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imprinted, habituated or tame? before wildcare prickly hitchhikers getting ready to go thinking outside the desk fox squirrels wildcare news I Volume 17, Number 2 I Dear Friends, Autumn 2013 I hope you are having a wonderful summer! Administration and Education There are many exciting things happening at 415-453-1000 fax: 415-456-0594 WildCare right now. As usual, summer is our busiest Wildlife Hotline and Hospital season. Not only is the hospital extra full of patients 415-456-SAVE (7283) with many more arriving daily, camps are in progress, Website http://www.wildcarebayarea.org and we are enjoying the children who attend each week- long session. Usually on Fridays (last day of camp), the Email [email protected] kids put on a play about what they’ve learned for their Address 76 Albert Park Lane, San Rafael, CA 94901 parents. It is really a highlight for those of us who can Office Hours 9am–5pm M-F attend. Exhibit Hall, Courtyard and Clinic Hours All this summer activity underscores our critical 9am–5pm seven days a week need for a new facility, and I am happy to report on our progress. As you know, we have secured the site for our future home at Silveira Ranch, and we have board of directors two parallel efforts in progress – getting permits and raising funds. President Susanne Lyons Vice President Julie Allecta Speaking of fundraising, our Capital Campaign Committee, led by Board President Susanne Lyons, launched its work during a kick-off meeting in May. Treasurer Aaron Canale Linda Cheng The committee has three essential duties: contribute to the project, connect us Ed Dong with other prospective donors to the project, and convince their prospects that Alexandra Morehouse WildCare and its capital campaign are worthy of their support! We are now Susan Rusche in the “quiet” phase of our campaign, which focuses on major donations. We Kate Van Gytenbeek hope to secure approximately half of our estimated budget of $8 million prior to going public. We encourage you to be part of this process. If you would like executive director to participate in this all-important endeavor (or have suggestions for people or Karen Wilson organizations that might) please let me know. wildcare staff We are currently in the process of conducting and compiling myriad Jan Armstrong Marco Berger studies – biological, archeological, traffic, Phase One Environmental – just to Mecca Billings Nelson Lucy Burlingham name a few. By the time you receive this newsletter, we will have submitted Cindy Dicke Marian Eschen our full application (complete with studies) to the County of Marin Planning Deborah Goldstein Jessica Grace-Gallagher Department. We will also host meetings in September for our future neighbors Alison Hermance Katharine Jessup and others interested in learning more about our plans. Once we receive Juliana Joe Eileen Jones approval from the Planning Department (the process takes months) we Kelle Kacmarcik Winnie Kelly Kate Lynch Diana Manis will submit our more detailed building permits. Of course we will be busy Charlotte Patterson Melanie Piazza fundraising during this entire time. Mary Pounder Barbara Pritchard You may also know of our exciting event on October 15 when we will Kim Sandholdt Françoise Samuelson present Dr. Jane Goodall with our first-ever WildCare Environmental Award! Janet Sinnicks Andy Smith Initially the Terwilliger Environment Award, we decided to change the name to Nat Smith, RVT Paulette Smith-Ruiz honor Dr. Goodall, since that award is traditionally bestowed on outstanding Juan-Carlos Solis JoLynn Taylor Bay Area educators, and we plan to continue that proud tradition as well. Victor Ullrich I hope you enjoy reading about all of the exciting things going on at WildCare in this newsletter. As always, I am extremely thankful to our in memory of wonderful donors, volunteers and staff. We simply could not do the work we Elizabeth C. Terwilliger do without you! Julie Malet I am so excited that we are in this period of transformation. Each day I see the vision for our new facility coming closer and closer to fruition! WildCare advocates for wildlife Sincerely, for a sustainable world.

Cover Photograph: Alison Hermance Editor: JoLynn Taylor Karen Wilson Website Design: Alison Hermance Executive Director WildCare’s newsletter is published three times a year (April, August, November). Every effort has been made to ensure that the contents Follow WildCare on of this publication are accurate. We regret that we cannot be respon- sible for human error, printing mistakes, or variations in individual Catch the Facebook and Twitter! Visit workmanship. Printed in USA on Orion Satin Recycled our Living with Wildlife blog paper by Schumann Printers, Inc., Fall River, Wisconsin. Wild Action! POSTMASTER send changes of address to WildCare, at marinij.com 76 Albert Park Lane, San Rafael, CA 94901. Sign up for WildCare’s FREE weekly eNews updates at www.wildcarebayarea.org.

22 wildcarewildcare 415.453.1000415.453.1000 autumn 2013 I news & notes I I local heroes I eyes, pupils fixed and dilated, and constant pacing with back weakness. At the direction of Dr. Pesavento, we took samples from one while the raccoon was under anesthesia before euthanizing her. Melanie Piazza took video of the raccoon’s behavior that led medical staff to suspect the presence of the tumors. She will use the video and accompanying descriptions to share with other wildlife centers. Photo by JoLynn Taylor Photo by JoLynn Dr. Pesavento wrote, “Thank you california kingsnake so much, Melanie. The serum is like Meet our newest Wildlife gold on this one, and my oncologist When WildCare volunteers Ambassador! This baby was found was standing by when we arrived, so encouraged us to recycle more in an aquarium at the side of a road we may have a tumor cell line. Wow.” things during our annual clean- in Martinez, and taken to Lindsay up day in January, 1-800-GOT- Museum, a wildlife hospital for which JUNK? was our first choice. 75% WildCare staff member Nat Smith of everything they pick up is either fosters reptiles. recycled, donated or salvaged. The aquarium gave Nat a clue that There are seven 1-800-GOT- the snake had been kept as a pet for JUNK? franchises operating in the some period of time, a circumstance San Francisco Bay Area, with more that makes reptiles non-releasable. Captive reptiles may carry diseases to than thirty trucks, all operated by which wild ones have no resistance. local owners and workers. From We had no way of knowing whether he residential to small and large office had had contact with other reptiles or clean-outs, they can take away

