AWARE’S TAILS FROM THE WILD

The New Kids in Town: Living Peacefully with Foxes and Coyotes This spring, my destruction has forced foxes and coyotes family and our to become urban dwellers, so they inevi- Summer 2012 neighbors had the tably visit our neighborhoods from time good fortune to to time. Ample food sources, combined Inside this Issue witness the activity with adaptability and street smarts, have of several red fox allowed them to survive—in some cases

families in our area even thrive—in metropolitan areas, in Tucker. One pair where they benefit the environment by of foxes even made keeping rodent and other prey species in a den and raised check. When people understand the nor- five kits in a front mal behaviors of foxes and coyotes and Sweet Sixteen p. 5 yard less than a half mile away from our do their part to keep them at a safe dis- In Each Issue home, and my family made several trips at tance, they have nothing to fear. Trap- dusk to watch the kits from a distance as they ping, an ineffective and inhumane prac- Director’s Reflections wrestled and played on the lawn. Seeing these tice, should be a last resort for dealing from the Wild p. 2 beautiful animals was a thrill, especially for with these animals. Instead, let our en- Wing Beat: Ruby-Throated my two young children, and it made me counters with these animals be an excit- p. 3 thankful that there is still enough space where ing reminder of the beauty and diversity we live to witness a diversity of wildlife in of the wildlife around us. Spotlight on Georgia’s Wildlife: our very own neighborhood. I was also thank- Are foxes and coyotes dangerous to ful that our neighbors, who also have small humans and pets? Peregrine Falcons p. 6 children, were forbearing enough to share Foxes and coyotes have an instinctive their yard with a family of foxes for the spring fear of humans and typically will not Meet the Ambassador: Koko until they moved out of the den. come within thirty feet of a person. While the Red-Tailed Hawk p. 7 Many people wouldn’t be so tolerant of a urban foxes and coyotes tend to be noc- family of predators living in their front yard. turnal (in order to avoid encounters with Rehab 911! In fact, AWARE gets hundreds of calls each people), seeing a fox or a coyote during Squirrels in the Attic p. 7 year from callers who are concerned or fright- the daytime isn’t uncommon, especially ened because they’ve seen a fox or a coyote in in spring and summer when they have AWARE’s Mission, Hours, their neighborhood, and we often take in these young to feed. The diet of both of these Wish List & More p. 8 animals after they have been injured or or- (Continued on page 4) Senior Writer and Editor: phaned as a result of trapping. Sadly, habitat Melanie Furr [email protected] A Quick Visitor Recently, AWARE received a call from a could give him a concerned citizen about a juvenile “hawk” health check and that had taken up residence on a busy parking contact the proper www.AWAREwildlife.org deck in Sandy Springs. Worried for the ’s authorities. safety, AWARE sent me to investigate the Once the bird situation. When I arrived at the parking deck was deemed in (empty because it was after-hours), I found good health, we not a hawk, but a juvenile peregrine falcon! contacted wildlife This particular falcon had leg bands and, hav- biologist Greg ing been banded only a week prior, must have Greer of Greg fledged only recently. I carefully captured Juvenile Peregrine Falcon Greer Enterprises, him and brought him back to the center so who had originally banded the bird, to that AWARE’s professional rehabilitators (Continued on page 6)

Tails from the Wild, Summer 2012 Page 2

Director’s Reflections from the Wild Board of Directors It’s an exciting time to be part of AWARE! in conservation. I

