Forest Animal Rescue

08/16/2024

Great news! Taxidermied bats are Not ART. And they ARE killed to make these products. Finally ending it here, one step at a time.

A big win for bats! 🦇

For years, Etsy has been one of the largest online platforms that permitted the sale of deceased bats. Bats are killed by the thousands overseas for the purpose of import into the United States, and despite this, are often labeled as "ethically sourced." They wind up for sale on sites like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay, and are purchased by unsuspecting members of the public, who believe they are buying an ethical specimen.

As of July 29th, Etsy has BANNED the sale of bats! This is a massive win for bat conservation, and we are thrilled that Etsy has taken this step in protecting keystone species. In the comments below, we will link the new policy.

If you have a free moment, we implore our followers to visit Etsy.com, and search for taxidermy bats and bat skeletons. If you see any active listings, hit "report this item to Etsy." While a large portion of the listings have been removed, many are still up on the site.

We'd like to extend a big thank you to everyone to made this possible, as well as Microbats of Melbourne for reporting on it first. While we still have a long way to go, bats are just a little bit safer now.

08/16/2024

Fantastic news! Taxidermied bats are NOT ART

A big win for bats! 🦇

For years, Etsy has been one of the largest online platforms that permitted the sale of deceased bats. Bats are killed by the thousands overseas for the purpose of import into the United States, and despite this, are often labeled as "ethically sourced." They wind up for sale on sites like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay, and are purchased by unsuspecting members of the public, who believe they are buying an ethical specimen.

As of July 29th, Etsy has BANNED the sale of bats! This is a massive win for bat conservation, and we are thrilled that Etsy has taken this step in protecting keystone species. In the comments below, we will link the new policy.

If you have a free moment, we implore our followers to visit Etsy.com, and search for taxidermy bats and bat skeletons. If you see any active listings, hit "report this item to Etsy." While a large portion of the listings have been removed, many are still up on the site.

We'd like to extend a big thank you to everyone to made this possible, as well as Microbats of Melbourne for reporting on it first. While we still have a long way to go, bats are just a little bit safer now.

08/15/2024

Wow! Quite a story!

Woman stops 12 ft gator with .22 pistol!
"Florida Woman Stops Alligator Attack Using a small .22 caliber R***r Pistol." Another good reason to have a concealed weapons permit.
This is a story of self-control and marksmanship by a brave, cool-headed woman with a small pistol against a fierce predator.
Here's her story in her own words: "While walking along the edge of a pond just outside my house in the Villages discussing a property settlement with my soon-to-be ex-husband, and other divorce issues, we were surprised by a huge 12-ft alligator which suddenly emerged from the murky water.
It began charging us with its large jaws wide open. She must have been protecting her nest because she was extremely aggressive.
"If I had not had my little R***r 22 caliber pistol with me, I would not be here today! Just one shot to my estranged husband's knee cap was all it took.
The gator got him easily, and I was able to escape by just walking away at a brisk pace. The amount I saved in lawyer's fees was really incredible and his life insurance was also a big bonus!"

07/28/2024

Absolutely!

07/18/2024

It’s hurricane season….remember to plan AHEAD for your pets as well as your family.

07/15/2024

Jello - always so much fun!

07/04/2024

Pinellas County is taking steps to educate people on firewroks and native wildlife

Ahead of the July 4 holiday, Florida officials are warning beachgoers about the dangers fireworks pose to some native birds.

07/04/2024

Celebrating Independence Day

07/04/2024

Many people enjoy the booming sounds and flashing colors of fireworks, but they can be terrifying, overwhelming⁠ and hazardous for both wild and domestic animals.

On the Fourth of July, many animals become so frightened by the noise and commotion of fireworks that they run from otherwise familiar environments and people, and sadly become lost. They may also suffer devastating or even fatal health effects from the stress.

The sudden bright flashes and sounds can cause wild animals to run into roadways, resulting in more car accidents than normal. Wildlife rehabilitation centers are often flooded with traumatized, injured and orphaned wild animals after the holiday.

Casings and heavy metals that are littered by fireworks are often mistakenly consumed by wildlife or even fed to their young. Many of these materials are either indigestible and therefore choking hazards, or toxic to the animal, and pollutants from fireworks can be washed into waterways and contaminate drinking water for the animals that rely on it. And in regions of the country prone to wildfires, the slightest ember from a fireworks display can start a blaze that kills many wildlife species and destroys their habitats.

