Rescue Report - Wildlife Rescue League

Rescue Report
Newsletter for the Wildlife Rescue League
Volume 28, No 4 Fall 2009
2009 and 2010 WRL Meetings
Don’t miss!
Saturday, December 5, 2009 - 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Mason District Governmental Center
6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
•
•
•
Come celebrate the holiday season and
congratulate this year’s award winners at
the December 5th Membership Meeting.
Consider further helping WRL by making a
tax-deductible contribution or becoming a
volunteer.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR FOLLOWING
POSITIONS:
Wildlife Transportation Coordinator
Transporters
Hotline Volunteers
Rehabilitators
Fundraising Chair
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
3
Albino Squirrel Rescue
4
Memorables: Story about a box turtle
Bat rescued from glue board
5
Ways to donate – important CFC announcement
6
7
Memorial to Karen Thompson
8
Calendar of events
Awards Ceremony
Holiday Party
Welcome new additions to board and committee
members (President and Newsletter Editor)
Saturday, March 6, 2010 - Mason District Governmental
Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale VA 22003
Saturday, June 5, 2010 - Mason District Governmental
Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale VA 22003
Saturday, Sept 11, 2010 - Hunter Mill (Reston) Government
Center, 12000 Bowman Towne Dr., Reston VA 20190
Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010 - Mason District Governmental
Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale VA 22003
NEW DIGITAL
WRL MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
The Wildlife Rescue League has expanded its reach to
include the digital realm. Using one of WRL's newly
purchased services, we are now providing news and event
updates by email. If you would like to follow WRL more
closely, and if you like reading fun snippets from our
volunteers and seeing wonderful in-color wildlife
photographs, then simply email us through our "Contact"
web page (at www.wildliferescueleague.org) and ask to be
added to our email listserv. Please reaffirm in your message
which email you'd like us to use. Thank you and we look
forward to hearing from you!
Join our Facebook group!
Membership Application & Leadership Directory
Get your full-color newsletter electronically by sending
your request to: wrl@wildliferescueleague.org.
Rescue Report 1
Rescue Report
Wildlife Rescue League
P.O. Box 704
Falls Church, Virginia 22040
(703) 391-8625
wrl@wildliferescueleague.org
www.wildliferescueleague.org
Wildlife Hotline: (703) 440-0800
WRL Members:
Editor
Shannon Pederson
Text Editor
Kathleen O’Connor
Contributors
Jerry Blondell
Pam Fulmer
Grace Holden
Sherry Keen
Shannon Pederson
James Pettinelli
Kathleen O’Connor
Leslie Sturges
Norman Wiley
Jeanette Wright
Erika Yery
Distribution
Nancy O’Malley
President
James Pettinelli
Vice President
Pam Fulmer
It’s been nearly a year since I took on the role as
President of the Wildlife Rescue League. With the help
of an excellent board, a talented committee, and a
number of wonderful volunteers, I am pleased to say
that much has been accomplished in this time. WRL
has:
1. Rebuilt the website
2. Created online membership enrollment
3. Streamlined its hotline training program
4. Built relations with:
a. FFX County Wildlife Biologist
b. FFX County Master Naturalist
Program
And there have been other accomplishments as well.
However, much more still needs to be done.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to participate in these
new endeavors as WRL’s President in 2010. Recent
family and career developments need my close
attention, and so I must step down at the end of the
year.
Articles published in Rescue Report are for the
information of WRL members and do not necessarily
reflect the views of WRL. All materials printed in
Rescue Report are the intellectual property of WRL
and may not be used without permission. Direct
permission requests to WRL Rescue Report, Attn:
Editor, P.O. Box 704, Falls Church, VA 22040. Please
send articles or digital pictures to the editor at
WRL@wildliferescueleague.org.
Rescue Report Article & Photo Deadlines
Issue:
Deadline:
Winter 2010
Spring 2010
Summer 2010
Fall 2010
12/30/2009
03/30/2010
06/30/ 2010
09/30/2010
Returning to the Presidency as my successor is the
highly experienced Linda Jasper. We are excited to
have her back. I intend to work closely with her to
assure a smooth transition. Additionally, I plan to
continue volunteering with WRL, maybe in
fundraising, marketing, web management, or one of
the other areas where help is needed.
In closing, I would like to say thank you to everyone
who makes the Wildlife Rescue League such a great
organization. I have been honored to contribute to it
this past year as its President. With your continued
help and support, we can keep WRL’s long legacy of
wildlife rescue and rehabilitation alive and successful.
See you in 2010!
