Wildlife Rescue Center

Join us at the Fireflies and Friends Festival hosted by the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House on Friday, June 26!

We'll be hanging outside ready to chat about our nocturnal and crepuscular wild neighbors all evening🦝🦇🦨🐾

Have you heard the news?!? The Butterfly House is staying open late on June 26! Explore the night and learn about nighttime creatures at our annual ✨Fireflies and Friends Festival✨ No separate ticket needed! All of the fun is included with Fri, Jun 26 admission.

New to the event this year is the 🎨BUGGY ART FAIR🎨! Not only can you come visit our bug friends, but now local artists have created a way to take the beauty of the night home with you!

Check out our website to learn more about the artists, vendors, and schedule of activities!

Don’t forget BYOF* 🔦 (Bring your own flashlight!)”

📷: Fletcher

It's that time of year again, and we're receiving calls from concerned members of the public about finding newborn fawns in backyards, parks, and near businesses. It's only natural to feel worried, but a fawn found alone is not necessarily abandoned.

Mother deer (doe) leave their babies alone for hours while they forage for food. This behavior is perfectly normal and helps protect the fawn from predators. A fawn’s spotted coat provides excellent camouflage, and by staying still and quiet, the fawn reduces its chances of being detected.

If you're concerned about a fawn's health, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Signs of a problem include obvious injuries, constant crying, stumbling or falling, curled ear tips, and flies around the head or rear.

If you see these signs, find a local wildlife rehabilitator at ahnow.org.

There are still a few spots left at our Nature Tots Storybook Hour TOMORROW!

Together, we will read a nature-themed story, enjoy a wildlife walk, and create a craft using nature's art supplies📖🌱

REGISTER NOW @ https://bit.ly/2VSAH46

This event is FREE with an item from our most needed wish list: www.mowildlife.org/wish-list

We can't wait to see you there!😊

Happy Pride month y'all! 👩‍❤️‍👩🏳️‍🌈💞🏳️‍⚧️👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨

Wildlife Wisdom: Be Bear Aware in Missouri

Native black bears were once nearly eliminated from Missouri, but they are making a comeback and expanding their range. Although black bears are typically shy and avoid humans, easy access to food sources can lead to unwanted encounters when bears are intentionally or unintentionally fed.

Help keep both people and bears safe with these tips:
🐻 Never feed bears!
🐾 Don’t leave pet food outside unattended.
🌲Secure trash, recycling, and compost containers.
🐻 Clean and store grills and smokers indoors.
🐾 If you see a bear, leave them alone and keep your distance.

Read more from the Missouri Department of Conservation at mdc.mo.gov/wildlife/wildlife-facts/be-bearwise

Raccoon families are getting ready to go exploring!🦝🦝🦝

Moms who had babies this spring will soon be leading their little families on nightly excursions. As these little ones venture out on their first foraging trips, they can get into some sticky situations.

Getting trapped in a mostly empty dumpster is one such common occurrence.

Thankfully, it's easily remedied by providing a sturdy tree branch, makeshift ladder, or ramp to facilitate the family's escape.

Learn more about raccoons at mowildlife.org/raccoons

If you care, leave her there!🦌

It's that time of year again, and we're starting to receive calls from concerned members of the public about finding newborn fawns in backyards, parks, and near businesses. It's only natural to feel worried, but a fawn found alone is not necessarily abandoned.

Mother deer (doe) leave their babies alone for hours while they forage for food. This behavior is perfectly normal and helps protect the fawn from predators. A fawn’s spotted coat provides excellent camouflage, and by staying still and quiet, the fawn reduces its chances of being detected.

If you're concerned about a fawn's health, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Signs of a problem include obvious injuries, constant crying, stumbling or falling, curled ear tips, and flies around the head or rear. If you see these signs, find a local wildlife rehabilitator at ahnow.org.

Last week, a volunteer from St. Louis Audubon Society encountered a bird in distress while surveying the rookery at O'Fallon Park. An adult snowy egret was entangled in fishing line stuck to a tree and was unable to free itself.

The kind human removed the line from the endangered bird and brought it to the Wildlife Rescue Center for evaluation. This is not the first injured bird we have received from this area, but thankfully, this lucky egret escaped without significant damage.

After a few days of pain medication, nutritious meals, and a little rest, he was ready to return to the wild. As soon as the crate opened, he flew off without a backward glance. Go egret, go!🙌

PS Please remember to pack up all fishing gear and properly dispose of fishing line. A single piece left behind can become a deadly trap for wildlife.

🆘 SOS: Shelter Our Squirrels! 🐿

We've scraped and scrapped our old squirrel boxes into oblivion. It's time for new ones!

These release boxes are more than just wood and nails; they're starter homes for orphaned wildlife! Inside them, young squirrels build their very first nest, & when ready, they’re released with their box to use forever or just until they get to know the territory before striking out on their own.

Here’s how you can help:
• Sponsor a squirrel box- just $10 covers the materials!
• Donate 1"x8"x8' boards, or even scraps at least 16 inches long (must be 1"x8" boards)
• Download squirrel box plans and build boxes at home. Plans here: https://www.mowildlife.org/squirrel-box-plans

Know some scouts, woodworkers, classrooms, or handy friends? Please share this post, the squirrels are counting on us!