Alex Hoffman There are many new changes on the horizon, also see the web- President, Secretary and we look forward to sharing them with site as a resource MCL Industries you as they happen. One important change is for more education that we have redesigned AWARE’s original about the role Linda Potter, Treasurer black and white logo. The new logo (see be- Georgia’s native Retired low) is a colorful, interpretative logo that we species play in the believe reflects what we do and whom we do environment. Kelly Jordan it for. The creative team at Yellobee Studio In addition to Point Center Corporation presented us with several creative choices our exciting new Hallie Leiberman from which to choose. The current choice logo, AWARE has KMS Technology stood out clearly among the other logo op- also introduced a tions and immediately became the frontrun- new program called WHO—Wildlife Hotline Melinda Matla ner. I appreciate the enthusiasm and energy of Operators—a program that trains volunteers KPMG Yellobee Studio in capturing the essence of to answer wildlife questions from the public. Founder and Director Michael Ellis’ original Although still in its infancy, the WHO pro- Tammi Scarbro vision for AWARE while at the same time gram is AWARE’s effort to improve our re- Entrepreneur moving us forward. sponse to the numerous daily phone calls Albert Vita We look forward to using the new logo as a from the public. What I like about the pro- Deloitte Consulting springboard for development of a new web- gram is that it offers an opportunity to volun- site. We are still very much in the preliminary teer for AWARE from the comfort of your Lindsay Wallace stages of site design and content, but I hope home or office. As always, these new pro- Newfields the new website will provide clear informa- grams are created with AWARE’s mission in tion to the public about the wildlife rehabilita- mind. Please stay tuned! I hope you like what Kristi Warren tion process and the role the public can play we’re doing. SITA

Management Team AWARE’s New Logo Thanks to YelloBee! Dr. Tarah Hadley, DVM Director We are excited to introduce AWARE’s new logo. Alison Scheel and her staff at Yellobee Studio (www.yellobee.com) donated their design services to create the new logo. They Linda Potter were a joy to work with, and we couldn’t be happier with the result. We hope that you Assistant Director like it as well.

Marjan Ghadrdan Wildlife Care Supervisor

Tammi Scarbro Wildlife Care Supervisor

Bird photos from page three, left to right: white-eyed vireo indigo bunting yellow-billed cuckoo blue grosbeak

Tails from the Wild, Summer 2012 Page 3 Wing Beat Enjoying Georgia’s Ruby-Throated small size, but only the male has the ruby-red throat for which Hummingbirds the species is named. Since the red feathers are iridescent, they Georgia is a great place may appear black in different lighting conditions. Female adults for birding. An enthusias- and juveniles have a white throat, but an immature ruby male tic birder may see more shows a speckled throat. All ruby-throated hummingbirds have than 300 different species green backs and whitish-gray underparts. of birds in Georgia during Hummingbirds use their tubular tongues to sip nectar out of the course of a year, both long-necked flowers, preferring red and orange colors. They also year-round residents as take spiders and insects and rob sap from sapsucker holes. Be- well as a large number of cause of their high metabolism and extremely rapid wing beats, migrant species. Some they need to feed nearly all day, typically coming to a home species migrate here in the spring to nest and raise their young feeder every 15—20 minutes. At night, to save energy, they may during the summer, while others arrive in the fall to escape the fall into a deep torpor similar to, but not the same as, hiberna- cold northern winters. Still others just pass through on their way tion. Female humming- north in the spring or south in the fall, many of them making a birds make a tiny nest non-stop flight across the Gulf of Mexico. One of these trans- and feed their young by Gulf migrants is the ruby-throated , which is typi- regurgitation, sticking cally the only hummingbird species seen in the Eastern United their long bills down into States during the summer. the chick's gullet. Hum- Crossing the Gulf is quite a trip for the tiny hummingbird, a mers are very possessive feat that requires 18—24 hours of non-stop flying! They build of their food sources, up their fat reserves, particularly around the keel (breastbone), which are critical for sur- As in the wild, hummingbirds in rehabilita- so that they will have enough energy to make the trip. Many tion require feedings every 15—20 minutes vival. At the feeder you throughout the day. don’t survive if unanticipated head winds become strong and will see them chasing slow their speed. Those that do make it to the Gulf coast are each other away and hear their squeaky, twittery chatter. exhausted and need time to rest and feed. Bird enthusiasts go to To attract these beautiful birds to your yard, fill a humming- places like Dolphin Island in Alabama to view hummingbirds bird feeder with four parts water to one part cane . Boil (and other migrant species) up close while they recover and be- briefly if you want it to last longer. Change the fluid at least fore they continue their journey northwards. You can begin weekly or more often if it becomes cloudy, and clean the feeder looking for them in Georgia around the middle of April and ap- before refilling, making sure to leave no soap or other residue. preciate their incredible ability to make this endurance trip. Do not add red coloring; just have something red on or near the Hummingbirds can assume many acrobatic positions in flight feeder itself. Be sure you have a feeder out in August and Sep- because their wings move in a symmetrical figure-eight pattern, tember, even if you don’t have any hummers at your house in unlike other songbirds. Not only can they fly forward, backward, the summer. Fall is when they are migrating back to winter up and down, and side to side with incredible precision, but they homes, and most of them funnel right through the Atlanta area can hover as well. A slight difference in the tilt of the wings can — so there are thousands of them! Rest assured that with a hum- send them in any direction. Their wings beat an average of 52 mingbird feeder out during this time, you will see many of them. times per second, making a buzzing or humming sound, thus By Jim Wilson, AWARE volunteer and former president of giving them their name. These birds are easily identified by their Atlanta Audubon Society Do you recognize these summer migrants?

