Frederick County employees go above and beyond for animals
Several Frederick County employees went above and beyond the line of duty in the rescue of some stranded animals.
First Frederick County Sheriff’s Deputy Morris managed to rescue a Great Horned Owl who found himself trapped in the wastewater treatment chemical vault at Lake Frederick.
Despite the mess Deputy Morris rescued the owl after finding him covered in sewage, suffering from chemical burns and took him immediately to Blue Ridge Wildlife Center.
After several baths and repairs to its injuries an update from Blue Ridge Wildlife Center has the animal in much better shape looking to make a full recovery.
Meanwhile Frederick County Professional Firefighters report the rescue of a kitten that had managed to find itself struck in a drainage pipe.
After hearing the cries of the kitten Firefighters and Sheriff’s Deputies located the kitten in a water runoff drainage pipe.
Firefighters still wonder how the kitten got into that situation, but it was recovered and now adopted by crew member rescuer Summer Sypolt who named the kitten Aqua.
Pictures of the Great Horned Owl are found here.
Pictures of Aqua are found by here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Blue Ridge Wildlife Center has trick or treating event
Are you looking for some trick or treat fun?
Have a costume you want to show off more than once?
The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center is hosting a trick or treating event on Saturday, October 21st beginning at 4 pm.
Tours will begin every 30 minutes until 6 pm.
The animal ambassadors will have stations set up for educational opportunities and of course candy.
Meet Dopey the owl, Slim the rat snake, and Jasper the fox just to name a few.
Tickets are required for children only and are $5.
The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center is located at 106 Island Farm Lane, Boyce, Virginia.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
BRWC seeks help to find turtle’s home
The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center is seeking help from residents of Clarke County to find the home of a Woodland Box Turtle.
Someone handed the turtle to a woman on the street in front of Lavish Studios in Berryville Monday morning.
The healthy, adult turtle will have to be placed into use for educational purposes or euthanized if the owner or original location is not found.
Relocation is illegal, unsafe, and inhumane as these turtles will die trying to find their original home and could spread diseases to new areas.
If you have any information on the individual who gave the turtle away or of the found location, please contact the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center at 540-837-9000.
For a picture of the turtle, click here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
BRWC reminds citizens that some wildlife is illegal to keep
The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center reminds citizens that it is illegal to keep a wild bird in captivity in the United States.
The issue arose when a well-intentioned individual couldn’t renest a nestling blue jay and tried to care for it.
Once the individual found out it was illegal, they took it to an authorized care facility.
The bird was found to be overweight with poor plumage and completely incapable of flight.
The facility is hoping to correct the situation with proper diet and rehabilitation.
Even with that the changes of the bird returning to the wild are poor.
Where it is illegal to keep wild birds in your care throughout all the United States and has been since 1918.
The regulations regarding amphibians, reptiles and mammals very state to state.
Even wildlife centers must have prior authorization from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to care for wild birds.
In all cases it is never a good idea to try to keep and care for any wild animal it is always best to contact animal control to ensure proper care.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
BRWC accepting internship applications
The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center is accepting applications for their Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship and Wildlife Education Internship.
Interns will learn about different wildlife species, handling techniques, diet preparation, and more alongside their trained staff of veterinarians, rehabilitators, and educators.
Applicants can choose between a part time, 2 days per week position, or a full time, 4 days per week position.
Limited housing is available for applicants who qualify and all interns receive a weekly stipend.
For more information, click here.
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News Maker Dr. Riley on supporting the BRWC
The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center (BRWC) in Boyce had an exceptionally busy 2022.
We spoke with one of the two Veterinarians for the Center Dr. Jen Riley in our latest news maker.
News makers are brought to you by Warren County Together We are Community.
Dr. Riley tells us of the record breaking number of patients they helped this year.
She also tells us of the staff expansion to help with the number of patients.
Dr. Riley tells us of all the different ways you can help the BRWC including a surprisingly affordable membership opportunity.
Click here for Dr. Riley’s news maker.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Case Studies from a Wildlife ER
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National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week with BRWC
This week is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center is acknowledging the issue with another installment of their Fall Lecture Series.
Deer hunting season leads to a dramatic increase in lead poisoning cases in the area.
Lead ammunition not only contaminates meat that humans consume, it also poisons wildlife.
Over 80% of eagles and vultures brought to BRWC have dangerously high lead levels with an even higher percentage during hunting season.
Dr. Jen Riley will lead a presentation on Thursday, October 27th to educate on the impacts of lead ammunition on wildlife and the environment and steps to take to prevent it.
To register for the presentation, click here.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
Local wildlife suffering from cat attacks
The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center is reminding residents of the problems associated with animals attacked by cats.
Animals attacked by cats that have received treatment have roughly a 30% chance of survival which is much higher than an animal left to fend for themselves.
Cat attacked animals may seem fine to release back into the wild but some injuries are not visible.
Cat bites can be small and not leave much blood but they can have bacteria which can cause a severe infection.
Adrenaline from the animal that was attacked can also make them seem healthy until the trauma takes full effect.
The best way to avoid attacks is by taking care of your cats.
Do not dump unwanted cats outside and make sure to spay and neuter your pets.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.
BRWC and VSP have important considerations for the holiday
The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center (BRWC) and Virginia State Police (VSP) remind residents that research shows that firework displays can cause a number of problems.
Research shows that wild birds can become disoriented and increase flight response.
Flocks have been recorded flying higher and further causing increased energy expenditure.
Loud and bright displays can cause animals to flee and even abandon their nest leaving their young to die.
Some humans can also negatively be affected by fireworks.
Those suffering from neurological disorders can be affected by fireworks as well.
BRWC and VSP ask that you consider one of the many professional displays in the area as opposed to setting off your own fireworks.
There are a number of fireworks starting tonight July 1 through July 5.
Many of the area displays are listed here.
Always be sure to secure your pet and check on people who might be negatively affected by fireworks.
Have a happy and safe Independence Day weekend.
For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.