AWARE’S TAILS FROM THE WILD The New Kids in Town: Living Peacefully with Foxes and Coyotes This spring, my family and our neighbors had the good fortune to witness the activity of several red fox families in our area in Tucker. One pair of foxes even made a den and raised five kits in a front yard less than a half mile away from our home, and my family made several trips at dusk to watch the kits from a distance as they wrestled and played on the lawn. Seeing these beautiful animals was a thrill, especially for my two young children, and it made me thankful that there is still enough space where we live to witness a diversity of wildlife in our very own neighborhood. I was also thankful that our neighbors, who also have small children, were forbearing enough to share their yard with a family of foxes for the spring until they moved out of the den. Many people wouldn’t be so tolerant of a family of predators living in their front yard. In fact, AWARE gets hundreds of calls each year from callers who are concerned or frightened because they’ve seen a fox or a coyote in their neighborhood, and we often take in these animals after they have been injured or orphaned as a result of trapping. Sadly, habitat
destruction has forced foxes and coyotes to become urban dwellers, so they inevitably visit our neighborhoods from time to time. Ample food sources, combined with adaptability and street smarts, have allowed them to survive—in some cases even thrive—in metropolitan areas, where they benefit the environment by keeping rodent and other prey species in check. When people understand the normal behaviors of foxes and coyotes and do their part to keep them at a safe distance, they have nothing to fear. Trapping, an ineffective and inhumane practice, should be a last resort for dealing with these animals. Instead, let our encounters with these animals be an exciting reminder of the beauty and diversity of the wildlife around us. Are foxes and coyotes dangerous to humans and pets? Foxes and coyotes have an instinctive fear of humans and typically will not come within thirty feet of a person. While urban foxes and coyotes tend to be nocturnal (in order to avoid encounters with people), seeing a fox or a coyote during the daytime isn’t uncommon, especially in spring and summer when they have young to feed. The diet of both of these (Continued on page 4)
A Quick Visitor Recently, AWARE received a call from a could give him a concerned citizen about a juvenile “hawk” health check and that had taken up residence on a busy parking contact the proper deck in Sandy Springs. Worried for the bird’s authorities. safety, AWARE sent me to investigate the Once the bird situation. When I arrived at the parking deck was deemed in (empty because it was after-hours), I found good health, we not a hawk, but a juvenile peregrine falcon! contacted wildlife This particular falcon had leg bands and, havbiologist Greg ing been banded only a week prior, must have Greer of Greg fledged only recently. I carefully captured Juvenile Peregrine Falcon Greer Enterprises, him and brought him back to the center so who had originally banded the bird, to that AWARE’s professional rehabilitators (Continued on page 6)
Summer 2012 Inside this Issue
Sweet Sixteen
p. 5
In Each Issue Director’s Reflections from the Wild
p. 2
Wing Beat: Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds p. 3 Spotlight on Georgia’s Wildlife: Peregrine Falcons p. 6 Meet the Ambassador: Koko the Red-Tailed Hawk p. 7 Rehab 911! Squirrels in the Attic
p. 7
AWARE’s Mission, Hours, Wish List & More p. 8 Senior Writer and Editor: Melanie Furr mefurr@bellsouth.net
www.AWAREwildlife.org
Tails from the Wild, Summer 2012
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Director’s Reflections from the Wild Board of Directors Alex Hoffman President, Secretary MCL Industries Linda Potter, Treasurer Retired Kelly Jordan Point Center Corporation Hallie Leiberman KMS Technology Melinda Matla KPMG Tammi Scarbro Entrepreneur Albert Vita Deloitte Consulting Lindsay Wallace Newfields Kristi Warren SITA
Management Team Dr. Tarah Hadley, DVM Director Linda Potter Assistant Director Marjan Ghadrdan Wildlife Care Supervisor Tammi Scarbro Wildlife Care Supervisor
Bird photos from page three, left to right: white-eyed vireo indigo bunting yellow-billed cuckoo blue grosbeak
It’s an exciting time to be part of AWARE! There are many new changes on the horizon, and we look forward to sharing them with you as they happen. One important change is that we have redesigned AWARE’s original black and white logo. The new logo (see below) is a colorful, interpretative logo that we believe reflects what we do and whom we do it for. The creative team at Yellobee Studio presented us with several creative choices from which to choose. The current choice stood out clearly among the other logo options and immediately became the frontrunner. I appreciate the enthusiasm and energy of Yellobee Studio in capturing the essence of Founder and Director Michael Ellis’ original vision for AWARE while at the same time moving us forward. We look forward to using the new logo as a springboard for development of a new website. We are still very much in the preliminary stages of site design and content, but I hope the new website will provide clear information to the public about the wildlife rehabilitation process and the role the public can play
in conservation. I also see the website as a resource for more education about the role Georgia’s native species play in the environment. In addition to our exciting new logo, AWARE has also introduced a new program called WHO—Wildlife Hotline Operators—a program that trains volunteers to answer wildlife questions from the public. Although still in its infancy, the WHO program is AWARE’s effort to improve our response to the numerous daily phone calls from the public. What I like about the program is that it offers an opportunity to volunteer for AWARE from the comfort of your home or office. As always, these new programs are created with AWARE’s mission in mind. Please stay tuned! I hope you like what we’re doing.
