Working with wild animals is very different from working with pets. Where it's ok to hold an orphaned kitten or puppy to comfort it, handling can be fatal to a cottontail rabbit or baby bird for example, because they can die of fear in an instant. Keeping all handling and human exposure to a minimum is also vital for the animals' survival in the wild later on.

Most wildlife rehabilitators are home based and their first priority must be the animals presently in their care. They often can’t respond to every emergency call in person, but are happy to give advice and provide detailed instructions to caring individuals based on the situation and animal involved.

Wildlife rehabilitation does not receive government funding and must rely on donations from the public. Rehabilitators cannot charge for their services. The government requires wildlife rehabilitators to be trained before obtaining the necessary permits, provide proper facilities which are subject to inspection, provide release sites, pay for all animal food and medical care and even for their own pre-exposure rabies shots. Some rehabilitators establish a wildlife center in their area, usually not-for-profit due to the lack of funding and need for donations. That's why there are not many independent wildlife facilities in America. Some of the more fortunate rescues are connected to colleges or vet clinics and play a vital part in education and research. Home based rehabilitators must therefore find the time to arrange fundraisers all year long to assist with ongoing expenses.

Wildlife rehabilitators are dedicated warriors on the front lines between suburban development and natural habitat and are grateful for every bit of support.

Orphaned infant squirrels

Baby squirrels are being born in Texas starting February. With landscapers at work and storms blowing through, these infants often end up on the ground. Here are a few tips what to do if you come across such situation:

Try to re-unite the baby with its mother by placing the squirrel in a basket and placing it in the nearest tree. If babies are chilled fill a water bottle with warm water and wrap it in an old shirt. Place bottle with babies but make sure it can’t roll onto them. If reunion is impossible, place the infant squirrels in a safe place and provide warmth. Do not feed them, especially not cow’s milk. It will most likely kill them. Call a wildlife rehabilitator.

The Rainbow Wildlife Rescue, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization was founded in 2004 in Stephenville by Birgit Sommer, a licensed Texas wildlife rehabilitator..

Driven by the compassion for all God’s creatures and on the mission to further the understanding between humans and wildlife, the Rainbow Wildlife Rescue opens its doors not only to animals in need of care but also takes an active part in educating the public. Current plans under development include project “Wildlife in the Classroom” supported by local teachers.

The goal is to stream video from the animal enclosures at the Rainbow Wildlife Rescue live into Stephenville’s classrooms so the students can observe these animals and collect data on them. The project is still in the fundraising process. If you are in the position to offer support, please contact Birgit Sommer at (254) 968 – 4626, e-mail help@rainbowwildlife.com or take advantage of the different donation features on www.rainbowwildlife.com .