Sincerely,
James Pettinelli, WRL President
Rescue Report 2
Albino Squirrel Rescue
Several unite to care for special squirrels
by Jerry Blondell and Jeanette Wright
The afternoon of June 23rd, I got a call from Mr. Wiley asking if
we knew anyone who might be able to take care of a wild, injured
female Albino Squirrel in Springfield. Being an albino, it was an
easy target for predators and its injuries suggested a likely attack
by a hawk. I gave him Jeanette Wright's phone number. That
evening they arranged to get the animal seen by local veterinarian,
Dr. Morse. Mr. Wiley had looked after this squirrel for six years,
after she and her brother (also an albino) were spotted coming out
of his chimney. The family realized they had something special
and purchased nesting boxes for them. One for each and gradually
added others as her family grew (the yard currently has six nesting
boxes!).
When I checked the following week, Jeanette reported that she had
“recommended that he get her to Occoquan Animal Hospital as
soon as he could.” That meant waiting for her to go back into one
of her nesting boxes and then transport her to Woodbridge. He did
a great job covering the openings with wire screen, removing the
box from the tree and getting her there. Jeanette had already called
and got the OK from Dr. Morse, which is what she would normally
do when somebody calls with an injury. It was pretty bad and the
leg and shoulder was infested with maggots. According to Dr.
Morse, Angel would have likely died from the serious injuries had
they waited much longer.
About three weeks later, I got another update from Jeanette: Dr.
Morse and his staff “treated her as if she were a kitten or puppy
and made her comfortable each time she was there. As soon as her
hair grows back in, she will be as good as new [except for the loss
of one eye] . . . Dr. Morse sees no problems with her release in Mr.
Wiley’s back yard where she has lived for [the past six years].”
With repeat visits to Dr. Morse and constant care from Jeanette, it
took Angel three weeks to recover fully before she could be
returned to Mr. Wiley's backyard.
As the hotliner living nearby, I had to see this for myself.
contacted Mr. Wiley to visit Angel in his backyard.
I
Nest boxes aplenty. Photo credit: Jerry Blondell
In December 2005, the albino brother moved a quarter of a mile
away. Luckily, Mr. Wiley took this photo of a rare sight—two
albino siblings feeding side-by-side – before the brother left.
Angel two months after major surgery, eating very well and
defending her domain. Photo credit: Jerry Blondell
It was amazing to see this squirrel chasing neighboring intruder
squirrels away from her pair of maple trees. Even with just one
functioning red eye, there was no question of who was in charge of
this backyard. Normally, albinos don't live long in the wild because
they are so easily spotted and taken by predators. But, as Jeanette
points out “Mr. Wiley is so dedicated to these squirrels that he and
his wife have made their backyard an Albino Squirrel haven.”
Just this summer a new, third albino baby was born into the
neighborhood and spotted in Mr. Wiley’s backyard feeding
alongside his presumed grandmother, Angel!
Brother and sister albino squirrels. Photo credit: Norman Wiley
Rescue Report 3
“This is it little fellow. You’ll be fine here,” I said as I set him into
the grass. As I leaned over, I was astonished to see that another box
turtle was hanging out in that very same spot. I am not a
superstitious man, and I generally don’t believe in fate, but in that
moment I found it hard to believe this wasn’t planned. Really, what
are the odds?!
I took a quick snapshot of the two little turtles and then walked
back to my car. I showed up at work a little late and a bit damp
from the dew, but I felt good… I felt like I had done the right thing,
even if I looked foolish for a few minutes.
Your Box Turtle?
by James Pettinelli
It was a spring morning in 2009. I woke up at 6 a.m., fed and
changed the baby, took a shower, put on my suit, escorted my wife
and kids to the car, locked up the house, and then started my
commute to work. I usually take the toll road, but decided traffic
might be light enough that day to take Route 7; I didn’t want to pay
$1.50 in tolls if I didn’t have to.
I rounded the corner onto Greenthorn and took a right at the stop
sign. I passed a man who had a cell phone in one hand and a box
turtle in the other. He was holding the turtle up and looking at it
curiously; he seemed a little concerned, which made me wonder if
he’d hit it with his car. Although I am more of a snake guy than a
turtle guy, I thought I could help find a WRL rehabber to care for
this little turtle. So I decided to stop.
I pulled up against the curb and motioned to the gentleman, who
walked to my passenger door. I asked, “Is it ok?” I realized the
man spoke little English when he pushed the box turtle through my
window and asked with a heavy accent, “You… Yours?” Of course
it wasn’t mine, but I didn’t know what else to say, so I replied,
“Yes, mine.” He handed my turtle and I thanked him.
Box turtles are very territorial, usually staying within a few acres
for their entire lives; they often have difficulty surviving if they are
relocated. My goal, in accepting the turtle, was to examine it for
injury and then to release it nearby.
I looked closely at the shell of the turtle and noticed quickly that it
displayed a large crack across its dome. I cursed under my breath,
thinking it had sustained a brutal injury. But… there was no blood.