Photos by Jim Wilson answers on page two

Tails from the Wild, Summer 2012 Page 4 The New Kids in Town: Living Peacefully with Foxes and Coyotes (continued from page one) species consists primarily of small mammals, birds, insects, and animals already fruit, but in urban neighborhoods they may scavenge from trash residing in an cans and pet food bowls that are left outside. Although these area and is a food sources occasionally draw them close to our homes, foxes quick way to and coyotes normally frighten easily and go out of their way to transmit diseases avoid contact with humans unless they are cornered or perceive among wildlife a threat to their young. When these animals are habitually fed populations. (either deliberately or inadvertently), however, they may begin Trapping and to lose their natural fear of people, which can lead to unfortu- relocating foxes nate results for both humans and animals. That said, fox and and coyotes isn’t coyote attacks on humans are extremely rare. Only one fatal just inhumane, coyote attack has ever been recorded in U.S. history, an attack however; it is 50-70% of coyote pups don’t reach adulthood. Hunting on an unattended three-year old girl in California in 1981 usually ineffec- and trapping are common causes of mortality. (wikipedia.org/coyoteattack), and no fatal fox attacks are on tive. In fact, most scientific studies show that trapping and relocat- record. In contrast, dogs bite 800,000 people each year, killing ing foxes and coyotes actually leads to an increase in their num- an average of 16 people (cdc.gov/dogbite-factsheet). You are bers. Removing one of these animals from its environment creates more likely to be injured or killed by lightening or an errant a gap in the ecosystem. Attracted by additional food and shelter in golf ball than by a fox or a coyote. a newly undefended territory, other members of the species Foxes and coyotes also rarely harm pets, especially when (perhaps individuals that are less healthy or less skilled as hunt- pets are supervised. Typically, neither of these species will ers), quickly move in to fill the place of the relocated animal. bother a dog at all. Unless a dog picks a fight, both foxes and Moreover, the surplus territory and food supply stimulates larger coyotes typically would rather befriend the dog and share his litters in the animals remaining in the area, which can lead to food than fight him. Foxes pose almost no threat to cats either - population increase — rather than a decline — within a short pe- not only because cats have fierce defenses, but also because the riod of time. In most cases, Mother Nature does a much better job average fox barely outweighs the average cat, in spite of the of regulating wildlife populations than humans do. As a result, apparent difference in size. Coyotes occasionally kill free- most Georgia counties no longer trap as a means to control fox roaming cats, but cats are not their chosen prey. When they do and coyote populations. Instead, the Department of Natural Re- take a cat, they are often doing it to eliminate a competitor, sources, like AWARE, encourages homeowners to take corrective rather than for food. The truth is, the urban environment is a measures to deter unwanted animals such as removing food sources and making habitat modifications. The public is free to dangerous place for a cat, more so because of dangers posed by hire private trappers but should be advised that, aside from not other cats, dogs, cars, and exposure to parasites and diseases solving the problem and possibly making it worse, foxes and than because of predation by foxes or coyotes. The only way to coyotes that are trapped as “nuisances” must be euthanized and ensure a cat’s safety outdoors is to provide supervision or to cannot be relocated except in very limited circumstances requiring keep it in a controlled outdoor environment like a cat enclosure. special permits. Trapping should never be practiced except in Rabies is extremely uncommon in both of these species cases of a sick, injured, or aggressive animal. (especially coyotes), but keep your pet’s vaccinations current as Live and let live. a precaution. Most of the time, however, foxes and coyotes Thousands of foxes and coyotes are unnecessarily killed each don’t pose any threat to people or pets. year because they are perceived as threats. Sadly, these adaptable, What’s wrong with trapping and relocating? intelligent animals are only doing their best to survive in a world Trapping and relocating is not an effective solution to re- of shrinking wild habitats. Both of moving foxes and coyotes from our neighborhoods. Not only is these species pose little danger to hu- it an inhumane practice, it is also an ecologically unsound one - mans and their pets, however, and one that usually aggravates the problem rather than solving it. provide important benefits to the envi- When an animal is removed from its familiar territory, survival ronment. is very difficult. Not only must the animal find new sources of Foxes and coyotes primarily use food, water, and shelter in unfamiliar surroundings, but it must dens to raise their families. At other also compete for these resources with animals who have al- times of the year, these animals move ready claimed them. Many studies indicate that the vast major- around within their home territories, ity of relocated animals do not survive the first year. Further- often resting under the nearest log or more, because foxes and coyotes come into more frequent con- pile of brush. If a family of foxes or coyotes makes a den on your tact with humans during baby season, trapping often ends up property and it is not possible to leave them alone until the babies orphaning babies - a problem usually discovered too late. Even are weaned, contact AWARE for ways to encourage the parents to when mothers and babies are relocated together, the parent will move their babies to a new site before contacting a trapper. If we not usually continue to care for her young in an unfamiliar cannot welcome these animals in our neighborhoods, let us at least place. Relocating wild animals can also adversely affect the learn to live peacefully with them. By Melanie Furr

