The Intersection of Recovery: How Wildlife and Human Rehabilitation Efforts Align After Road Collisions

Posted on by Wild for Rehab

When road collisions occur, they leave a wake of physical, emotional, and environmental damage. The injuries sustained by humans and wildlife are often severe, requiring specialized rehabilitation efforts to heal and recover. Surprisingly, there are significant parallels between human and wildlife recovery processes that highlight the resilience of life and the opportunities for collaboration between these two fields.

Shared Challenges: Healing After Impact

For accident victims, the path to recovery is often long and complex. Physical injuries, such as fractures, traumatic brain injuries, or chronic pain, are compounded by emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Similarly, wildlife injured in road collisions often face life-threatening fractures, internal injuries, and stress-related complications. Both humans and animals require immediate medical attention, ongoing therapy, and compassionate care to reclaim their quality of life.

Lessons from Wildlife Rehabilitation

Wildlife rehabilitation centers specialize in treating injured animals and preparing them for a return to the wild. These efforts involve:

Emergency Response: Quick action to stabilize injuries, much like paramedics do for human victims.
Physical Rehabilitation: Techniques like hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, and specialized splints are used to restore mobility—methods mirrored in human motor vehicle accident rehab.
Emotional Support: Minimizing stress in animals during treatment reflects the importance of addressing the mental health of human patients.

Collaborative Opportunities

There is potential for professionals in human rehabilitation and wildlife rehabilitation to collaborate and share knowledge. For instance:

Shared Technology: Tools like imaging equipment, orthopedic devices, and mobility aids could be adapted for use in both fields.
Research Partnerships: Studying recovery patterns in wildlife might provide insights into human healing, particularly regarding trauma and resilience.
Awareness Campaigns: Joint efforts could raise public awareness about the dangers of road collisions and the importance of preventing injuries to both humans and animals.

Inspiring Resilience Through Recovery

The stories of recovery from road collisions—whether they involve humans or wildlife—serve as powerful reminders of resilience. Accident victims often draw strength from nature and its ability to heal. Programs that involve interaction with rehabilitated wildlife or volunteering at wildlife rehab centers can be profoundly therapeutic, offering accident survivors a sense of purpose and connection.

Prevention: A Shared Responsibility

Preventing road collisions benefits both human and wildlife populations. Key measures include:

Wildlife Crossings: These structures, like underpasses or overpasses, not only protect animals but also reduce the likelihood of life-altering human injuries.
Driver Education: Teaching drivers to be alert, especially in wildlife-prone areas, can prevent accidents.
Speed Management: Encouraging adherence to speed limits gives drivers more time to react to unexpected animals on the road.

A Call to Action

Road collisions create ripple effects that extend far beyond the initial impact. By recognizing the shared challenges and opportunities in human and wildlife rehabilitation, we can foster a more compassionate and proactive approach to road safety. Whether by supporting wildlife crossings, volunteering at a rehab center, or simply driving more cautiously, everyone has a role to play in reducing harm and promoting healing.

As we continue to explore the intersection of recovery, the stories of resilience from both humans and wildlife inspire us to create safer roads and stronger communities, where all lives are valued and protected.

Lessons from the Florida Panther: Reducing Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions Across the Globe

Posted on by Wild for Rehab

Lessons from the Florida Panther: Reducing Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions Across the Globe

The Florida panther (“Puma concolor coryi”) is an iconic species that embodies the fragility and resilience of wildlife amidst human expansion. Once on the brink of extinction, the Florida panther’s population has rebounded to around 200 individuals, thanks to decades of conservation efforts. However, road collisions remain a leading cause of mortality for this critically endangered species. Addressing this issue has led to innovative solutions that can serve as a blueprint for reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVCs) globally.

The Problem: Wildlife and Roads Collide

As urbanization and infrastructure development encroach upon natural habitats, roads fragment ecosystems and increase the likelihood of WVCs. For Florida panthers, the network of roads crisscrossing their range in South Florida poses a significant threat, accounting for up to 30% of annual deaths in some years. Beyond the tragic loss of wildlife, these collisions can profoundly impact human lives, often resulting in serious injuries that alter a person’s physical abilities, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. The ripple effects can touch families, careers, and communities, emphasizing the need for compassionate and proactive solutions.

