PULLMAN, Wash. — The next time you see what looks like a wild animal in need, don’t interfere without contacting a specialist first.
Washington State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital is experiencing an unprecedented surge in wildlife patients requiring urgent care, including baby raccoons, squirrels and owls.
The significant increase is due, in part, to the recent closure of another wildlife rehab facility in central Washington.
Dr. Marcie Logsdon, a veterinarian with over a decade of experience, explained that many of the baby raccoons currently being treated were brought in from Spokane, traveling over an hour to reach the hospital.
For many of the animals, WSU’s facility is the only option.
“There are a couple others over here on the East side, but most of them tend to specialize in one or a few species. And we are a generalist, so we will take in any wildlife that comes in its own,” she said.
Last year, the hospital treated 400 more animals than usual, with the team currently caring for around 15 different species.
Many of the hospital’s patients are birds of prey. Once rehabilitated, they are transferred to a specialized raptor facility to prepare for release back into the wild.
However, only 30 to 40% of the animals reach that stage due to severe injuries, many caused by human activity.
Dr. Logsdon said it’s important to contact local wildlife rehabilitation centers before intervening with any wild animal.
“Reach out and call your local wildlife rehab, whether that’s us or somebody else. If you’re out of this area, there might be somebody closer to you,” she said.
She said this step is crucial to determine if the animal is truly orphaned or in need of help.
WSU is also always looking for volunteers to help feed baby wildlife. You can reach out to the Veterinary School if you are interested at sydney.schafer@wsu.edu.
For more information on what to do if you see an animal that might be in need, visit www.vetmed.wsu.edu.
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