Smoky Mountain Wildlife Rehab is a crucial organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife in the Smoky Mountains region. This comprehensive guide will provide you with essential information about their mission, services, and guidelines for transporting injured wildlife, as well as resources to help you locate licensed wildlife rehabilitators in the area.
Mission and Services of Smoky Mountain Wildlife Rehab
The primary mission of Smoky Mountain Wildlife Rehab is to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned or injured wildlife, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back to their native habitat. The organization provides care for a variety of mammals, including foxes, raccoons, beavers, groundhogs, and skunks.
Mammals Cared for by Smoky Mountain Wildlife Rehab
| Animal Type | Common Species |
|---|---|
| Foxes | Red Fox, Gray Fox |
| Raccoons | Common Raccoon |
| Beavers | North American Beaver |
| Groundhogs | Woodchuck |
| Skunks | Striped Skunk, Spotted Skunk |
By offering professional rehabilitation services, Smoky Mountain Wildlife Rehab plays a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of the Smoky Mountains’ ecosystem and ensuring the well-being of its native wildlife.
Guidelines for Transporting Injured Wildlife
If you encounter an injured or orphaned animal in the Smoky Mountains, it is essential to follow the proper guidelines for transporting it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Here are the key steps to take:
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Transportation: If the animal is accepted by a rehabilitator, the finder must arrange transportation to deliver the animal to the Wildlife Rehabilitator. This ensures the animal receives the necessary care and attention.
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Legal Considerations: It is important to note that it is illegal for unlicensed individuals to offer veterinary care or possess wildlife, as it can be harmful to both the animal and people in the household.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can help ensure the safe and effective rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wildlife in the Smoky Mountains.
Finding a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator
If you come across an injured or orphaned animal in the Smoky Mountains, it is crucial to locate a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who can provide the necessary care and treatment. Here’s how you can find a licensed rehabilitator in your area:
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Directory: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) maintains a directory of licensed wildlife rehabilitators by county and animal type. This resource can help you identify the nearest rehabilitator who specializes in the type of animal you’ve encountered.
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Contact Information: For example, Mountain Tails Wildlife Rehab in Sevier County can be reached at 865-388-5289 for assistance with mammals like raccoons, foxes, and skunks.
By utilizing these resources, you can quickly connect with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and ensure the injured or orphaned animal receives the care it needs.
Additional Resources for Smoky Mountain Wildlife Rehab
In addition to the services provided by Smoky Mountain Wildlife Rehab, there are other organizations and resources available to support the rehabilitation of wildlife in the Smoky Mountains region:
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Ijams Nature Center: This nature center offers a wildlife rehabilitation collection event, providing essential items to support local rehabilitators in their efforts.
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Animal Help Now: This is a 24/7 resource for US wildlife emergencies and conflicts, providing a directory of local wildlife rehabilitators that can be accessed nationwide.
These additional resources can help strengthen the network of support for Smoky Mountain Wildlife Rehab and ensure the continued well-being of the region’s native wildlife.
Important Reminders for Smoky Mountain Wildlife Rehab
While Smoky Mountain Wildlife Rehab is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife, there are some important reminders to keep in mind when encountering wildlife in the Smoky Mountains:
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Leave Fawns Alone: It is best to leave fawns where they are found, as they are often not abandoned, and the mother will return to nurse them.
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Do Not Transport Deer: Due to the risk of spreading diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), it is illegal to transport and/or relocate deer in Tennessee.
By following these important reminders, you can help protect the health and safety of both the wildlife and the human population in the Smoky Mountains.
In conclusion, Smoky Mountain Wildlife Rehab plays a vital role in the conservation and well-being of the Smoky Mountains’ native wildlife. By understanding their mission, services, and guidelines, as well as the resources available, visitors and residents of the Smoky Mountains can actively contribute to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned animals, ensuring the continued ecological balance of this beautiful region.