Solutions Implemented in Florida

1. Wildlife Crossings

One of the most successful interventions in Florida has been the construction of wildlife crossings—underpasses and overpasses designed specifically for animals to safely cross highways. These structures are paired with fencing that guides animals toward the crossings and away from the road.

Studies have shown that wildlife crossings can reduce WVCs by up to 90% when properly implemented. In Florida, panther crossings on U.S. 41 and State Road 29 have significantly reduced fatalities in these high-risk areas.

2. Monitoring and Data Collection

Florida’s wildlife managers utilize GPS collars, camera traps, and roadkill data to identify collision hotspots. This data-driven approach ensures that mitigation efforts are targeted and effective. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) works closely with transportation agencies to prioritize projects based on collision patterns.

3. Public Awareness Campaigns

Educational initiatives like road signs alerting drivers to “Panther Crossing Areas” remind the public to reduce speed in key zones. Florida’s outreach efforts also emphasize the broader ecological importance of protecting the panther as a keystone species.

4. Following the Speed Limit

Encouraging drivers to adhere to posted speed limits is a simple yet effective measure to reduce collisions. Lower speeds provide drivers with more time to react to unexpected animals on the road, reducing the likelihood of accidents. This principle is especially critical in areas with known wildlife activity.

Applying Florida’s Lessons Elsewhere

1. Adapting Wildlife Crossings to Local Species

The success of Florida’s wildlife crossings highlights the importance of tailoring designs to the behavior and movement patterns of local species. For example:

In Canada, wildlife overpasses along the Trans-Canada Highway have proven effective for moose and elk.
In Europe, green bridges provide connectivity for various species, including deer and badgers.

2. Utilizing Technology for Prevention

Emerging technologies, such as infrared sensors and animal detection systems, can be integrated into roadways to alert drivers in real-time when wildlife is nearby. These systems, already in use in parts of Sweden and the United States, could enhance efforts in areas with high collision rates.

3. Collaborative Efforts Between Stakeholders

The Florida panther’s recovery demonstrates the importance of collaboration between conservationists, government agencies, and the public. Replicating this model elsewhere can ensure that efforts are well-funded, widely supported, and scientifically sound.

Broader Implications for Conservation

Reducing WVCs is not just about saving individual animals; it’s about maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. Habitat connectivity enables genetic diversity and allows species to adapt to changing environments. Moreover, protecting wildlife by reducing road collisions also significantly benefits human populations. Wildlife collisions often result in severe injuries or fatalities for drivers and passengers, leading to lifelong impairments and emotional trauma. By implementing effective mitigation strategies, communities can reduce these risks, creating safer roads for both humans and animals.

Preserving wildlife populations ensures the health of ecosystems, which in turn provide critical services like clean air, water, and pollination. These interconnected benefits highlight the importance of integrating conservation measures into infrastructure planning.

Conclusion

The efforts to protect the Florida panther from road collisions offer a powerful example of how targeted interventions can save lives—both animal and human. By leveraging these lessons and adapting them to local contexts, communities worldwide can mitigate the impacts of roads on wildlife and create safer, more sustainable ecosystems. As the Florida panther continues its path to recovery, its story serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for conservationists everywhere.

Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary Asks Drivers to Slow Down

Posted on by Wild for Rehab

Collisions with Wildlife Leave Hundreds of Wild Animals

Orphaned Each Year in Muskoka

Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (Aspen Valley) is asking drivers to slow down yet again. Wildlife is on the move, and people need to remind themselves that the risk of colliding with an animal is all too real.

“We get it. You’ve heard this message before, yet we’re hearing from an increasing number of people that have collided with an animal while driving,” said Jan Kingshott, Director of Animal Welfare at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. “The message isn’t sinking in the way it should, and we’re hoping it will. While some drivers have hit an animal through no fault of their own, others admit that they might have avoided the collision altogether had they been paying closer attention and driving the speed limit.”