Tails from the Wild, Summer 2012 Page 5 Sweet Sixteen

This spring, AWARE became the temporary home for two pendent. She will then release some of the foxes on her one- female red foxes and more than a dozen red fox kits that had thousand acre property and the remainder on some nearby been trapped in different locations by people who wanted the land approved by the Department of Natural Resources. By foxes removed from their property. Both of the females had in- releasing in two areas, the foxes won’t have to compete with jured their front paws in the traps and needed medical attention, each other for food and territory. She will provide feeding and their kits couldn’t be left behind. A few more kits came to stations for them for the first several weeks as they learn the us as orphans after being trapped in other locations. Fortunately, terrain and perfect their hunting skills. Thanks to Lorraine, because our organization is licensed to rescue and rehabilitate these foxes may have an even better chance of survival than injured and orphaned wildlife and return it to the wild, we were many other foxes since they will be released onto land that able to give these foxes a second chance at life. will protect them from hunters and trappers. AWARE is very This group of foxes was lucky to be spared, but their story grateful for the help and support of dedicated rehabilitators isn’t exactly a happy one. Being trapped is an extremely stress- like Lorraine. ful situation for an animal. Even traps that claim to prevent in- It is unfortunate that all of these foxes could not have been jury can’t prevent a frantic, stressed animal from injuring itself. left in peace. Foxes only use dens to raise their young in the And while fox kits may be easily caught in cage-type traps, spring and summer months, and they pose virtually no threat adult foxes are not. The two we rescued, sadly, were caught in to humans or their pets. By the end of summer, the kits strike steel leg-hold traps, and their injuries required them to have par- out on their own and the dens are abandoned, at which point tial leg amputations. Regretfully, one of the females had to be they can be sealed off to prevent future use. If more people euthanized because of complications with the healing process. were informed about the behavior of foxes, perhaps these With care and time, however, the other female began to recover beautiful animals might have been left alone and provided and was cautiously reunited with her kits. Because the kits were hours of entertainment and wonder for those lucky enough to growing rapidly and becoming more active, however, they soon witness them. By Melanie Furr joined the other orphaned foxes in AWARE’s care in order to give their mother plenty of time and space to rest and recover. When the surviving female was well enough to be transported, she and her expanded family of fifteen kits were transferred to Lorraine Conklin, a wildlife rehabilitator in Thomas County, Georgia with thirty-four years of experience. Upon arrival, the fox kits were set up in a large stall filled with hay and soft bed- ding, and the mother fox was given her own spacious stall to continue her recovery. A kit that arrived at AWARE with a bro- ken leg was taken to Lorraine’s infirmary — a well-maintained shed with incubators, medical supplies, and baby animals need- ing round-the-clock care. Lorraine will continue to care for the foxes until August, helping them to become strong and inde- Fox kits ready for transport

