Friends of Texas Wildlife

Hope everyone stays safe with the approaching storm. We’re sending you a couple of bluebirds of happiness (two littles that were rescued from overheating; ceramic birdhouse meant to be decorative, and one sibling had already died. The parents then stopped coming to the nest sadly). They don’t look very impressive yet, but their gorgeous blue feathers are just starting to come in.

We haven’t had much time to post lately. With the continual storms and flooding in our service area we have just been way too busy. There are a lot of displaced animals due downed trees and heavy rains/flooding. Most of the calls we’ve been getting this week are regarding baby raccoons and fawns.

With raccoons, their dens can get flooded, or if their den had been in a dead tree that comes down, the mom will have to move her kits to another den site. She can only move one kit at a time, while also trying to keep them all safe and fed, so sometimes more than one night is needed for her to get them all relocated. It is always best for babies to remain with their natural mom, and given the chance she will generally come back for them. If you find a healthy baby, the best thing is to keep it warm, quiet, and away from flies during the day and follow reuniting instructions on the flowchart once it’s dark. If the baby is obviously injured, has fly eggs or maggots on it, or still has an umbilical cord, please reach out ASAP to a rehabber for assistance.

While some fawns have been displaced due to flooding, most of them are exhibiting normal behavior that people may not understand. Fawns under two weeks of age do not stay with their mother. If a doe has twins or triplets, she usually beds them all down in separate locations. Fawns have no natural scent at this age, nor are they strong and fast enough to run away from danger. For this reason, mom beds them down in a location she deems safe; the fawn is hardwired to stay put and wait for mom to return (so yes, you can generally walk right up to it). Mom returns as needed to nurse the fawn/fawns. If a fawn is lying curled up on the ground, this is normal. It’s trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. Warning signs are: a fawn that is lying in its side with legs stretched out; a fawn frantically running around and crying; a fawn that is cold and wet; a fawn is obviously injured; a fawn that has fire ants or fly eggs/maggots on it. Curled ears are not necessarily a warning sign as some fawns have curled ears despite being well hydrated and totally healthy. Please check the posted information for reference as to what is normal.

There are also still some nesting squirrels this time of year. Female squirrels almost always have multiple nest sites, so if one nest is destroyed she can relocate her babies. Flowchart shows the correct way to attempt reuniting baby squirrels.

Never feed anything or attempt to give water unless advised otherwise by a trained and permitted rehabber. PLEASE DON’T IGNORE THIS ADVICE as it can be deadly to the animal. Yes we know what Google said, but don’t feed or give it water.

We haven’t had much time to post lately. With the continual storms and flooding in our service area we have just been way too busy. There are a lot of nests down due to winds and downed trees.

Many times if baby birds and even raptors have been displaced, a makeshift nest can be attempted to try to allow the natural parents to continue raising their young. We are posting some information accordingly. We will post mammal information in a separately.

Please note that makeshift nests often do not work for cavity-nesting birds, such as woodpeckers, bluebirds, titmouses, chickadees and screech owls. If you are unsure if renesting is an option, or if babies are injured or have fly eggs/maggots on them, please reach out to your local rehabber or ahnow.org for assistance.

Here is today’s dose of cuteness; one of the many nestling baby eastern screech owls we are currently caring for.

Another school year is just about over, so the kiddos will be bored any minute now! We have some great summer camp options for you.

Registration for Friends of Texas Wildlife's 2024 summer camps for is open!! All summer camps are held at our Education Center located at 29816 Dobbin Hufsmith Road, Magnolia, 77354. Please note that this address is different than our animal intake center location.

Click on the corresponding link to the week you would like to attend. All sessions are from 10:00 am-2:00 pm – $150 per camper. Space is limited and slots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers will have fun while they learn about local wildlife through educational activities, games, crafts, and meeting live animals.

ABOUT THIS EVENT:
Camp dates are listed below (M, W, F) and the hours are 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Campers will have fun learning about wildlife as they explore animal artifacts, meet live education ambassadors, create crafts, and play games. Campers need to bring a sack lunch and camp fee includes a T-shirt. Ages 7-12.