Located on 460 acres of natural habitat in beautiful Muskoka, Aspen Valley is one of the few sanctuaries in Canada that has both the facilities and natural environment needed to meet the biological and behavioral needs of Ontario’s native species on a long-term basis. This represents an important alternative to euthanizing animals that cannot be returned to the wild due to human interference. The Sanctuary also rehabilitates over 1,000 injured and orphaned wild animals each year – returning them to the wild once rehabilitated. They are also committed to educating the public about living in harmony with wildlife.

“We receive hundreds of calls from many kind people who are asking for advice about wild animals that appear to be in trouble,” said Linda Glimps, Executive Director, Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. “Often, we advise callers to first observe and ensure that the animals actually require assistance. With some watchful waiting, many of our callers witness mothers returning to their young after foraging for food and have avoided becoming accidental “kidnappers”.

If an animal is truly orphaned or injured, however, Aspen Valley asks the rescuer to bring the animal to them as quickly as possible. For people with no means of transportation, or when dealing with larger species, such as injured or orphaned deer fawns or moose calves, volunteer drivers at Aspen Valley may be able to help.

Aspen Valley receives animals that have been hit by vehicles, orphaned, trapped, injured by predators (cats and dogs), or suffer from mange (and other diseases/conditions). They also see animals that have been compromised by well-meaning individuals who tried to care for them on their own, or believed it was okay to feed wildlife – which, in fact, is an incredible disservice to wild animals.

Sadly, in spite of their best efforts, there are occasions when recovery is not possible. “It is paramount to all of us here at Aspen Valley that wildlife does not suffer needlessly, and we treat each animal with the dignity and respect it rightfully deserves,” added Glimps.

Not surprisingly, first aid, species-specific formula and/or food, vaccinations, and size-appropriate enclosures (indoor and outdoor) are all requirements for successful rehabilitation and cost a great deal of money.

As a not-for-profit, Aspen Valley is solely dependent on the generosity of its donors. Please visit www.aspenvalley.ca to discover the many ways to give (including your volunteer time) and learn how to “keep wildlife wild”. They accept the donation of securities and bequests, and love it when friends of Aspen Valley initiate fundraisers of their own. You can also shop their Amazon Wish list.

Fox with Severe Injuries gets Second Chance at being Wild.

Posted on by fm_danish

Early in the morning on January 31, 2024, Nigel spotted a fox lying motionless in a snowbank by the roadside. The fox was wet, dirty, and matted with road sand. Running late, Nigel continued on his way, but the image of the fox lingered in his mind.

Later that afternoon, as he drove back, Nigel saw the fox again. This time, the animal had shifted position but was shivering from the cold. As Nigel cautiously approached, the fox lifted its head, meeting his gaze with sad, helpless eyes. Weak and in obvious pain, the fox barely moved.

Nigel had experience with wildlife rescue and knew what to do. He called Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary for instructions on safely containing the injured animal. Following their guidance, he gently wrapped the fox in his jacket, placed him in a box, and set off toward the sanctuary.

The fox, who didn’t resist at all, underwent X-rays that revealed severe injuries: both femurs were fractured and splintered, with contracted bones indicating these were older injuries. The fox had been suffering for days.

Dr. Cox, a wildlife veterinarian working with the sanctuary, was en route to the airport and unable to perform surgery for another four days. After consulting with the sanctuary staff, they decided to keep the fox comfortable with pain medication, hoping he would hold on until Dr. Cox could operate.

On the day of surgery, Dr. Cox was able to pin both legs in under five hours. Afterward, his legs felt strong, his pain diminished, and he began showing signs of recovery. He moved around more, even showing interest in returning to the wild. However, his recovery took a turn: the pins in his left leg did not hold and had to be removed.

In an attempt to stabilize the leg, the team applied a tight wrap, but one night, the fox—now named Tavi—chewed through the bandage, creating sores and lesions. After some time, the wounds healed, and the pins in his other leg were successfully removed. Currently, discussions are underway about performing a bone marrow graft to give Tavi’s left leg another chance at healing.

While amputation remains a last resort, Tavi will still be able to return to the wild even if he has only three legs. His second chance at life in the wild would not have been possible without the compassionate care at Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary.

*Tavi the Fox recovers at Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary.*

What are Wildlife Rehabbers?

Posted on by fm_danish

Have you ever seen an injured animal and wondered if there was anything you could do to help? You may know of organizations that take in and rehabilitate wild animals—these are run by dedicated Wildlife Custodians, also known as Rehabilitators (or “Rehabbers”).

