Jan 26, 2022

Wildlife Center Admits Over 2,500 Animals in 2021

SHARE:

While Dane County Humane Society's Wildlife Center admitted fewer patients in 2021, the community-supported program set a new record with the number of unique species that came through its doors.

DCHS's Wildlife Center admitted 2,579 animals for rehabilitation in 2021. This total reflects approximately seven percent fewer patients compared to 2020 and highlights a downward trend that was largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Wildlife Center’s highest annual intake reached 4,097 animals in 2017. The program could easily reach that volume again, but staff continue their efforts to keep the workloads manageable. This includes actively educating the public on whether or not a wild creature really needs human intervention and assistance. Additional efforts will be made to maximize efficiency, build more caging, and improve workflow and tasks assignments. Staff has also made it a priority to train future license holders to care for wildlife so that it may help reduce intake in the future.

A juvenile bald eagle was released in Milton, WI on January 16, 2022 by Dianne Moller of Hoo’s Woods Raptor Center and Paige Pederson of DCHS's Wildlife Center. The eagle was brought to the Wildlife Center in 2021 with a wing fracture (pictured up top). After UW Special Species Vets helped fix the wing, the eagle spent six weeks reconditioning with Hoo's Woods.

Every day is completely different, and no one knows how many sick or injured animals will arrive at the Wildlife Center’s doors. Staff needs to prepare for anything to happen! In the early part of spring in 2021, an unexpected influx of waterfowl was brought in and kept the team very busy. In just two categories of animals, mallards and wood ducks, DCHS's Wildlife Center cared for 468 individual birds! Fortunately, over 88 percent of the waterfowl were released.

While patient volume may have been lower than normal in 2021, the amount of wildlife diversity was just the opposite. The Wildlife Center set a new record with 152 unique species found in Wisconsin and brought into DCHS last year. Among the unique patients were an Ouachita map turtle, a pied-billed grebe, a northern short-tailed shrew, a great grey owl, and a northern waterthrush.

Bar chart shows the top ten most common species per year admitted for rehabilitation at DCHS's Wildlife Center. Top ten species are ranked from top to bottom from least (10) to most (1) admitted per year.

The Wildlife Center's ability to help local injured and orphaned wildlife is only possible because of the generous support of the community. DCHS’s Wildlife Center, which was started in 2002, is not affiliated with any government agency but must follow regulations established by those entities. Under state law, the Wildlife Center is prohibited from charging finders who are trying to help injured, sick, or orphaned wild creatures. Therefore, the program is 100 percent financially supported by the community.

Line chart shows the top ten species by total volume of annual admissions at DCHS's Wildlife Center between 2014-2021

In Case You Missed It...

Below are stories of some of the wild animals that came through DCHS's Wildlife Center's doors in 2021:

The Bird Who Stole Our Hearts

A Turtle's Silver Lining

The Return of Chimney Swifts

Next Story

Feb 17th, 2025

You Can Help These Hungry, Hungry Bobcats Thrive!

Last year’s bobkittens have become this year’s bobcats, and they sure are hungry! YOU can be part of their journey of healing and growth by giving today to support their care.

Full Story

Next Story

Feb 3rd, 2025

DCHS Helping 43 Cats from Hoarding Situation

DCHS has stepped up to assist more than 40 cats from a home in Waupaca County that had nearly 100 felines.

Full Story

Next Story

Jan 27th, 2025

Behind the Numbers: DCHS's Wildlife Center's 2024 Report

What animals were admitted to DCHS's Wildlife Center for rehabilitation in 2024? How many of what species, and which patients were our favorites? Read our annual wildlife rehabilitation report.

Full Story

Next Story

Jan 21st, 2025

Lead Toxicity in Wildlife

Over the last decade, 762 individuals of 63 wild species had detectable blood-lead levels, meaning heaving metals are in our environment. Learn what you can do to advocate for these animals.

Full Story

Next Story

Jan 21st, 2025

Anthropogenic Injuries to Raptors and Other Wildlife

Wildlife face many challenges in the environment, especially in close proximity to humans. Anthropogenic injury and mortality rates are high in urban areas, which is hard to educate the public about.

Full Story

Next Story

Jan 21st, 2025

The Tale of the Radiant Ruddy Duck

What bird blows bubbles to the ladies to attract attention and develops a bright-blue beak during the spring season? Ruddy ducks! One was recently released after being treated at the Wildlife Center.

Full Story