Rehab Facilities Aim to Care for Injured Wildlife in „Where the Wild Things Are“

The Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh operates a wildlife rehabilitation center in Verona, providing care for injured and orphaned wildlife in the region. Last month, Mary Bailey encountered an injured rabbit while walking her dog in Whitehall. The rabbit had a broken left hind leg and a significant wound in its right leg. Bailey immediately contacted the Humane Animal Rescue for assistance.

Upon arriving at the facility, Bailey handed over the injured rabbit to the staff and signed a form relieving her of any responsibility. Unfortunately, due to the severity of its injuries, the rabbit had to be humanely euthanized. Katie Kefalos, the director of wildlife rehabilitation at the Humane Animal Rescue, explained that in cases where an animal’s injuries are too severe to be treated, euthanasia is the most humane option to prevent further suffering.

The Humane Animal Rescue’s wildlife rehabilitation center accepts a variety of injured wildlife, including rodents and birds. However, they are currently unable to accept raccoons and certain other animals like white-tailed deer and bears due to safety concerns. If individuals encounter injured wildlife that the center cannot accommodate, they are advised to contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission for assistance.

Andy Harvey, a state game warden, emphasizes the importance of not interacting with injured wildlife to avoid potential harm. He recommends providing detailed descriptions of the animal’s condition when reporting an incident to the game commission. In some cases, wildlife may recover on their own without human intervention, especially in situations involving birds of prey or fledgling birds.

The Humane Animal Rescue provides guidance on safely approaching and transporting injured wildlife, depending on the species and situation. They develop treatment plans for animals with treatable injuries and monitor their progress through various stages of recovery. Once animals are deemed fit for release, they are returned to their natural habitats or designated release sites.

For wildlife emergencies, the Humane Animal Rescue’s Wild Side facility can be contacted at 412-345-7300, while the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s dispatch center for wildlife emergencies can be reached at 1-833-742-9453. By working together with these organizations, individuals can ensure that injured wildlife receive the care and support they need for a chance at recovery and eventual release back into the wild.