Wild Animal Wednesday! Baby Moose Playing in Sprinkler

This video is so adorable. Baby animals are so cute, and these baby moose are the cutest. I wish I could see them playing in the sprinkler in my backyard! Appreciate the earth and all of it's living creatures today!

Wild Animal Wednesday! Skunks and Dogs

Curiosity killed the cat... or maybe the dog?  Dogs are infamous for putting their noses up to skunks.  If your dog gets sprayed try not to let him in the house.  First grab some old towels and a pair of rubber gloves.  Skunks usually spray dogs in the face, and sometimes eyes.  Check out your dog's eyes for signs of irritation.  They will most likely be red, but if they look extra irritated you may want to try rinsing them out with water.  In some cases you may want to call the vet if the irritation looks serious, or if your dog looks uncomfortable.  Be on the lookout for cuts or scratches from the skunk as well.  Most certainly call your vet if you think your dog has been scratched by a skunk (they can carry rabies). 

The reason the spray smells so strong is because it contains compounds called "thiols" which are composed of sulfurous chemicals.  The smell is very hard to get rid off, quite a nuisance!  There is a home remedy that will help dilute the smell.

In a bucket add 1 quart of hydrogen peroxide (3% solution), 1/2 cup of baking soda and 2 tsp. of dish soap.  Don't close off the container- it can explode because of the gas it creates.  You can also try subsituting the peroxide with vinegar (if you are worried that it will dye your dogs coat!).  Next, get your dog all wet with warm water and start applying the mixture.  And its very important not to get it in your pet's eyes, nose or mouth!!  Leave the mix on your dog's coat for about 5 or 10 minutes and then rinse thoroughly with warm water. 

Once you have given your dog a bath with the homemade mix, make an appointment with one of our groomers, we have a special deskunking shampoo.  It really helps!  Give us a call at 203-849-1010 and we will squeeze you in!!!

Reference- CT Wildlife Magazine

Wild Animal Wednesday! Endangered Species in CT

Did you know that there are several animal and plant species in Connecticut that are listed on the Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern list?  The Peregrine Falcon, Indiana Bat, Least Shrew, Red Headed Woodpecker, and Bog Turtle are just a few considered Endangered.  Visit the DEP website for a complete list. 

If you would like to help Connecticut's Endangered Species- buy the "Conserve Wildlife" license plate!  Ask about it next time you are at the DMV.  You can also donate directly to the Endangered Species/ Wildlife Fund.  Send your check to:
Endangered Species/ Wildlife Fund
Bureau of Administration- Financial Management
CT Department of Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106

Wild Animal Wednesday! The Return of the Fisher Cat

Fisher cats have been pretty rare in Connecticut until recently.  Their presence in our state dwindled in the early 20th century as they were hunted for their fur, as well as a lack of habitat due to increasing development.  Nowadays (due to reforestation and other factors) they seem to be making a come back, and for those of us with small dogs and outdoor cats- we need to be careful. 

The Fisher cat is not a cat at all, it is in the same family as the weasel.  They resemble a cross between an otter and a weasel or fox.  They typically have a long body with dark brown or black fur, and a long thick tail.  The fisher cat is a carniverous nocturnal mammal who has been known to hunt small mammals.  It is one of the only species that hunts and kills porcupines.  And despite its name, the fisher cat barely ever eats fish!  The scariest thing about the fisher cat is it's call.  If you are woken up in the middle of the night by a blood curdelling scream (similar to a woman or baby screaming) it is probably the fisher cat.  You can hear their eerie calls on Youtube. 

The problem with these animals is that they tend to be on the aggressive side.  If you see one, the best idea is to stay away from it.  They have become a nuissance as well, attacking small pets in our area, cats especially.  If you live in a wooded area, you might want to be careful letting your cat or small dog in the yard unattended. 

To learn more about the fisher cats visit ct.gov. 
(photo: Daniel J Cox & home.mcn.net/~wtu/fisher.html)

Wild Animal Wednesday! (Belated) This Week Wild Animal Removal in CT

Many of us reside in Connecticut because of it's natural beauty, wildlife, and peaceful surroundings.  However, sometimes nature can get a little too close for comfort.  Bats in the attic, unwanted scratching or digging under the porch, or maybe even an injured animal near your yard... but what can you do?  There is actually a wonderful Wildlife Removal directory available to us at http://www.wildlife-removal.com/state/Connecticut.htm.  Here you can find people to help with all of your wildlife problems and questions. 

Some of the wildlife removal companies near us are:
Norwalk- A All Animal Control
Stamford- Tom Logan's Wild Things
Bethel- Westchester Wildlife
Branford- Shoreline Wildlife Management LLC

If you believe a wild animal has been injured or orphaned due to human causes, please call the following number:
Wildlife Advisory Hotline in Connecticut: (203) 393-1050.