their enclosures. We also had no idea Taylor Photo by JoLynn almost anything that can be lifted by where this little guy came from, and remembering gaia two adults. since kingsnakes have a high degree We sadly say goodbye to Wildlife 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is a of site fidelity, he would have tried to California E-Waste collector, so all return to his home range, no matter Ambassador Gaia, who entertained so where he was released. many courtyard visitors over the last computer monitors, TVs and CPUs eight years. Gaia was blind, but had are recycled according to California Nat kept the snake over the winter, no problem finding her way around law. They sort, donate and drop off and knowing that our kingsnake Rex her familiar habitat. She died in July many needed items to local charities was retiring, admitted the young snake of an age-related illness. to WildCare on December 19, 2012 as and Good Will. patient #1830. Plan to come visit him nickels for nonprofits Thank you, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? and watch him grow up! United Markets encourages its for giving WildCare the friends and family discounts! walk with wildcare customer to reuse their grocery bags when shopping. Two years ago, they The next in our continuing series news and notes of walks with WildCare naturalists continues on page 11 will take place on Saturday, October 5 at Corte Madera Creek, from 10am to noon. We’ll explore this urban creek Living with Wildlife Photography Contest and its surrounding habitat, and then enjoy boxed lunches. Visit our website Enter your best California wildlife photo for more information and to purchase to win our tickets. $500 Best in Show Prize raccoon glioblastoma Diagnoses of two more cases of the Entry deadline September 13, 2012 raccoon tumors that were identified last year by Dr. Patricia Pasavento of UC Davis were confirmed this spring. Sadly, our medical staff is becoming Visit wildcarebayarea.org/photocontest or call 415-453-1000 x 24 adept at diagnosing the nasal brain for rules and entry forms

tumors. Symptoms include bulging Photo by Ashley Rowson autumn 2013 2013 www.wildcarebayarea.org wildcare 3 imprinted, habituated or tamed? In rehabilitating wild animals – preparing them to survive a life in the as an adult vulture, Vladimir would wild – foster caregivers walk a thin line. While we have to care for baby animals have nothing to do with him. Vladimir in a way that doesn’t terrify them every time they see a human approach them seemed terrified, the young vulture with food, we are also very concerned about making them too comfortable around seemed confused and stressed, and the people when they are released later. attempt was abandoned. Many of us use the word “imprinted” to talk about this danger, but actual habituation imprinting is very rare. Habituation is much more common, and taming is actually rather difficult. What’s the difference? Habituation – in which an animal becomes accustomed to people or imprinting situations – is actually our greatest Imprinting is a term used in both and is probably one of the reasons that danger in keeping wild animals in psychology and ethology (the study wildlife rehabilitators in California are captivity while they heal or grow. of animal behavior). It describes the not permitted to accept viable eggs and Habituation is common in both kind of rapid learning that occurs at allow them to hatch. Truly imprinted birds and mammals. It is a short- a particular age or life stage (called animals cannot be released. term learning process that can, in phase-dependent learning). Konrad Vladimir, our Wildlife Ambassador controlled circumstances, be reversed Lorentz studied instinctive behavior Turkey Vulture, is a classic case of an with aversion techniques. As with ducklings, raccoons and other species, in animals, and working with geese, unreleasable, imprinted bird. Vladimir demonstrated the principle of it can occur during rehabilitation, but was raised from a hatchling by a man imprinting. can also occur naturally in areas where who was later unable to keep him. people come in contact with social wild Imprinting is a rapid learning Vladimir imprinted on the man. He process that takes place very early animals. does not understand that he is a vulture in the life of a young social animal; Coyotes, raccoons and other it permanently establishes a specific and never will. It precludes him from animals have frequently demonstrated attachment with whatever it has most ever mating, because he has attached to this, especially when people feed them. contact. Imprinting can occur during humans. This is the reason WildCare does not cross-fostering of newly-hatched birds, Several years ago we attempted recommend that anyone feed wild to put a very young vulture in his animals. Like the recent case of the enclosure, hoping Vladimir would coyote in Golden Gate Park that was accept the young one and act as a role approaching people and cars for food, model. Although the youngster tried to habituation can bring danger to people interact normally to what he recognized and untimely death to wild animals.

