HawkTalk 3 | Wildlife Medical Clinic

When a Shell, Isn’t Just a Shell

A Painted turtle being held by a person in gloves.

Intake

At the beginning of October, the Wildlife Medical Clinic welcomed a Painted Turtle brought in by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator from Illinois. Sadly, this patient had been the victim of a common — and often underestimated — threat to our native turtle populations: vehicle collision.

Many people are surprised to learn that when a turtle is hit by a car, the damage often goes far beyond what’s visible on the surface. A common misconception is that shell injuries aren’t serious. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case.

Shell Damage Is Skeletal Damage

A turtle’s shell isn’t just a protective outer layer — it’s a vital part of their skeletal system. Their ribs and spine are fused directly to the shell, which means that any cracks or fractures are often accompanied by internal trauma.

Our Painted Turtle patient arrived with multiple shell fractures, affecting the carapace (top shell), plastron (bottom shell), and bridge (the sides of the shell that connect top and bottom). These injuries alone were concerning — but we knew there could be more going on beneath the surface.

Imaging Reveals Deeper Injuries

To assess the extent of internal trauma, we performed radiographs (x-rays). Unfortunately, the images revealed fractures to multiple bones of the pectoral girdle of both forelimbs. The pectoral girdle are bones near the shoulder that are essential for forelimb function. These types of internal injuries significantly complicate recovery and reduce the likelihood of successful release.

How Did We Approach This Tough Situation?

Reptiles like turtles have slow metabolic rates, meaning healing takes much longer than in mammals — often over a year for serious injuries. Surgical repair of the bones of the pectoral girdle is not feasible in turtles, though minor injuries can heal with time and rest. In this patient’s case, its injuries were catastrophic, impacting both forelimbs, and unlikely to result in a functional outcome for either forelimb. This species of aquatic turtle requires function of at least 3 of 4 limbs for success in the wild post-release. Additionally, severe trauma to the pectoral girdle is often accompanied by extensive trauma to the lungs, the cranial aspect of which are adjacent to these bony structures. While we evaluated options, we ensured the turtle had a quiet enclosure, pain management, and food.

A Difficult Final Decision

After much consideration, our veterinary team made the difficult decision to pursue humane euthanasia. While our clinic regularly treats turtles with shell and limb injuries — many of which go on to be successfully released — the severity of this patient’s internal injuries, paired with her lack of appetite and movement, made recovery highly unlikely.

Our goal is always to prioritize quality of life, and in this case, euthanasia was the most compassionate and medically appropriate choice.

What Can You Do?

During the fall, turtles often cross roads in search of overwintering sites. You
can help protect them by:

Slowing down and staying alert near wetlands, forests, or creeks
Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if you find a turtle that appears injured — even if it seems like it’s okay. Prompt medical attention can make a life-saving difference.

Thank you for supporting our work and helping protect native wildlife through awareness, compassion, and action!

Written by: Natalie L., Class of 2028

Works Cited:

Hirasawa T., Nagashima H., Kuratani S. The endoskeletal origin of the turtle carapace. Nat Commun. 2013;4:2107. Retrieved October 17, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3715867/

Jackson DC. Hibernating without oxygen: physiological adaptations of the painted turtle. J Physiol. 2002 Sep 15;543(Pt 3):731-7. Retrieved October 17,2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2290531/

Virginia Zoo in Norfolk. Where did the turtles go for the winter? 2023 October 20. Retrieved October 17, 2025, from https://virginiazoo.org/where-did-the-turtles-go-for-the-winter

Eerie Creatures- Scary or Misunderstood

As spooky season approaches, we want to talk about a few animals that get a bad rap for being scarier than they truly are.

Owls

Owls are often associated with death and bad luck and were once thought to be messengers of witches. One owl in particular, the barn owl, takes the brunt of some of this folklore. Due to its nocturnal nature, ghostly white color, habit of resting in barns, and loud screaming calls, these creatures were thought to be a ghost.

The reality is these animals don’t want to be around people at all. They are great predators that help to control rodent populations, which in turn helps to stop the spread of zoonotic disease that rodents may be carrying.