AWARE’s New Logo Thanks to YelloBee! We are excited to introduce AWARE’s new logo. Alison Scheel and her staff at Yellobee Studio (www.yellobee.com) donated their design services to create the new logo. They were a joy to work with, and we couldn’t be happier with the result. We hope that you like it as well.
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Wing Beat Enjoying Georgia’s Birds Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds Georgia is a great place for birding. An enthusiastic birder may see more than 300 different species of birds in Georgia during the course of a year, both year-round residents as well as a large number of migrant species. Some species migrate here in the spring to nest and raise their young during the summer, while others arrive in the fall to escape the cold northern winters. Still others just pass through on their way north in the spring or south in the fall, many of them making a non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico. One of these transGulf migrants is the ruby-throated hummingbird, which is typically the only hummingbird species seen in the Eastern United States during the summer. Crossing the Gulf is quite a trip for the tiny hummingbird, a feat that requires 18—24 hours of non-stop flying! They build up their fat reserves, particularly around the keel (breastbone), so that they will have enough energy to make the trip. Many don’t survive if unanticipated head winds become strong and slow their speed. Those that do make it to the Gulf coast are exhausted and need time to rest and feed. Bird enthusiasts go to places like Dolphin Island in Alabama to view hummingbirds (and other migrant species) up close while they recover and before they continue their journey northwards. You can begin looking for them in Georgia around the middle of April and appreciate their incredible ability to make this endurance trip. Hummingbirds can assume many acrobatic positions in flight because their wings move in a symmetrical figure-eight pattern, unlike other songbirds. Not only can they fly forward, backward, up and down, and side to side with incredible precision, but they can hover as well. A slight difference in the tilt of the wings can send them in any direction. Their wings beat an average of 52 times per second, making a buzzing or humming sound, thus giving them their name. These birds are easily identified by their
small size, but only the male has the ruby-red throat for which the species is named. Since the red feathers are iridescent, they may appear black in different lighting conditions. Female adults and juveniles have a white throat, but an immature ruby male shows a speckled throat. All ruby-throated hummingbirds have green backs and whitish-gray underparts. Hummingbirds use their tubular tongues to sip nectar out of long-necked flowers, preferring red and orange colors. They also take spiders and insects and rob sap from sapsucker holes. Because of their high metabolism and extremely rapid wing beats, they need to feed nearly all day, typically coming to a home feeder every 15—20 minutes. At night, to save energy, they may fall into a deep torpor similar to, but not the same as, hibernation. Female hummingbirds make a tiny nest and feed their young by regurgitation, sticking their long bills down into the chick's gullet. Hummers are very possessive of their food sources, which are critical for sur- As in the wild, hummingbirds in rehabilitation require feedings every 15—20 minutes vival. At the feeder you throughout the day. will see them chasing each other away and hear their squeaky, twittery chatter. To attract these beautiful birds to your yard, fill a hummingbird feeder with four parts water to one part cane sugar. Boil briefly if you want it to last longer. Change the fluid at least weekly or more often if it becomes cloudy, and clean the feeder before refilling, making sure to leave no soap or other residue. Do not add red coloring; just have something red on or near the feeder itself. Be sure you have a feeder out in August and September, even if you don’t have any hummers at your house in the summer. Fall is when they are migrating back to winter homes, and most of them funnel right through the Atlanta area — so there are thousands of them! Rest assured that with a hummingbird feeder out during this time, you will see many of them. By Jim Wilson, AWARE volunteer and former president of Atlanta Audubon Society
Do you recognize these summer migrants?
