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Tennessee state law prohibits
individuals from keeping wild animals without a permit.
This is done for the well being of the animal and you.
Walden's will assist you with emergency instructions for
wildlife care until you can until you can bring the
animal in to our facility. We are not allowed to provide
feeding instructions due to state law. Please
schedule an appointment. Call (615) 299-9938. DO NOT
E-MAIL. |
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We may not be able to answer due to an
emergency so please leave a message. We will return your call
as promptly as possible and schedule a time for your
admission.
By law, we can only rehabilitate animals found in
Tennessee. |
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CARE OF ANIMALS
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The proper first response to wildlife
in crisis can have a definite effect on survival rates. Please
remember the following:
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- Handle all animals with extreme care
- Always wear gloves
- Wash your hands thoroughly after animal
contact
- If bitten, contact your doctor
immediately
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BASIC EMERGENCY CARE FOR INJURED
ANIMALS
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If you have found an injured animal,
please follow these instructions:
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- Prepare a cardboard box or pet carrier by
placing an old towel or rags inside. The box should only be
large enough for the animal to rest comfortably in but not
so large that it can thrash around and cause further damage.
Make sure there is adequate ventilation.
- Wear heavy gloves to prevent risk of
injury or transfer of diseases.
- If the animal is small and not attempting
to bite, scratch or puncture you with talons, pick it up and
place it in the container.
- If the animal is large or attempting to
do any of the above, gently use a broom or similar item to
scoot it into the container. If the animal is winged, you
can throw a sheet or blanket over it and slide it into the
box.
- Keep in mind when capturing the animal
the way in which it hunts or forages for food. Does it use
its talons, its beak or its teeth to hunt? It will also use
these to defend itself.
- Be mindful of the animal and the chosen
transport container. Make sure that it is secure. Many
animals can squeeze through the smallest of gaps and can
push or pull with great strength when scared. Also, many
animals such as chipmunks and squirrels can chew through
cardboard. Keep this in mind as loose animals in a car can
be a tricky situation.
- Place the container in a warm, dark,
quiet place away from people and pets to reduce its stress
until you are able to get it to Walden's Puddle or your
local wildlife rehabilitator.
- Warmth is critical as the animal's body
temperature is lowered when in shock. It may be helpful to
place a heating pad on LOW underneath only half of the
animal's box or carrier.
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PROFESSIONALISM AND CARE AT WALDEN'S
PUDDLE
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Our Animal Care Staff has many years of in-class and
field experience. All animal care employees have received
training in Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation offered by the
International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC). They
also receive continuing education through the National
Wildlife Rehabilitation Association (NWRA). They are
trained to care for most animals that are native to Tennessee.
Walden's Puddle maintains permits and strong collaborative
relationships with the two governmental organizations that
oversee wildlife rehabilitation -Tennessee Wildlife Resources
Agency (TWRA) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We are
also permitted by the USDA.
Walden's Puddle receives no government funding.
We are members
of the National Wildlife Rehabilitator's Association (NWRA),
the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) and
the Tennessee Wildlife Educators and Rehabilitators
Association (TWERA). |
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All Walden's Puddle releases are in
loving memory of Dugan Coughlan Davis, may her memory be
eternal. |
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