The Wildlife Medical Clinic commonly receives turtles in need of shell repairs. Recently, an injured adult Midland painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) was admitted to the clinic for “having a cracked shell.” Chrysemys picta are the most widespread native turtles of North America. They are normally found in slow moving freshwater. These turtles do not migrate […]
What should you do if you come across a venomous snake? If you are out for a hike and come across a venomous snake, it is best to just leave it alone and give it space. As you have probably heard several times since childhood, the animal is more afraid of you than you are […]
Emydomyces testavorans is a recently discovered fungus associated with freshwater habitats that causes shell disease in a wide variety of turtles and terrapins (Woodburn et al 2019; Woodburn et al 2021). The fungus has been found in both wild and human cared for turtles and has been identified in individuals with active lesions and those […]
Hazel, our beloved Eastern Box turtle ambassador, helps the Wildlife Medical Clinic teach our community about wildlife stewardship. Reptiles have very specific care and husbandry needs and it’s important to leave the care of wild animals to clinics and rehabilitators who can properly care for them. Learn more about Eastern Box turtles from Dr. Lewis […]
Where can we find different wildlife species? Print out this activity and place these animals in their homes! Feel free to share your fully colored masterpieces with us on Facebook by tagging us at ‘Wildlife Medical Clinic at Illinois’. Illustrations by Grey D’Andrea, Class of 2026
Snakes, an animal group that frequently causes fear in people. Whether it be due to them having scales, their quick and unique locomotion, or maybe it’s the fact that some are deadly.Unfortunately, due to this fear, most snakes get grouped as dangerous and sometimes are killed because of this misconception. I was encouraged to hear […]
One of our goals at the Wildlife Medical Clinic is to educate the public about the animals that live around us, and that sometimes involves correcting long-believed ideas. Here are four of my favorite misconceptions to discuss with people: 1) “Bald eagles sound fierce!” That majestic battle-cry you have heard in movies did NOT come […]
The Wildlife Medical Clinic gives a warm welcome to our newest Wildlife Ambassador animal,Caduceus the Brazilian rainbow boa! Caduceus has prior experience as a professional program animal, having spent the last 11 years of her life in the excellent care of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Non-Traditional Species Club. Because of her extremely mild temperament, […]