Celebrate Earth Day! April 22, 2024 For the past 25 years, Forest Animal Rescue has restored, maintained and protected native land for the benefit of wildlife. For us, Earth Day is every day – Please follow… Read more

07/01/2024

Mama teaching them to get to safety!

06/25/2024

People don’t ’get rid’ of other family members, why do some feel it is ok to dump their animals when they become inconvenient?

06/18/2024

5 ways to attract wildlife to your yard NATURALLY

06/13/2024

Bears and humans, not a good combination. When all else fails, at least the bears can be relocated if they haven’t been taught too many bad habits.

The humans need to do their part to clean up any attractants and discourage the bears that live in their area. From hanging out in neighborhoods.

Two juvenile bears were recently trapped in a residential neighborhood close to the duck pond on Southeast 17th Street by members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Bear Management Program and relocated to the Ocala National Forest. The two cases of capture and relocate cam...

06/11/2024

True sanctuaries put animals first, in a place of refuge and safety.

Their animal care, ethics, and operation do everything to support that goal and ensure that residents never end up back in harm's way.

GFAS is here to support sanctuaries in being the best they can be, for the animals. Through our assessments and best practice Standards, we are working hard to continue elevating sanctuary work.

Visit sanctuaryfederation.org to learn more.

05/24/2024

There can be no finer calling than serving one’s country. And while sacrifice is inherent during a life of service, more than 600,000 service members have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we hold true. Memorial Day is our moment to remember and honor them – our nation’s fallen heroes.

They are our parents, grandparents and children, spouses and partners, siblings, friends and battle buddies.. Through stories, their memory, and the impact they had on this great nation, they live on.

05/19/2024

Please don't destroy my nursery!

THERE IS NO HUMANE WAY TO EXCLUDE A BAT COLONY DURING BABY SEASON.

Most bats give birth to just one pup starting in late spring and summer. if you seal out a bat colony or trim down their palm frond home during the spring or summer, baby bats will be left behind to die. if you have an unwanted bat colony in your attic, ensure there's no way they can get into the home's interior but wait until the end of summer before having the colony excluded. Visit batworld.org for humane ways to evict bats at the proper time of the year. You can find a link in the comments down below.

Special thanks to Cindy Myers for the use of her graphics and text!

04/17/2024

Each year, on April 17th, International Bat Appreciation Day reminds us of the roles bats play in our daily lives. April is also the best time of the year to observe bats, as they are beginning to emerge from hibernation. The observance is an excellent time to learn about the role bats play in nature.

Most bats in the US are considered "insectivorous" creatures. They rid our world of many annoying insects. In one hour, a bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes.

Many people are unaware that over 500 plant species rely on bats to pollinate their flowers, including species of mango, banana, durian, guava and agave (used to make tequila). Both insectivorous and frugivorous (fruit-eating) bats are pollinators. So, next time you drink some tequila or eat a mango, say thanks to the bats! The pollination of plants by bats is called chiropterophily.

04/03/2024

Thank you everyone who participated in our Pampered Chef fundraiser! Fun for all of us and a donation to help the animals!

03/28/2024

Black are more active in spring - follow BearWise tips to reduce conflicts with bears: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLFFWCC/bulletins/39319f0

03/26/2024

Enforcement is always the hardest part

Avoiding future pandemics is possible but it will require an unprecedented cooperative effort to remake and enforce international animal law.

03/21/2024

Nature’s adaptation at its best!

Fun Fact Friday!!!
Raccoon Edition 🦝
THEIR MASKS AREN'T JUST FOR SHOW.
Thanks to the black markings that fall across their eyes, raccoons have been typecast as the conniving thief or trickster figure in stories for centuries. But their famous black masks do more than make them look like adorable outlaws—they also help them see clearly. The black fur works just like the black stickers athletes wear under their eyes: The dark color absorbs incoming light, reducing glare that would otherwise bounce into their eyes and obstruct their vision. At night, when raccoons are most active, less peripheral light makes it easier for them to perceive contrast in the objects of their focus, which is essential for seeing in the dark.