Western Gray Squirrel Enters Rehab at CWC

This graceful tree-dweller grows up to a length of 24 inches, including the long bushy tail. Tree squirrels do not have cheek pouches like ground squirrels, but have the same squirrel toe pattern - four toes on the front feet and five larger toes on the hind feet. The coat is overall gray above and white on the underside. The tail has white tips to the hairs.

The gray squirrel eats mostly acorns, but feeds on other nuts and seeds and in the spring, new leaf buds. The squirrels live in tree cavities or in a nest of twigs, bark and leaves built far out on the branch of a large tree. They can be seen looking for food in trees or burying nuts in the ground during the day. It does not hibernate in the winter as do some ground squirrels. Most of the squirrels we see here are fox squirrels. They originated on the East coast and were imported here. Gray squirrels are native to our area, but have been driven out for the most part by the more aggressive fox squirrels.

This little guy was brought to us from the Pt. Dume area of Malibu. He was very dehydrated and weak. He receives feedings every 4 hours and is doing well with them. We'll keep you posted on his progress!

A Better Mouse Trap

Linda Johnson would like to remind us all that "when we poison the environment, it flows through the food chain of which we are a part." She's talking about when people put out poison to get rid of pests, such as rats and mice. What are pests to some people are food to lots of wildlife and we need to remember that. CWC receives many animals that have secondary poisoning because they have eaten rats or mice that have been poisoned. These include owls, hawks, coyotes, bobcats, foxes, etc. This poisoning makes them very sick and sometimes they die from it.

The sticky glue trap is another method you might want to think twice about. Linda states, "It not only targets rodents, but non-target animals such as frogs, birds, lizards, etc." The traps are baited with seeds, so a bird or lizard could go over to investigate and be caught as well. Once something is stuck on the traps, it's virtually impossible to remove them and they die a very slow death.

Linda suggests an alternative to both of these methods. "Keep food and trash in tightly lidded containers. If you have to eradicate pests, use Hav-a-Hart traps, which are the catch and release method." Let's help keep our wildlife safe and healthy!

Thank you Linda for this lifesaving information.

Mia and Jordan Brookenthal - Youth Wildlife Heroes

Mia (6years old) and Jordan (4 years old) Brookenthal found a way to help our native wildlife, "even though we are too small to help carry the animals or feed them or capture them for rescue." They raised over $1000 with their recent mail campaign so CWC can keep rescuing and helping the animals. Last spring they also collected donations of much needed supplies on our wish list. Mia and Jordan are such good examples for everyone. They set a goal and with hard work, they accomplished it. You girls are Wildlife Heroes!

Jessica Ross - Youth Wildlife Hero

Jessica is 13 years old and an avid painter. She has been helping out at CWC since she was 9 years old. Her expertise is in Art and for the last two years, she has painted art pieces for our Silent Auction at The Wild Brunch. Thank you Jessica for setting an example for other kids and finding ways to help wildlife by generously donating your artwork. Oscar winning actress, Mira Sorvino is the proud owner of both pieces! Jessica is a true hero for Wildlife!