American Kestrel Ambassador Kélé, here feeding an orphaned baby kestrel, is tame. He Vladimir, our Ambassador Turkey Vulture, is is comfortable with people, but knows he is Waterbirds hatch on land, and must follow their imprinted. Raised from a hatchling by a person, a kestrel and even what his job is! Photo by mother to water. For geese and ducks imprinting he loves people, thinks he is a person, and Alison Hermance is a survival tactic – unless they are caught in recoils at the idea of another Turkey Vulture near traffic on the way. Photo by Ken Benjamin him. Photo by Winnie Kelly

4 wildcare 415.453.1000 autumn 2013 In foster care we are careful to raise Danusia Heilemann, the Foster important in socializing puppies than birds and mammals among others Care Coordinator for the Marin it is for kittens. They are encouraged to of their own kind, so while they do Humane Society, explained the process play with the family pets and children. have contact with a human caregiver they use to tame feral kittens so they This is not the case for WildCare’s (usually only one) they are always in can be adopted into loving families. foster caregivers. They are trained to contact with their own species. Once Interestingly, it is a mirror (reverse) seclude the animals in a quiet room mammals like raccoons, foxes and image of what we do with wild animals and keep the sounds of the home, the squirrels no longer require hand-fed that will be released to the wild. family and pets away, only visiting to milk formulas, they join larger juvenile To tame a feral kitten, they begin feed and clean silently, without talking groups, and people recede from their at 4-5 weeks of age, and separate the to them. While we might refer to the world well before they are released. kitten from her littermates. After that animal in discussions by a familiar This is completely opposite from what age it becomes much more difficult to trait or location, such as “the pinkie,” has to happen when a wild or feral tame the youngster, and the separation or “whitie,” or “Sonoma,” they are animal is tamed. will encourage the kitten to bond with not names given for the animal to taming the people, not other kittens. The respond to. Tameness is a state in which a kitten is housed in a crate in an area Young animals are always housed wild animal can be managed by a where she will hear, see and smell all with at least one other member of human handler, a learning process the familiar things in the home, so their species, and allowed to socialize that involves rewards such as feeding she first becomes habituated to her appropriately. At the appropriate age, and handling. It encourages a social surroundings, family and other pets. As they are moved outside, where they attachment that changes a wild animal she becomes accustomed to the sounds can hear the sounds of the wind, from a wild state of fear, aggression of radios, TVs and vacuum cleaners, trees and birds and given appropriate or timidity toward humans, to one her fears diminish, and she becomes natural foraging, climbing and hiding in which the animal loses those wild more interested in the people. opportunities. behaviors. Foster caregivers handle the kittens For a kitten, human companionship At WildCare we don’t have a lot as much as possible, touching their in a loving home is the happy ending. of experience with taming, except paws, clipping their nails, carrying For a wild raccoon, fox or skunk, for those few animals that cannot be them and petting them. The process freedom and a second chance at life released, and are being groomed for is working when they begin to purr is the joyful result. In either case, for work as Wildlife Ambassadors. So we and indicate they are enjoying the foster care people, it is hard to nurture went to the best source to learn what is attention. Each is given a name by their a small helpless animal only to say involved in taming. foster caregiver, but the name is more goodbye. But it is always worth it.

Habituation occurs naturally when social species Foster care at the Marin Humane Society is vital Raccoons are intelligent and adaptable. come into close contact with people who feed in taming feral cats so they can be adopted. It Habituation is pretty easy to do while they are them. This is usually a death sentence for the involves careful timing, extensive handling and in foster care. Actual taming isn’t as easy or animal. If people continue to feed an animal, petting. It is the opposite of what WildCare does desirable with wild animals. Photo by JoLynn hazing will not work to frighten them away. with wild animals who must learn that humans Taylor Photo by Trish Carney trishcarney.com are not their friends. Photo by David Taylor autumn 2013 www.wildcarebayarea.org wildcare 5 before wildcare

WildCare’s new home is only new to us. The earliest inhabitants, Situated along the northerly portion of Smith of course, weren’t people at all, but the rich variety of wildlife – both plant and Ranch Road, the original buildings on the 4.5- acre site served as military barracks built by animal – that lives on the shoreline marshlands of San Francisco Bay. To our the U.S. Army in the late 1950s. Later it housed delight, much of that still lives here, and will serve to help us educate a new residents of the Marin County Jail minimum- generation of environmentally responsible citizens. security Honor Farm.

As we prepare to join the an abrupt line, offering no refuge for 144 bird and waterfowl species use community that inhabits this rich wildlife during high tides, nor the the lands for all or part of their habitat area, we look forward to developing resources that overlapping habitats needs, as do raccoons, foxes, bobcats WildCare’s new home, and look back typically provide. and a variety of smaller mammals, with respect to those who were here reptiles and amphibians. before us. The area just north of Lucas Valley Road also shares natural features such miwok and early inhabitants bay marshland as oak savanna and woodland, pasture land, riparian stream habitat, oat-hay The earliest settlers of the land The flat marshlands create an fields and hillside hiking areas. Small prior to about 1820 were the Native ecologically significant transition seasonal wetlands occur throughout American Miwok people. A large shell between the bay and adjacent upland the area, and the property is crossed by mound on the north part of what is habitats. This component of the bay Miller Creek, a major freshwater creek now the Silveira Ranch (WildCare ecosystem has been lost throughout which is influenced by the tides and will be located south of the ranch), much of the San Francisco Bay Region, provides flood control. A salt marsh has and other evidence of early habitation where levees and urban development developed outside the levee along the suggest the early presence of the largest most often meet the bay shoreline in edge of San Pablo Bay. intact Miwok village in Marin County.

6 wildcare 415.453.1000 autumn 2013 Photo by JoLynn Taylor Right, the view from the hillside of John F. McInnis Park overlooks the site. McInnis is a multi-use outdoor activity facility that provides an award-winning skate park, softball and soccer fields, a canoe launch, tennis courts, a group picnic area, restrooms and parking facilities.