Session 1 -June 3, 5 & 7: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friends-of-texas-wildlife-summer-day-camp-session-1-tickets-840522303837?aff=oddtdtcreator

Session 2 – June 10, 12 & 14: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friends-of-texas-wildlife-summer-day-camp-session-2-tickets-840551059847?aff=oddtdtcreator

Session 3 – June 17, 19 & 21: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friends-of-texas-wildlife-summer-day-camp-session-3-tickets-840556004637?aff=oddtdtcreator

Bring Mom to Friends of Texas Wildlife tomorrow, Saturday, May 11, for our Second Saturday. Stop by any time from 10 am to 2 pm, come and go. Explore our educational displays and touch tables, meet one or more of our non-releasable wildlife ambassador animals, and make a fun craft to take home! Bring a cool or unique nature treasure to trade (a stone, shell, pinecone, insect exoskeleton, etc.) and choose a different treasure to take home with you. $5 per person, kids 3 and under are free. Most activities are inside and climate controlled, so event is rain or shine.

Please note that Second Saturday is held at our Educational Building (which has a separate entrance and parking area), located at 29816 Dobbin Hufsmith Road, Magnolia. Thank you!

Fawns are being born now. Please remember that fawns do not travel with the moms until they are older than two weeks. This is natural behavior.

Refer to the info below to learn what is normal and what might be cause for concern.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends and neighbors right now. So many people and animals are being impacted by the severe weather and major flooding that is and has been occurring in our area over the last several days. It is impacting many of our center personnel, rehabbers, and volunteers as well.

We are doing our best to remain open and/or facilitate animal intakes as best as we can. Please understand that some of our volunteer rehabbers live in the areas being impacted by flooding, so they may have had to evacuate.

If you need help with an animal you have found, try calling our center (281-259-0039). In the event we cannot answer, please email our helpline at [email protected]. Other resources for your area can be found on ahnow.org.

Please stay safe everyone.

Thank you so much!

https://www.facebook.com/share/3uZDLFbevvaJQHoP/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Whenever possible, we try to counsel reuniting baby animals with their parents. Sometimes that is not possible due to location or injuries.

In the case of these very young eastern screech owlets, not only were they found in a very public dog park, but they were also covered in fly eggs. Sadly, in just one day the eggs would have hatched, and the resulting maggots would have killed the babies.

So Friday evening, one our of rehabbers received these babies, bathed them to remove all the eggs, gave them sub q fluids, warmed them up, and later tube fed them to give them some much-needed nutrients and further hydration. Isn’t the life of a rehabber so glamorous!?!

By the next morning they were much improved. They will stay with us for a few months as they continue to recover and learn how to fend for themselves.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/xG7P6foUNkyzcg3U/?

We are amending our original post. Please read to the end.

Has your cat ever caught and brought you a bird?

It is a sad sight, but at the end of the day, it was only one bird that your cat killed, right? During nesting season, the circumstances change. That bird that your cat caught could be a mother, and that mother could easily have seven or eight nestlings waiting for her back at the nest, who are all now going to starve. For most songbird species, while the parents take turns feeding their young, the responsibility for incubating the eggs lies solely on the female. It is rare that the male is able to finish raising their young alone.

When songbirds are attacked by native predators such as snakes or hawks, the bird is often able to bounce back from a minor scratch or bite, IF they escape. However, domestic cats are not a native predator, and the odds of surviving any contact with a cat are much more slim. This is because even if the bite or scratch the bird sustained from the cat attack is minor, non-fatal, and the bird isn’t bleeding, that bird will still die three-to-five days later from the toxins in the cat's saliva that were transferred onto the skin. Cats carry pasteurella in their teeth and on their claws, and even the smallest scratch allows that bacteria to enter the bird's body. Once it does, it is 100% fatal without timely medical intervention.

