Blog: A Walk on the Wild Side

Where Have All The Rescues Gone?

May 30, 2023 By Pine Tree Hill Wildlife Leave a Comment

South Carolina has 46 counties. Last count, there are only 30 counties with local wildlife rescues. Many rescues accept animals from multiple counties.

Folks tell us all the time that there are not enough wildlife rescues in South Carolina. We do not disagree. Ironically there are not enough donors and supporters of wildlife rescues for more of us to survive.

Wildlife rescues serve a much-needed purpose to communities. Who do you call when you find orphaned, injured, or displaced wildlife? If you really want to make sure the animal you found receives the absolute best care from people who are educated to care for that species; you will call your most local (reputable) wildlife rescue. *

In South Carolina there are no state or federal agencies that do what we do. All wildlife rescues are independent organizations that do not receive state or federal funding. Most of us are nonprofits, but you do not have to be a nonprofit to be a good rescue. Nonprofit status does not benefit the organization so much as it does the donors to the organization. Nonprofit status does not legitimize an organization either.

Our rescue is a nonprofit organization. We are also an all-volunteer organization. This means no one receives a salary so all donations received go directly to the care of the animals at the rescue. This also means that we pay out of pocket for any expenses not covered by donations. And there are plenty of expenses. Nonprofits do not receive anything for free. We pay for vet care, feed, supplies, and transportation. Sometimes we might get a discount. Most of the time we do not.

Most of our volunteers also have jobs in their real life. We have to…this is how we pay for all of those expenses when donations are low.

We’re not telling those of you who follow us anything you haven’t heard before…Let us get to the point of this blog post, which is about 50% rant and 50% preaching to the choir.

Last week we had two different callers who drove more than 2 hours from opposite sides of the state to bring us orphaned wildlife they found because they did not have a local rescue in their area. Both callers were mad because to help the wildlife they found they had to drive to us. Both were angry that we could not just hop in our cars and drive to them. They wanted to help the animals they found, but they were also disappointed that wildlife rescues here aren’t like the ones they see on TV shows?!?!?!?! One caller actually told us we need to do better.

For wildlife rescues to be successful and sustainable we need community support. Two years ago our rescue had to limit the species we accept. Not because we do not have the time or volunteers, but because we do not have the funding to keep supplies on hand for multiple species of wildlife.

Wildlife rescues face a lot of hardships with our biggest one being that we do not have a revenue generating resource. Our main goal is to keep wildlife wild and be sure it’s capable of survival when rehabilitation is complete. We cannot have adoption events or charge admission to visitors. Heck, we can’t even have visitors. We cannot take the wild animals we are rehabbing to events and show them off. We cannot allow the WILD animals in our care to be human imprinted or habituated. Sadly when the public does not get to have a first hand experience with the animals they tend to NOT donate to us and instead donate to the shelters, sanctuaries, and petting zoos they can visit.

Our second biggest hardship is that folks believe we receive funding from state agencies to do the work we do so people believe there is no need to donate. Or that their tax money pays us. We wish!

We help the humans who reach out to us just as much as we help the wildlife brought to us. Our purpose is not only to rehabilitate and keep wildlife wild. Our purpose is also to help the people who FIND the animals know what to do when they encounter wildlife.

The moral of the story here is that wildlife rescues are becoming a rarity and the biggest culprit is (as always) funding. If you have a wildlife rescue in your community, please support them. If you take an animal to a rescue, leave a donation. Tell other people about how your local wildlife rescue helped you. Share social media posts, newsletters, websites, and blogs from your local wildlife rescue. Do something because before long rescues like ours will only be able to do nothing.

*Some species and some situations fall outside of what a wildlife rescue can lawfully handle and require a response from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) or the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC).

It’s For The Birds

May 22, 2023 By Pine Tree Hill Wildlife Leave a Comment

Did you know baby birds do not know how to fly the first time they leave the nest? Fledgling birds leave the nest and will live on the ground a few days. The parents will watch and continue to care for the fledglings, encouraging them to take short test flights while following the parents. Once the fledglings fly, the parents continue to care for them until they are ready to be on their own.
It can be difficult to know when to leave Mother Nature alone. Especially when you see a tiny bird hopping around. The span of time when the fledgling leaves the nest until it flies is when parents teach the baby survival skills. Allowing the baby to stay with the parents is crucial to the birds survival.
No one can teach a fledgling how to be a bird better than its parents.
Baby birds should ONLY be rescued if they are sick or injured, or if you are absolutely positive BOTH parents are gone. If you are worried about cats or dogs in the area the right thing to do is to NOT disturb or disrupt the birds. Instead, move or restrict the cats or dogs. It will only be a few days before the birds have moved on.
FYI, this information applies to both songbirds and birds of prey.

SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES NATIVE BIRD REHABBER LIST

The More You Know

May 21, 2023 By Pine Tree Hill Wildlife Leave a Comment

Did you know wildlife Rescues are micro businesses? A lot of people believe that being a nonprofit means we have no operating expenses and that we receive free services related to our mission (vet care, meds, feed, utilities, administrative fees, etc).

Nonprofits do not get anything for free. We still have to set a budget for the year and figure out HOW we will raise the funds to meet our budget. Because we are a designated nonprofit AND a registered charity we can fundraise and collect donations to help with expenses. And because we are a nonprofit our donors can receive a tax deduction. But we still pay for everything we need to properly operate as a rescue.

To be honest, fundraising sucks. Organizations like ours are all volunteer. No one receives a salary. We donate our time (and often our own money) to provide services for free to our community. We volunteer 7 days a week and we also have real jobs we have to go to everyday. AND on top of that we have to market, advertise, make public appearances and somehow fundraise and reach out to donors to make it all happen.

Nonprofits like ours do not exist because we get perks or freebies. We rarely get grants and we ARE NOT funded by the taxes you pay.

Nonprofits like ours DO exist because we love what we do. We are good at what we do. We care about the wildlife and exotic species in our state and we care about the people in our community who need our help.

Nonprofits like ours depend on our community for support just as much as our community depends on us when they need help.

If you support what we do and you want to help us continue our mission, donations can be sent via

PAYPAL

PTH Wildlife, PO Box 1523, Camden, SC 29021

A Win for Wildlife in SC

May 21, 2023 By Pine Tree Hill Wildlife Leave a Comment

New Laws Protect Native Turtle/Reptile Species

October 21, 2020 was a great day for wildlife conservation in our state. Governor Henry McMaster signed into law a bill to protect native reptiles and amphibians from exploitation. This new law also set regulations for unlawful release of nonnative reptiles which has been an issue for a long time in South Carolina.
Over the last decade South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has seen an increase in the reptile and amphibian trade. Recent high-profile investigations began in SC and brought a lot of attention to the exploitation of native reptiles and amphibians.
According the SCDNR website many of our native species are in high demand in the pet trade and are sold in excess of $1,000 per animal, especially in Asia. South Carolina was one of the only southeastern states with no regulations therefore more collectors harvested from our state. Acknowledgement of our need for laws to protect wildlife led to the writing and passing into law of ACT 177.

SCDNR has been going above and beyond to educate the public about the new laws. They recently released a FAQ document to help us understand the changes. Here are the basics you need to know.

What does this new law change for native reptiles and amphibians?
Act 177 protects native turtles, establishes possession limits, and allows those that exceed possession limits to register their collection for a temporary exemption. It also allows SCDNR to manage native reptiles and amphibians through regulation, as well as making it illegal to release or let escape nonnative wildlife and provides increased penalties for violations. This bill also gives SCDNR the authority to regulate potentially damaging or invasive species.

What is the current regulation when it comes to the sale, transfer and possession of native reptiles and amphibians?
Previously there was little protection or regulation of sale and transfer of native reptiles and amphibians, which led to many wild South Carolina species being targeted for collection, potentially contributing to population declines. Before, all native species could be bought, sold, and possessed in unlimited quantity, except species listed as endangered or threatened in South Carolina.
With the passage of the new law and associated regulations, most native species are protected from wild collection and sale. However, important species in the pet trade, like corn snakes reproduced in captivity, can continue to be traded. Regulations identify species that may be bought and sold without harm to wild populations. Species that are not state listed, or otherwise regulated may continue to be possessed.

Does this change anything for nonnative species?
Before this bill, there was no restriction or penalty for the release or escape of most nonnative wildlife in South Carolina. This bill makes that illegal and establishes a penalty for violations.

What is that penalty?
This is a misdemeanor offense and upon conviction is subject to a fine of up to $2,500 and/or imprisonment of up to a year.

What are some of the more common nonnative species people encounter in the pet trade?
Red-Eared Sliders are your typical pet sore or flea market turtle for sale. Except for a few species, almost any species of snake, turtle, tortoise or amphibians sold in pet stores are considered nonnative. As a good rule, never release any animal that was kept captive. It most likely lacks the foraging and survival skills needed to survive, it will not be acclimated to the climate, and it could expose wild populations to parasites and disease. You can visit DNR.SC.GOV for a list of what is still allowed.