Photos by Jim Wilson answers on page two
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The New Kids in Town: Living Peacefully with Foxes and Coyotes (continued from page one) species consists primarily of small mammals, birds, insects, and fruit, but in urban neighborhoods they may scavenge from trash cans and pet food bowls that are left outside. Although these food sources occasionally draw them close to our homes, foxes and coyotes normally frighten easily and go out of their way to avoid contact with humans unless they are cornered or perceive a threat to their young. When these animals are habitually fed (either deliberately or inadvertently), however, they may begin to lose their natural fear of people, which can lead to unfortunate results for both humans and animals. That said, fox and coyote attacks on humans are extremely rare. Only one fatal coyote attack has ever been recorded in U.S. history, an attack on an unattended three-year old girl in California in 1981 (wikipedia.org/coyoteattack), and no fatal fox attacks are on record. In contrast, dogs bite 800,000 people each year, killing an average of 16 people (cdc.gov/dogbite-factsheet). You are more likely to be injured or killed by lightening or an errant golf ball than by a fox or a coyote. Foxes and coyotes also rarely harm pets, especially when pets are supervised. Typically, neither of these species will bother a dog at all. Unless a dog picks a fight, both foxes and coyotes typically would rather befriend the dog and share his food than fight him. Foxes pose almost no threat to cats either not only because cats have fierce defenses, but also because the average fox barely outweighs the average cat, in spite of the apparent difference in size. Coyotes occasionally kill freeroaming cats, but cats are not their chosen prey. When they do take a cat, they are often doing it to eliminate a competitor, rather than for food. The truth is, the urban environment is a dangerous place for a cat, more so because of dangers posed by other cats, dogs, cars, and exposure to parasites and diseases than because of predation by foxes or coyotes. The only way to ensure a cat’s safety outdoors is to provide supervision or to keep it in a controlled outdoor environment like a cat enclosure. Rabies is extremely uncommon in both of these species (especially coyotes), but keep your pet’s vaccinations current as a precaution. Most of the time, however, foxes and coyotes don’t pose any threat to people or pets. What’s wrong with trapping and relocating? Trapping and relocating is not an effective solution to removing foxes and coyotes from our neighborhoods. Not only is it an inhumane practice, it is also an ecologically unsound one one that usually aggravates the problem rather than solving it. When an animal is removed from its familiar territory, survival is very difficult. Not only must the animal find new sources of food, water, and shelter in unfamiliar surroundings, but it must also compete for these resources with animals who have already claimed them. Many studies indicate that the vast majority of relocated animals do not survive the first year. Furthermore, because foxes and coyotes come into more frequent contact with humans during baby season, trapping often ends up orphaning babies - a problem usually discovered too late. Even when mothers and babies are relocated together, the parent will not usually continue to care for her young in an unfamiliar place. Relocating wild animals can also adversely affect the
animals already residing in an area and is a quick way to transmit diseases among wildlife populations. Trapping and relocating foxes and coyotes isn’t just inhumane, however; it is 50-70% of coyote pups don’t reach adulthood. Hunting usually ineffec- and trapping are common causes of mortality. tive. In fact, most scientific studies show that trapping and relocating foxes and coyotes actually leads to an increase in their numbers. Removing one of these animals from its environment creates a gap in the ecosystem. Attracted by additional food and shelter in a newly undefended territory, other members of the species (perhaps individuals that are less healthy or less skilled as hunters), quickly move in to fill the place of the relocated animal. Moreover, the surplus territory and food supply stimulates larger litters in the animals remaining in the area, which can lead to population increase — rather than a decline — within a short period of time. In most cases, Mother Nature does a much better job of regulating wildlife populations than humans do. As a result, most Georgia counties no longer trap as a means to control fox and coyote populations. Instead, the Department of Natural Resources, like AWARE, encourages homeowners to take corrective measures to deter unwanted animals such as removing food sources and making habitat modifications. The public is free to hire private trappers but should be advised that, aside from not solving the problem and possibly making it worse, foxes and coyotes that are trapped as “nuisances” must be euthanized and cannot be relocated except in very limited circumstances requiring special permits. Trapping should never be practiced except in cases of a sick, injured, or