Weird, I thought. I’d seen cracked shells on box turtles before and
there was always blood. Unlike hermit crabs, turtles do not simply
live inside their shells; it grows with them for their entire lives.
Injuries to shells can be repaired, but this involves specialized care
and must be undertaken by a professional. However, in this case
the shell had healed itself! The original fracture line, which clearly
had resulted from a vehicle hit, had re-calcified and was now as
hard as stone! I was relieved to think the little guy was going to be
okay.
I placed the box turtle into the passenger-side foot space of my
Camry, where it promptly peed. No good deed goes unpunished, I
suppose. I turned my car around and drove maybe thirty feet to a
grassy path in front of a neighborhood creek. I picked up the turtle
and began looking for a good release spot. Sporting my Ralph
Lauren cotton suit, London business shoes, and wearing office
badges around my neck, I trekked through the reeds until I found a
small clearing.
The rescued box turtle enjoying its new habitat. Photo credit:
James Pettinelli
Bat Rescued from Glue Board
A must-read story for anyone using glue board traps
by Shannon Pederson
The new DC Wildlife Protection Act prohibits the use of glue
boards for good reason. Small mammals, birds, and reptiles often
become stuck on these traps and many times suffer for long periods
of time while ingesting glue and noxious chemicals before their
eventual death. Many more humane and legal pest removal
opportunities are available, in addition to preventative methods.
Two bats caught on a glue board were recently brought to Leslie
Sturges, Director of Bat World NOVA. One bat on the board
unfortunately arrived deceased. Sturges rescued the surviving bat
by cutting away much of the board and the dead bat. She sprinkled
the remaining board with cornstarch so nothing else would stick to
the glue. She then applied a soy oil to dissolve the glue to separate
the surviving bat from the board and remove any remaining
glue. She washed him with a mild detergent to remove the oil and
treated him with fluids. He has fully recovered and is
overwintering at BatWorld NOVA. Due to the tireless efforts of
Sturges and other WRL volunteers, this lucky bat will be released
this spring.
Rescue Report 4
Dear Wildlife Rescue League Supporters:
Due to an administrative error, the Wildlife Rescue
League will not receive donations through the Combined
Federal Campaign (CFC) in 2010. We apologize to those of
you who regularly donate to WRL through the CFC. The
problem has been addressed and rectified for 2011, but in
the meantime we hope you will consider making your
contribution via alternative donation methods. Listed below
are some popular ways of donating:
One bat successfully rescued from glue board. Photo credit:
Rich Sturges
Network for Good is a charity method designed strictly for
non-profits like the Wildlife Rescue League. Donating
through the Network for Good is quick, easy, and secure. If
this method is preferable to you, simply click the "Network
For Good" link on the donations page of our website. If you
are donating here in place of your regular CFC contribution,
WRL encourages you to write "CFC" under the Designated
option.
Donate by Check
Many of our contributors prefer to donate by check.
Checks should be sent to P.O. Box 704, Falls Church, VA
22040. If you are donating here in place of your regular CFC
contribution, WRL encourages you to write "CFC" under the
Designated option.
Two bats caught on glue board – one of which survived.
Photo credit: Rich Sturges
To learn more about wildlife conflict preventative methods,
please visit www.wildliferescueleague.org and click on
Resources.
We ask you to please take a few extra minutes to consider
donating through one of the methods above. The Wildlife
Rescue League would again like to thank you for your
continued support. Without it, our volunteers could not
provide their vital rescue and rehabilitation services to our
native wildlife.
Additional Note: WRL is currently in talks to create a
matching funds donation option, not unlike what CFC
offers - instructions for this will be provided on the donation
page of WRL's website (www.wildliferescueleague.org)
when it becomes available.
Sincerely,
James Pettinelli, WRL President
Rescue Report 5
Memorial to Karen Thompson
(1945-2009)
Beloved Wildlife Rehabilitator and Volunteer
Karen Hooper Thompson, age 64, of Ashburn, VA died
on August 22, 2009 at Cameron Glen Nursing Center.
She was born and raised in Arlington, VA to the late
Elwood and Mary F. Hooper. Karen graduated from
Wilkes-Barre Business School in Pennsylvania. She
began her career as an Administrative Assistant in
New York City with Producers Association of
Television and ended her career as executive secretary
for National Recreation and Park Association,
Ashburn, VA. She always loved animals and became a
certified wildlife rehabilitator. Karen was the loving
mother of Eric Hooper, sister of Mary Hooper
Westerback, cousin of Carol Hooper Abel and Laura
Susan Hooper Porsch.
The family suggests that memorial contributions may
be made to Wildlife Rescue League, P.O. Box 704,
Falls Church, VA 22040 or PETA at www.peta.org.