Minimize Conflicts with Foxes, Coyotes, and other Wildlife  Feed pets inside.  Cover trash cans tightly.  Don’t let pets roam outside without being under your control.  Close off crawl spaces and other openings to prevent animals from using them as dens.  Cut back brush areas and clear piles of yard debris.  Bird feeders, which attract rodents as well as birds, can also attract predators. If you are maintaining bird feeders and seeing unwanted wildlife on your property, consider taking down the feeders for a while.

If you see a fox or coyote on your property that is too close for comfort, wave your arms, make a lot of noise, throw a small stone or tennis ball, squirt it with a hose. Let the animal know that it is not welcome.

Enjoy wildlife from a distance for your safety and the safety of the animals!

Tails from the Wild, Summer 2012 Page 6 Spotlight on Georgia’s Wildlife Peregrine Falcons The Peregrine Falcon bats) and small reptiles. Powerful and swift, peregrines have is a member of the been known to kill prey as tiny as a hummingbird and as large as Falconidae family of a crane! They usually hunt by sitting on a high perch or flying at birds, which also in- a high altitude until prey is detected below and then go into an cludes kestrels, merlins, extremely fast dive, called a stoop. Stoops begin 300–3,000 feet gyrfalcons, and prairie above the prey and end with the falcon either grabbing the prey falcons -- all birds of on the wing or striking it with the feet hard enough to stun or kill prey (raptors). it. Once the prey is caught, the falcon bites it through the neck “Peregrine” comes with its hooked to kill it. The peregrine falcon in a full from the Latin word for stoop is the fastest animal on earth — reaching speeds of more wanderer, an apt name than 200 miles per hour! ericalbrightphotography.com for a bird that some- Up to seventy percent of peregrine falcons don’t survive their The peregrine falcon is the world’s fastest animal, times migrates over first year, but those that do have an average lifespan of thirteen reaching speeds of over 200 miles per hour! 15,000 miles a year. years; captive birds have lived as long as twenty five years. Peregrine falcons are the most widely distributed falcons on the Peregrine falcons form life-long, monogamous pairs, but some planet and are found on every continent except Antarctica. Only scientists speculate that both the male and female are actually some peregrines, however, are long-distance migrants; others are more tied to their nesting site than their mate, which essentially short-distance migrants or permanent residents of an area. pairs them for life. Peregrines breed once a year and lay two to Like other falcons, peregrines are sleek and fast. Exception- six eggs per clutch. Both male and female incubate the eggs for ally aerodynamic, their long, pointed wings and long tail set just over a month before the eggs hatch. The young fledge after them apart from most hawks. Adult peregrines have dark slate or approximately thirty-five days, and as their flying skills pro- bluish wings with pale underbellies that are finely streaked or gress, the parents begin teaching them how to hunt. The average spotted with black, as well as a distinctive black mask and side- time from hatching to independence is only six weeks. burns. Comparable to crows in size, peregrines are about eight- Peregrine falcons were wiped out in many areas of the United een inches tall with an average wingspan of forty inches. As States in the 1960s as a result of the widely-used pesticide DDT, with most raptors species, males are smaller than females by which contaminated their food source, thinning their eggs and fifteen to twenty percent. preventing them from hatching. After DDT was banned and The peregrine’s diet consists almost entirely of birds it catches peregrines were put on the endangered species list in the early in flight. Historically referred to as the “duck hawk,” the pere- 1970s, peregrine populations slowly began to recover with the grine’s typical prey includes ducks, shorebirds, pigeons, and help of reintroduction programs. The species was removed from songbirds, though they will occasionally take mammals (usually the Endangered Species List in 1999. A Quick Visitor (continued from page one) make arrangements to transfer the bird to him. In the meantime, The peregrine falcon’s very existence in the metropolitan At- AWARE briefly played host to this beautiful bird, helping it to lanta area is fraught with danger. While tall buildings for nesting grow stronger before returning to the wild. Because the urban and perching and a plentiful food supply are certainly a benefit, environment is a dangerous place for a juvenile peregrine, Greg perils exist around every corner, literally, for this magnificent decided to transport the falcon to Tennessee and release it on raptor. From glass windows to wires supporting radio antennas, Lookout Mountain, which has high cliffs that are the peregrine’s there are many physical obstacles to avoid. Inadvertently eating preferred habitat. At last report, the young falcon is doing well. poisoned prey is yet another danger these birds must avoid. In Peregrine falcons are uncommon in Georgia. Wiped out in the spite of these dangers, however, these urban falcons have sur- east by the pesticide DDT in the 1960s, they were reintroduced vived — and have done the city a service by helping to control in Georgia in the late 1980s. Currently, the metro Atlanta area is pigeon populations. Moreover, because the majority of peregrine the only known nesting site for peregrines in Georgia with four falcons nest much farther north and winter farther south, seeing observed nesting pairs. Of these pairs, two are returning pairs them in our city is a unique and fascinating opportunity. Al- that have both successfully fledged young. The young peregrine though the peregrine falcon is uncommon in the state, this fasci- that came to AWARE was raised by a pair of young falcons that nating bird adds to the diversity of wildlife that Georgia has nested just outside the perimeter in Sandy Springs, the only to offer. known nesting site outside the perimeter. This pair is also inter- esting because the two-year old female (who is also banded) Special thanks to Greg Greer, Greg Greer Enterprises, and Jim fledged over 950 miles north in New Hampshire, yet she mated Ozier, Senior Biologist at the Georgia Department of Natural with a Georgia bird in spite of the peregrine’s natural fidelity to Resources, for sharing their knowledge of peregrine falcons and its birthplace. This particular bird received quite a bit of atten- for their dedication to the study and protection of these incredi- tion as a result of her atypical behavior, but wildlife often does ble birds. By Kelly Cooper surprising things.