In 1844, Timothy Murphy (Don Timoteo) received the 22,000-acre Rancho San Pedro, Santa Margarita and Las Gallinas Mexican land grant, and sold some of the acreage in 1845 to William Miller, whose family had pioneered the wagon trail through Emigrant Gap in the Sierra Nevada. In 1853 Murphy deeded 317 acres to Archibishop Alemany for education purposes. The eastern portions of the land were fully tidal until the rail line for the Northwestern Pacific and Southern Taylor Photo by JoLynn Pacific railroads was constructed. Toward Silveira Ranch currently leases this tradition will continue with the the end of the 1800s, the land east of the about 11 acres of land to Marin County. presence of WildCare,” says Lorraine railroad was diked off from the bay and Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District, Silveira, owner and operator of Silveira drained for farming. also east of the tracks, has provided Ranches. “My late husband, Tony, was very fond of wildlife, which makes this silveira ranch wastewater treatment for northern San Rafael since 1955. Facilities include partnership so meaningful to our family. In 1900, 14-year-old Anthony 390 acres for plant habitat, storage We have great regard for WildCare and Faustine Silveira, grandfather of the its mission, and we are honored to be ponds and agricultural fields. current owner, purchased the Miller associated with it,” she adds. Ranch dairy business. He shipped Because of this long history of milk on the Northern Pacific Railroad wildcare’s future from the Miller Depot Station to San mixed use, our environmental impact Francisco for processing. He later built report found no evidence of potential As we look forward to moving the Silveira family home in 1953, and problems such as endangered species to this wonderful location that offers purchased diked former tidelands east – great news for an environmental us the room to expand to meet the of the railroad tracks. organization like WildCare! growing needs of our wild neighbors, Left, nature trails throughout the area offer we are grateful for the support of the hiking, birding and spectacular views of San “Over the years, the site has served Marin community that has helped us Pablo Bay and adjoining marshlands. Photo by JoLynn Taylor Photo by JoLynn a number of significant needs, and come this far.

autumn 2013 www.wildcarebayarea.org wildcare 7 Baby hummingbirds in their nest Photo by Great Horned Owl chick, reunited with its parent Orphaned fawn taking milk replacement formula Elizabeth Lynn Photo by Jim Cairnes Photo by Alison Hermance getting ready to go

Wildlife rehabilitation encompasses more than treating medical problems This usually takes four to five and raising orphaned wild animals – although those two aspects are a large part of months. During this time, they must the work. There are many different ways to get a wild animal ready and able to go be kept clean and housed in an back to living a wild life. environment with the enrichment to help them learn. Once weaned, they rescuers must be given a wide variety of the The people who find a wild animal Reunions can be tricky because the foods they might encounter. Since they that seems to need help are our first natural behaviors of each species must are omnivorous, that includes fruits, line of engagement. The phone call be carefully considered. Opossums, grains and vegetables, small mammals, alerts us to a situation, and we can for example, cannot be reunited birds, eggs, fish, shellfish, amphibians determine whether the animal actually because the mother bond in marsupials and invertebrates. They’ll weigh needs help. It’s an education process (pouched mammals) does not require between eight and ten pounds, so you that keeps the caller safe and gives the the female to keep track of her young. can imagine how much food they eat. Reunions can work well with raptors animal the best chance of survival. and social mammals like raccoons and injured animals In early April, Elizabeth Lynn called foxes, but done badly, just result in Each medical problem brings to report a hummingbird nest with two injury or death to the babies. its own set of challenges. Many are baby hummingbirds in it that seemed familiar. Fractures and wounds, while to have been abandoned. After much orphaned babies dramatic, are the most easily treated – if discussion based on Elizabeth’s obser- Orphaned babies take the most the prognosis is for a full recovery. If vations, we agreed that the mother was amount of time and resources, and not, and the animal can’t be released to probably still around and caring for of course, they all come at once – in live a normal life, the difficult decision them. Elizabeth emailed back to thank the spring and summer. Orphaned must be the humane one. us and to share photos of the healthy raccoons are probably our most Illnesses and diseases may be more little family. extreme case of this; we care for 40-50 difficult to diagnose, but run the gamut orphans each year. There are a lot of from pneumonia to rabies. In any case, reuniting families them, and they take a lot of space. recovery must be complete, so even Sometimes all our effort happens in Raccoon babies travel with their these need physical conditioning after the first few days. This is time-sensitive, mothers during their first year of life, so the initial problem is resolved. because the window of opportunity is we can’t release them until they are old We admit over 3,500 animals a year narrow, and can’t be postponed, but enough to have bonded to their sibling respresenting 200 different species. It’s well worth the time compared to what group, can recognize and find natural a challenge, but we believe they deserve it takes to raise wild babies. food, and take care of themselves. the effort.

Baby raccoons exploring Photo by Stephen Knitted nests for orphaned songbirds Photo by Pygmy Owl with fractured leg in splint Photo by Shaw Melanie Piazza Alison Hermance

