During the month of August 2010, the Wildlife Center of Virginia admitted 227 patients.  The Center admitted animals from more than 50 different species during the month.  The “top six” species were:

• 63 Eastern Grey Squirrels [plus two Southern Flying Squirrels];
• 29 Eastern Cottontail Rabbits;
• 15 Morning Doves;
• 11 Eastern Box Turtles;
• 9 American Robins; and
• 9 Virginia Opossums.

Young squirrels at the Wildlife Center generally start indoors and are fed up to six times a day, starting with a special “squirrel”  formula.  As they grow, they are weaned onto a solid-food diet — a mixture of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.  Young squirrels are slowly re-introduced back to the “outdoors”.    They will generally spend a few weeks in one of the Center’s outdoor patient-enclosures.  Once they have acclimated and proven that they can locate food hidden around their enclosures, the squirrels are ready for release. 

Daily log of patients admitted during August 2010

August 2010 patients by species

Rescue Advice:  If You Find a Baby Squirrel

There’s no charge to bring an animal to the Wildlife Center for treatment and care.  We rely on the generosity of caring individuals.  Your donation will help support the Center’s life-saving work with the 2,500 wild animals in need we’ll see during 2010.