03/25/2016
The Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation is a state and federally permitted wildlife rehabilitation facility for birds and small mammals. Any sick, injured or orphaned wildlife in the state is turned over to the organization. They cover Southeastern Utah and half of their patients come from Grand and San Juan Counties.
The organization works very closely with Division of Wildlife Resources. Debbie Pappas, Second Chance Director said, “They bring it to us for its care and also to diagnosed if it can be saved and should it be saved. So that is what we do for the State of Utah and because we work with birds we are also permitted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife which governs all birds.” There is currently only eight wildlife rehabilitation facilities in the state not all are able to care for both birds and mammals like Second Chance.
The spring time brings a lot of the mammal population out such as bunnies, squirrels, chipmunks, which makes for curiosity for household pets. “Cats and dogs once they grab a bunny we have to get them right away within a couple of hours at the latest. They’re not toys because I can’t fix them when they are dying of stress either we have not unfortunately happen all the time, parents letting kids play with wildlife instead of teaching them to respect wildlife” stated Pappas.
The facility sees a wide array of injuries ranging from broken bones and internal injuries. Pappas continued, “Sadly the majority of them are hit by vehicles, but we also have a couple of cases of illegal activity, gunshot, one was caught in a trap, a leg hold trap and those traps do not discriminate, anything that comes along gets caught in them.” If you find an animal that seems to be ill or injured it is important to call someone immediately either Division of Wildlife Resources or Dispatch.
The number of injured wildlife that is treated is growing every year and Second Chance is now currently moving into a new and bigger space to accommodate the rising numbers. “We need everything. We need all kinds of tools, things to build things, mechanic tools, carpentry tools, we need freezers of all kinds, hopefully in good condition to store the food that we have to purchase to buy for the different species of animals, refrigerators. We need the talent behind that too, if somebody is out there that’s retired and bored that’s an electrician or a plumber, hey give us a call. If you love wildlife and want to help that’s what we are trying to do.” They are a non-profit charitable organization and have to rely on donations in all forms.
To learn more about Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation visit their website at www.wildliferehabpric.wix.com/2ndchance or their Facebook page. If you would like to volunteer or make a donation call Debbie at 650-3441.