8 wildcare 415.453.1000 autumn 2013 #0560-0561 patient gallery

Western Screech Owls he was eating enough to gain weight. (#0560-0561) were found on a driveway A video camera placed in the cage under a tree in San Anselmo by Michelle confirmed it, and offered a rare close- Latrala on May 8. Looking like two up view of this very special foster care cotton balls making trilling noises, experience. The baby is expected to be Photo by Marian Eschen WildCare confirmed them to be tiny released by the end of summer. View owls, so newly hatched that each one had the video at wildcarebayarea.org/updates his “egg tooth” still attached to his beak. #0663 Northern Pacific Rattle- Hungry Owl Project (HOP) volunteers went to the site where snake (#1043) was found in the the babies were found to see if a backyard of Amanda Montgomery’s home reunion with their parents was in Novato on June 27. The small snake possible, and enlisted the aid of Merlin was just lying in the doorway of a shed, Schlumberger of Merlin’s Tree and with what looked to be a large swelling in Farm Care to check out a cavity 18 feet its body, and was not moving away as one high. He reported that the cavity was would do normally. too deep to be the nest site. At the base Amanda called the Marin Humane of the tree, however, was a pile of wood Society, and an officer was dispatched

debris and an unhatched egg. The to bring the snake to WildCare. Radio- Photo by Alison Hermance entire trunk was hollow. The base of graphs revealed that this young, unin- the nest had collapsed, and the owlets jured snake had eaten a rat much larger had fallen down and out of the hole. than itself, and it’s only problem was – lit- #1043 One of the babies did not survive, erally – indigestion. The snake was gently and HOP volunteers began searching transported back to its territory, so as not for an active Screech Owl nest into to cause him to regurgitate his meal. which they could place this baby. As of Northern Raccoon (#1079) July 15, the baby remains in foster care. was brought to WildCare on June 30 American Kestrel (#0663) was from Mill Valley at the age of about 10 found in the middle of the road near months. Katherine Fontwit found him the reservoir in Nicasio on May 17. The with his leg caught in a fence, and had rescuer thought the animal was dead at heard his mother calling him in the first, but when she saw movement, she night. She phoned the Marin Humane pulled over. The baby was filthy and Society, and Field Officer O’Brien freed matted, but very vocal as she gently him and brought him to WildCare. wrapped him in a towel and brought Radiographs indicated that his him to WildCare. Here he was exam- left leg was badly fractured, and a

ined and found to be uninjured. splint was applied. Young animals heal Photo by Melanie Piazza Kestrels are high-strung, but at quickly, but days later, the fracture was WildCare the baby had an option. Our still unstable and he was chewing at Wildlife Ambassador American Kestrel the wrap. Raccoons suffer anxiety and #1079 Kele must have been raised as a pet depression when kept in isolation for from the time he was a young chick. long periods of time; he needed to be His obvious comfort with people with others his age to develop the skills made him unreleasable, but a perfect he’d need to survive after release. Wildlife Ambassador and potential Dr. Ken Bacon of Central Marin Cat foster parent. and Exotic agreed to pin the leg on July Uncertain how Kele would react, 10, and patient #1079 healed quickly. we introduced the chick carefully and On July 21, he was introduced to a hand-fed him until we were certain it group of young raccoons with which he was safe to let Kele take over. The baby bonded. He will be released with them was weighed regularly, and it was clear in late August. Photo by Melanie Piazza

autumn 2013 www.wildcarebayarea.org wildcare 9 fox squirrels by Lucy Burlingham, WildCare Squirrel Foster Team Leader What’s going on? WildCare has seen a sharp increase in Fox Squirrels • The Fox Squirrel has broad habitat in recent years. In the 1990s and early 2000s we admitted an average of 6 tolerances, a higher reproductive individuals a year; in 2008 we admitted 34, and last year, we admitted 53. Fox output and greater juvenile Squirrels are not native to Marin County, but were introduced here by individuals dispersal than the native species. for the purposes of hunting or populating local parks. • Fox Squirrels thrive in cities and Fur color and size distinguish Fox suburbs, and consume a wider Squirrels from other tree squirrels. range of foods than Gray Squirrels. They are the largest North American • Western Gray Squirrels constructed tree squirrel, and can weigh up to 2.8 nests only in oak and eucalyptus pounds. Rusty red underparts make trees, and were unwilling to nest in them easy to spot, though there is developed residential areas. considerable variation among the ten subspecies. Blond and black phases are meet a fox squirrel seen in some areas. The Fox Squirrel’s All of this natural history helps brilliant cinnamon-black tail can be to introduce our newest Wildlife spectacular. Ambassador. Patient #1677 fell from Adapted to a wide variety of his nest when his tree was cut, and Photo by Alison Hermance forest habitats, Fox Squirrels are most was admitted to WildCare with abundant in upland forests of mixed head injuries on October 30, 2012. trees, but as croplands and forests Uncertain about his chance of recovery, the little male, only 5-6 weeks old, turned into suburbs, these squirrels went to foster care with our Director adapted well to humans. They readily of Animal Care Melanie Piazza. adapt to unusual food items. Melanie observed him over the course Fox Squirrels prefer to den in of his recovery, hoping his impaired hollow trees, but will build outdoor leaf maneuverability would improve as he nests or nests of shredded bark in trees grew. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the when hollow trees are unavailable. case, and he could never survive in the Photo by Alison Hermance They will also use attics and walls wild. His head injury, however, made of buildings and other man-made him calm and comfortable with people. structures for nesting. help us name our fox squirrel After their first year, mature healthy Now that you know a little about female Fox Squirrels are capable of Fox Squirrels and our new Wildlife producing two litters annually during Ambassador, please help us give him an plentiful food years, while the Western appropriate name! We’re looking for a Gray Squirrel has a single annual name that is reflective of this interesting breeding season. wild neighbor and respectful of his wild nature. squirrel vs squirrel Register on our website to submit A 2004 masters thesis by Julie L. your entry – and then vote online King examined the distribution of Fox for your favorite one. Contest will Squirrels in the Greater Los Angeles end on September 6. The winner will Metropolitan Area and their behavioral receive two tickets to our WildCare interaction with native Western Gray Environmental Award ceremony with Squirrels. Some findings included: Photo by Melanie Piazza Dr. Jane Goodall on October 15, and • The Fox Squirrel and native will be announced in our weekly Western Gray Squirrel (S. griseus) eNews updates and in the Winter issue populations can overlap. of this newsletter.

