![]() -Appalachian Wild Tracks- A blog following in the footsteps of nonprofit Appalachian Wild as we rescue, rehabilitate, and release orphaned and injured wildlife. Sign up to have Appalachian Wild Tracks in your inbox monthly. Animal Success Stories!![]() Appalachian Wildlife Refuge is pleased to announce several exciting reptile releases have occurred in the past month, with quite a few cold-blooded patients recovered and now happily soaking up the sun out in the wild. As one of the few rehabilitators in the area that accepts reptiles and amphibians, Appalachian Wild is especially proud of our work with these amazing and often misunderstood animals. ![]() This baby Black Rat Snake was admitted after the misfortune of becoming stuck on a glue trap, highlighting the need for more humane measures to deal with rodents who may try to make their homes in human spaces, particularly as cooler weather sets in. ![]() Here is another serpent saved from an untimely fate; a colorful Ringneck snake brought to Appalachian Wild after a cat attack. Despite his small stature, this little guy is completely full-grown! ![]() This large Black Rat Snake arrived at Appalachian Wild after becoming tangled in landscape netting. Landscape netting used to diminish erosion, and bird netting used in gardens, are notorious for snaring unsuspecting snakes, and you can help wildlife by finding safer alternatives. For erosion control on slopes, put down straw over native grass seed and skip the netting altogether. If you find netting, cut the holes before disposal to prevent wildlife from becoming entangled. In place of bird netting, plant an extra row for wildlife around the outer border of your garden to encourage hungry animals to feed on your surplus instead. ![]() Last but not least, quite a few Box Turtles have also been set free in the past month! These shelled survivors were admitted primarily due to injuries caused by humans; often car strikes, getting hit by lawnmower blades or being snatched from the mouths of dogs who were making chew toys of the turtles’ tough shells. To help save turtles from trauma, watch out as you’re driving and carefully move turtles to the side of the road in the direction they were heading. Tall grass attracts wildlife, so keeping it cut short can make your lawn less desirable. Before mowing, walk the area first looking for turtles, and move them to the edge if you encounter them. If you find orphaned or injured wildlife in need of help, contact the Emergency Wildlife Hotline at 828-633-6364 ext 1, or visit https://www.appalachianwild.org/found-an-animal.html NUTS FOR NUTS? Help feed hungry squirrels!![]() Join the crowd...or should we say “scurry.” Yep! That’s what a group of squirrels is called! They not only love nuts, but must have them to survive the winter. Squirrels think so much about nuts this time of year, researchers at the University of California-Davis theorize this may make their brains bigger! They believe squirrels build a mental map of their nut caches, and that process makes their brains grow larger. We don’t need research to tell us that we are going to need a lot more nuts this fall for the more than 30 squirrels in our care. It’s “squirrels gone wild” ‘round here! These frisky ones will soon be moved to the outdoor pre-release enclosure, complete with leaf litter, climbing limbs, and nesting boxes -- a safe transition space perfect for them to finish growing while becoming acclimated to the outdoors. Here they will practice hunting for and hiding nuts scattered in the leaf litter. Since they will miss fall foraging season, nuts are needed to scatter on the grounds, enough to see them through winter. You can purchase whole nuts from the wishlist or harvest native ones from your yard. Nuts are available on our wishlist at AppalachianWild.org/wishlist. To arrange a pick up of harvested nuts, please email [email protected]. Have you taken a walk on the wild side yet?![]() It’s a bit “wilder” at Woolworth Walk Gallery in downtown Asheville these days. On October 1st, its front window display became “inhabited” by our forest friends, as interpreted by 18 highly creative and talented local artists. These animal lovin’ artisans generously agreed to participate in the inaugural “Take a Woolworth Walk on the Wild Side” art show to benefit Appalachian Wild because they have a heart for wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. Each artist -- working in paint, fiber, clay, wood, wire, metal, glass, watercolors, etc. -- made us fall in love all over again with native wildlife. ![]() The show ends October 31st, so there's still plenty of time to treat yourself to this special show. Woolworth Walk is open Monday-Saturday 11-6 and Sunday 11-5, with social distancing enforced for safe shopping! Many of the works are in the front window display of Woolworth Walk, but more can be found inside by looking for the special paw print which indicates participating artists. If you purchase one of the designated artworks, a percentage of the sale goes to Appalachian Wild. Some artists are even donating the full sales price! There are works at every price point, which makes for great gift-giving! This is what we call a win/win/win situation. 1) You will own an amazing piece of artwork, 2) You are supporting local artists, and 3) You are directly helping injured and orphaned wildlife get a second chance at life! This is guilt-free shopping at its best so plan to shop today! Out of the area? Call the gallery at (828) 254-9234 and order by phone to have items shipped! Art by Gray Artus Art by Brian Mashburn Art by Angela Alexander CORPORATE PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: |
Folks willing to do supply drives to solicit items from our wishlist of food, medicines, supplies, and sundries mean the world to us! If you are interested in hosting a supply drive, please email Kerri at [email protected] for more information. It can be as simple as putting a box on your front porch and inviting neighbors to toss in some paper towels or laundry detergent the next time they pass by from the store, hosting a drive at your local business, or even sharing and promoting our wishlist online! |
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A blog following in the footsteps of Appalachian Wild, a non-profit rescuing, rehabbing, and releasing 2,000 orphaned and injured wildlife each year in Western North Carolina.