aggressive animal. Live and let live. Thousands of foxes and coyotes are unnecessarily killed each year because they are perceived as threats. Sadly, these adaptable, intelligent animals are only doing their best to survive in a world of shrinking wild habitats. Both of these species pose little danger to humans and their pets, however, and provide important benefits to the environment. Foxes and coyotes primarily use dens to raise their families. At other times of the year, these animals move around within their home territories, often resting under the nearest log or pile of brush. If a family of foxes or coyotes makes a den on your property and it is not possible to leave them alone until the babies are weaned, contact AWARE for ways to encourage the parents to move their babies to a new site before contacting a trapper. If we cannot welcome these animals in our neighborhoods, let us at least learn to live peacefully with them. By Melanie Furr
Tails from the Wild, Summer 2012
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Sweet Sixteen This spring, AWARE became the temporary home for two female red foxes and more than a dozen red fox kits that had been trapped in different locations by people who wanted the foxes removed from their property. Both of the females had injured their front paws in the traps and needed medical attention, and their kits couldn’t be left behind. A few more kits came to us as orphans after being trapped in other locations. Fortunately, because our organization is licensed to rescue and rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife and return it to the wild, we were able to give these foxes a second chance at life. This group of foxes was lucky to be spared, but their story isn’t exactly a happy one. Being trapped is an extremely stressful situation for an animal. Even traps that claim to prevent injury can’t prevent a frantic, stressed animal from injuring itself. And while fox kits may be easily caught in cage-type traps, adult foxes are not. The two we rescued, sadly, were caught in steel leg-hold traps, and their injuries required them to have partial leg amputations. Regretfully, one of the females had to be euthanized because of complications with the healing process. With care and time, however, the other female began to recover and was cautiously reunited with her kits. Because the kits were growing rapidly and becoming more active, however, they soon joined the other orphaned foxes in AWARE’s care in order to give their mother plenty of time and space to rest and recover. When the surviving female was well enough to be transported, she and her expanded family of fifteen kits were transferred to Lorraine Conklin, a wildlife rehabilitator in Thomas County, Georgia with thirty-four years of experience. Upon arrival, the fox kits were set up in a large stall filled with hay and soft bedding, and the mother fox was given her own spacious stall to continue her recovery. A kit that arrived at AWARE with a broken leg was taken to Lorraine’s infirmary — a well-maintained shed with incubators, medical supplies, and baby animals needing round-the-clock care. Lorraine will continue to care for the foxes until August, helping them to become strong and inde-
pendent. She will then release some of the foxes on her onethousand acre property and the remainder on some nearby land approved by the Department of Natural Resources. By releasing in two areas, the foxes won’t have to compete with each other for food and territory. She will provide feeding stations for them for the first several weeks as they learn the terrain and perfect their hunting skills. Thanks to Lorraine, these foxes may have an even better chance of survival than many other foxes since they will be released onto land that will protect them from hunters and trappers. AWARE is very grateful for the help and support of dedicated rehabilitators like Lorraine. It is unfortunate that all of these foxes could not have been left in peace. Foxes only use dens to raise their young in the spring and summer months, and they pose virtually no threat to humans or their pets. By the end of summer, the kits strike out on their own and the dens are abandoned, at which point they can be sealed off to prevent future use. If more people were informed about the behavior of foxes, perhaps these beautiful animals might have been left alone and provided hours of entertainment and wonder for those lucky enough to witness them. By Melanie Furr
Fox kits ready for transport
Minimize Conflicts with Foxes, Coyotes, and other Wildlife Feed pets inside. Cover trash cans tightly. Don’t let pets roam outside without being under your control. Close off crawl spaces and other openings to prevent animals from using them as dens. Cut back brush areas and clear piles of yard debris. Bird feeders, which attract rodents as well as birds, can also attract predators. If you are
maintaining bird feeders and seeing unwanted wildlife on your property, consider taking down the feeders for a while. If you see a fox or coyote on your property that is too close for comfort, wave your arms, make a lot of noise, throw a small stone or tennis ball, squirt it with a hose. Let the animal know that it is not welcome.
