Savage Hart

12/27/2024

A few weeks ago, we received an emergency call about an injured coyote. This male, unable to walk, was found with multiple fractures in both front legs. The injuries, consistent with being struck by a vehicle, were not fresh, leaving the bone non-viable and rendering recovery impossible.

At Savage Hart, we are dedicated to relieving the pain and suffering of wildlife. This commitment guided our decision to take this case. The term euthanasia comes from the Greek words meaning “good death.” Though it’s never the outcome we hope for, it can be the most compassionate gift we offer to wildlife in severe distress. In this instance, humane euthanasia allowed the coyote to pass peacefully and without further pain.

The coyote (Canis latrans) is a highly adaptable species found throughout Georgia. Coyotes are omnivores and opportunistic feeders, with their diet depending on the seasons and available resources. While they primarily consume small mammals and rodents, they will also eat fruits and plants when these are accessible. Evidence from this patient’s s**t revealed a significant amount of persimmon, demonstrating their varied diet.

This case underscores the importance of understanding the natural history and biology of all species. Each animal we encounter offers an opportunity to deepen our knowledge of the intricate relationships within our environment.
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To learn more about our work and how you can support wildlife rehabilitation, visit www.savagehartwildlife.org. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Georgia’s wildlife.

12/24/2024

12/19/2024

In the wild, squirrels enjoy a diverse diet of nuts, seeds, bark, invertebrates, and even eggs. However, as seasons change and certain foods become scarce, squirrels turn to other resources—like bones and antler sheds—for essential nutrients. These are rich in calcium and phosphorus, which are crucial for their bone health and overall well-being.

But nutrition isn’t the only reason squirrels gnaw on hard objects. Like all rodents, a squirrel's front teeth never stop growing! Just as we clip our nails, squirrels must chew on hard surfaces to keep their teeth at a healthy length. Without regular chewing, their teeth can grow unchecked, leading to a painful condition called malocclusion, where the teeth grow into the roof of the mouth.

Did you know? Antler sheds are naturally found in the environment each year when deer shed their antlers. These sheds serve as a sustainable resource for wildlife, providing nutrients and chewing opportunities for many animals, including squirrels.

At Savage Hart, we ensure our squirrel patients have plenty of safe options to chew on—like antler sheds, as seen here, as well as natural branches and enrichment items. This keeps their teeth healthy, provides essential nutrients, and promotes the natural behaviors critical for their survival in the wild.

12/12/2024

As the peak of baby season transitions into fall, our clinic is seeing an increase in wildlife admissions, particularly injured raptors. While the breeding season for some species has slowed, other factors—including courtship behaviors, migratory patterns, increased hunting activity, and seasonal territory shifts—continue to place wildlife at significant risk.

Adult raptors often sustain injuries, such as head trauma and fractures, due to vehicle collisions while hunting along roadways—a behavior influenced by the presence of prey drawn to roadside litter. Migratory raptors, navigating long journeys across unfamiliar landscapes, face additional hazards, including urban environments, habitat fragmentation, and roadway crossings. Sub-adult raptors, newly independent and honing critical survival skills, are especially vulnerable during this time as they navigate territories and learn effective hunting strategies.

Immediate triage care stabilizes these patients, addressing critical injuries. However, full recovery requires long-term rehabilitation in large flight enclosures, where raptors can rebuild strength and practice hunting behaviors vital for survival in the wild. Currently, we collaborate with other centers equipped for this level of care, incurring significant supply and logistical costs. Our ultimate goal is to construct a large flight enclosure to provide this essential care locally.

How You Can Contribute
💚 Donate: Financial contributions support emergency medical care, patient transport, and our efforts to establish a local flight enclosure.
💚 Reduce anthropogenic risks: Minimizing litter along roadways decreases prey activity, helping to prevent raptor-vehicle collisions.
💚Spread awareness: Sharing this post can help educate others about the challenges raptors face and how we can help mitigate these risks.

Every contribution makes a measurable impact. By supporting our efforts, you play a vital role in conserving these apex predators and the ecosystems they help maintain. Together, we can ensure that these remarkable raptors recover and return to their crucial roles in nature. 🦉

12/06/2024

🦉A serene encounter🦉

While heading out for evening mammal feedings, we were greeted by this majestic barred owl perched nearby. As one of the most commonly seen owls admitted to our clinic for care, it’s truly rewarding to witness a healthy one thriving in its natural habitat—even if he’s likely hoping for an easy evening meal should one of our patients make a break for it. 😉 Moments like these inspire us to continue our mission of rehabilitating native wildlife.
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Interested in supporting our organization? Visit www.savagehartwildlife.org/how-to-help for information on how you can contribute to the continued success of our mission.

11/26/2024

Look at that agility!

It’s hard to believe, but this Eastern gray squirrel was just a few weeks old when he arrived at our clinic. X-rays revealed a fractured femur, but with the right care and treatment plan, his prognosis for recovery was favorable.

