Procyon Wildlife is a Registered Charity dedicated to rescue, rehabilitate and safely release orphaned and injured wildlife.
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For the Love of Skunks
Article and image by Mona Findlay, additional images by Jen Howard
Approximate read time: 3 minutes
As a volunteer at Procyon Wildlife, I had the honour of releasing a group of skunks this year. I love skunks. I love how even at birth their skin is faintly striped; like a human fingerprint, a unique tattoo as to who they are. I love how they foot-stomp, do little handstands, and reveal their little bums to show you, who’s boss. And with those amazing scent glands, who is disputing that? They are a beautiful creature that adapts to challenges both in the wild and human world.
Skunks are admitted to Procyon at all life stages; eyes-closed newborns, infants, toddlers, and adults. There can be many causes for this; their mama is gone or they became separated, they struggle to find adequate food as winter is long and harsh. Or they lose their home or their health due to unfortunate human interference. The reasons do not really matter. What matters is that as volunteers, we are there to help them when they need us. They do not ask for it. They do not understand what we are doing, but we do it all the same because we care for something beyond ourselves. Because we value and appreciate the creatures that we share this world with, and we want to see them thrive. We want to see them survive.
This group of skunks stayed with us for many months, and during that time, as volunteers, we developed a particular kind of bond, a sense of humble pride. We have been given the privilege to care for an animal that does not need us. A wild animal, unlike a cat or a dog, a creature born into the wild has instincts that we can only hope for, capable of surviving and fending for itself, pretty much alone.
I felt that kind of pride when I was releasing this group of skunks, foolishly thinking for a moment that they may still need us. Yet all I saw was nature working its magic. Once these skunks realized they were on familiar ground, it was like they could not contain themselves. Scents are magnified and instincts surge. Heads are held high as their little noses rise in the air, smelling the forest floor and fallen leaves, and all the treasures that lie beneath them. And without a care in the world, they begin to dig, and dig, and dig, as if searching for treasured gold. It is such a joy to see. What I did not see, however, was any need for us.
It is extremely rewarding to provide care to a wild creature that would not have survived without your help. Seeing them released back into the wild inspires such a beautiful feeling; seeing that wild animal in its element. That once they are returned to that familiar place, that once they are again immersed in nature, that once those little feet touch the ground, they instinctually know they are free.
That they are home.
October 2026 Animal Updates
Article and images by Jen Howard
Approximate read time: 3 minutes
Foxes
Our two beautiful young foxes are free. These two came in with mange, and with our help they healed beautifully. It’s always wonderful watching the process from the mangy crusty body gradually healing, into that beautiful little fox again. Those amazing clear amber eyes gleaming, feeling better.
They had a perfect release, running off, never looking back. They got right into the exploring of their new world, so excited and happy they had that beautiful little fox smile going on. So happy to be back where they belong. Their gorgeous beautiful red fur blending so well with the colourful fall leaves. Although we love it when they do the “thank you!” look back, we understand if they don’t. Smiles all around.
Fall Babies
Who would ever think that we would get baby raccoons in during the fall. Three baby raccoons showed up in a lady’s garden. For three days they snuggled up together under her flowers. It was cold, so the woman covered them up with a blanket at night to keep them warm. The hope that mom would return never happened, so she made the call to us when she realized they were clearly orphaned. The two “spicy” survivors are named Jalapeno and Habanero by their foster mom who said they are very active, vocal, and well, spicy. They are doing well, are lapping from a bowl and taking some solid foods now. Absolutely beautiful little raccoon babies. They will be released back to the wild come spring.
Then we had three groups totalling eight other raccoons that also went home. They are now running free, running, climbing and digging, some climbing to the top of the tallest trees in happiness. Happiness all around. Be safe little ones.
On another raccoon front, we have a beautiful big raccoon who came in with a dislocated hip. The vets at National Wildlife Centre were able to put that back into place. She was wrapped up with a sling to keep it in place, and when removed she seemed good. She is still being monitored and kept quiet for a while longer. She has a bit of a limp, but we are hopeful she will make a full recovery and go back into the wild again. Recovery could take some time but she is in good hands.
Baby Squirrel
This little guy fell 30 feet out of his nest. Upon arrival he was bleeding from mouth and nose, had blood congested in his lungs and was open mouth breathing for 72 hours, not good. He was immediately put on oxygen and meds. He was fostered out and tube fed every 4 to 6 hours. Closely monitored, this little guy is now thriving. As the foster mom says, he is a little miracle and was not expected to survive. His finder named him Rocky to give him the strength to fight and hopefully survive. Great choice I’d say as he has beat all the odds and done just that.
We still have lots of animals overwintering, chipmunks, other squirrels, raccoons etc. Our job is never done, but the rewards are endless and beyond satisfying.