10 wildcare 415.453.1000 autumn 2013

I news & notes I I volunteer spotlight I

from page 3 taking bobcats as well as in the decided to give the 5¢ cost of each number of bobcats, taken for bag back to the customers who did commercial purposes in California. so. There is a jar at each store where Reliable statewide population customers can donate the money if estimates for bobcats do not exist. they choose. Existing law describes the In April of this year, they selected fur-bearing mammals that may be WildCare to be the recipient of the taken, and requires people who trap nickel program that month. In June, fur-bearing mammals to procure they sent us a check for $516.35. a trapping license, which specifies Thank you, United Markets and your where trapping is illegal – such customers, for your support! as within national monuments or

preserves. A violation of any of the Photo by Jessica Grace provisions of the Fish and Game Code is illegal. Tiffany Douglass is a full-time graduate student in Dominican This bill would enact the University of California’s GreenMBA Bobcat Protection Act of 2013, program, earning her MBA in which, beginning January 1, 2014, Sustainable Enterprise. She also would require the Fish and Game Commission to amend its regulations works as a Marketing Manager for a to specify where such trapping may local, green building company, and occur. The bill would prohibit the she volunteers weekly at WildCare. trapping of any bobcat on private A few weeks after she moved to land not belonging to the trapper San Rafael, Tiffany rescued a Robin without the express written consent and brought it to WildCare. Feeling of the property owner. that WildCare’s mission aligns with her sustainability training and love of rodenticides and pacific fishers Photo by Trish Carney trishcarney.com Photo by Trish the outdoors, Tiffany inquired about Ecologist Mourad Gabriel, helping with WildCare’s marketing. AB 1213 bobcat protection act co-founder of the Integral Ecology Volunteer Manager Jessica Grace of 2013 Research Center in Humboldt jumped at the chance to engage County, is a UC Davis doctoral A bill proposing curbs on the trade her as an outreach and support candidate researching Pacific Fishers in bobcat pelts and bobcat trapping volunteer. – a mink-like mammal listed as was amended in the California Sen- a candidate for state and federal “On a professional level, ate on June 20 with the support and protection under the Endangered WildCare’s Volunteer Department is encouragement of many of WildCare’s Species Act. a great opportunity for me to practice members. Last year, Gabriel published my skills – updating the volunteer A rise in the demand for bobcat research that studied the effects of database, scheduling volunteers, pelts in China and other foreign rodenticides on fisher populations. educating the public at events, etc.,” markets has resulted in a substantial said Tiffany. “On a personal level, news and notes increase in the number of trappers continues on page 12 volunteering gives me an altruistic energy to stay connected with nature and maintain faith in humanity.” Releasing a bobcat with Melanie Piazza last year was a memorable experience. “In the Volunteer Department, I rarely have interaction with the animals, so I jumped at the chance to do a release,” she recalls. “It was my first time seeing a bobcat! I filmed the release as Melanie managed the carrier. It was incredibly inspiring to witness the freeing of a healthy animal back to the wild.”

autumn 2013 www.wildcarebayarea.org ww.wildcarebayarea.org wildcarewildcare 11 11 ,

I donor salute I I news & notes I

from page 11 In the original study, research- ers thought the fishers’ exposure to rodenticide would be rare because they are forest-dependent carnivores, and rodenticide is usually used near

urban areas. Pacific Fisher photo courtesy of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife However, in 2008, law Spotted Owl, but the more common enforcement found thousands of Barred Owls are also being used pounds of pesticides at grow sites because of their similar food habits and when officials removed more than habitat. Susanne Lyons discovered 3.6 million outdoor marijuana plants ”We have tested around eight to WildCare in 2008 after retiring as from public lands in California. 10 owls so far, and about half of those Chief Marketing Officer for Visa. A 2011 illegal grow eradication have come back with exposure to After 30 years in financial services, operation removed more than 150 rodenticide,” Gabriel said. her work in the wildlife hospital pounds of pesticides within fisher and as a Terwilliger Nature Guide habitats in Mendocino County. dining for wildlife 2013 offered a way for her to reconnect Of the 58 dead fishers collected This year well over 500 sponsors, with her passion for wildlife and the and tested for rodenticide in the diners and donors helped raise $45,000 environment. study, 79 percent had been exposed. to fund our programs in wildlife rehabil- In 2011, when WildCare began Gabriel has expanded his itation, nature education and advocacy. its first effort to secure a new site research to include soil samples, We extend grateful thanks to for a new facility, Susanne and her invertebrates, other species of rodents everyone who participated. Thank husband Jeff stepped forward with and birds – specifically the Northern you!!! a gift of $250,000. When WildCare secured the lease for the Silveira Ranch property, the Lyons made a new pledge of an additional $250,000 for the capital campaign! Susanne and Jeff are the current lead donors to the project. This $500,000 commitment from Susanne and Jeff is the largest charitable contribution they have ever made to a nonprofit organization. When we asked what motivated them to make this gift, Susanne explained that WildCare has many supporters, but only a few patrons. She wanted to direct their gift where it would have the most impact and also inspire others to increase their support. Susanne and Jeff have issued a challenge for their new gift; they will fulfill the pledge after WildCare secures an additional $250,000 in gifts and pledges for the capital campaign. WildCare salutes Susanne and Jeff Lyons for their exceptional generosity and for their unwavering commitment to leading the way to making our new facility possible!