In Ontario, over 70 authorized organizations are managed by licensed wildlife custodians, who are legally able to provide wildlife rehabilitation under the supervision of the Ministry of Natural Resources. You can find a list of these organizations here.

These groups offer temporary shelter to animals that are injured, orphaned, or sick, caring for them until they’re ready to return to their natural habitats. Rehabbers can also offer advice if you encounter an animal in need, helping you understand the best course of action.

Often, the best way to help a wild animal is by leaving it alone. For instance, many young animals are brought to wildlife centers by well-meaning people who mistakenly believe them to be orphaned. If you see a wild animal that appears to need help, call a rehabber first; they’ll advise whether the animal should be taken in or left for the best chance at survival.

Wildlife custodians provide invaluable support to both people and animals. By protecting nature and supporting vulnerable populations, they help to sustain the health of our ecosystems.

Wildlife rehabilitation, however, requires significant time and resources. Most rehabbers receive minimal government funding and rely on donations to operate. To support these efforts, Wild for Rehab works to raise awareness for organizations that aid wildlife and protect the environment. We’re excited to host a Gala fundraiser in September 2024, benefitting two Ontario wildlife rehabilitation organizations. Please see our Events page for more information.

6 Tips for Winter Bird Feeding

Posted on by fm_danish

Although I’ve always been an animal lover, my appreciation for birds has grown with time. I remember watching my grandfather care for the wild birds on his property as a child, not fully understanding his fascination. Only years after he passed did I start to share his interest. Now, when I watch the birds happily emptying my feeders, I think of him doing the same, smiling at the joy (and cost!) of this hobby that seems to capture mostly adults.

Standing at my back door each morning, I delight in watching American Goldfinches, Evening Grosbeaks, Blue Jays, and Hairy Woodpeckers. I’d love to list every visitor—Cardinals, Pileated Woodpeckers—but I’ll hold back! Feeding these birds and even making homemade suet has become not only enjoyable but also rewarding, knowing that it can be life-sustaining for them, especially in harsh weather.

Bird feeding can be a bit controversial, as some argue it might make birds reliant on a food source that could suddenly disappear. However, evidence suggests that even birds who frequent feeders still visit multiple sources daily, making them resilient rather than dependent. Winter, in particular, is a challenging season for birds, as they need extra calories to keep warm. Even the act of melting snow for water requires energy, putting a strain on their bodies.

Beyond the demands of winter, other human-caused factors also add stress to bird populations. Collisions with windows are a significant issue; reflections of skies and trees can be confusing, leading birds to fly directly into them. Each year, an estimated one million birds die from collisions with Toronto buildings alone.

Winter bird feeding not only brings joy to the feeder but also supports birds through challenging conditions. So, I invite you to join the ranks of the “Honorary Wildlife Rehabbers” by feeding your local birds and supporting their survival. Here are six tips to get you started:

Install a Bird Feeding Pole
Place a feeding pole in the ground early in the winter season. If you lack a yard, consider hanging feeders on a deck or the side of a house.
Manage Squirrels
If squirrels keep raiding your feeders, try mixing hot pepper into your seed or suet. Birds lack the taste receptors for spice, but squirrels will steer clear, leaving the good bird seed for its intended visitors.
Learn and Enjoy
Download the Merlin app to identify the birds visiting your feeders. Get to know the birds you’re attracting and find ways to invite more of your favorites. For example, Cardinals love sunflower and safflower seeds and feel safest with bushes nearby for cover. Keep feeders away from spots where predators, like cats, could ambush them.
Share Your Love of Birds
Talking about birds can spark interest among others, and you may find that friends and family join you in this hobby. Bird feeding has unexpectedly strengthened some of my own relationships, turning it into a shared passion.
Provide Drinking Water
A shallow, heated birdbath offers a valuable source of water in winter and attracts a variety of species to your yard.
Discourage Predators
If predators like hawks or owls start frequenting your feeders, take the feeders down for a few days. This will often make those predators lose interest and move on.

Above all, bird feeding should be enjoyable. Even putting out food now and then is enough—eventually, some grateful bird will find it.

Happy Birding!