Enjoy wildlife from a distance for your safety and the safety of the animals!
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Spotlight on Georgia’s Wildlife Peregrine Falcons
The Peregrine Falcon is a member of the Falconidae family of birds, which also includes kestrels, merlins, gyrfalcons, and prairie falcons -- all birds of prey (raptors). “Peregrine” comes from the Latin word for wanderer, an apt name ericalbrightphotography.com for a bird that someThe peregrine falcon is the world’s fastest animal, times migrates over reaching speeds of over 200 miles per hour! 15,000 miles a year. Peregrine falcons are the most widely distributed falcons on the planet and are found on every continent except Antarctica. Only some peregrines, however, are long-distance migrants; others are short-distance migrants or permanent residents of an area. Like other falcons, peregrines are sleek and fast. Exceptionally aerodynamic, their long, pointed wings and long tail set them apart from most hawks. Adult peregrines have dark slate or bluish wings with pale underbellies that are finely streaked or spotted with black, as well as a distinctive black mask and sideburns. Comparable to crows in size, peregrines are about eighteen inches tall with an average wingspan of forty inches. As with most raptors species, males are smaller than females by fifteen to twenty percent. The peregrine’s diet consists almost entirely of birds it catches in flight. Historically referred to as the “duck hawk,” the peregrine’s typical prey includes ducks, shorebirds, pigeons, and songbirds, though they will occasionally take mammals (usually
bats) and small reptiles. Powerful and swift, peregrines have been known to kill prey as tiny as a hummingbird and as large as a crane! They usually hunt by sitting on a high perch or flying at a high altitude until prey is detected below and then go into an extremely fast dive, called a stoop. Stoops begin 300–3,000 feet above the prey and end with the falcon either grabbing the prey on the wing or striking it with the feet hard enough to stun or kill it. Once the prey is caught, the falcon bites it through the neck with its hooked beak to kill it. The peregrine falcon in a full stoop is the fastest animal on earth — reaching speeds of more than 200 miles per hour! Up to seventy percent of peregrine falcons don’t survive their first year, but those that do have an average lifespan of thirteen years; captive birds have lived as long as twenty five years. Peregrine falcons form life-long, monogamous pairs, but some scientists speculate that both the male and female are actually more tied to their nesting site than their mate, which essentially pairs them for life. Peregrines breed once a year and lay two to six eggs per clutch. Both male and female incubate the eggs for just over a month before the eggs hatch. The young fledge after approximately thirty-five days, and as their flying skills progress, the parents begin teaching them how to hunt. The average time from hatching to independence is only six weeks. Peregrine falcons were wiped out in many areas of the United States in the 1960s as a result of the widely-used pesticide DDT, which contaminated their food source, thinning their eggs and preventing them from hatching. After DDT was banned and peregrines were put on the endangered species list in the early 1970s, peregrine populations slowly began to recover with the help of reintroduction programs. The species was removed from the Endangered Species List in 1999.
