Dealing with Dead, Injured or Orphaned Wildlife

Dead Wildlife

When wildlife dies in and around our lake it is critical that we do what we can to understand why before it is too late. This will help us protect the long-term health of our lake and surrounding areas. Did you know that the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative is an organization who is able to analyze and provide information back to us as to why they died?

The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative is a collection of highly qualified people within a cross-Canada network of partners and collaborators dedicated to wildlife health. Our Cooperative includes internationally renowned wildlife disease diagnosticians and researchers, experts in population health, skilled educators and experienced policy advisors. The CWHC is dedicated to generating knowledge needed to assess and manage wildlife health and working with others to ensure that knowledge gets put to use in a timely fashion.

What Can You Do To Help?

Please, if you find dead wildlife on your shore or property, we urge you to report it and follow the process outlined below so that we can better understand the risks to our lake and properties.

1. Follow safety steps outlined here:  http://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/docs/CWHC%20Shipping%20and%20Handling%20Instructions.pdf  to safely handle and store the animal.
2. Call the Ontario chapter of the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC)1-866-673-4781 to report. A CWHC representative will then send you the proper container, shipping instructions and labels to send the body for submission.  
3. Complete this online submission form. http://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca/forms/cwhc_ontario-nunavut_submission_form.pdf?20170721=1 Please be sure to include: horseshoelakeminden@gmail.com  and hansenallisonm@gmail.com  on the submission form for contact information.
4. Advise horseshoelakeminden@gmail.com and Allison Hansen at hansenallisonm@gmail.com of your submission.
5. Take photos or videos of the animal and note the date and location. If you have any questions or are not sure as to what to do, please email Allison Hansen at hansenallisonm@gmail.com  or phone/text 905-718-7248

Thank you to Allison Hansen for being our Horseshoe Lake contact for this process.

Injured or Orphaned Wildlife

We are so fortunate to have the Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary located on Duck Lake Road. Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary is a volunteer-based charity that rescues, rehabilitates, and releases native wildlife back into their natural environment. Established in 2008, and attaining its charitable status in 2011, WWS operates on a beautiful 45-acre property owned by Monika Melichar and her husband Whitebear.  The HLPOA has been a proud donor of the Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary over a number of years. 

What Can You Do To Help?

Place the animal/bird inside a strong, well-ventilated container suitable for its size and strength.  A cardboard box, Rubbermaid tote, recycling bin with a screen top, or an animal carrier all work well.
 

·  Provide bedding material such as shredded newspaper, fleece, or a tight-weaved towel or blanket.  Beware of loose threads that can entangle the animal. 

·  Warmth is essential for babies or animals that are very compromised.  Use a hot water bottle, or microwave a bean bag, or you can fill an old sock with rice or beans and microwave it.   Wrap it in a towel, and place it near the animal, inside the container.  

·  Place the secured animal in a warm, dark and quiet area. 

·  Do not "pet" them, hold them, or attempt to feed them as this can cause additional stress.  Remember, you are their predator and they are terrified of you, even if they don't show it.

·  Always move slowly around an injured animal, and if you must talk, speak in a low, calming voice. 

·   Never feed an animal or give them water in its mouth if they are unresponsive, cold, dehydrated, or emaciated.  This can cause sudden death. 

·   Contact Woodlands Wildlife at 705 286-1133.  To learn more about the work at Woodlands Wildlife click here: https://www.woodlandswildlifesanctuary.ca/