Macon Magazine

24 maconmagazine.com | OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2021 H ave you ever been out for a walk and found a baby bird, baby bunny or even a fawn? Maybe you've come across an injured turtle, squirrel or racoon? What did you do? We typically have a plan on what to do if we find a domestic animal, like a dog or cat, but many don't know what to do with a wild animal. People are kind enough to want to help, but don't know where to start — and that could mean the difference between life and death for the animal. Realize too, it is illegal for any individual other than a licensed rehabber to have a wild animal in their possession. Wildlife rehabbers are people who AC PUP A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE are licensed by the state of Georgia to offer shelter, care, food and medical attention to wild animals. Once they have been rehabilitated, animals who are able must be released to the wild. Central Georgia's most widely known rehabber is Kaye Wansley. She has been doing wildlife rehabilitation for nearly 55 years and has taught untold numbers of children how to be compassionate toward animals. She also taught them two main facts that she'd like all of us to know in the event we come across a wild animal. First, many animals who look abandoned, such as baby bunnies and baby dear, may appear orphaned when really the mother has gone foraging for food and returns twice a day. So, the babies may not be abandoned at all, just waiting on mom to come back for dinner. Please call a rehabber before you move the animal. Second, call the rehabber the first day you find the animal. The tendency is to find a baby animal and care for it until there is a health issue and then reach out for a rehabber. By then, the animal may be so sick it is in serious condition. Many wild animals have special dietary needs, so please don't feed or water the animal. Call the rehabber, she will safely care for them. Kaye's goal is to share her knowledge with others who may be interested in preparing for the test required for licensing. Additionally, she continually offers advice to new rehabbers, such as Tracie VanDeWalker, Janae Matthews, Valli Berg and Julie Hoots. With her enormous experience and knowledge about wildlife, Kaye would like to dispel one common myth, which will hopefully save some wildlife that are killed unnecessarily. Due to the destruction of native habitat, such as tearing down forests to build businesses, wildlife are displaced. They are now commonly seen at times of day they weren't seen 50 years ago. The myth was, if you saw a nocturnal animal such as fox, racoon, bat, owl, possum or coyote during the day, then the popular assumption was to shoot the animal because they must be rabid. Please don't make that assumption and please don't shoot them. The displaced formerly nocturnal animal is just trying to survive. Those interested in becoming a rehabber can visit the Department of Natural Resources website to apply. You can always donate to help offset the costs of the free care rehabbers offer to those in their possession via Venmo @FranklinFarmsWildlife. Most of all, if you see a wild animal that is orphaned, injured or otherwise needs care, call the DNR or your veterinarian's office to get the names of wildlife rehabbers in your area. Together, we can be kinder and gentler to our wildlife, who bring so much beauty and majesty to our world. — PATTI JONES

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