Critter Chatter – Happy Endings x 2

I don't remember that I've ever written back-to-back articles about the same species, but sometimes things just naturally fall into place. Both of these recent rescues have a happy ending, so how could I resist?

As a follow-up to August's column about the raccoon that underwent surgeries for a broken leg, fractured jaw, and dislocated eye (I've learned the medical term for this condition is "globe laxation"), recovery went exceptionally well. Although not all eye injuries result in loss of vision, it's likely this raccoon's optic nerve was significantly damaged. The surgical site healed well, but it's unknown whether he will regain sight in that eye. Thanks again to Dr. Cody Minor of Windsor Veterinary Clinic and his assistant, who made their final house call to Duck Pond last week to remove the leg cast prior to transfer to another rehabber pending release.

The second happy ending is that of "Winnie." Her story has made the news on several Facebook pages, as well as in a recent PenBay Pilot/Boothbay Register article. While driving home from Vassalboro on the evening of August 27, a young woman witnessed a truck in front of her drive through a family of raccoons that were crossing the road. There was no oncoming traffic, but the driver didn't attempt to brake nor stop to offer assistance. Four kits managed to run out of the way of the vehicle, but a little female was hit. Although motionless, she was still breathing; Kristen was able to wrap her in a sweatshirt and placed her on the front seat of her car.

Familiar with Don's rehab facility, she called him and after confirming it wasn't the mother raccoon that had been hit - which would have been a serious concern for the remaining babies - brought the youngster over to him for admission and assessment. Thankfully, there were no broken bones, and once stabilized, she was transferred to Kathi McCue at Wilderness Miracles Wildlife Rehab in Bowdoin where she has made great progress. "Winnie" was initially placed in quarantine (typical protocol), given physical therapy for a soft tissue rear leg injury, upgraded to a larger pen, and continues to thrive. The "icing on the cake" is that Kristen will be present when Winnie is released.

Kristen was not only a Good Samaritan, but has also been a fundraiser, generously creating GoFundMe pages for both Don and Wilderness Miracles. If you wish to donate, go to https://www.gofundme.com and search for "Support Don Cote's Wildlife Care Center" and/or "Support Wilderness Miracles Wildlife Rehab." Wilderness Miracles also has a donation link on its Facebook and webpages, as well as specific wish lists.

For anyone who knows Don, even semi-retirement is busy! He receives many calls daily, provides advice, and makes referrals. Duck Pond is now primarily a site for folks to bring in small injured or abandoned wildlife, with other rehabbers (or Don himself) transporting the animals to their own facilities for further treatment and care.

He has been working primarily with Misfits Rehab in Auburn (207-212-1039; FYI, Jen accepts bats and mice), Wilderness Miracles in Bowdoin (207-720-0074), Bridget Green in Wiscasset (207-631-0874), Critterville Wildlife in Brooklin (845-549-2407), and Saco River Wildlife (207-702-1405). As mentioned earlier this summer, midcoast Maine has a newly licensed turtle rehabber! Pam Meier can be reached at The Turtle's Back (203-903-2708). Wildlife rehabbers are handling their own rescue calls and are especially busy with young animals that require extra feedings and care; Don greatly appreciates their ongoing assistance. Please remember to check these websites for someone close to you: www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html In addition, you can contact your local Animal Control Officer through your town office.

Donald Cote operates Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3 in Vassalboro. It is a nonprofit, State-permitted rehab facility, which is supported by his own resources and outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Avenue, Vassalboro ME 04989 Phone: (207) 445-4326. Please note that the prior wildlifecarecenter email address is no longer monitored.

-by Jayne Winters, Natural Resources Council of Maine member from South China, Maine

Critter Chatter also appears monthly in the Town Linenewspaper

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