The minute the word "urban" gets stuck in front of "wildlife," the critters' days are numbered. Raccoons, rats, mice, squirrels, opossums, skunks and rabbits become dependent on humans for sources of food and shelter, but they don't do streets or highways very well. If they get in our houses, we want them out. They sometimes win a "conflict" with a backyard dog, but not every time. Animal-loving city-dwellers are needed every year in Dallas and Fort Worth for volunteer training for rescue and rehabilitation work.
Texas Discovery Gardens and the DFW Wildlife Coalition are sponsoring an information and training session called Call of the Wild: Urban Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation for people interested in helping out. "This is a free workshop for animal lovers," Bonnie Bradshaw, spokesperson for TDG, says. "We'll cover all kinds of volunteer opportunities including transporting animals, answering the wildlife hotline, building cages, presenting educational programs, staff exhibits at community events, as well as providing direct care." If you're squeamish at the thought of the roadside wounded, there are still plenty of ways to help.