An estimated 1.3 to 4 billion birds alone are killed by domestic cats each year in the U.S., adding further decline to species that are already threatened or endangered. We often hear people say, "that's nature,” and that a cat will do what comes natural. However, while those hawks and snakes are native predators, our cats are not. To have a non-native, domestic animal killing federally-protected wild and migratory birds is not natural, and they don't just catch birds, they catch many types of animals.

This nesting season, please consider keeping your cats indoors, or contained in a secure outdoor patio/“catio” to protect the birds in your backyard from facing the same fate. Domestic cats do not hunt out of hunger, unlike wild predators — they also hunt for fun, and often play with their catch for hours. Every animal injured by a cat, even if brought to a wildlife rescue, then costs someone else time, money, and more work.

If you find your cat with a bird, regardless if your cat is currently touching the bird or simply sitting near, the contact has already happened. Even if the bird appears unharmed, it is urgent that you get the bird to SkyWatch or your closest wildlife rehabilitator for the right antibiotics, because the cat has already transferred that pasteurella to the bird. Do not feed the bird, just cover them, keep them warm, and get them to an experienced facility as soon as possible. It is time sensitive.

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Now, are we saying cats are evil and should be hated or killed? No. They are doing what comes natural and they can't help that they're here. Feral cats exist because of human negligence and abandonment. What we are saying is that if you are a cat owner, please keep your cat inside. That’s it. You don't have control over all the nature issues in the world, but this is one we CAN control. Each of us, on a local level, can improve things. We can control keeping our own cat indoors to be responsible for the local environment, and for the cat's safety, as well.

We are not encouraging any hatred towards cats, in fact the opposite. Encourage friends and family to keep cats indoors. Volunteer at your local cat rescue, they need help. There are more ferals and strays than any city or animal services can deal with, and the cats are homeless. Help cat rescues, their work reduces the feral population. When you help by volunteering and spreading education, maybe more people will keep cats indoors. The root of the issue is that breeding is allowed, then the abandonment of unfixed cats leads to even more breeding. People breeding cats is not helpful, and we feel laws should be amended to restrict breeding while there are so many cats being put down daily who can't find homes. The comments of advice here and there on the thread on how to keep cats away from your yard, is the same advice the Wildlife Resources Commission suggests to people, none of it is lethal, it teaches the predator a lesson and u may have better techniques, so use them, and obviously use common sense, were not saying use a method we suggest taken out of context or taken too far, or in a way that harms cats.

We are not vilinizing cats or trying to make cats look evil. The original picture we used was simply the sad, but actual, reality of the world. We want to encourage people to help stop it by keeping cats indoors. That is the message, and that's all it is — keep cats indoors. Many nations have allowed the cat populations to grow out of control by not keeping it in-check in the first place. We think the laws should catch up to help the issue. In each county, it should be asked why are we allowing so many locals to breed cats for profit, when there are so many on the streets. Yes, cats catch birds, but we need to fix the problem by lowering the number of feral, stray, and homeless cats, not hate cats. Our post was not intented to incite hatred towards cats. All of our volunteers have cats, and strays come onto the SkyWatch property. We spend time, money, and manpower ensuring all birds that are vulnerable to cats or any other predators are secured in predator-proof cages, and the free roaming birds on our property are not at-risk of being killed by cats.

This post might be uncomfortable, but we post about this important educational topic multiple times each summer. What we are explaining is why cats being outside is a problem, and how the solution at the end of the day is all of us. The first step you can take to be part of that solution is to keep your cat indoors, and share with others why they should, too. It's not just better for wildlife, it's also better for them.

Have we mentioned opossums? Yes, the storms have left many of them orphaned or injured as well. This supermodel is almost old enough for release.

Opossums are awesome! They rarely carry diseases due to their low body temperature; they are immune to snake venom and do eat snakes, as well as rodents, roaches, and carrion; and they groom themselves like cats, removing ticks and other unsavory bugs we don’t want around.

