Wildlife
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The human population in the District of Columbia is ever-growing, and the available habitat of local wildlife is slowly turning from woods to homes and businesses. Conflicts arise when a house is now where a nest used to be, leaving wildlife to come into close contact with their new neighbors. Using their survival instincts, wildlife may find refuge under porches and decks, where food is plentiful from unsecured trash and offspring are safer in the dark confines.
The Washington Humane Society (WHS) works to protect all DC animals, both domestic and wild. No animal should suffer, and these conflicts can be easily resolved or all together avoided by following a few simple steps that provide long-term, cost-effective measures without having to resort to lethal means of removing the animals. Removing an animal from their environment is merely a quick fix that opens up a niche for other animals, and before long, you may have another wild neighbor living with you. WHS hopes to provide long-term, effective solutions in which a happy medium is created between humans and wildlife.
Contact WHS Wildlife Specialist Robin Schindler:
202-727-9426 wildlife@washhumane.org
For Animal Emergencies, CALL WHS DC Animal Care and Control
202-576-6664
Baby Season is Here! How You Can Help:
Print and share these wildlife flyers in your community:
WHS needs dedicated volunteers to help transport baby animals to rehabilitation facilities from March through September. WHS will be receiving baby birds, squirrels, and other small mammals that have been orphaned or abandoned.
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Wild babies can only lawfully stay at our adoption centers up to 24 hours, during which time WHS must find a facility or rehabilitator who can give them proper care. Every species has very specific needs. Infant opossums don’t suckle the way a mammal does, and they require special tube feeding that only a rehabilitator can provide. Tiny songbirds sometimes need to be fed as often as every half hour, sunup to sundown. The sooner they get proper care, the better their chances of survival.
Volunteers must be willing to drive to private and large scale rehabilitation facilities in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland. It’s a one or two hour time commitment. Because many rehabilitative facilities become overwhelmed during these months, WHS must also look farther to find special care for baby wildlife.
What WHS needs from volunteer transporters:
• Driving availability between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• A quiet driving environment, i.e. no loud music or conversations. Wild animals are very sensitive to noise, especially if injured.
• Ability to secure animals safely in the vehicle. Any sudden stops could roll carriers containing precious cargo.
If interested in wildlife transportation or the wildlife program, contact our Wildlife Specialist Robin Schindler at 202-576-6664 X 5, wildlife@washhumane.org.