A Quick Visitor
(continued from page one) make arrangements to transfer the bird to him. In the meantime, The peregrine falcon’s very existence in the metropolitan AtAWARE briefly played host to this beautiful bird, helping it to lanta area is fraught with danger. While tall buildings for nesting grow stronger before returning to the wild. Because the urban and perching and a plentiful food supply are certainly a benefit, environment is a dangerous place for a juvenile peregrine, Greg perils exist around every corner, literally, for this magnificent decided to transport the falcon to Tennessee and release it on raptor. From glass windows to wires supporting radio antennas, Lookout Mountain, which has high cliffs that are the peregrine’s there are many physical obstacles to avoid. Inadvertently eating preferred habitat. At last report, the young falcon is doing well. poisoned prey is yet another danger these birds must avoid. In Peregrine falcons are uncommon in Georgia. Wiped out in the spite of these dangers, however, these urban falcons have sureast by the pesticide DDT in the 1960s, they were reintroduced vived — and have done the city a service by helping to control in Georgia in the late 1980s. Currently, the metro Atlanta area is pigeon populations. Moreover, because the majority of peregrine the only known nesting site for peregrines in Georgia with four falcons nest much farther north and winter farther south, seeing observed nesting pairs. Of these pairs, two are returning pairs them in our city is a unique and fascinating opportunity. Althat have both successfully fledged young. The young peregrine though the peregrine falcon is uncommon in the state, this fascithat came to AWARE was raised by a pair of young falcons that nating bird adds to the diversity of wildlife that Georgia has nested just outside the perimeter in Sandy Springs, the only to offer. known nesting site outside the perimeter. This pair is also interesting because the two-year old female (who is also banded) Special thanks to Greg Greer, Greg Greer Enterprises, and Jim fledged over 950 miles north in New Hampshire, yet she mated Ozier, Senior Biologist at the Georgia Department of Natural with a Georgia bird in spite of the peregrine’s natural fidelity to Resources, for sharing their knowledge of peregrine falcons and its birthplace. This particular bird received quite a bit of atten- for their dedication to the study and protection of these incredition as a result of her atypical behavior, but wildlife often does ble birds. By Kelly Cooper surprising things.
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Meet the Ambassador: Koko the Red-Tailed Hawk When people meet AWARE’s red -tailed hawk “Koko” at a program or festival, his handlers often hear them exclaim, “Wow! I’ve never seen a hawk this close before! Amazing!” This reaction isn’t surprising. Even AWARE’s volunteers, who interact with Koko every week, never cease to find him remarkable. Seeing this beautiful, powerful bird up close gives people an instant understanding of why the preservation of wildlife is so important. Koko is one of AWARE’s most experienced ambassadors, and he has been wowing the crowds at our programs for almost seven years. He came to the center as an adult after being rescued from a group of crows that was attacking him on the ground. Unfortunately, before he was rescued, the crows had pulled out all of the primary and secondary feathers on his left wing. In addition to this substantial feather damage, Koko seemed to be the victim of secondary poisoning (the result of eating poisoned prey, most likely a mouse or rat) and needed medicine and fluids. Even after
Koko was restored to health, however, the damage the crows inflicted on his left wing permanently affected that wing’s molting process, causing new feathers to break off or fall out before reaching full length. As a result, Koko no longer flies well enough to survive in the wild. He can flap from perch to perch, but unfortunately, he will never soar again. Part of what makes Koko so impressive are the traits he shares with other red-tailed hawks and all raptors: large, striking eyes; powerful, razor-sharp talons; and a hooked beak for ripping prey. Watching him glide from his perch, wings and talons outstretched, to land on his handler’s glove to eat never ceases to amaze those lucky enough to be standing by when Koko is fed each day. Of course, Koko’s trainers may tell you that he has them trained as much as they do him. If he’s not in the mood to come down off his perch, convincing him to do otherwise can be quite a challenge! Koko definitely has a mind of his own, and he looks positively regal as he perches atop the highest limb of the tree in his enclosure surveying his corner of Arabia Mountain. Koko will never be able to return to the wild, but he will inspire thousands of people to have a greater appreciation for hawks and other wildlife and to preserve these precious natural resources.