Virginia Opossum

These nocturnal animals are often misunderstood and thought of negatively. Common opinions are they are aggressive towards people, not intelligent, dirty and disease-ridden.

This could not be farther from the truth. These animals try their hardest to avoid people but when this is unavoidable, their defense can look somewhat intimidating. They hold their mouths open and hiss. In most cases, this is a bluff, and they will then attempt to run away or hope you walk away so they can flee. These animals are not dirty and in fact spend a lot of time grooming to keep clean. Being the only marsupial or pouched mammal in North America makes them quite unique and they have a slightly lower body temp compared to other mammals, making it very difficult for them to get rabies. In addition to this, they are also immune to most North American snake venom, scorpion, and bee stings. These animals are actually very important in the environment and in addition to fruits, vegetables, greens, and insects, they will also eat carrion, or dead animals. This helps to stop the spread of disease and clean up the environment. They also help to prevent tick-borne illness by eating a large number of ticks as they groom themselves. They play a role in dispersing seeds and are a food source for other animals such as owls, hawks, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and bobcats. So, as you can see, these misunderstood creatures are not scary but in fact super beneficial in the environment.

Toads

American Toad close up image of head. Toad looking forwards with both eyes open.

Toads have been said to give you warts if you touch them, but this is not true. In fact, the bumps on their back actually secrete a mild toxin to ward off predators. Because of this, they were often associated with witches and said to be used by them to craft poisons.

I can see where this would sound scary but, in all reality, toads are very beneficial to the environment. These animals are great at consuming insects, especially in your garden or around crops. They also are great indicators of ecosystem health as their skin is permeable and it makes them vulnerable to toxic substances and drought, which means a decline in numbers can show environmental problems. Even though they can secrete a mild poison, some animals are immune to it or have figured out the safe areas to eat, so toads serve as an important source of food for these other animals (Ex. crows, red shouldered hawks, snakes, and even Virginia opossum).

Bats

Bats were first connected to the spooky season after Dracula was written in which vampires were said to shapeshift into bats and then drink blood from humans. There are only three species of bats (common vampire bat, white-winged vampire bat, and hairy legged vampire bat) that feed on blood, and they are found in Central and South America. There are also a few species of carnivorous bats that feed on birds, mice, lizards, frogs, and fish. But the vast majority of the close to 1,400 species of bat feed on insects, fruit, and nectar. These animals are very important for pollination and seed dispersal and many of the bat species, especially ones found in our area, are great at pest control, consuming large amounts of insects each night. These animals account for just over 20% of all the mammal species in the world, which means 1 in 5 mammals are bats!

**Unfortunately, the Wildlife Medical Clinic is unable to accept bats, as it is illegal to rehabilitate this species in the state of Illinois due to the risk of rabies exposure. If you encounter a sick or injured bat, or find a bat in your home, please do not handle it and contact your local animal control agency as well as your physician.**

Snakes

Caduceus the Brazilian Rainbow Boa Ambassador roaming in the grass next to some flowers.

Snakes often receive a bad reputation and are thought of as evil, slimy, and dangerous. Throughout history (mythology, religion, and storytelling), snakes have been portrayed as evil. These creatures have scales instead of fur, lack eyelids so they cannot blink, and have no appendages so they slither across the ground flicking their tongue to smell and assess their environment.

These creatures are actually very beneficial to the environment as many eat rodents, which helps to reduce the spread of zoonotic disease. Some smaller snakes like Dekay’s brown snake and garter snakes’ prey on insects and help to keep your garden free of pests. In addition to being a predator, these animals are also prey for many animals such as larger snakes, birds of prey, and some mammals.

Of the 3,900 species of snakes worldwide, about 600 or 15% of them are venomous. While these few snakes have the potential to cause bodily harm to a human, most just want to be left alone and will not go out of their way to engage with humans. They don’t want to use their venom unless they must and ideally that would be for catching prey. Otherwise, most interactions with snakes, venomous or not are when we find them basking in the sun to warm up, moving through the woods or our yards foraging for food, and hiding under an object near our home. Once spotted they do their best to either flee, feign death, or be defensive in hopes of scaring us away. So next time you see these misunderstood creatures, give them some space and let them be on their way as they have an important job to do.

