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Wildlife rescue work in D.C. can be rewarding if this work matches your IifestyIe. Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation serves an important function in alleviating the suffering of injured or displaced animals, as well as maintaining the balance of ecosystems and protecting human members of the community. There are many reasons an animal may need to be rescued. One reason is that as communities develop and expand, wild animals lose their habitats to new buildings and roads. Once the animals are displaced, there are often conflicts between animals and humans. For instance, animals may nest and reproduce in the crawl space, basement, attic, or chimney of a home. Wild animals may have conflicts with domestic pets. Natural predators such as wild cats may be dangerous. Wild animals may turn over trash or damage property. These conflicts may unfortunately diminish urban and suburban appreciation for wildlife. However, animals are deserving of life, respect, and appropriate care. Disrupting the natural habitat of a given species can have far-reaching consequences to the entire ecosystem.
Some common types of wildlife that may need rescue or rehabilitation are squirrels, raccoons, and skunks. A squirrel is often considered a nuisance, but many people like squirrels because of their cute appearance and often entertaining behavior. A captive squirrel can be trained nearly as well as dogs. Wild squirrels thrive in many environments and can serve as a necessary part of the food chain for certain predators. Raccoons are very interesting and intelligent creatures that are rejected by some people and loved by others. Skunks are often maligned for the scent they can produce, but skunks only spray as a last resort when extensively provoked. All forms of wildlife are important to the balance of their ecosystems. Wildlife in need of rescue has the best chance of survival with a professional Wildlife Rehabilitator. Baby animals should be carefully picked up with a cloth and placed in a cloth-lined box with a lid that has holes in it and carefully transported to the nearest Wildlife Rehabilitator. Resources exist in most communities for caring for adult wildlife.
Rescue Me! - HeIpingAnimaIs in Need. |  | |