12 wildcarewildcare 415.453.1000 autumn 2013 ,

I living with wildlife I thinking outside the desk WildCare’s telephone hotline is also the frontline for those people Their concern was that the birds who are experiencing one-on-one interactions with wildlife. In the best cases, had ingested some kind of poison. the animals involved never get a patient record because of the expert advice and understanding of our 9-5 Service Representatives and after-hours nightline Veterinary Technician Nat Smith operators. Here are some of their stories. worked in partnership with the park officials to secure tests of the bodies hooded crow they submitted. The National Park We got a call in early April from and finally set a trap. As of July 15, Service paid for necropsies which Charlene Gubasha, a woman who trapping efforts are still under way. revealed lead in the stomachs of the had a fledgling hooded crow – in geese, but not the gulls, which died Marmots are not from the Bay Area, Cairo, Egypt – that seemed in trouble. from other causes. and typically live in colder climates at Charlene called WildCare because elevations of 5,000 feet or higher. there are no wildlife rehabilitation pigeons, wild and tame centers there, and her son, a student Rebecca suspected that the marmot We admitted an injured brown at UC Berkeley, recommended she traveled from Yosemite National Park pigeon in mid-February. His band call our 24-hour hotline. She spoke to to San Jose in the engine compartment identified him as a racing pigeon from Winnie Kelly at about 9pm PDT, which of a vehicle owned by William Charlson, Mexico. Our phone staff followed up was early morning in Egypt. Then who owns a bed-and-breakfast near with known registries and organizations she spoke with Animal Care Director the park, had stopped in Tuolumne with no success at finding the owner. Melanie Piazza until midnight PDT. Meadows on Saturday, and had driven We are not licensed to treat domestic to San Francisco the following day. animals, so we partner with MickaCoo After identifying the species as best Pigeon and Dove Rescue and the Marin she could, Melanie emailed advice, Wildlife Emergency Services will Humane Society (MHS) to assure these written protocols, and contact with return the marmot to Yosemite once the animals get the care they need. corvid specialist, Elaine Friedman of animal has been captured. Corvid Connection. MickaCoo is at capacity with dead gulls on alcatraz homeless pigeons, and recently set up Human persecution has affected a pigeon aviary at MHS so that their crows, and today only the most fearful In early June, National Park Service pigeons could live in a healthy outdoor and cautious birds have survived. This (NPS) staff members called to ask for environment while awaiting adoption. one did not survive, probably partly help in identifying the cause of death because of its stress in captivity. of a number of Canada Geese and The Racing Pigeon joined a single California Gulls on Alcatraz Island. lonely king pigeon in the aviary and yes, a marmot! The birds had been found dead by NPS the two have bonded. They are now staff. awaiting adoption, hopefully together. The call came in as a simple exclusion call asking for help in excluding a groundhog from a Bernal Heights garden shed. Wildlife Solutions Manager Kelle Kacmarcik spoke at length to the caller to determine how a groundhog might have come to a San Francisco garden, and whether the animal really was a groundhog. A photograph convinced her it was actually a Yellow-bellied Marmot. Still not a native, but at least a Western resident. Because WildCare doesn’t perform rescue services, Kelle called Rebecca Dymytryk of Wildlife Emergency Hooded Crow photo by Charlene Gubasha; Sevices in Moss Landing. Rebecca and Yellow-bellied Marmot photo courtesy of Kelle went to the location to try to coax WildRescue; King Pigeon and Racing Pigeon the marmot out from under the shed, photo by Melanie Piazza

autumn 2013 www.wildcarebayarea.org wildcare 13 I mrs. t’s corner I prickly hitchhikers Fall is the time of dispersal for lots of wild things, but plants can’t just get up and walk to new locations, so they have evolved a variety of strategies to get around – including hitchhiking! We can all relate to coming in from outside after a hike to find tiny, sticky seeds stuck to everything. adaptation or invasive threat? While being able to move its and naturalist, went on a nature seeds from one location to another is walk with his dog through a field of desirable from a plant’s point of view, hitchhiking bur plants. They returned it can cause economic and health home covered with the burs. Curious, issues as a result of loss or change in Mestral went to his microscope and the biodiversity of a region. In the Bay inspected one of the burs. He saw Purple Star Thistle (Centaurea calcitrapa) photo Area, Italian Thistles and Star Thistles by Luigi Rignanese numerous small hooks that enabled have been extremely successful in expanding their range, out-competing the bur to cling to the tiny loops in the native plants. As Star Thistle takes over fabric of his pants. George de Mestral grasslands, it can inflict injuries to the raised his head from the microscope mouths of grazing cattle. and smiled thinking, “I will design a unique, two-sided fastener, one side world travelers with stiff hooks like the burs and the Cockleburs (Xanthium sp.) produce other side with soft loops like the fabric hundreds of little football-shaped burs of my pants. I will call my invention covered with stiff, hooked spines. The “velcro,” a combination of the words prickly burs hook into your clothing velour and crochet. It will rival the like Velcro and attach tightly. Often the zipper in its ability to fasten.” burs become entangled in animals’ fur, and, in the case of pets, must be cut. backyard hitchhikers These remarkable burs have enabled Whenever your pet goes out in the the cocklebur plant to hitchhike all summer or fall, he or she might come over the world. back with unwanted hitchhikers. These Indian Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum) photo by J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan © California Acad- Cockleburs belong to the enormous can be ticks, burs or grass seeds, but emy of Sciences sunflower family, the largest known one of the worst is the foxtail. Once plant family, that has approximately the seed gets snagged in fur, it can only 24,000 species. Another related move one way, deeper into the fur and hitchhiker in the sunflower family, skin. called burdock (Arctium lappa), is equally adapted for clinging to animals The name “foxtail” is applied to and objects. Like the cocklebur, its a number of grasses that have bushy hooked prickles are very difficult to spikes that resemble a fox’s tail. Not all remove. of these are hazardous. The hazardous ones are in the genus Hordeum, and are Other hitchhikers include Bur also called “wild barley.” Clover (Medicago hispida) and Fuller’s Teasel (Dipsacus sativa). Teasel bristles While hitchhiking plants, much are stiff enough to raise and straighten like hitchhiking people, might be (tease) the nap on woolen cloth. The considered undesirable, the amazing large, spiny heads of teasel were used to evolution of plants has allowed them card wool in early days. to become mobile and disperse themselves around the world. So the the inspiration for velcro next time you’re picking little seeds from your clothing, take a moment to Foxtail Barley (Hordeum jubatum ssp.) photo by One day in 1948, George de Jean Pawek Mestral, an amateur Swiss mountaineer appreciate these plants’ adaptability.

