🌟 Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Ann! 🌟 This month we are spotlighting one of our dedicated volunteers , Ann. 🗓️ Started: May 2021 🦉 Favorite Animal: Great Horned Owl After moving to Rhode Island, Ann learned about the Wildlife Clinic from her aunt, who had brought in several injured animals over the years. Knowing Ann’s passion for wildlife and conservation, her aunt encouraged her to get involved — and we’re so glad she did! ✨ “It was one of the best decisions I’ve made. The work I do at the clinic is the most fulfilling I’ve ever done.” Ann’s favorite part of volunteering is the chance to work with such a wide variety of species. Her hands-on experience has been both fun and invaluable as she pursues a career in exotic animal care and conservation. We thank you, Ann, for your passion, dedication, the humor you bring to each shift , willingness to take on different tasks and the amazing work you do with our wild patients! 💚 #VolunteerSpotlight #WildlifeWarrior #SaveRIWildlife #WildlifeClinicRI (fb)

🐾It’s Fawn Season! 🦌 Every year, around Mother’s Day, we typically welcome our first fawn of the season. But before you rush to “rescue” a baby deer, let’s take a moment to talk about what’s really best for them — staying with their moms. In the first few weeks of life, mother deer ("Does") often leave their fawns alone for long stretches of time, returning only to nurse. This is normal and necessary. Fawns are born nearly scentless and have white spots that help camouflage them while they lie motionless in tall grass or vegetation. By staying hidden and still, they avoid drawing the attention of predators. Does also leave their babies behind because fawns are too slow and fragile to follow them safely. Staying behind actually increases the fawn’s chances of survival (mom knows where to find her baby!) — and keeps predators from being led to them. So, what should you do if you find a fawn? If the fawn looks healthy - LEAVE IT ALONE. Do not touch or move it unless it is in a truly unsafe location like the middle of the road. Human scent can attract predators and disrupt the natural care the mother provides. If the baby looks healthy and is in a natural spot, the best thing to do is leave the area and allow mom to do her thing. However, there are times when a fawn truly needs help. If you notice flies around the baby (or fly eggs or maggots), obvious wounds or injuries, the fawn has become stuck or entangled, or if its ears are curled, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. These situations indicate intervention is likely warranted, however, always consult a wildlife rehabilitator before intervening. While we will always help where needed, we want to make sure wild babies always have the chance to be raised by wild parents. Please, never try to raise or care for a fawn yourself. Commercially available formulas can often cause fatal diarrhea, and fawns should not be habituated to humans as that will greatly reduce their chances of long term survival. If you come across a fawn that you think may need help, please contact the Wildlife Clinic. We are open 9am to 8pm and we're happy to assess the situation with you in real time. We can be reached at 401-294-6363. #SaveRIwildlife #HelpUsHelpThem #keepthemwild #fawn #deer #WildlifeHeroes #wildliferehab #wildlife # (fb)