Thanks to the dedication of our team and his own resilience, this determined little squirrel is now thriving and nearly ready to return to the wild where he belongs. Stories like his remind us of the importance of giving every patient the opportunity to heal and flourish.

Stay tuned for his release day update!

11/19/2024

As we approach the end of the year, we are reflecting on the incredible array of Georgia’s native wildlife we’ve cared for in 2024. To date, we have treated 35 distinct species, including classes of reptiles, raptors, and a wide range of mammals—our primary focus. This represents a 14% increase in species diversity compared to last year. This year alone, we’ve impacted the lives of more than 300 wild animals, a 12% rise in patient numbers, while also providing guidance to countless community members seeking advice about living harmoniously with their wild neighbors.

The species we care for are essential to Georgia’s ecosystems. Many serve as natural pest controllers, regulating insect and rodent populations, while others play key roles as seed dispersers, predators, and prey. Each one contributes to the balance of our natural world. By rehabilitating and returning these animals to the wild, we’re not only helping individuals but fostering healthier ecosystems.

Enjoy these photos highlighting the incredible variety of species we’ve worked with this year. Every image tells a story of resilience, care, and the interconnectedness of life. Thank you for supporting our mission to preserve Georgia’s wildlife for future generations.

11/15/2024

Last week, we admitted an adult female Virginia opossum who had sustained significant injuries consistent with a predator attack, likely from a dog. Thanks to her rescuer's swift response, we stabilized her upon arrival and initiated wound care immediately.

In consultation with our collaborating veterinarian, we determined that surgical intervention would expedite her healing process and improve her prognosis. Dr. Carey of Vet to Pet provided exemplary care, treating this wild patient with the same dedication and precision as he would a domestic animal.

Since her surgery, she has been closely monitored and provided with antibiotics, pain management, and a supportive environment to facilitate her recovery. We are pleased to report that she is doing great—she is resting comfortably, eating well, and healing better than expected. Once fully recovered, she will be released back into her natural habitat, where she will continue contributing to the ecological balance as a vital part of the ecosystem.

This outcome is a testament to the importance of timely intervention, collaborative veterinary care, and community support. Through your generosity and the expertise of professionals like Dr. Carey, we can provide high-quality care for injured wildlife.
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If you would like to contribute to her ongoing care and support the many other patients in our clinic, we invite you to donate or share this post. Every contribution makes a meaningful difference.

11/12/2024

In wildlife rehabilitation, one essential goal is to care for orphaned or injured animals in a way that maintains their natural behaviors and fear of humans—key to ensuring their successful return to the wild. Minimizing habituation is crucial for the animal's survival, as it helps them stay wary of potential threats and remain self-sufficient.

This adult chipmunk arrived with front leg paralysis after a cat attack, and we took every precaution to keep him wild while treating his injury. After a careful regimen of antibiotics and pain management, we closely monitored the chipmunk’s recovery using security cameras. This non-intrusive method allowed us to observe the chipmunk’s physical progress and behavioral cues without risking habituation.

We are thrilled to report that the chipmunk regained full mobility and was successfully released into his natural habitat. This story highlights the importance of compassionate, skillful care that prioritizes the animal’s future independence in the wild.
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Help us continue providing life-saving care to animals like this chipmunk. Consider donating today to support our mission and give injured wildlife a second chance at freedom. https://savagehartwildlife.org/how-to-help/donate

11/09/2024

We are happy to announce Hughston Homes as a new corporate sponsor. Their generous sponsorship of our treatment room enables us to invest in essential, life-saving equipment that will profoundly impact the care and recovery of each patient we serve.

In addition, Hughston Homes Builders provided critical construction and security services, allowing us to transition patients into our new facility and begin offering care in a safe and functional space. We sincerely appreciate the support of our community and corporate partners in advancing our mission.

11/07/2024

At Savage Hart, we understand that successful wildlife rehabilitation often hinges on collaboration. Recently, we admitted a young southern flying squirrel who had been attacked by a cat. After receiving immediate medical treatment and stabilizing her, we recognized that she would need a companion for the winter. As social animals that typically live in colonies of up to 20 individuals, pairing her with another squirrel was crucial for her well-being.

Thanks to our partnership with Atlanta Wild Animal Rescue Effort (AWARE) in Atlanta, who also had a flying squirrel in their care, we were able to find a suitable companion of the same age. After a careful introduction, we’re happy to report that these two squirrels are now thriving together. Additionally, with high patient numbers this fall, our outdoor enclosures reached capacity. AWARE generously offered space in their pre-release enclosures for some of our patients, ensuring that all animals received the proper care.

This partnership exemplifies how collaboration enables us to do more for wildlife in need. We encourage you to support AWARE's ongoing efforts in wildlife rehabilitation—together, we can help even more animals thrive.

