The Wild Things in our Lives
4/5/08

With the increasing urban sprawl happening all over the United States, it is becoming more and more common to chance upon a baby bird who has fallen from its nest, a fawn hiding quietly in the bushes, or even a baby raccoon, squirrel or possum separated from its parents. What do we do with these little creatures? Who do we call for help? What if they are injured?

We are confronted more and more with these questions as our worlds overlap. Perhaps the most reasonable advise, yet not the most chivalric, is to leave these critters alone – they are wild animals and therefore nature must take its course. Many animals leave their young alone for long periods of time and will come back for them. If moved or disturbed in any way the parents may abandon their young. Therefore, many times the best course of action is nothing at all. This is a tough call, especially for we animal lovers of the world. If you do feel the environment is unsafe and need to move the animals, try to touch them as little as possible. If you have any questions about what to do with a wild animal, the local Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (826-8774) is one of your best sources for answers.

Another important reason not to interact with wild animals is the potential for spread of infectious disease. This can vary from external parasites including fleas and ticks to other infectious bugs (viruses, intestinal worms, bacteria) that can infect you, your children or your pets. People with exotic birds should interact as little as possible with wild birds and should never bring them into the house. Please remember to put you and your household’s safety first!

However, it is not always possible to leave a wild animal be, especially if it is noticeably injured or in a potentially hazardous environment.  Our first thought is to take these animals to our local veterinarian.  Yet we as veterinarians must have a special license in the state of Oregon in order to take in, treat or rehabilitate wild animals.  This being said, we are allowed to perform a humane euthanasia on a suffering animal when needed.  It is a good idea to ask your veterinary hospital if they are licensed to rehabilitate wild animals.  We at Crater Animal Clinic do not have a wildlife rehabilitation license; Wildlife Images is a local wildlife rehabilitation institution located in Grant’s Pass which is dedicated to returning wild animals to their proper environment.  They have a veterinarian on staff who is licensed to work on these animals, experienced with wild animal species, and therefore can provide appropriate medical care.  Wildlife Images has a very informative website, www.wildlifeimages.org, and their number is 466-0222.

Once more, as our community continues to expand, we will come into increasing contact with a large variety of wild animals. Be sure and enjoy these animals, respect them, and educate yourself on what to do if your lives ever cross.

Sincerely,
The Crater Animal Clinic Team

Update on the rabies virus 11-19-07

March 15, 2007

Please welcome Crater Animal Clinics two new Doctors.

Michael Marrow, DVM, graduated from Colorado State University 2006. He will begin at our clinic April 2007 treating large and small animals with a special interest in pain management.

Katie Moore DVM, is also a Colorado State University graduate 2006 and is currently completing a one year equine internship at Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital in Snohomish, Washington. She has a special interest in acupuncture for large and small animals. Dr. Moore will start at Crater Animal Clinic in August 2007.

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