During the summer months, the PAWS Wildlife Center sees a steady stream
of both arrivals and departures. Every day new faces appear as animals
arrive in need of help, and familiar faces disappear as animals leave
to resume their wild lives. The mix of species the center receives is
different every year, and this year has been a particularly interesting
one so far. The following photos will give you a glimpse of two animals
that have recently departed the wildlife center, and many animals that
have recently arrived.
Black Bear 07-0064 was released on June 1 as documented in the last issue of Wild Again titled "
A Mother's Devotion."
Black Bear 06-2708 was mentioned in the article as her cage mate. Bear
06-2708 was released on June 13, and this photo shows him as he exits
his release carrier and takes his first steps in his new home.
Bear
06-2708 had arrived at PAWS in December as an injured, 16-pound cub. As
you can see here, he grew substantially during his time in care. He was
released as a healthy, 130-pound sub-adult bear.
American
Kestrel 07-1163 was captured just as he was learning to fly by a member
of the public who thought he might make a good pet. Fortunately,
another concerned citizen convinced the bird's captor to allow him to
bring the kestrel to PAWS. At PAWS, the bird spent a few weeks
strengthening his muscles in a flight pen and learning to catch prey.
Kestrel
07-1163 was released on the Fourth of July. He was unlikely to be
disturbed by fireworks in his remote, eastern Washington release area.
He wasted no time exiting his release carrier.
Like all falcons, this kestrel was an impressively fast flyer. He flew rapidly toward a nearby stand of trees.
Once
he arrived at the trees, Kestrel 07-1163 landed in the shade. From this
perch he assessed his surroundings before moving on.
While
many patients were departing, many new ones were arriving. Coyote pup
07-1033 was found wandering behind Bellevue Community College. He was
dehydrated and suffering from a bad case of mange. He was captured and
brought to PAWS on June 12.
Coyote
07-1302 was brought to the wildlife center on July 3. She had been hit
by a car in eastern Washington on June 28 and had received initial care
from a veterinarian in that area. She is currently recovering from head
trauma and related injuries.
Red-tailed
Hawk 07-1268 was found lying on his back near a freeway on June 30. He
had been hit by a car and was suffering from head injuries. Fortunately
a member of the public scooped him up and brought him to PAWS.
Several
orphaned deer fawns are currently in care at the PAWS Wildlife Center.
Here a young fawn is offered a large pile of maple branches on which to
browse.
Apparently, she approved of the offering.
Five
orphaned Barn Owls have arrived at the center in the past few weeks.
Two were found in hay shipments from eastern Washington that were being
delivered to feed stores, three were transferred to PAWS from other
wildlife rehabilitation organizations. Here, three of the young owls
put up a unified front against a perceived threat.
A slightly older Barn Owl extends his wings in an attempt to look larger and more intimidating.
Three Striped Skunk babies arrived at PAWS on June 25. They were found next to the body of their mother along a road in Sumner.
Although they are too young to spray, the skunks are still capable of excreting their distinctive odor.
Wildlife center staff and volunteers were greatly relieved when the skunks were moved into outdoor caging.
This
young Western Flycatcher was brought to the wildlife center for
treatment after she was attacked by an outdoor cat in Lynnwood.
Speaking
of outdoor cats, this Bobcat kitten arrived at PAWS on July 4. Like the
three skunks, she was found alongside a road next to the body of her
deceased mother.
The young cat was not very happy to receive her examination by PAWS Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. John Huckabee.
The Bobcat protested throughout her exam. This fear of humans will be her most valuable asset after her release.
This
fledgling Anna's Hummingbird was found in Lynnwood on July 1. In this
photo he has just received a bath with damp cotton swabs to remove a
sticky substance from his feathers.
Another
Anna's Hummingbird fledgling was found in Edmonds on July 11. She was
resting on the ground behind the tire of a car and appeared to be in
distress. She is now doing well and will hopefully be making her own
departure back to her wild home in the next few weeks.
PAWSwalk
2007 will take place on September 8, at Seattle's Magnuson Park. This
year, all PAWS departments have joined together into one PAWSwalk
"superteam" with the goal of collectively raising $13,500. Whether you
give $5 or $500, you have the opportunity to help us meet this goal and
in the process help countless animals! Please, donate today! Thank you!
