White-tailed Deer In addition to being named the state mammal, the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is the only native deer species present within Illinois and is the largest herbivore species in the state. As prey species, these animals commonly travel in herds and spend most of their day camouflaging within wooded areas and heavy brush. […]
According to the American Bird Conservancy, it is estimated that collisions likely kill between 365 million to 1 billion birds annually in the United States. The total number of window or glass strikes is likely far greater. In many cases, after colliding with glass, birds suffer internal hemorrhage, concussion, head and eye injuries, and temporary […]
The Dangers of Cat Bites As cuddly, friendly, and cute as they can be, at the end of the day, cats are predators and pose a risk to our local wildlife species, especially birds and rabbits. Cats are a significant danger to wildlife for many reasons, some of which include predation, disruption of the ecosystem, […]
Climate Change Can you feel it? The temperatures rising, wanting so much to fall into the cozy autumn chill, butstaying stuck in the lazy days of summer, unexpectedly waxing and waning here and there,followed by disastrous hurricanes, detrimental tornadoes, and deadly heat waves. Climate change is upon us, urgently calling for our attention and action. […]
It is often discussed how fireworks impact people and even their pets, but did you know that fireworks can also have negative impacts on our native wildlife populations. Every year wildlife hospitals and rehabilitation centers around the country, including the Wildlife Medical Clinic (WMC), see an increase in the number of orphaned and injured wildlife […]
Barred Owl, Strix varia The barred owl, Strix varia, are found throughout North America, but most commonly in the East. They are commonly found in a variety of habitats such as upland woods, conifers, bottomland forests and swamps. A few features that stand out are their yellow beaks, large brown eyes, and rounded heads. Arrival […]
Sydney Oliveira, WMC Program Coordinator and Kayla Buck, Ambassador Summer Intern talk about turtles, specifically when to bring them into a licensed rehabilitator, and how to safely handle them when they need assistance.
From avid bird watchers to casual onlookers, bird feeders are a staple in many yards across Illinois and throughout the country. While these well-meaning people may simply be offering their wild, feathered friends an easy meal, these feeders can spread illness like a preschool classroom full of kids in the thick of cold and flu […]
A Perilous Journey Every year thousands of turtles cross our roads for various reasons. As the weather warms up, many turtles search for new territories, breeding grounds, or food. Year after year in late spring, female turtles begin their voyage to find a nesting site on land. Aquatic species haul themselves out of their beloved […]
The Wildlife Medical Clinic’s Ambassador Program is absolutely thrilled to introduce our newest member – Basil the American toad! Basil was found injured in Meadowbrook Park in Urbana, IL in late October 2024. They were then brought to the Wildlife Medical Clinic by a community member for treatment. On our initial exam, it was suspected […]