Did you know some "spotted" salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) don't have any spots!? Not very common, but melanistic individuals were relatively common in the pond I surveyed last night (about 1/5). This one on my clipboard was pure black.
Mycoplasmosis is an infection caused by bacteria that’s often spread by bird feeders. Infected birds flock to feeders, touching their eyes & face to the feeder to eat. Healthy birds come in after & do the same, becoming infected themselves. 📸 by Mark Martin
This American Goldfinch came in after being found down unable to fly. As we see with most of our goldfinch patients, this one is suffering from mycoplasmosis.
today I am extracting DNA from a large female Ro that was removed from the lung of a captive garter snake that died… the pet trade likely has a great influence on the spread of this invasive snake parasite. though morphology is consistent w Ro, I will confirm ID molecularly.
As a reminder, it is neither legal nor appropriate to keep a wild bird without permits. This Blue Jay was found by a finder who tried renesting. However, when renesting failed, this individual kept the bird for 2 years, despite being in an area with multiple permitted rehabbers.
"Animals are regularly exposed to food tainted with rodent poison, which triggers uncontrollable bleeding"
#DontUseRatPoison#Eagles#conservation
https://t.co/BjcVl7RVVF
World Wildlife Day is a chance to recognise all of the amazing and inspiring volunteers that are helping to make such a difference to the natural world from creating new homes for nature to our fellow toad patrollers
#WWD2023#toadpatrol
"My time at the Blue Ridge Wildlife Bed & Breakfast was fantastic -fresh meals daily, free of charge - they even brought me dinner while I was soaking in my in-room jacuzzi! 5/5 stars, highly recommend their Overwintering Package!”
- E. B. Turtle, Wildlife Center Reviewer
And they’re off…this was one (caught on film by toad patroller Finola) of 15 toads that made the journey across Charlcombe Lane last night plus three frogs #toadpatrol
After multiple weeks, with proper care, the beak was wearing normally & the patient was happily returned home!
If you find a wild animal in need, get it to a professional ASAP. If you’re struggling to find someone in your area, check state lists or centers for resources.
Remember the Eastern screech owl patient with the severely overgrown beak? Great news - this bird has now been released!
The owl originally came to us depressed & emaciated after being surrendered by people who had illegally kept them for multiple weeks, if not months.
Hellbenders can reach a size of nearly 30 inches and four pounds. These critters are harmless to humans, sticking to a diet of crayfish and fish. Hellbenders also like clean streams and rivers, making their presence an indicator of good water quality!
Ryan Hagerty/USFWS
The largest salamander in North America is known by many names: snot otter, water dog, mud devil, Allegheny alligator, grampus, and ol' lasagna sides...yeah, we don't know how to feel about that last one. We'll stick with its official name: the eastern hellbender!
By now, garter snakes in the Midwest have probably located a warm spot to overwinter in. They typically curl up in burrows, natural cavities, or under rocks. Some garter snakes gather in groups to keep warm. 🔥 Image: @TrishHerps4Life
This #WoodTurtle needs a name!
Reply with name ideas and we'll choose from the entries. Each Wood Turtle we see gets a code, but those we recognize on sight get names. We've seen this gal 9 times since 2018, so F No.03 isn't cutting it anymore.
#turtle#glyptemysinsculpta