Article and images by Jen Howard
Approximate read time: 3 minutes
This is our last animal update for 2025. Last year we admitted a grand total of 1263 animals into care. At the moment we have 82 – fewer than usual. The last admission of the year was an adult little brown bat, a species on the endangered list.
According to Crystal, our Director of Animal Care Welfare, numbers tend to fluctuate; we had more in 2024 than 2023, but 2025 was in between the two. However, as a phone volunteer I can tell you our phones were very busy with animals in need before, during and after Christmas. We don’t close over the holidays; we are there daily, but our hours are a bit different. There needs to be an experienced person there to admit any animal, so, it’s extremely important to call us and wait for a call back, and get confirmation of admittance before you bring an animal in. However, we do depend on you to secure and transport to us.
Bats
We now have a few bats in our care for the winter. They are stabilized upon arrival. When they are in good body condition, they are put into hibernation in a special fridge, and monitored. They will not survive outside, and cannot live inside your home. So, if you do find a bat, please secure right away. Be very mindful of your safety. Wear heavy gloves to prevent getting bitten. Best container to use is a small plastic one with a lid. Put holes in the lid from the inside out to avoid any sharp edges. Use a fleece cloth or something similar with no loose threads to grab the bat and then put it in with the bat so he has something to snuggle into. NO FOOD OR WATER. Secure, cover, keep warm and quiet, and call us. Feeding the wrong food is dangerous to any wild animal. Please just secure and make that call so we can take over the proper care.
Red Squirrels
Our little red squirrels who came in as little tikes with mange are really doing well. Fur is growing back; they are very active. Looking more like red squirrels every day.
Raccoons
While seeing raccoons out during the day is not out of the norm with our weather ups and downs, seeing one walking in circles, sitting all curled up, friendly, runny nose, crusty eyes, or shaking, could likely be distemper. Secure the animal wearing gloves, keep it warm, and call us. We will put it in isolation away from other healthy animals and we will monitor them to be certain of its diagnosis.
Opossums
Opossums can suffer from frostbite to their tail, ears and toes. If you see one in this condition, they will need help, so secure and call. Same protocol. A photo of one in care is included to show you what frostbite looks like. An opossum uses their tail to gather leaves for their den, so important to get them help asap.
A rabbit who came in with a critical head tilt is now outside and even hopping over its log. Rabbits can be very hard to care for so this is a very happy good news story to make you smile. We love to share success stories in wildlife rehab. Take a look at the full rabbit success story by Pam Boisvert here and find out what damage a tiny parasite can do.
So, as you can see, we still have plenty of animals at the Centre, and more coming in regularly with this weather. Always call and leave a message if you are concerned about an animal who may need help. Photos are also very helpful. We are here to help. 905-729-0033 or info@procyonwildlife.com
Jen Howard