Jen Howard
Bat Week
Article and images by Pamela Boisvert, additional images by Jennifer Howard
Approximate read time: 2 minutes
As Bat Week comes to a close, we want to join others in celebrating bats and the important role they play in our environment.
Ontario is home to eight species of bats, and seven are listed as endangered in Ontario. These are the Little Brown Myotis, Northern Myotis, Eastern Small-footed Myotis, Tri-coloured Bat, Eastern Red Bat, Silver-haired Bat and Hoary Bat. The Big Brown Bat is the only one that is not currently listed as endangered. Learn more about Species at Risk in Ontario.
As winter approaches, some bats migrate south while others remain in Ontario and hibernate. Depending on the species they may spend the winter in caves, abandoned mines, buildings, bell towers, or other sheltered places. During torpor their body temperature and metabolism drop allowing them to conserve energy until insects become available again in the spring.
Unfortunately, Ontario’s bats face several threats, including habitat loss, the destruction of roosting sites, collisions with wind turbines, and White-Nose Syndrome.
Our Statistics
At Procyon Wildlife, we admit an average of 50 bats a year, with one still in our care at the moment. By far, most of our bat admissions are Big Brown Bats, with the remainder being Little Brown Myotis.
Every bat we admit is an opportunity to make a difference for these important animals.
What should you do if you find a bat that needs help?
Never touch a bat with bare hands. Bats can carry rabies and a bite or scratch may not always be obvious.
If you find a bat that appears injured, sick, or unable to fly, keep people and pets away and call us at 905-729-0033 and leave a message. A volunteer will return your call and provide you with advice before attempting to capture or handle it.
If we advise you to contain the bat, use a small, secure box with air holes. A soft piece of fleece can give the bat a place to hide. Make sure the lid is secure, with no tape or other material inside the box that the bat could become stuck to. Cover the box with a towel and keep it somewhere quiet and safe. Do not offer food or water.
Ways You Can Help
Install a Bat House
A bat house in your backyard can provide bats with a safe place to roost. While bats eat many insects, a bat house is not a guaranteed way to control mosquitoes. It is, however, a great way to support local bat conservation.
You can build your own bat house or purchase one through Procyon Wildlife’s Gift Shop for $50.00.
Sponsor a Bat or Make a Donation
Your donation helps Procyon Wildlife care for injured and orphaned wildlife, including bats.
You can make a general donation to support the animals in our care or choose to sponsor a bat specifically. Our Bat Sponsorship Package includes a photo and certificate of a bat cared for by Procyon Wildlife along with a charitable donation receipt. One-time sponsorships start at $35.00.
Did you know baby squirrels can arrive late in the season?
Some of our patients are arriving fashionably late this season!
These little squirrels may have missed the memo that summer is over, but we’re making sure they get the care they need to grow up strong and healthy.
There’s still plenty of squirrel business happening at Procyon Wildlife.
P.S. We are always looking for acorns and walnuts. Please consider gathering these and donating them to us.
September 2026 Animal Updates
Article by Jen Howard, images and videos by Jen, Peyton, Sarah, Melissa, and Mona
Approximate read time: 2 minutes
The month of September has been an exciting one for animal releases. And for volunteers. Wonderful happy releases.
The majority of our skunks have waddled away to begin their new lives in the wild. Paddling in the streams and digging up grubs. You would almost think they knew what they were doing. Of course they do; they’re wild.
As you will notice in the video below; sometimes it takes a little patience to move the wildlife back to the wild life. But in the video following you will see how truly special it is to release them to where they belong.
Raccoons get on their way very quickly, climbing trees and exploring the forest floor. They bounce along, so happy to be free to start their new adventures. Be safe little ones.
Two of our orphaned fox kits have gone home to romp and play in the fields. They came in tiny little ones fostered out for round the clock care. They grew into beautiful young foxes. Their release was fast as they ran and jumped into their future. They were very excited to get going. Just a beautiful perfect release.
From a helpless infant to a young adult ready for a life of freedom.
Our fawns had their release day as well. Beautiful fields, a forest, and pond and a nice running stream greeted the young deer as they gently came out of their carriers. Sniffing the ragweed and checking out the leaves. They didn’t run off as we had expected but took the time to smell the roses as they say. They checked everything out before they wandered off together into the forested area towards the pond.
As these little ones are starting their new lives in the wild, many others are still with us. We have a few small raccoons who will be overwintering and some wee red squirrels who came in as orphans not too long ago. And of course, other animals as well. We are far from being empty and will be taking care of quite a few animals over the winter until they are big enough to go home come spring .
It’s been a great release time for our volunteers, getting to see the critters they have put long hours into, finally go home. That is what it’s all about.
Jen Howard