11/04/2024

Recently, we admitted three Eastern gray squirrels from two different litters. If you've contacted our hotline about a potentially orphaned squirrel, you are likely familiar with our initial request for a photo, which enables us to assess the animal’s condition. When young squirrels are in safe environments and appear healthy, we often advise reuniting them with their mothers, as remaining with their natural parents provides the best chance for survival. However, after reviewing images and learning the circumstances in which these squirrels were found, it was evident that immediate intervention was necessary in both cases.

All three squirrels arrived in critical condition, severely emaciated and dehydrated, suggesting prolonged orphaning. One of the animals also presented with fly strike (fly eggs), a further indication of distress and prolonged neglect. In situations like these, we implement a carefully structured triage protocol, beginning with stabilizing the squirrels’ body temperatures, administering subcutaneous fluids for rehydration, and gradually introducing nutritional support. Given the delicate state of their organs, it is crucial to avoid overwhelming their systems during recovery.

We are pleased to report that each of the squirrels is responding positively to treatment. Their bodies have begun to stabilize, and with ongoing care, we are optimistic that they will make a full recovery for a successful release back into the wild this spring.
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Interested in learning more about our organization? Visit https://www.savagehartwildlife.org/how-to-help

10/30/2024

Dinner with a view 🌅

10/21/2024

In recent weeks, our rehabilitation center has admitted several orphaned and injured chipmunks. Despite their remarkable agility and speed, which can make them challenging to care for, these patients are progressing well and are nearing the point of release.

Of the 25 chipmunk species found globally, the Eastern Chipmunk is native to Georgia and is the largest of its kind. While related to squirrels, Eastern Chipmunks are primarily ground dwellers, utilizing complex burrow systems to store food, avoid predators, and seek shelter during colder months. Often seen scurrying around the ground collecting nuts and seeds, don't forget to look up—these little creatures can also climb trees!
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Interested in supporting our organization? Visit https://savagehartwildlife.org/how-to-help/ for information on how you can contribute to the continued success of our mission to protect all things wild!

10/07/2024

Guess what? We’ve begun the gradual process of moving wildlife patients into our new facility! Over the past week, every room has been used. We’ve welcomed new patients in the intake room, including Southern flying squirrels and Eastern cottontails, housed a beautiful red-tailed hawk in the isolation room for short-term care, and provided medical attention to established patients like this Eastern box turtle in the treatment room.

Our nursery is home to stabilized patients, such as an orphaned chipmunk and young squirrels who were displaced during the recent storms. Meanwhile, the juvenile room is already bustling with energetic patients—squirrels and opossums learning to climb and nest as they prepare for the next step in their rehabilitation. With limited outdoor enclosure space at this location, these patients are eagerly awaiting their turn to move into a pre-release enclosure, which is currently occupied by squirrels almost ready for release.

While we’re excited by this progress, we know that fully transitioning to the new facility will take time. As the baby season slows down, we’re focused on addressing challenges and completing additional outdoor enclosures so we can be fully operational by spring.

We’re looking forward to this next chapter and continuing to provide vital care to our native wildlife! Want to perpetuate our work? Learn more at https://savagehartwildlife.org/how-to-help/donate.

10/02/2024

Remember that influx of squirrels from a few weeks ago? These young patients are making great strides in their rehabilitation! Many have successfully transitioned from formula to solid foods and are now housed in larger enclosures, where they can practice essential climbing skills needed for survival in the wild. Some have even graduated to our outdoor pre-release enclosures, where they’re acclimating to weather conditions and other elements they’ll encounter once released.

In the wild, grey squirrels don’t just eat their food—they also cache it to store for later use. You can see one of our squirrel patients enjoying an apple in the video, but they’re beginning to practice this important natural behavior when they're not busy munching. Caching helps ensure they have enough food during colder months when resources are scarce. Although many of these squirrels are progressing well, we’re still admitting new orphans and injured squirrels from recent storms.

Your continued support makes all the difference in helping these animals regain their strength and natural instincts! To learn more about how you can help, visit https://savagehartwildlife.org/how-to-help

09/27/2024

Just when we thought the baby season was coming to a close with squirrels, we received a surprise. These two Virginia opossum joeys were brought to us yesterday after their mother was struck by a vehicle. Given the late season, these young opossums will need to overwinter with us and be released in the spring.

Your support makes all the difference in their journey to recovery. Please consider donating to help provide the specialized care these opossums and other wildlife patients need to thrive. Thank you for standing with us and protecting our native species. 💕

09/24/2024

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to support our first-ever Wild Open House & Fundraiser! Whether you joined us in person or donated from afar, your support means the world to us. Thanks to you, rooms were sponsored, our Giving Tree bloomed with leaves and animals, and the incredible feedback from the community has filled our hearts. We’re beyond excited to move into our new space and continue providing life-saving care to our native wildlife. We couldn’t do this without you, and we’re so grateful to have you on this journey with us!

*Raffle winners have been chosen and will be notified this week—stay tuned!*