The storms have also brought down a lot of bird’s nests. It’s always worth trying to re-nest per the flowchart here, but sometimes it doesn’t work out. These were down in storms, and one was retrieved by a dog (nest location unknown)

We’ve been getting baby raccoons as well. We always try to reunite with moms; most of the time reuniting is successful. Sometimes it is not, sadly, and the babies come to us for care. After an initial quarantine, they are grouped by age and always raised together to prevent imprinting on their caregivers.

These very little ones were not taken back by their moms, so they were admitted for care. They will be raised until they are 6-7 months old and released in the late summer/early fall. While they are adorable, they REALLY don’t make good pets (and it’s illegal to keep them without proper permits). If you find a baby, please call for advice before it’s too late. Moms raise them better than we ever could!

It’s been crazy busy lately! Here is some owlet cuteness. These are barred owlets, down after some of the recent storms, all separate intakes They could not be re-nested due to locations and/or injuries. They will be raised and released once they are old enough.

Have we mentioned that our yearly “rodent expenditure” is around $12-$15,000 to keep all these babies fed through release? And our spring formula expense is around $4- $5,000? Donations are vital to our mission. Please, if you can help us out, we would greatly appreciate it!

Come celebrate Earth Day (a little early) this Saturday, April 13, for Friends of Texas Wildlife’s Second Saturday. Stop by any time from 10 am to 2 pm, come and go. Explore our educational displays and touch tables, meet one or more of our non-releasable wildlife ambassador animals, and make a fun craft to take home! Bring a cool or unique nature treasure to trade (a stone, shell, pinecone, insect exoskeleton, etc.) and choose a different treasure to take home with you. $5 per person, kids 3 and under are free. Most activities are inside and climate controlled, so event is rain or shine.

Please note that Second Saturday is held at our Educational Building (which has a separate entrance and parking area), located at 29816 Dobbin Hufsmith Road, Magnolia. Thank you!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/GzBw8HytWsQk79v7/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Do not disturb 🤫

Every spring, people try to “rescue” baby wildlife. This does more harm than good because in most cases, parents are nearby.

Here's why it's best to leave young animals alone 👉🏽 https://tinyurl.com/DontTouchTheWildlife

Looks like Monday’s eclipse parties may be a bust due to the weather, so why not come out and have some science and nature fun on Saturday instead? It’s going to be an awesome day to be outside!

Friends of Texas Wildlife’s third annual OPEN HOUSE is this Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 10 am to 2 pm at our Education Center, 29816 Dobbin Hufsmith Road, Magnolia, TX 77354. Come and go any time during those hours; $5 per person, kids 3 and under are free! Rain or shine. No advance tickets are needed.

This is the only time this year our full facility will be open for public tours. Meet all of our educational ambassador animals as well as any animals brought by outside groups. Visit with us, our rehabbers, and representatives from many other wildlife and nature groups.

Other groups participating are Spring Creek Greenway Nature Center; Montgomery County Sheriff’s Dept.; Texas Parks & Wildlife Game Wardens and local biologists; Texas A & M Forest Service/W.G Jones Forest; Wild Birds Unlimited; Southeast Texas Snake I.D. & Removal; Texas Bluebird Society; Huntsville Audubon; Texas Master Naturalists; Montgomery County Beekeepers; Montgomery County Master Gardeners; Huntsville State Park.

Please note that admission to this event is at Friend’s education center, which has a different entrance than the animal intake center.

Hoppy Easter!

We couldn’t agree more!

Caring for wildlife babies is a calling, and we do it because we care and are passionate about helping the animals. Rehabbers are all VOLUNTEERS and most have “real” jobs to help pay the bills. Rehabbing is over and above those jobs. We also have to follow the laws, rules, and regulations set forth by both Texas Parks & Wildlife and U.S. Fish & Wildlife, or risk losing our permits that allow to help wildlife.

We never expect a donation, but are always exceedingly grateful for any help we receive, whether it be a kind word, a monetary donation, or a donation of goods or supplies.

