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HATTERAS ISLAND
WILDLIFE REHABILITATION
PO BOX 216, FRISCO, NC 27936 (252) 475-4217 LOU@ HIWR.US
MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Do
you think you have to be a licensed rehabilitator to help wildlife thrive in your community? You don't.
All you have
to do is be observant of the world around you, care about the critters that live in it, and
respond appropriately when a response is called for.
But remember: safety first. Never put yourself or
others in harm's way.
RESPOND? HOW?
TURTLES. Help a turtle cross the road. Don't run over it. Stop
and move it off the highway, putting it on the side towards which it was heading.
Turtles often walk miles to find a mate or a place to nest. They
don't know a highway from a garden path.
BALLOONS. What goes up must come down. Colorful helium
balloons look pretty
against the sky, but they will deflate and pollute nearby rivers, streams, bays, and oceans, killing
the marine animals that mistake them for food. Please don't release these balloons into the environment, and pick them up when you see them.
STRESS.
Critters in the wild may not run, swim, or fly away from you
immediately. That doesn't mean they're sick or injured. They may
be resting. Do not approach them. Just leave them be, and call me or the U.S. Park Service right away. In an effort to help, humans often stress out the animal to the point of death.
PLASTIC
BAGS. These are as dangerous to marine life as balloons
are and have the same deadly effect. The same goes for plastic bottles...plastic "anything"! Please pick up this stuff and dispose of it properly no matter where you find it, and don't let it
blow out of your boat, kayak, or the back of your truck either.
HOUSE CATS. I love cats. We have two of our own that we
keep
indoors to protect them from disease, dogs, and cars. We
also do that to keep them away from the birds that eat at
our backyard feeders. Keep your feline friends inside. It's healthier
for them and for the birds that help enrich our lives.
PESTICIDES AND HERBICIDES.
If the packaging has hazard warnings for humans, it can't be good
for wildlife. While these chemicals do have their place in our
society, you should use them sparingly and dispose of them
carefully. Antibiotics, too. Think about what's going into
your city's water supply.
HABITAT.
People need homes. Animals need habitats. That
doesn't mean the two are mutually exclusive. You can create an
environment in which you and wildlife co-exist. Plant trees
and vegetation that attract animals and birds to your yard. Ex: bunnies
love clover; hummingbirds love deep-throated red flowers!
WISDOM.
Use our natural resources wisely. Whether you're fishing on
the beach, hunting in the woods, or taking a shower at
the gym, you can do these things with conservation in mind.
Reduce waste. Reuse what's around you. Recycle. Don't litter. This is a lifestyle that will serve you and wildlife well.
DONATIONS. Rehabilitators do what we do out of love for
wildlife,
and most of us do it at our own expense. Monetary donations are
badly needed to help buy medicines, bandages, antibiotics, food,
equipment, and to repair treatment facilities. Any size donation is greatly appeciated. Please send your check to:
Hatteras Island Wildlife Rehabilitation
PO Box 216
Frisco, NC 27936