What are the possession limits now to native turtles?
The following personal possession limits, subject to an aggregate limit of ten, are established:
Florida cooter (Pseudemys floridana): 5
River cooter (Pseudemys concinna): 5
Chicken turtle (Deirochelys reticularia): 5
Eastern painted turtle (Chrysemys picta): 5
Spiny softshell turtle (Apalone spinifera): 5
Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox): 5
Eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum): 5
Striped mud turtle (Kinosternon baurii): 5
Common musk turtle (Sternotherus odoratus): 5
Yellow-bellied slider (Trachemys scripta): 5
Common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina): 5
Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina): 2
Diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin): 2

A total limit of 10 turtles. The law allows those who exceed these limits to register their animals for a temporary exemption. Prior to the bill, there were no limits on possession of native reptiles and amphibians except species listed as threatened or endangered. Possession of threatened and endangered species still require a permit.

Who needs to register their turtle collection?
Anyone who owns more than the limits listed above.

What if I find a turtle/snake and just want to keep it as a pet?
The way the current laws read, if the species in question is not protected, threatened nor endangered, there is no penalty for keeping a wild caught pet. We do greatly discourage anyone from taking wildlife and keeping it as a pet. It is impossible to provide a proper environment and diet for native wildlife in captivity.

What if I find a sick or injured turtle?
If you find a turtle that you believe to be sick or injured you can transport the turtle to a wildlife rescue that is permitted under the new laws.

What rescues are permitted to rehabilitate reptiles and amphibians?
Currently the closest wildlife rescue is Carolina Wildlife Center in Columbia, SC. Our rescue will need to update our enclosures and intake areas to accommodate the new laws. We planned to do this last year, but our funding has suffered due to COVID-19. Our current focus is species for which we are already permitted. This year we will be one of the only wildlife rescues in operation still permitted for fawns. Our focus, until more funding can be secured, will be exotic species, small mammals, and fawns.

SCDNR List of Permitted Reptile Rescues

Sources:
Jay Butfiloski, Certified Wildlife Biologist and Furbearer & Alligator Program Coordinator, SCDNR
Andrew Grosse, Herpetologist, SCDNR
Website: DNR.SC.GOV

Questions? Contact Andrew Grosse at herps@dnr.sc.gov

Alien Abductions

May 21, 2023 By Pine Tree Hill Wildlife Leave a Comment

Imagine YOU are strolling along in nature enjoying the scenery and just living life to the fullest. A UFO goes by, and you freeze. You are trying to blend into the scenery. But the alien in charge says, “Hey, do y’all see that? I bet she’d make a great house pet. My grandma used to have one.” The alien scoops you up and comments that you sure are docile. He wrongly assumes that must mean you like him, and you are bonding with him.
Next thing you know you are put in cage. You are fed freeze dried food that you have never had before. Food that is nothing like what you are used to eating and they give you a little dish of water. The alien and his family watch you as you try to adjust to your new home. They have fun tapping on your cage to startle you to make you look at them.
After a while the aliens don’t even try to take you out of the cage. Although you were docile when they took you, lately you have become more alert, and you try to run away when they take you out. They are also afraid you might bite them. Again.
The aliens don’t really know how to take care of you. They had a couple of specimens like you before that only lived for a little while. They have seen people on social media with species like you. But the aliens don’t want to let you go back into your natural habitat just yet. They love having you. They love showing you to their friends. If they are not careful, they are going to love you to death.
Eventually you protest enough until they get frustrated and dump you. They choose a spot they think looks suitable, but you do not know much about their world. They have taken you far away from where they found you. Sadly, at this point you have lost your survival skills. You are not in the best health. You have not been around your kind in so long that when you finally do find another like you, they shun you because you smell different.
You do not act right anymore. You look the same, but you just don’t belong, and you are now seen as an intruder. An intruder with zero survival skills. If you can acclimate with others like you again and not starve to death you might live when you are released. Hopefully you didn’t pick up any deadly germs while you were held captive. The stress of being relocated could also kill you. Unfortunately, the odds are not in your favor.

Does this sound a little too Science-Fiction for an article about wildlife rescue? Think again. This is often what happens when a human decides to remove a wild animal from its natural habitat and keep it as a pet or to “save” it from the wild.