What is the most demoralizing is the criticism we get; for not being able to pick animals up because we are spread so thin and just trying to keep our heads above water; for not being able to take every animal in need because we are already overwhelmed and broke; for trying to do right by the animals and counseling people to attempt reuniting and/or to leave fledglings or adolescent babies alone to learn what they need to survive from their natural parents, while at the same time being told that we just don’t care because “we don’t want to take the animal”. If you cared enough to call someone with years of training, please respect that maybe the advice you are getting is sound and correct.

Please give rehabbers some grace. During the height of baby season, we are all a bit frazzled and sleep deprived. Thank you!

When bringing wildlife to any wildlife rehabilitator, please keep a few things in mind.

Your state does not pay them to care for wildlife. They are volunteers.

Most people who bring them animals in need will not donate towards that animal’s care.

Raising a single baby raccoon to an adult costs approximately $500, if you consider the formula, vaccines, cleaning supplies, enrichment toys and healthy food when they are weaned. That’s only if the animal doesn’t require extensive medical care.

Raising your average squirrel will cost approximately $150. Baby Cottontails $50. Baby foxes are about $700-$1000 each.

If you can’t donate, they will understand. Believe me - they aren’t in this for the money. They will be happy you cared enough to help the animal and bring it to them.

But if you are able to support your local wildlife rehabilitator, it would be greatly appreciated. They work very hard. During baby season, there is very little sleep. When they aren’t caring for the babies they are generally working a second job or trying to raise funds to care for the little ones in their care. They witness a lot of sad situations and it can be hard for them emotionally.

Send them a note of appreciation. It will mean more than you will ever know. ❤️

Save the date for our third annual OPEN HOUSE! Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 10 am to 2 pm at Friends of Texas Wildlife Education Center, 29816 Dobbin Hufsmith Road, Magnolia, TX 77354. Come and go any time during those hours; $5 per person, kids 3 and under are free!

This is the only time this year our full facility will be open for public tours. Meet all of our educational ambassador animals. Visit with us, our rehabbers, and representatives from many other wildlife and nature groups.

Registration for 2024 summer camps for is open!! All summer camps are held at our Education Center located at 29816 Dobbin Hufsmith Road, Magnolia, 77354. Please note that this address is different than our animal intake center location.

Click on the corresponding link to the week you would like to attend. All sessions are from 10:00 am-2:00 pm – $150 per camper.

Campers will have fun while they learn about local wildlife through educational activities, games, crafts, and meeting live animals.

ABOUT THIS EVENT:

Camp dates are listed below (M, W, F) and the hours are 10:00 - 2:00. Campers will have fun learning about wildlife as they explore animal artifacts, meet live education ambassadors, create crafts, and play games. Campers need to bring a sack lunch and camp fee includes a T-shirt. Ages 7-12.

Session 1 -June 3, 5 & 7: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/friends-of-texas-wildlife-summer-day-camp-session-1-tickets-840522303837?aff=oddtdtcreator

Session 2 – June 10, 12 & 14: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/copy-of-friends-of-texas-wildlife-summer-day-camp-session-2-tickets-840551059847?aff=oddtdtcreator

Session 3 – June 17, 19 & 21: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/copy-of-copy-of-friends-of-texas-wildlife-summer-day-camp-session-3-tickets-840556004637?aff=oddtdtcreator

Please be aware for the next week or so that animals may not be used to the change in traffic patterns due to reverting to daylight saving time.

This great horned owlet was brought to our intake center last week. It was found down on the ground; generally we always attempt re-nesting, but this one was not in a safe location where it could be monitored. It will stay in care for several months until it is old enough to hunt on its own. It already has some serious talons.

Great horned owlets are among the costliest animals to rehabilitate due to the amount of time they need care and the cost of feeding. Each owlet costs $1200 - $1500 to feed through release.

We’ve had a very special guest! Beautiful bald eagle was rescued on January 20 in Polk County. This guy was critically ill. He was given chelation therapy to treat for lead poisoning and has been steadily improving. We hope to release him some time in the next week or so. Video will be posted separately. Props to the amazing rehabber who gave him crucial critical care and saved him. Our volunteers are amazing!