Manchester & Trafford Pest Control

By James DrakeLast week I was contacted by a reader about an injured squirrel.

While going for a walk with her little children, this woman witnessed an adult squirrel fall out of a tree.

The squirrel was obviously injured and probably had a broken rear leg, this lady said.

What should she do?

Good question. I know she wasnt interested in my favorite squirrel pie recipe.

First and foremost, any wild critter should be living its life in the wild.

In fact, its illegal to make a pet out of a squirrel, goldfinch, black snake, terrapin or any other wild animal. Almost always, the best advice is to leave wild animals alone.

Over the next few months, many wild babies are going to be born.

If you find a baby bird that fell out of its nest, sure you can put it back in. If you see a newborn fawn abandoned in a field, leave it alone. Most likely, its mother left it hidden there and it doesnt need a bit of your help.

But, sometimes you really might discover a creature that is in need of assistance, just like a squirrel that fell from a tree and broke its leg, and there are people out there who have the proper training to care, treat and then return these animals to their proper homes.

Maryland has a network of a few dozen wildlife rehabilitators throughout the state who are licensed and trained to take in orphaned, sick and injured wild critters with the purpose of releasing them, when theyre ready, back into the natural and wild places from where they came.

We even have a few here in Southern Maryland.

Probably the very first thing you ought to do with any animal you think truly needs your help is to call the toll-free human/animal/conflict line at 877-463-6497 and speak to a biologist and get some expert advice on what to do.

Thats also the number to call if you have raccoons in the attic or a Gila monster and three Burmese pythons have just moved in to live under your back deck, for they also can provide you with a list of licensed trappers.

Another important rule to remember is never move a wild animal until you are absolutely certain it really needs your help. Keep in mind, too, rabies is a real threat from many wild animals. Squirrels are probably safe, but many others are not.

Google Maryland Wildlife Rehabilitators and youll quickly find a link at Marylands Department of Natural Resources that lists wildlife rehabbers by county and what animals they accept such as mammals, reptiles, amphibians and the like.

Many veterinarians also triage wild animals, but up front, youd be well advised to discuss the fee structure with them first.

Happy ending: That injured squirrel, on its own, was able to climb back up the tree on a sore, not broken, leg.

Mary Goldie at Marylands DNR issues permits to license wildlife rehabilitators throughout the state. If youre interested, she would be a good place to start if youre thinking of becoming a wildlife rehabber yourself. Call Goldie at 410-260-8546.

There are also two classes coming up in Lusby from 9 a.m. to noon March 3 and April 7 where you can learn all about rescuing wild animals and becoming a licensed rehabilitator in Maryland.

The cost to attend is $20. Call 301-922-4325 or 410-326-0937 to register.

This isnt an easy hobby or pastime although it certainly could be most gratifying.

Very basically, you first become an apprentice rehabilitator and must work 200 hours within two years, during spring, summer, fall and winter, with a master rehabilitator and get signed off on an extensive skills checklist.

Youll also need a fair bit of space for indoor and outdoor cages and a place for a soft release area where the wild animals are placed before they are finally let go to resume their lives in a natural world.

Youll also want to know a friendly veterinarian who is willing to work with you, and maybe at your center, once youre fully licensed.

Give it some thought; the rewards could be priceless.

Fishing updateMy good friend and master angler Gene Mueller really got into some fine yellow perch action a few days ago on the Patuxent River about halfway between Jug Bay and Hills Bridge.

There were four men in this particular fishing party and everyone took home enough nice ring perch for a true family feast. Besides that, they hooked, landed and released several dozen more.

It didnt seem to matter if the bait was a live minnow or an imitation, the perch were hungry and most willing to cooperate.

You can read more about it and see the pictures at www.genemuellerfishing.com.

Also up in Prince Georges County, Allen Pond, located near the U.S. 301 and U.S. 50 intersection, already has received nearly 1,000 trout for a preseason stocking.

A few yellow perch have started showing up at Charles County’s Allens Fresh but you sometimes have to work hard to get a bite. Some large females are found in the deep hole in an area known as The Cedars.

Anglers Night OutThe Patuxent River Chapter of the Coastal Conservation Association of Maryland will host its third Anglers Night Out for this winter from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday at the Ruddy Duck Brewery & Grill in Dowell.

The Ruddy Duck is located in southern Calvert County, almost to Solomons Island, at the intersection of Dowell Road and H.G. Trueman Road (Route 765). Its located about a mile and a half north of the big bridge.

At this upcoming meeting, the movie Tarpon will be featured tracing the development of the tarpon fishery and highlight some of the early tarpon anglers in colorful scenes of 1970s Key West.

The meeting is free and open to the public. You dont need to be a member of CCAMD to feel welcome.

Everyone also can sample this part is at your expense now the Ruddy Ducks menu and choose from its handcrafted brews.

zbasser@aol.com