Tails from the Wild, Summer 2012 Page 7 Meet the Ambassador: Koko the Red-Tailed Hawk When people meet Koko was restored to health, however, the damage the crows AWARE’s red-tailed inflicted on his left wing permanently affected that wing’s hawk “Koko” at a pro- molting process, causing new feathers to break off or fall out gram or festival, his han- before reaching full length. As a result, Koko no longer flies dlers often hear them ex- well enough to survive in the wild. He can flap from perch to claim, “Wow! I’ve never perch, but unfortunately, he will never soar again. seen a hawk this close Part of what makes Koko so impressive are the traits he before! Amazing!” This shares with other red-tailed hawks and all raptors: large, strik- reaction isn’t surprising. ing eyes; powerful, razor-sharp talons; and a hooked beak for Even AWARE’s volun- ripping prey. Watching him glide from his perch, wings and teers, who interact with talons outstretched, to land on his handler’s glove to eat never Koko every week, never cease to find him remarkable. Seeing ceases to amaze those lucky enough to be standing by when this beautiful, powerful bird up close gives people an instant un- Koko is fed each day. Of course, Koko’s trainers may tell you derstanding of why the preservation of wildlife is so important. that he has them trained as much as they do him. If he’s not in Koko is one of AWARE’s most experienced ambassadors, and the mood to come down off his perch, convincing him to do he has been wowing the crowds at our programs for almost seven otherwise can be quite a challenge! Koko definitely has a years. He came to the center as an adult after being rescued from mind of his own, and he looks positively regal as he perches a group of crows that was attacking him on the ground. Unfortu- atop the highest limb of the tree in his enclosure surveying his nately, before he was rescued, the crows had pulled out all of the corner of Arabia Mountain. primary and secondary feathers on his left wing. In addition to Koko will never be able to return to the wild, but he will this substantial feather damage, Koko seemed to be the victim of inspire thousands of people to have a greater appreciation for secondary poisoning (the result of eating poisoned prey, most hawks and other wildlife and to preserve these precious natu- likely a mouse or rat) and needed medicine and fluids. Even after ral resources. Rehab 911! AWARE Rehabilitators Provide Answers to Common Calls about Wildlife Help! I think I have squirrels in my attic! If the nest is out of sight or inaccessible and there is a like- lihood of a litter (the squirrel has been in the house more than Scampering noises in the attic during the daytime typically a couple of days, especially during “baby season” which runs indicates the presence of squirrels, a problem that is easy to solve. from February through May and again from August through Usually, evicting squirrels from unwanted spaces requires no October), homeowners may try to force a humane relocation more than a few simple repairs and a little loud noise. using several different strategies, best used in some combina- First, locate any possible openings the squirrels are using. Fo- tion with each other. A light left on, an unpleasant odor such cus the search on the area where the noises were heard. Squirrels as ammonia-soaked rags, or a blaring radio can motivate a invariably enter through an existing hole high on a structure, mother squirrel to move her young elsewhere. In many cases, though they may enlarge the hole by gnawing. They often enter human presence alone is sufficient to prompt a relocation. through unscreened vents or openings created by loose or rotting Once the squirrels are gone, ask an electrician to closely boards. If there is no way into the attic, inspect the exterior eaves, inspect all exposed wiring. Squirrels who have been in attics vents, and roof . for a while may have chewed on exposed cords, creating a fire Next, try to locate a nest and determine if any babies are pre- hazard. sent. If the nest can be seen and no babies are in it, attempt to Squirrels can sometimes startle the squirrels outside by banging on the rafters or wait until be a nuisance, but they are you are sure all the squirrels have gone out on their daily foraging actually intelligent, fasci- trips. Once they are out, seal all openings with securely fastened nating creatures that lend hardware cloth or metal flashing. Cover several inches around the themselves to observation hole to prevent the squirrel from gnawing around it. Listen care- like few other wild ani- fully the next day to make sure no squirrel has been accidently mals do. If we look at trapped or gained reentry. In addition, watch closely to make sure them in this light, we may there are no persistent attempts to gain reentry; mother squirrels come to appreciate our will go to great lengths to reunite with their young, and frantic spunky little neighbors. attempts to reenter are good evidence that young are still inside. For more information on If this is the case, let the mother return and observe whether she dealing with squirrels in moves her litter. conflict situations, call AWARE or visit humanesociety.org.

