Coulee Region Humane Society Wildlife Rehabilitation Program helps rescue and rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife in La Crosse County .
01/20/2025
Sorry, longer than normal, but worth every word:
A few months ago, this sad looking old, very hurt, Opossum, came into our rehabilitation facility. Hit by a car was our thoughts by looking at his injuries. It also looked like he had been out there trying to survive for a while with his injuries. We of course always try to do the best we can with every animal that comes in. Off to the Veterinarian he goes. Once examined and x-rays taken, he was off to surgery to remove a toe and a half of another, a few teeth were partially knocked out so dental work and sutures were put in. He was missing his tail, so that was cleaned up and already was healing. This poor ol’ man just needed some help and loving care as we knew he would be non-releasable. After surgery he recovered very well and fairly quickly. Then we discovered he was also blind and possibly deaf. After all of the care and energy to save his life, we made the decision to let him live here until he passes, giving him the first-class life he now deserves. Only 3 short months and we of course were in love with his antics and cuteness. But his health took a turn, and we had to make the decision to give him his peaceful passing.
Many may not realize how attached we can get to these animals in just a short time, but we do and when things like this happens it does take its toll on many rehabbers everywhere, and we are no different.
Wildlife rehabilitation is placed in the middle of compassion and conservation, where dedicated individuals work hard to heal and return injured or orphaned animals into their natural habitats. While rehabilitation plays a critical role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem, it does come with its challenges.
Consider the financial needs that are required to provide quality care for a wide range of species, all requiring different needs. From constructing suitable and required enclosures to providing specialized diets, each aspect of their stay demands financial commitment. The lack of financing can hinder the growth and effectiveness of rehabilitation centers, affecting the number of animals they can admit for care.
Please consider making a monetary donation for their care:
https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/crhswildlife
Rehabilitators face the uphill battle of public misconception about the role humans play in wildlife rehabilitation. For instance, well-intentioned individuals might inadvertently kidnap seemingly healthy abandoned wildlife feeling it needs our help, disrupting the natural order of rehabilitation. Bridging this knowledge gap is crucial for all human-wildlife interactions. Wildlife education has become a crucial part of what we now do. Providing educational programs to schools, libraries, camps and more.
Behind the scenes of our successful rehabilitation program is a rehabilitator who has witnessed the hard realities of wildlife struggles. The emotional toll of caring for injured or orphaned animals is a challenge often underestimated. Rehabilitators do form deep bonds with the animals they care for, making the release bittersweet; however, the loss after caring for an animal is even harder. We can only say that we have given them the best care we can give and the best chance we can offer them to survive and if we cannot, we give them the most peaceful end to their suffering.
Rest in peace Sheamus. We loved you for your short stay with us.