14 wildcare 415.453.1000 autumn 2013 I just for fun! I a congregation of critters prickly hitchhikers autumn activities Fall is migration time! You might see a group of animals garden detective going somewhere! What do you call Can you find at least nine things in the picture that make the group? Connect the animals wildlife welcome in your garden, and unwelcome in your home? to the name of their group. A business of Bees A flight of Bats A parliament Crows A host Flies A murmuration Foxes An unkindness Jays A scold Lapwings A deceit Larks An exaltation Owls A murder Plovers A scurry Porcupines A prickle Ravens A skulk Sparrows A colony Squirrels A pod Starlings A swarm Swallows A wing Whales Answers: a swarm of bees; a colony of bats; a murder of crows; a business of flies ; a skulk of foxes; a scold of jays; a deceit of lapwings; an exaltation of larks; a parliament of owls; a wing of plovers; a prickle of porcupines; an unkind- ness of ravens; a host of sparrows; a scurry of squirrels; a murmuration of starlings; a flight of swallows; a pod of whales Illustration by DavidLaTour Welcome: 1. Bird feeder 2. Water source 3. Brush piles and native shrubs for shelter 4. Native plants for food 5. Undisturbed nests 6. Cats indoors Unwelcome: 7. Sealed access areas under house 8. Locked pet door at night 9. Sealed trash cans

Raptor Maze Help this raptor navigate the thermal air currents and find the migration route to his winter home. Start Summer home Winter home

autumn 2013 www.wildcarebayarea.org wildcare 15 Non-Profit Organization U. S. POSTAGE 76 Albert Park Lane • San Rafael, CA 94901 415-453-1000 PAID wildcarebayarea.org Columbus, WI Permit No. 73

I schedule of events I autumn 2013

Museum and Wildlife Conferences Courtyard Programs OWCN Annual Rehabilitation wildlife ambassadors* FREE Conference – Oilapalooza

Ambassadors in WildCare’s Courtyard Oiled Wildlife Care Network Members Photo by Martita Smith Pool bird feeding The Dana on Mission Bay and daily at 12:30 & 4:30pm Seaworld, San Diego Events Meet the Trainer October 27-28, 2013 Photo Contest Deadline* September 13, 5pm daily schedule available on website www.owcn.org Ambassador Enrichment Volunteer Appreciation Party daily schedule available on website The Wildlife Society Conference September 14, 11am-3pm Wisconsin Center, Milwaukee, WI Walk with WildCare October 5-10, 2013 October 5, 10am - noon 301-897-9770 www.wildlifesociety.org Corte Madera Creek WildCare Environmental Award IWRC Symposium Presentation and Reception Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort, October 15, 6pm SOLD OUT Victoria, BC Canada Wine-ing for Wildlife November 4-9, 2013 Date TBA Please visit our website 408-271-2685 www.theiwrc.org California Council for Wildlife Wildlife Rehabilitation Rehabilitators Symposium Programs

Photo by Chris Whittier Hilton Hotel, Costa Mesa, CA New Volunteer Orientations November 15-17, 2013 Orientation for Adult Volunteers Terwilliger Nature 415-541-5090 www.ccwr.org January 25 or 26, 2014, 1-5pm Education Programs Classes for Volunteers Family Adventure Walks* 2110–Necropsy September 28, 10am - noon September 7, 10am-noon Wildlife Treasures of China Camp 2122–Introduction to Radiology September 17, 6:30-8:30pm (lecture) October 26, 10am - noon September 24, 6:30-8:30pm (lab) Halloween at Deer Park 2123–Parasitology Basics November 2, 10am - noon September 29, 1:30-3:30pm Birding with kids at Rush Lake 6120–WildCare Interpretation for the Public October 6, 10am-2pm Nature Guide 2130–Veterinary Drugs & Dosages Volunteer Orientation October 8, 6:30-8:30pm August 3, 11am-12:30pm 5030–Raptor Identification and Migration Nature Guide Training October 12, 9-11am/11:30am-2pm Ten half-day sessions, 2121–Aseptic Technique October 20, 1:30-3:30pm beginning August 10 Photo by Nick Fain

*Pre-registration is required for all programs and events EXCEPT those noted with an asterisk; call 415-453-1000.