Coyote

While wolves are more commonly associated with spooky season and said to shape shift into werewolves, we would like to highlight this local and lesser known canid.

Coyotes were once thought of as an ominous sign. Native American Navajo people believed you should turn back if one crossed your path. They also admired the coyote as well for its intelligence and aptly named it the trickster since they can be funny or fearsome. These animals are also thought to be dangerous to humans, which is generally not true and if seen out in the day, people often think these animals are rabid, which usually is also not true.

While these animals are very intelligent and curious, they are quite shy and fearful of humans. They are top predators and help control the populations of smaller mammals and rodents such as rabbits, skunks, raccoons, foxes, and sometimes deer. This helps with maintaining a healthy ecosystem and species diversity in the environment. Surprisingly, coyotes are omnivores and will eat fruit and vegetables too, especially when meat is scarce. These animals are most commonly crepuscular, which means they are active at dawn and dusk. However, they are opportunistic, so based on food availability, they may be out during the day or night. If you see them out during the day, it does not mean they have rabies, they are more than likely just searching for food.

These animals are very important in the environment and help to keep the ecosystem balanced. While it is not common, they can pose a threat to some of our smaller domestic animals, such as cats and dogs, not horses and other large farm animals. To keep coyotes wild and away from your pets, it is best to feed your pets inside, keep your cats indoors, and make sure to supervise your dog(s) when they are outside. While coyotes don’t actively seek these animals as prey, they would not turn down the opportunity if the animal was easily available. There is no need to fear a coyote but just be aware and alert if one is near your property and smaller pets.

Appreciate and Respect Wildlife

We hope you are less fearful of and have a better appreciation for some of these species after learning about how important they are in the environment. In the future if one should cross your path, admire from a distance, and let it be on its way as it has important business to tend to and a special place in the ecosystem and food web!

Written By: Sydney O., WMC Program Coordinator

Meet Onslo the Blue Tongue Skink

Sydney Oliveira, WMC Program Coordinator, brought Onslo (Blue Tongued Skink), a Wildlife Medical Clinic animal ambassador along on her visit to CiLiving. He is one of eleven ambassador animals that individuals may have the pleasure of meeting and learning about at the upcoming Vet Med Open House. The open house will take place Sunday, October 5, from 10am-4pm.

Myth or Fact Wildlife Trivia

Join Kayla Buck, WMC Summer Ambassador Intern, and Emily Blum, WMC Summer Clinic Intern as they play some Wildlife Trivia on our most recent visit to CiLiving.

Chronic Wasting Disease in White-tail Deer

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. However, deer are considered browsers and will leave the safety of the woods, heading for open fields where preferable vegetation is available, feeding at dusk and dawn (crepuscular). They can be identified by their tan to gray fur and their notable ‘white tail’ which, when upright, can signal to other deer in the area that danger is near.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

While the white-tail deer is susceptible to a multitude of illnesses and different types of disease, one disease of particular concern in the state of Illinois is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD is a prion disease. A prion is a protein that, when created, was formed incorrectly and leads to the protein acting inappropriately or abnormally. Prions lack any form of DNA and are not considered living organisms like bacteria or parasites, however, when normal functioning proteins encounter prions, the prions manipulate the proteins, causing them to act abnormally, and functionally turning the protein into another prion. Other examples of prion diseases include Mad Cow Disease in cattle and Scrapie in sheep and goats.

Prions can be found both within an organism and within that organisms environment. In many cases, prions can be found in the soil, water, grass and even rocks and can thrive in these environments for years. Prions can also be found in infected fluids from infected individuals including presence in the urine, feces, saliva, and blood. Animals can become infected with this disease either via exposure to prions in their environment or via prions present in animal excretions and fluids.

Symptoms of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Once an animal has become exposed to the prions, proteins within the body will become infected, ultimately changing their functions and causing physical symptoms in the animal. Symptoms of CWD in deer include dramatic amounts of weight loss (also called wasting), uncoordinated movement, drooling, ‘dazed’ appearance, excessive drinking and urination, droopy ears and decreased fear of humans or other predators. While prions associated with CWD can infect multiples tissues of the body including lymph nodes, spleen and muscle, the neurological symptoms present in cases of CWD are primarily caused by accumulation of prions in the brain and spinal cord.

While infection of CWD can occur at any time, accumulation of prions in the body takes time and therefore, it can take anywhere from 16 months to 4 years before symptoms are appreciated. Additionally, once an animal is infected, they can shed the disease and spread it to other members of their herd, regardless of whether symptoms are present, making it difficult to track and detect the spread of this disease. Currently, there is no vaccine, treatment or cures available to fight CWD and therefore infection of this disease is lethal.

Be informed and help stop the spread of CWD

CWD was first identified in a captive deer population located in Colorado in the 1960’s and since then has spread to thirty-two states, parts of Canada and most recently, Europe. CWD is also able to infect other animals belonging to the cervid family which includes elk, moose, reindeer, and other species of deer such as the red deer, the mule deer, and the black tail deer. While there is no evidence to prove that humans can contract CWD, more research needs to be completed. For hunting, it is recommended that deer carcasses be tested for CWD prior to consumption. If a carcass is found to be infected with CWD, any products from that animal should not be consumed and the state DNR or DWR should be notified. Yearly reporting on CWD in Illinois is available by county through the Illinois DNR website. While diseases such as CWD present in wildlife can be scary, identification of disease and proper reporting are the best ways that you can make a difference in helping to better manage and stop the spread of disease in your area.

Written By: Emma S., Class of 2027

Works Cited

Chronic Wasting Disease Management. (n.d.). Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://dnr.illinois.gov/programs/cwd.html

Chronic Wasting Disease in Animals | CWD. (2024, May 13). CDC. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-wasting/animals/index.html

Escobar, L. E., Pritzkow, S., Winter, S. N., Grear, D. A., Kirchgessner, M. S., Dominguez‐Villegas, E., … & Soto, C. (2020). The ecology of chronic wasting disease in wildlife. Biological Reviews, 95(2), 393-408.

Wagner, K., Pierce, R., Gordon, E., Hay, A., Lessard, A., Telling, G. C., … & Zabel, M. D. (2022). Tissue-specific biochemical differences between chronic wasting disease prions isolated from free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Journal of Biological Chemistry, 298(4).

White-tailed Deer. (n.d.). Wildlife Illinois. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://wildlifeillinois.org/identify-wildlife/white-tailed-deer/

**Images in this article do not depict deer with Chronic Wasting Disease. These are healthy orphaned deer fawn.**

Case Study: The Hoot on Owl Eyes

Eastern Screech Owl with an injured eye being held in a gloved hand for it's intake exam at the Wildlife Medical Clinic.

Intake and Treatment Plan

Earlier this year the Wildlife Medical Clinic received an Eastern Screech Owl, from one of our close partners the Illinois Raptor Center. Unfortunately, this little fella’ had an issue unlike most of our raptor patients.

While you may be thinking, “Wow, I’m sure that owl would look super cute with an eye patch”, when we saw this guy’s eyes, we were concerned about potential disease processes that could be occurring to cause the eye to have this appearance. The grey-white color seen in this photo occurs due to cornea thickening and will often imply a permanent change causing vision loss in that eye. After a brief exam where we confirmed our suspicions but also verified that the other eye was functioning and healthy, our animal care team quickly set up a plan to perform an evisceration surgery to remove the non-functioning eye.

Can this owl be released with one eye?

Unlike most raptor species, owls can survive in the wild with only one eye. Many other raptor species (hawks, kestrels, eagles) are unable to be released if found with vision loss in one eye, due to the negative implications it can have on their ability to catch prey. Being diurnal species, or species that are active during the day, they primarily use their vision to hunt.

Owls, on the other hand, can hunt effectively even without perfect vision. Being a nocturnal species or species that are active at night, they primarily use their sense of hearing to hunt. Thus, allowing for their release with only one eye.

Post Surgery

A one eyed Eastern Screech Owl in a hospital enclosure. It's injured eye was surgically removed.

This was our patient, following his evisceration surgery. He recovered great afterward and had no problem navigating his enclosure with only one eye! We were able to transfer this patient back to the Illinois Raptor Center where he continued his rehabilitation process with the end goal of eventually being released back into the wild!

When we say continued his rehabilitation process, this organization has larger enclosures that will allow them to flight test and condition this individual for release. They will ensure he can fly, find food on his own and exhibit species appropriate behaviors (confirm he is not imprinted or too friendly around people) before he is released back into the wild.

Written By: Katelyn D., Class of 2026

Coexisting with Wildlife

Several finches eating bird seed on a platform bird feeder.

As cool weather starts to approach, people may soon find wild animals trying to move into their home and their yard. While some people have very environmentally friendly yards that encourage wildlife to visit, some do not and that is ok. Thankfully there are many ways to humanely and effectively prevent unwanted wild visitors.

Discouraging New Residents

The best way to keep many animals from setting up a home in your yard or attic is to minimize its level of attractiveness and its accessibility. You can achieve this by doing the following:

Seal cracks and gaps in your home.
- Substances like caulk, expandable foam, mortar, and plywood can all be used to seal any exterior openings. Animals like squirrels and raccoons can also climb trees to access your roof so it is important to trim tree limbs or wrap the bottom of the tree in aluminum to prevent them from climbing up and setting up dens on your roof or in your attic.
Secure potential food and water sources.
- Clean your grill after each use.
- Secure your compost.
- Fix leaky pipes and dump standing water in your yard.
- Clean spilled seed under bird feeders.
- Purposely feeding wildlife or leaving food out for stray cats will also continually attract any number of wild animals to your home so make sure to keep any pet food or water dishes inside.
Maintain your property and landscaping.
- Keep clutter to a minimum. Reduce hiding spots by keeping your garage, shed, and yard organized.
- Maintain your landscaping by removing brush piles quickly, trimming trees and shrubs away from your house, and removing fallen debris, especially organic matter (fallen fruits and leaves) as these all attract wildlife to your yard.

Rabbit resting on its side under a rock in sandy substrate.

Other Methods of Discouraging Wildlife from Inhabiting your Yard

Physical Barriers

Netting or Tarps that cover nesting areas such as porch lights and eaves.
Mesh or Wire that covers open, covered areas where birds may nest
Gutter guards

Visual Repellants

Shiny objects – Can hang old CD’s, aluminum foil, mirrors, reflective tape, wind chimes and other objects that move in the wind and reflect light.
Predator Decoys – Plastic hawks, owls, or coyotes. Some move and make noise, some are stationary.
Motion activated sprinklers and lights.

Auditory Repellants

Ultrasonic devices that emit high frequency sounds humans can’t hear but animals can.
Playing music when the animal would be active.

Scent and Taste Repellants

There are commercial repellents like peppermint oil, garlic, and predator urine that can repel animals from your yard. You can also plant strong smelling herbs such as mint, lavender, and rosemary around the borders of your yard.
You can sprinkle spicy or bitter herbs on your garden/flowers to deter animals from consuming them.

Encouraging Unwanted Guests to Leave

If a family of wild animals has already set up a den in your home or yard, some of the techniques mentioned above can help encourage them to find a new home. Placing objects such as strong lights, reflective CDs or tins, blinking holiday lights, motion-activated sprinklers, loud music, or windchimes near the den, especially at night, could encourage the animals to relocate. Many animals are repelled by strong smells such as vinegar, citrus, menthol, coffee grounds, rubbing alcohol, and some essential oils. Try one or a combination of different smells sprayed near the den to discourage animals from returning.

Techniques to Avoid

While trapping and relocating wildlife may look like an easy fix to unwanted wildlife nesting near your home, it is not. Removing wild animals is illegal without the proper permits and only allows new animals to move into the vacated area. In addition, handling animals without the proper equipment can be dangerous. This is not only due to their ability to inflict damage such as bite wounds or scratches but because these animals could carry diseases that can spread to humans. You should never use poisons or toxic substances to get rid of wild animals as this is inhumane, potentially illegal, and usually affects more than just the targeted species. Substances like rodenticide can also cause secondary poisoning in other wild animals or even pets. If the deterrents listed in the beginning of this article have all been tried and do not work, and there is a wild animal in your home, it is best to contact a wildlife control operator. Make sure to do your research and look for the most environmentally conscience companies. In Illinois, you can find more information at https://wildlifeillinois.org/remove-nuisance-wildlife/hire-a-wildlife-control-operator/.

Injured warbler in a soft sided enclosure resting on a towel.

Also remember, keeping wild animals without the proper permits is illegal and can be detrimental to the animal’s health as they have special dietary needs along with specific husbandry and handling requirements that untrained individuals may not be knowledgeable about. If you find healthy orphaned wildlife, it is best to first observe and try to reunite them with their parents. If that is not successful, get them to a licensed rehabilitator as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep them in a warm, dark, quiet area until you can get them to a licensed rehabilitator and DO NOT offer food or water. To find a licensed rehabilitator in Illinois, visit https://wildlifeillinois.org/get-help-for-injured-wildlife/list-of-licensed-wildlife-rehabilitators/.

Written By: Talia D., Class of 2026, and Sydney Oliveira

Meet Basil, the American Toad

Sydney Oliveira, WMC Program Coordinator went on CiLiving with our American Toad ambassador, “Basil”. Follow along to learn about Basil and American Toads.

A Reflection on My Time in the Wildlife Medical Clinic

American Toad in a small temporary kennel resting on wet paper towels.

Experiences in the Wildlife Medical Clinic

A white and black colored pigeon in a hospital enclosure with towels as bedding and artificial plants.

The smallest patient I’ve ever worked with at the Wildlife Medical Clinic was a 28g Swainson’s thrush and I got to intubate. The largest patient I’ve ever worked with was a 4 kg red fox. Both patients presented different challenges, anatomy, and equipment required for care. Throughout my time at the wildlife clinic, I’ve learned how to work with different species and care for them. This year I got to experience my first amphibian patient, intubate a pigeon, and release many patients back to the wild! All the experience I’ve gained from my three years at the WMC can be applied to the veterinary oath I will soon take.

Lessoned Learned Volunteering in the Clinic

No one likes to see animals suffer. People often see a sick animal, whether wild or domestic, and feel an urge to help. The Wildlife Medical Clinic provides a place for those sick animals to be brought and cared for. Proper husbandry is an important part of patient care not commonly emphasized in domestic species. For example, birds need perches and certain birds such as loons need hammocks to present keel adhesions. Even within the category of birds, a wide variety of diets and lifestyles need to be accommodated. Throughout my time at the wildlife clinic, I’ve been able to learn about so many different species and can provide welfare for them in that way.

Euthanasia is a big topic in wildlife medicine. When an animal cannot be successfully released to the wild the typical course of treatment is euthanasia or transfer to a permanent captive home. Euthanasia is probably one of the skills I’ve gained the most experience with at the WMC. These experiences have taught me better judgment and respect and appreciation for the euthanasia process. Many of the patients we see brought in injured are from human-caused incidents such as glue traps and patients hit by cars. Euthanasia although not the most enjoyable subject, relieves these animals of further suffering.

Tularemia, Distemper, and now HPAI are just a few of the diseases I’ve learned about at the WMC. Recognizing these infectious diseases has been an important part of my training at WMC. As veterinarians, we have a duty to the public to prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases and not only protect our animals but people as well.

Wildlife Medicine often uses comparative research and drug dosages between species. Whenever presented with a new case much research was needed to be done with a lot of recent research being used. Throughout my time we have tried novel techniques such as acupuncture for a neuropathy on a turtle forelimb. Wildlife has taught me that research is never-ending and there’s always something new to learn.

Thankful for time spent and lessons learned in the Wildlife Medical Clinic

Swainson's Thrush in gloved hand for an exam.

As I go to clinics I reflect about my time at the WMC and am grateful for all the patients, people, and memories. The past 3 years I have gained tremendous experience I don’t see gaining anywhere else in my career. I encourage all students to participate in the WMC as it is time well spent for both the patients and yourself. It has been an extremely worthwhile experience.

Written By: Emma Suvacarov, Class of 2026

Cuddly Predators: The Dangers that Cats Inflict on Wildlife

Virginia opossum with a injured right eye and wound across nose in an enclosure standing on several towels.

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, and disease transmission. Severely reducing or eliminating these risks that cats introduce can be attainable and we should do our best to try.

Predation

Young Blue Jay with another bird in a soft sided kennel with a small cave to hide in, perch on and artificial plants next to it.

A cat can catch various wildlife species and inflict damage by tearing the skin, introducing bacteria to the wound, and shaking the animal causing internal damage, among other things. Many animals that come into the Wildlife Medical Clinic that have been victims of outdoor cats, unfortunately, do not make it due to the extent of their injuries or through infection. Cats are hunters at heart and are responsible for the deaths of billions of mainly birds and bunnies. These deaths can have an impact on local populations particularly those endangered or at risk; subsequently, affecting certain species populations could have a domino effect on other species in the ecosystem.

Environmental Contamination

One common infectious agent is Toxoplasmosis which is a disease contracted from the parasite Toxoplasmosis gondii. Cats are known hosts to this parasite and while the cat may not show any symptoms they can transfer this parasite to wildlife species and even humans through their feces. The parasites’ oocytes laid in feces are resilient in adverse environments and become infectious. Water, soil, and food can become contaminated thus continuing the spread. Toxoplasmosis can have significant effects on certain wildlife species and some have shown cases of mortality to the parasite, for instance, sea otters.

Spread of Disease

White footed mouse peeking out from a thick layer of recycled paper bedding and hay.

Additionally, cats can be disease reservoirs harboring a pathogen and transmitting the pathogen from host to host thus playing a crucial role in the infectiousness. Pasteurella multocida is a bacteria commonly found in the mouths of cats that is normal and not harmful to them but dangerous if infected to other animals like cottontail rabbits. Prey animals like bunnies, typically are not that resilient to infections so Pasteurella multocida from a cat bite is often deadly.

Clinical signs of Pasteurella multocida include respiratory distress, hemorrhage, septicemia, death, etc. Wildlife animals are already subject to various predators and risks to their lives without adding domestic cats to the mix.

Prevention for our Wildlife

The only foolproof prevention from the consequences of cat bites in our wildlife species is to protect them from predators like our furry friends. Keeping cats indoors protects not only wildlife from infections, injury, and death but the opposite is also true. Cats are also susceptible to harm from wildlife species such as rabies, which is fatal. Rabies vaccination is a great start for prevention but avoiding exposure to the virus is optimal. Veterinary Medicine goes beyond treating sick animals and aims toward prevention in order to keep animals, humans, and our environment alike all healthy. We love our cats and want the absolute best for them, and the best for them is keeping them safely inside which is coincidentally the best for our local wildlife populations. However, if a domestic cat is so inclined to be outdoors then it would be best if they are monitored and potentially kept on a leash to assure the safety of our outdoor friends as well as those we keep indoors.

References

Liao, Kristine. “Outdoor Cats Are Deadly-and Not Just for Birds and Squirrels.” Popular Science,31 May 2022.

Mostl, Karin. “Guideline for Pasteurella Multocida Infection.” ABCD Cats & Vets, 9 July 2024.

University, Texas A&M. “How Free-Roaming Cats Impact Wildlife, Disease Transmission.

University, Texas A&M. How free-roaming cats impact wildlife, disease transmission. Phys.Org, Phys.org, 20 Oct. 2023.

Written By: Kristen C., Class of 2027