Dear Members of WRL and the Wildlife Community,
On behalf of the Board of the Wildlife Rescue League,
and all those who had the pleasure and privilege of
Karen's generosity when asked to take in injured
wildlife, or speak to the public, please allow us to
convey our condolences and thanks for the opportunity
to know such a kind, compassionate, and generous
woman.
Her commitment and dedication to caring for injured
and orphaned wildlife brought comfort and solace both
to the creatures she took into her care and to the
members of the public who sought, and found with
Karen, a safe place to bring the wildlife in need of her
expertise and tireless attention.
We are truly regretful that we did not know she was ill,
and hope, that while we may not be able to share with
Karen what a difference she made, and the world is
less for having lost her, to share with Karen's family
and friends that we are all grateful for the gifts she
shared and all better for knowing that she was here.
We are thankful to have been honored with her spirit.
Her obituary in the Sunday's Washington Post read as
follows:
Rescue Report 6
Yes!
I want to be a WRL member and help save Virginia’s native wildlife!
Membership benefits include:
Rescue Report, Volunteer Opportunities, Meetings, Classes, & much more
Sign-up online at http://www.wildliferescueleague.org/paypal.html;
call 703-391-8625; e-mail wrl@wildliferescueleague.org;
or “snail” mail this form with your check to:
Wildlife Rescue League, P.O. Box 704, Falls Church, VA 22040.
Name: ___________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________ State: ____________ Zip __________
Phone: ______________________ E-mail: ______________________________
Individual (1-yr) – $25 Family (1-yr) – $35 Organization (1-yr) – $35 Rehabber – $0*
Individual (2-yr) – $40 Family (2-yr) – $60 Organization (2-yr) – $60 Rehabber – $0*
* With proof of current permit
Donor Member – $100
I have also enclosed an additional donation in the amount of $_______________
WRL Leadership Directory
Board of Directors 2009-2010
PRESIDENT: James Pettinelli (outgoing), Linda Jasper (incoming)
VICE-PRESIDENT: Pam Fulmer
SECRETARY: Grace Holden
TREASURER: Kelly Eigler
MEMBERS AT LARGE: Jennifer Legasca, Kimberley Sisco, Lauren Melichar
Committees 2009-2010
FUNDRAISING - VACANT
PUBLIC EDUCATION: Linda Jasper
PUBLIC RELATIONS: Kimberley Sisco
PUBLIC RELATIONS SUPPORT: VACANT
INTERNAL RELATIONS: VACANT
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR: Pam Fulmer
HOTLINE COORDINATOR: Patti Hoffman
HOTLINE SCHEDULER: Wendy Bader
HOTLINE ONLINE REHABILITATOR LIST: Ali Drew
HOTLINE TRANSPORT COORDINATOR: VACANT
MEMBERSHIP & DATA MANAGER: Doug Brown
REHABILITATOR LIASON: Sherry Keen
SUPPLIES BUYER: Charlene DeVol
MEDICINES BUYER: Erika Yery
MEALWORMS BUYER: Yvonne Young
SUPPLY DEPOTS: Amo Merritt, Nora Missell, Erika Yery
DONATIONS CHAIR: Sandi Wurtz
REHABILITATOR EDUCATION: Erika Yery
INFORMATION MAIL-OUTS: Cathy Epatko
WEBMASTER: Harry Williams
HOTLINE TRAINING COORDINATOR: Jackie Pettinelli
STATISTICS MANAGER: Jerry Blondell
CONSTANT CONTACT DATABASE MANAGER: Steve Nunes
WEB SITE DESIGNER: Michael Ridley
ADMINISTRATIVE EMAIL RECEPTION: VACANT
Rescue Report Newsletter
EDITOR: Shannon Pederson (outgoing), Amanda Tyrrell (incoming)
TEXT EDITOR: Kathleen O’Connor
DISTRIBUTION: Nancy O’Malley
To contact WRL Board and Committee Members,
please email to WRL@wildliferescueleague.org or call our administration line at (703)391-8625.
Rescue Report 7
Wildlife Rescue League
P.O. Box 704
Falls Church, VA 22040
Address Service Requested
NON-PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
MERRIFIELD, VA
PERMIT # 2461
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, December 5, 2009 - 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
December Meeting Highlights:
•
•
•
Awards Ceremony
Holiday Party
Welcome new additions to board and committee members
Saturday, March 6, 2010 - Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale VA 22003
Saturday, June 5, 2010 - Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale VA 22003
Saturday, Sept 11, 2010 - Hunter Mill (Reston) Government Center, 12000 Bowman Towne Dr., Reston VA 20190
Saturday, Dec. 4, 2010 - Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale VA 22003
Rescue Report 8