Rehab 911! AWARE Rehabilitators Provide Answers to Common Calls about Wildlife Help! I think I have squirrels in my attic! Scampering noises in the attic during the daytime typically indicates the presence of squirrels, a problem that is easy to solve. Usually, evicting squirrels from unwanted spaces requires no more than a few simple repairs and a little loud noise. First, locate any possible openings the squirrels are using. Focus the search on the area where the noises were heard. Squirrels invariably enter through an existing hole high on a structure, though they may enlarge the hole by gnawing. They often enter through unscreened vents or openings created by loose or rotting boards. If there is no way into the attic, inspect the exterior eaves, vents, and roof . Next, try to locate a nest and determine if any babies are present. If the nest can be seen and no babies are in it, attempt to startle the squirrels outside by banging on the rafters or wait until you are sure all the squirrels have gone out on their daily foraging trips. Once they are out, seal all openings with securely fastened hardware cloth or metal flashing. Cover several inches around the hole to prevent the squirrel from gnawing around it. Listen carefully the next day to make sure no squirrel has been accidently trapped or gained reentry. In addition, watch closely to make sure there are no persistent attempts to gain reentry; mother squirrels will go to great lengths to reunite with their young, and frantic attempts to reenter are good evidence that young are still inside. If this is the case, let the mother return and observe whether she moves her litter.
If the nest is out of sight or inaccessible and there is a likelihood of a litter (the squirrel has been in the house more than a couple of days, especially during “baby season” which runs from February through May and again from August through October), homeowners may try to force a humane relocation using several different strategies, best used in some combination with each other. A light left on, an unpleasant odor such as ammonia-soaked rags, or a blaring radio can motivate a mother squirrel to move her young elsewhere. In many cases, human presence alone is sufficient to prompt a relocation. Once the squirrels are gone, ask an electrician to closely inspect all exposed wiring. Squirrels who have been in attics for a while may have chewed on exposed cords, creating a fire hazard. Squirrels can sometimes be a nuisance, but they are actually intelligent, fascinating creatures that lend themselves to observation like few other wild animals do. If we look at them in this light, we may come to appreciate our spunky little neighbors. For more information on dealing with squirrels in conflict situations, call AWARE or visit humanesociety.org.
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Georgia’s Premier Wildlife Rescue and Education Destination 4158 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA 30038 (678) 418-1111 www.AWAREwildlife.org
Tours given Saturdays at 1 and 3 P.M. and Sundays at 1 P.M. Donations gladly accepted
—————————————— Book an educational program and meet our ambassador animals up close!
AWARE’s Wish List
Home Depot and Wal-Mart gift cards Towels and linens (no holes or loose threads) Sticky notes, fine-tipped permanent markers Applesauce, mixed fruit baby food Pecan halves or miscellaneous whole nuts Unscented HE laundry detergent and bleach Purina Dog Chow Complete, Friskies Grillers Blend Cat Chow, or Friskies Classic Pate
AWARE is a volunteer-based organization working to preserve and restore wildlife and its habitat through education and wildlife rehabilitation. We believe that peaceful coexistence of humans and wildlife is essential for our mutual survival. AWARE rescues and rehabilitates about 1,600 wild animals each year and returns most of them to the wild. In addition, our licensed rehabilitators answer approximately 10,000 phone calls each year from people with wildlife concerns, providing AWARE with opportunities to help people better understand, appreciate, and coexist with wildlife. Our educational outreach programs, which feature our non-releasable ambassador animals, include school programs, festivals, fairs, nature centers, community events, scout meetings, and anywhere there is an audience interested in wildlife. Our non-releasable ambassador animals (a bobcat, four owls, two hawks, a snake, an opossum, a skunk, and a crow) provide a face to our lessons on how to peacefully coexist with wild animals. AWARE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on private contributions of time and money. AWARE receives no government assistance.
Your donations make our work possible.
Visit AWARE at these exciting upcoming events: Big Haynes Creek Wildlife Festival — August 25—26 bighaynescreekwildlifefestival.com Candler Park Fall Festival — October 13—14 fallfest.candlerpark.org Stone Mountain Pow Wow — November 2—4 festivals.stonemountainpark.com ________________________________________________________________________________________
We can always use a few good hands! Please come out to AWARE on Sundays from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. to help with improvements around the center and grounds. Email Kelly.AWARE@gmail.com for details.