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! If you cannot locate one in your area, take the baby to your local Humane Society, SPCA, or a veterinarian. None of these organizations will pick up the baby; you must be willing to transport it yourself.
In Virginia and most other states, it is illegal to hold wildlife. Again, DO NOT TRY TO SAVE THE BABY YOURSELF. Get it the proper care it deserves. Please.

New arrival

2010-08-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

A very young baby raccoon? Can you say "awww?" She loves her bottle!

Birdwatching by Evelyn

2010-08-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

Part of our mission here at the refuge is to educate the public about our native wildlife. Did you know that bird watching is one of the fastest growing hobbies and is an excellent way to learn and appreciate these wild creatures? In these financially stressful times, it is also a great way to spend enjoyable family time together on an inexpensive outing.

Identifying birds is often challenging, but the more practice you have, the easier it will become. Invest in a field guide, such as The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America by David Allen Sibley.

Here are a few things to remember when observing birds.

1. Keep your eye on the bird; don’t immediately go to your guide.

2. Listen to the bird’s calls (short vocalizations) and song (longer, more melodious). It is one of the best identification tools.

3. Estimate the bird’s general size and shape. Compare it to other birds you know well. Is it bigger than a crow or smaller than a robin?

4. Make note of any facial markings -- stripes or patches of colors -- and look at the characteristics of its bill – long or short, curved or straight.

5. Look for bars on the wing and remember the shape of the tail. What color is the bird’s belly and back? Is the tail forked, squared off or rounded?

6. Observe the color of the legs, as well as their length. Does the bird have talons or are its feet webbed?

7. Study the bird’s movement and its flight pattern. How does it walk? When in flight, does it swoop up and down, or glide smoothly?

8. Try to determine its feeding habits. Does it dig at tree bark looking for insects or does is forage in your lawn.

9. Remember where you saw the bird. Is it in a wetland or woodland?

10. Record your observations, noting the date and time of day.

You are now ready to get started on this popular pastime. Take a long stroll and keep your eyes opened. Our feathered friends are everywhere.

~Reprinted from Pet Tails Magazine

Baby bird update

2010-07-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

It's a cardinal! It's a female and is getting fat and sassy. She is hopping around and getting ready to fly. Compare the first pic to this one and see what a difference a week makes!

What to do if you find a baby bird

2010-07-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

If renesting the baby is not an option:

- Place the baby in a softly-lined covered box with ventilation.
- Place the box in a warm, dark, quiet indoor location away from all humans and pets.
- Do Not attempt to give it food or water, no matter how much it begs!
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. You can find a state directory by clicking here.
Please DO NOT try to raise the baby bird yourself!! They need special food and special care around the clock. Again, contact a wildlife rehibilitator as soon as possible.

New bird arrival

2010-07-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

One of our own new volunteers brought a very tiny baby bird in this morning. She found the bird on a morning walk with her dog. The baby bird was on the ground, under a tree, and appeared to be unharmed. She could see a nest far up in the tree, but it was empty and hanging at a crazy angle. No way could she return the bird to the nest. So, she put it in a shoe box, kept it in a warm, dark, quiet room, and brought it to EWR. Evelyn quickly assessed the baby and put it in a tiny, knitted yarn nest. It is now in a cage, in that nest with some older baby birds, and Evelyn will be starting the bird on baby bird formula. Paws crossed for this little baby bird!

Raccoons out and about

2010-07-17T14:38:00.000-07:00

The first batch of raccoons are now out and about. They have been immunized and are now free to go out during the day to explore and learn life skills for raccoons. They don't go too far yet as some remain focused on the bottle. But, they will wean themselves off soon and become wild things once again. It has been so hot here in Virginia, some of them don't stay out for long as they want to come back to EWR for a cool bath or a good hand wash session!

Hoppin' down the bunny trail......

2010-07-11T12:29:00.000-07:00

Well, not exactly hoppin'....not yet anyway! A couple of very tiny, baby bunnies came into the refuge nursery this morning. They are being fed round the clock. Sleep and eat, sleep and eat...but hopefully they will be hoppin' down the bunny trail very soon!!!

Mi Mi LePew, the baby skunk

2010-07-01T08:49:00.001-07:00

Mi Mi is a sweet baby skunk who was brought into a local Vet office and Evelyn has agreed to take her into rehab. Since skunks are not native in Virginia Beach, once Mi Mi is ready, she will be transported to the western part of Virginia, where there are plenty of skunks for her to interact with.
Skunks only spray when they are threatened, so we are very careful that Mi Mi always feels safe and secure!! She is a joy to be around. She loves to play and to be cuddled and fussed over. Evelyn is happy to oblige!
photo courtesy of Mary Reid Barrow

UPDATE ON MIMI!
Mimi is now with another wildlife rehibiltator in western Virginia who specializes in skunk rehab. Good luck, Mimi!

Welcome from Pink Floyd

2010-06-30T14:51:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!! I am Pink Floyd and I am a raccoon. I live full time with Evelyn and Jim here at the Refuge.
I have been here about a year now. I was dropped off by a caring person who found me all alone when I was only about 3 weeks old. I had been on my own for a while and had not developed the skills to survive on my own. I had been sucking on anything I could find to stay alive, like rocks and sticks, and my lips were pink and raw from the skin being worn off. So, Evelyn and Jim named me "Pink." Since I was a baby boy, they added Floyd to make it more masculine.
So, why am I still here? Well, I contracted the raccoon version of Parvo. Most baby raccoons who get Parvo die from it, but I was one of the lucky ones. It did leave me partially paralyzed, though, and limited my ability to function as a wild raccoon. I just don't have the skills I need to be released, like climbing, so I hang out here at the Refuge and keep the other animals company.
I am especially fond of being "Daddy" the the orphan raccoons that come through. These little babies are so distressed at losing their moms, they cry for at least 2 days. Evelyn, Jim, and I try our best to comfort them. They must learn to get nourishment from a baby bottle, and I must say they are quick learners!!
That's my story. I have a great life here and I am proud to be the mascot of Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge!