Today, the Wildlife Medical Clinic is sponsored by Katie Duitsman in celebration of her birthday! Katie is a long-time supporter of wildlife and the clinic. One of her favorite birthday presents is the support of a day at the clinic, which allows us to continue to provide care for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife. Happy birthday, Katie!
To learn more about how you can make a difference for wildlife, check out our ‘giving’ tab here: https://vetmed.illinois.edu/wildlife/giving/
This snapping turtle originally presented to the clinic because a Good Samaritan had seen the fishing line and assumed there was a hook attached. On radiographs, we were surprised to find two hooks, one within the esophagus (and attached to the fishing line) and one within the stomach.
This Bald eagle is undergoing debridement of an open fracture of its wing. After several months, this patient was successfully rehabilitated and released last summer!
Happy birthday, Katie!
As the weather warms up, you may encounter a surprising native resident of Illinois: snakes! Illinois is home to over 30 species of snakes, most of which are harmless to humans but essential to the health of their natural habitats. Eleven of these species (as of 2015) are endangered or threatened in Illinois due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. Often living near meadows and swamps, some snakes can swim or even climb trees!
Warmer weather means more opportunities to get outside and enjoy all the wonderful nature that Illinois has to offer. For some, this means taking hiking trips to a variety of national parks. For others, this can mean enjoying the nature offered in their own backyard. One of the most common ways people enjoy nature in their own backyard is by hanging bird feeders.