I am not a wildlife rehabilitator. I answer phone calls concerning wildlife conflicts and emergencies and try to hook the public up with the folks that do rehabilitate wild animals. Because of my volunteer work with the DFW Wildlife Coalition and my job at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, Texas, I have a lot of interaction with wildlife rehabilitators. These folks never cease to amaze me! Their devotion to wild animals is awe-inspiring; their energy is enviable. Somehow through all the stress and heartbreak, our wildlife rehabilitators manage to stay

Lenny, who hails from Ohio, has lived in North Texas for 18 years. He began his animal rescue career by rescuing dogs and cats. With a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye Lenny states, “You don’t have many friends when you’re always trying to place a dog or cat.” He was still rescuing dogs and cats when a raccoon in need of rescue came his way. Determined to make a difference McClarren learned the wildlife rehabilitation ropes by searching for information on his own. Life became very satisfying after he started rehabilitating wildlife, but he still sees the practical side of rescue, “Sometimes we can help but nature doesn’t need us. You rehabilitate wild animals because you desire that connection with wildlife. You do this because you care!”

The most challenging aspect of wildlife rehabilitation is dealing with the death of an animal. It is difficult for wildlife rehabilitators to prevent themselves from taking the death of an animal personally; they usually wonder if they could have done something differently.  McClarren says, “Any animal that makes it even one day has won my heart.” He further explains, “I believe that most rehabilitators are first drawn to raising orphans.  This happens because most of the animals that come to us are orphans and because once the animal is past the difficulties we often see when they first come in – shock, starvation, dehydration and hypothermia – they are relatively easy to care for.  Dealing with the initial problems is a step that new rehabilitators are often uncomfortable facing. They require a little experience, coaching and confidence. “

McClarren also feels that raising orphans has rewards which are different from the gratification that comes in rescuing an injured or sick animal.  Orphans are cute and cuddly and easily appreciative of concern and attention.  Sick and injured animals do not interact in the same way because they are wild. They are used to being independent and to top it off, they don’t feel good.  With them, the reward comes from seeing them respond to assistance and then make a recovery.  There is a great sense of accomplishment when a rehabilitated animal can resume life in the wild. 

Lenny has had many touching, successful, and sometimes a bit risky, wildlife encounters. “Sometimes a rescue can be a little dangerous because of the places we are trying to get into as evidenced by a visit to a gentleman’s home that ended with my legs dangling through his dining room ceiling.”  Often young animals seek out tight, unreachable corners to hide in while they wait for their mother to return. Rescues under such circumstances require much patience and an in-depth understanding of the individual species' habits.

The most touching experiences are those in which a wildlife rehabilitator can witness first-hand the successful release of a rehabilitated animal. While discussing the release of two rehabilitated raccoons near a creek, Lenny told me, “They sauntered down to the creek and began playing in the water.  After a bit, one of them found and caught a frog and called to the other.  Together they ran to the opposite bank to consume their prize.  I knew I didn’t have to worry about those two adapting to their new home.” 

I asked Lenny to share a humorous wildlife story. He told me about a woman who called concerning a baby opossum. She and her daughter found the baby, and the daughter devotedly held the baby to her chest to keep it warm. The woman was so touched and proud of her daughter’s devotion, and Lenny looked forward to meeting them. Lenny prepared supplies for the arrival of the opossum. When at last they arrived and the two thoughtful citizens turned the animal over to Lenny, he was surprised to find that the baby opossum was, in fact, an adult rat!

For homeowners, Lenny, who does public presentations on co-existing with wildlife, has some simple advice to avoid conflict with wild animals, “Learn about the things that attract an animal to your yard and then eliminate the attractions.  Animals have very specific needs for food, water and shelter.  When we provide those things we invite animals to return to our yards. Elimination of those basic needs pretty much guarantees that they won’t come back. “

Rehabilitating wildlife can sometimes be an expensive undertaking. Many people believe that wildlife rehabilitators are funded by large organizations or the cities in which they live. Not true! Most expenses are covered by the rehabilitators themselves. Veterinarians sometimes donate supplies, but most often rehabilitators purchase supplies out of their own pockets.

The next time you need a wildlife rehabilitator, give a bit of thought to the expense and sleepless nights these people endure. You might say a little prayer that our extraordinary rehabilitators continue to experience their extraordinary devotion!

Margaret Mead once said,

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Indeed, Lenny McClarren and the other wildlife rehabilitators of North Texas are one such group.