The Wild Side of Dane County Humane Society Dear Friend, Did you know, in addition to caring for domestic animals like dogs, cats and horses, Dane County Humane Society (DCHS) is a leader in wildlife rehabilitation in Wisconsin? Thanks to generous wildlife supporters like you, thousands of wild animals have been able to survive, receive rehabilitative care and be released back into the wild. Our wildlife rehabilitation program, Four Lakes Wildlife Center (FLWC), is the third largest program in the state and takes in more than 3,000 wild animals every year. The remarkable story of a young female red fox illustrates one such success. Last summer, a local resident and concerned wildlife enthusiast, Bridgette, enjoyed watching a healthy group of young foxes playing at night near her home. As fall started to turn into winter, one of the foxes began to look sickly, with a lot of fur loss and her eyes nearly crusted shut. FLWC loaned a live trap to the homeowner to catch the fox, and once the fox was safely contained, she was transported to our wildlife center. Upon completion of her physical examination and diagnostic testing, results showed that she had sarcoptic mange, a type of skin disease that is highly contagious and potentially life-threatening. “Sarcoptic mange often affects foxes and coyotes, and is caused by microscopic mites burrowing into the skin resulting in intense itching and irritation.” -Brooke Lewis, DCHS Wildlife Rehabilitation Supervisor The fox’s dramatic fur loss was due to her attempts to combat the mites by biting and scratching at her skin. The excessive scratching resulted in a secondary skin infection and two large wounds over her hips. The fur loss would have led to hypothermia in the Wisconsin winter weather. The crusting of the skin on her face and around the eyes obstructed her vision, making it difficult for her to find food. This fox was in pain, suffering from open wounds, infection and malnourishment; immediate care became critical for her survival. -over-
Yes, I want to support Dane County Humane Society's Four Lakes Wildlife Center Enclosed is my gift to help support Dane County Humane Society’s Four Lakes Wildlife Center: One-time donation in the following amount
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With the backing of donors, trained FLWC staff were able to begin her course of treatment to alleviate her pain, kill the mites and address the secondary conditions. She slowly, but surely, began to regain her strength and coat. After 10 weeks of treatment, wildlife volunteers, with the assistance of the University of Wisconsin Urban Canid Project, were able to return the young fox to her home. Freed from her carrier, she vanished into the woods with vitality and energy. By supporting Four Lakes Wildlife Center with a donation, you can ensure the thousands of wild animals that come to our wildlife center receive the best treatment possible from knowledgeable, licensed wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians and well-trained volunteers. “Our wildlife is what makes the Wisconsin outdoors special.” -Bridgette, community member who brought the fox to FLWC By having a sustainable wildlife program, we can continue to develop a community of people committed to helping wild animals and Wisconsin’s ecosystem. Please consider donating today to support Dane County Humane Society’s Four Lakes Wildlife Center. Together we will build a stronger, more humane community in Wisconsin. With thanks,
Pam McCloud Smith Executive Director Dane County Humane Society
Total Admissions to Four Lakes Wildlife Center in 2015 Mammals Bats, Chipmunks, Coyotes, Opossums, Minks, Moles, Muskrats, Rabbits, Shrews, Squirrels, Weasels, Woodchucks, Foxes, Badgers & Others
1,473
170
866
259
Songbirds Robins, Finches, Grackles, Swallows, Waxwings, Chickadees, Warblers, Woodpeckers, Bluebirds, Cardinals, Blue Jays & Others
Reptiles/Amphibians Frogs, Snakes, Toads, Turtles
310
Waterfowl, Shore, Wading & Game Birds Ducks, Geese, Herons, Cranes, Turkeys & Others
Raptors Hawks, Owls, Eagles, Falcons, Vultures
Total = 3,078
Your support allows us to continue this critical work on behalf of animals that need our help. Please use the enclosed envelope or visit us online at www. giveshelter.org/make-a-donation.html to make a gift today. To make a credit card contribution, please complete the section below. Type of card:
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Credit Card Number: __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ - __ __ __ __ Expiration Date (MM/YY): ______________________ Signature (required): _________________________________ Name (as it appears on card): ________________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________ City: ______________________ State: _______________ Zip: _______________________ Phone: (________) ____________ - __________________ Dane County Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) organization and receives no funds from Federal or State Government. We never sell or rent our database. Your support allows for the continuing comfort, care and compassion given to the animals that come to our shelter.