Tails from the Wild, Summer 2012 Page 8

Georgia’s Premier Wildlife Rescue and Education Destination 4158 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA 30038 (678) 418-1111 www.AWAREwildlife.org

Tours given Saturdays at 1 and 3 P.M. AWARE is a volunteer-based organization working and Sundays at 1 P.M. to preserve and restore wildlife and its habitat through Donations gladly accepted education and wildlife rehabilitation. We believe that —————————————— peaceful coexistence of humans and wildlife is essential for our mutual survival. Book an educational program and meet our ambassador animals up close! AWARE rescues and rehabilitates about 1,600 wild animals each year and returns most of them to the wild. In addition, our licensed rehabilitators answer approxi- mately 10,000 phone calls each year from people with wildlife concerns, providing AWARE with opportunities to help people better understand, appreciate, and coexist with wildlife. Our educational outreach programs, which feature our non-releasable ambassador animals, include school programs, festivals, fairs, nature centers, commu- nity events, scout meetings, and anywhere there is an audience interested in wildlife. Our non-releasable ambassador animals (a bobcat, four owls, two hawks, a snake, an opossum, a skunk, and a crow) provide a face AWARE’s Wish List to our lessons on how to peacefully coexist with wild  Home Depot and Wal-Mart gift cards animals.  Towels and linens (no holes or loose threads)  Sticky notes, fine-tipped permanent markers AWARE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that  Applesauce, mixed fruit baby food relies on private contributions of time and money.  Pecan halves or miscellaneous whole nuts AWARE receives no government assistance.  Unscented HE laundry detergent and bleach Your donations make our work possible.  Purina Dog Chow Complete, Friskies Grillers Blend Cat Chow, or Friskies Classic Pate

Visit AWARE at these exciting upcoming events: Big Haynes Creek Wildlife Festival — August 25—26 bighaynescreekwildlifefestival.com Candler Park Fall Festival — October 13—14 fallfest.candlerpark.org Stone Mountain Pow Wow — November 2—4 festivals.stonemountainpark.com ______We can always use a few good hands! Please come out to AWARE on Sundays from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. to help with improvements around the center and grounds. Email [email protected] for details.