Recently we were tagged in several social media posts from folks who needed help identifying a certain species or asking if they need to do anything to help the animal out. In each post there was that one person who commented about catching the animal and keeping it as a pet or to “save” it from its surroundings.
A lot of our readers know how we feel about captive wildlife. It’s just not humane. Keeping an animal in a cage because you think it’s a neat pet or because you think that is what is best for the animal is cruel.
There is no such thing as saving a healthy, thriving wild animal from the wild. Ever.

If you find an animal that you believe needs help you should contact a wildlife rescue BEFORE you save the animal. Wildlife rescues will ask important questions to help us know if the animal truly needs help. We can tell you how to reunite babies with their moms and we can tell you how to safely capture and transport an animal that needs help. We can make sure you find a rescue that has experience with the species you found.
A huge responsibility of wildlife rescue is to know when to leave Mother Nature alone. This does not mean to ‘let nature take its course.’ It simply means to allow wild moms to retrieve their babies, to leave fawns where their moms parked them, and to recognize that a fledgling bird is on the ground because it is learning to fly and not because it was abandoned. One of the greatest gifts we can give wildlife is not interfering unless we are positive the animal needs our help. It is our responsibility as human beings to know when to leave wildlife alone.

Rabies

May 21, 2023 By Pine Tree Hill Wildlife 1 Comment

Human rabies cases are rare. The United States averages two human rabies deaths per year. Vaccine programs for pets and strict animal control laws can be credited for a steady decline in human rabies deaths. From time to time there are spikes in rabies positive cases in humans. 2021 was an above average year with five human rabies deaths in the United States.

Left untreated rabies is fatal. If a person is treated as soon as an exposure is known (BEFORE symptoms develop) the survival rate is 100%. There are only three cases of humans surviving rabies without treatment in the U.S.

Of the five cases in 2021, four were from exposure to rabies-positive bats. One case was a result of a dog bite a person received in another country. Human rabies deaths often occur when a person seeks treatment too late or does not realize they have been exposed. At least one death in 2021 was after a person refused post-exposure treatment.

Any mammal can contract and transmit rabies. In our state bats, skunks, and raccoons have a higher chance of carrying and transmitting the virus. We refer to these as rabies vector species. Other wild species like squirrels, mice, and opossum have a lower chance of carrying the disease and a RARE chance of transmitting the disease. NOTE: In the last 25 years South Carolina has had 2 opossum and 3 squirrels test positive for rabies. Neither were known to transmit the disease to humans. A deer tested positive in 2017.

Rabies can also infect domesticated and livestock species. Any livestock kept as a pet that has an approved rabies vaccine should be vaccinated. Cows, horses, and goats have tested positive. Cats are the leading carriers and transmitters for domesticated species in South Carolina.

Rabies is transmitted through direct contact with saliva or infected brain/nervous system tissue. Direct contact does not always mean a bite. Although it is rare, people can get rabies from non-bite exposures such as such as scratches or open wounds that are exposed to saliva or other infected tissue. In animals, nose to nose transmission and transmission via shared saliva at feed stations is possible.

Preventing exposure to rabies seems simple enough. Do not handle wildlife. Even wild babies can carry and transmit the virus. Do not pick up stray cats or dogs. Do not feed your pets outside where they could share their food stations with wild animals. There are also the freak accidents that happen. You could be outside, in the middle of your neighborhood and a fox might attack you. Or as with most exposures in our state, you could just be sleeping in your own bed and wake up to find a very innocent looking bat hanging from a light fixture.

Bats are beneficial to our environment. Without thinking it through, people will find a bat in their home or office and release it outdoors. The problem with releasing bats that were inside is you have no idea how long they were there. Bat bites are rarely felt, are not painful, and do not usually leave a mark. Most people compare bat bites to a mosquito bite. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control recommends testing all bats that are:
Found indoors in the living areas of a home.
Found in an area where children, persons of impaired mental capacity, or pets have been left unattended.
Any bats that have come into direct contact with a person or pet.

Raccoons are the leading rabies vector species in the nation, but almost all human rabies deaths are a result of a strain of rabies associated with bats. Rabies is a silent disease with very few outward symptoms. Most animals exhibit dumb rabies. They become docile and cuddly. We do not experience many cases of furious rabies, where the animal has the classic foaming at the mouth and violent behavior. The lack of visual symptoms is often the reason people do not report possible exposures. Another reason people do not want to report exposures is because testing requires an animal to be euthanized so the brain can be examined. We cannot stress enough -Yes, we are a wildlife rescue, but human safety is always our main priority when we receive calls about possible rabies exposures.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control monitors rabies exposure and testing in our state. CLICK HERE to learn more or to report a bite or possible rabies exposure.