Sweetie's group gets released!

Well yesterday was the big release day for most of Sweetie's extended group!! It was a big group so only a big, wonderful area would do! Thank you Carol and Nancy for helping us and providing such a place! A property with acres and acres, abutting more acres and acres of state forest. Full of everything a raccoon could possibly need.....swamps, ponds, brooks, meadows, woods, and plenty of natural food sources. You name it, it's there!  Score! We can't thank you enough for letting our babies into your little piece of heaven on earth....and for watching over them until they find their own way in the wild.

Good luck to Laurie's gang, Sweetie, Killer, J'adore, Bagel, Lox, the 4 Reading brothers, Newton and Meeko on your big adventure!

Meanwhile back at home, Annie from Upton, Munchkin and Muffin were not ready for release with the rest of the group. They will be staying for the winter and eventually joining Tavi, Digger, McFly and Natty G.

 

Natty G was introduced to Tavi, McFly and Digger this past week and has been spending time with them every day. Digger adores her! She misses Itty Bitty terribly and I think something about Natty reminds her of him because she dotes over her like she did him. Natty is equally as happy to have Digger. Tavi and McFly could take her or leave her, but don't mind her. Last night Natty officially spent the night with her new pals, cuddled in the den box all cozy and warm with her new siblings!

23 down, 16 to go from here and 12 to go from Laurie! I see a light at the end of the tunnel! ;) Looking forward to a relaxing winter with only 7 raccoons to take care of!

Squirrels and more squirrels!

Little Skinny Minny, the squirrel that came in very emaciated after being fed an improper diet for about a week after being found, is doing great! She has filled in nicely and looks much better! She's smaller than she should be and her coat is a little sparse, but she's improving every day.
This is a perfect example of how well intentioned people who rescue a little baby can do more harm than good when they try raising them themselves. Not only was Minny emaciated, but she was also suffering from Metabolic Bone Disease, due to getting the wrong diet at a very important stage of her life! Minny lucked out, we got her in time, but too many other times we get them too late. Please, if you find orphaned wildlife, get in touch with a rehabilitator! There is so much more to raising them and keeping them healthy than just feeding them something.

Chunky and Monkey have opened their eyes and although younger than Minny, they weigh much more! They are also professional snoozers for sure as you can see!

Lots and lots of baby squirrels are in and they are still coming.....I only have a few compared to the many Lisa, Laurie and JoAnn have!

The 8 skunks were released last night finally! Unfortunately they were not about to show themselves until I wasn't around......I'm guessing that had something to do with me dragging them out and vaccinating them before hand.....so sorry, no pics!

Baby season still going strong!

Some of the new guests that have been keeping us very  busy in the last couple of weeks!

This adorable little girl was found stuck upside down inside the walls at National Grid. Thanks to the crew over there that realized something was wrong and cut open the wall to get her out, or it would have been a horrible end for her. She's doing great, and being only about 8weeks old, she will obviously be spending the winter.

 The second round of squirrel babies has begun to flood in. We are all in round the clock feeding mode again! All different ages and conditions, we've been juggling them around amongst us to get them in groups of similar ages.

The ARL got these adorable rats to us. Apparently they had been discovered and people were stomping on them to kill them. A homeless man managed to save these 2, then called the ARL to rescue them. They are now in JoAnn's very capable hands. She's awesome with critters this tiny. They were only 14 grams! Yikes!

Occasional baby possums are still trickling in here and there. This adorable little one was the lone survivor after the family was hit by a car and has joined Laurie and her possie's.

Baby buns are still trickling in also, and as usual, they end up in JoAnn's care! She's the bunny queen!

Baby season is still in full swing here!