Wild Care sees far too many fishing-debris related injuries in waterbirds. Most of these incidents take place in the summer months, when recreational fishing is at its height. Most people want to do things to help the environment, but may not be aware of exactly what to do. We can all take steps to decrease the number of fishing-debris related wildlife casualties from improperly discarded fishing line, hooks, lures, and sinkers. These items can be extremely harmful to wildlife – even when they are not in the water. Our “Trash Your Tackle” initiative helps to remove these items from the environment, so that they do not become a hazard to wildlife, or to people. Hooks, line, jigs and sinkers, when ingested by marine animals, often lead to obstruction, starvation and ultimately death. Disposing of these items properly is a small step that can have big results. Email Stephanie for info on how you can start your own initiative.
Trash Your Tackle, Save a Life!
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Stephanie Ellis
Executive Director
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Great Black-backed Gull injured by fishing lure in Provincetown
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This is one lucky gull! Rescued in Provincetown, this Great Black-backed Gull had a fishing lure hooked through its left eye. The bird was emaciated and clearly been suffering and unable to eat from this injury. Fortunately, its eye remained intact! Thank you to Randy Jansen who captured the bird and called us, and Susan Packard, Wild Care Volunteer, for transporting it. The lure was removed the bird received fluids and antibiotics and was assessed by our Veterinarian Dr. Morgan. The bird is now healing and eating well and is in our large aviary, and we are hopeful! Just look at that face!
Thank you to all who donated through Facebook for his/her care. We've raised over $600 thanks to you!
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PHOTOS Leah Myrbeck and Karen Eldridge |
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Rescue of a beautiful
Black-crowned Night Heron
an Important Reminder to
“Trash Your Tackle”
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This beautiful Black-crowned Night Heron was found dangling by its wing from a tree in Harwich after becoming entangled in fishing line. Gerry Beetham found the bird and called Wild Care and Harwich Animal Control, which helped save the hawk’s life. After testing negative for Avian Flu, passing all diagnostics and flight tests, the heron was released.
This release was sponsored by The Battista Family,
in loving memory of Danny "Tista" Battista.
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TOP PHOTO Kerry Reid
RELEASE PHOTOS Carl Jacobs
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Trash Your Tackle and
Save our Seabirds
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This photo is of the most recent collection from our five derelict fishing-gear collection receptacles in Chatham. This is what we love to see, fishing gear that is disposed of properly! Thank you to volunteer Michael Brown, for monitoring and emptying the Chatham receptacles on a regular basis.
How to Fish Responsibly and
be Prepared to Help Wildlife:
Please trash your tackle properly. Derelict recreational fishing gear is deadly to wildlife. When fishing, fish responsibly. Carry a box, heavy gloves, goggles and scissors in your vehicle. If you hook a gull or other bird don't cut the line! Reel the bird in, place it into a box, cut the line once the bird is secured, and then contact a wildlife rehabilitator. You could save a life.
Wild Care is here to help.
Call: 508-240-2255
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Photo is of a Great Black-backed Gull
with a fishing hook lodged in it's foot.
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Beautiful Broad-winged Hawk flies free again |
The hawk was rescued in May, after it was found in the woods in Harwich by surveyors. The bird was incredibly weak and disoriented. After several weeks in our care, the hawk made a full recovery and was recently released.
This bird's release was sponsored
by John and Sue Garvey
in loving memory of Norbert C. Brotz.
Video by Karen Eldridge. Wild Care, Wildlife Rehabilitator
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A Beautiful Gift Idea - Sponsor a Rescued Animal Release |
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Wild Care friends, if you are looking for a unique and meaningful way to mark an occasion, celebrate someone special, important milestone, or honor the memory of a loved one, consider sponsoring the release of a rescued animal. Your gift gives back to help provide care for wildlife here on Cape Cod. You will receive digital photos of the rescued animal, and a video of their return to the wild.
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AWW SNAP! Snapping Turtle Release Goes Swimmingly |
A large female Common Snapping Turtle was brought to Wild Care after being hit by a car in Harwich. Beeswax was applied to seal the small fractures on her shell so she can continue to heal in the wild. After being treated and cared for she was released close to her home. Happy life beautiful girl!
Video by Kat, who also rescued the turtle!
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PHOTOS: Stephanie, and Center for Wildlife |
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Wild Care’s Executive Director Stephanie Ellis gives Keynote Speech at the Center for Wildlife in Maine |
Wild Care’s Executive Director Stephanie Ellis was keynote speaker for a private event at the Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick, ME. The Center for Wildlife is a nonprofit organization that is doing important wildlife rehabilitation and conservation work in Maine and New England. They have an incredible team of wildlife ambassadors including a North American Porcupine named Henry. If you happen to be in Maine, be sure to check out their beautiful new Nature Center.
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Bill to Monitor and Reduce the use of Rodenticides Passes the House
A bill seeking to monitor and reduce the use of Rodenticides in Massachusetts has passed the House! These poisons when ingested, prevent the clotting of blood, and cause the animal who ingested it to sustain heavy internal bleeding and eventually death. Pets and other non-targeted wildlife like owls, hawks and foxes are exposed to the poison and often suffer the same fatal outcome as their meals.
Thank you to State Representative Jim Hawkins for sponsoring the bill, and his tireless advocacy for animals.
What's Next? This bill will now move to the Senate. Please email or call our MA senators to encourage the Senate Committee to pass this important bill in the Massachusetts Senate. Lives depend on it!
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Spotlight on Wild Care Intern Seth Galdston
Internship Program in 2022.
"I came to Wild Care knowing how important and challenging the work that wildlife rehabilitators' do in maintaining the natural & delicate ecosystems of Cape Cod." Seth
"I am a fourth-year undergraduate at the University of Chicago majoring in Biology and double minoring in Philosophy and Visual Arts. I came to Wild Care knowing how important and challenging the work that wildlife rehabilitators do in maintaining the natural and delicate ecosystems of Cape Cod and wanting to ensure the conservation of Massachusetts wildlife for coming generations to enjoy as much as I did growing up. Part of what drew me to Wild Care was the possibility to work with and learn about such a wide variety of species and while I have certainly enjoyed working with these adorable creatures, my favorite part of the internship has been getting to work with and learn from such an inspiring and passionate group of people.”
Seth has completed his eight-week internship at Wild Care. We miss him! Thank you for all your dedication and hard work, and your love of animals Seth!
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TRAVEL WITH WILD CARE
Upcoming Fundraising Trips Support the Work of Wild Care
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Check out our Amazon and Chewy WISH LISTS and donate much
needed supplies to help the animals being cared for at Wild Care.
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Help Wildlife While You Shop on Amazon
Go to amazonsmile.com and choose Wild Care Cape Cod as your charity. Get the same great items at the same prices, and with each purchase Wild Care receives a donation at no additional cost to you.
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10 Smith Lane, Eastham, MA 02642
When in Doubt Please Call Us 508-240-2255
We Are Here To Help!
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