Summary
Provide in-home care for orphaned wildlife, ensuring their health and safety until they can be released. Training and support provided.
Requirements
All the same requirements as listed in the general requirement section with the addition of the following:
- Understand that this position includes exposure to many
allergens (peanuts, eggs, hay, pollen, dander, fur) - Must have a quiet warm space in a separate area of the home (not deemed to be in a dwelling) just for the animals (e.g. garage, basement with separate entrance, etc.)
- Must be prepared to only feed, provide husbandry and not cuddle or talk to the animals (critical for prevention of imprinting/habituating animals)
- Will be required to successfully pass the MNR Rabies Vector Species (RVS) exam
Commitment
- Minimum of six-month commitment during spring and summer
- Feedings vary between species from every three hours to twice a day
Responsibilities
- Must follow a strict biosecurity protocol
- Mask and gloves need to be worn while feeding and cleaning
- Diet preparation and feeding
- Cleaning and disinfecting of equipment and enclosure
- Providing enrichment (includes foraging (e.g. for dandelions) and other materials, e.g. branches
- Observation and documentation of animals
- Squirrels – Open to all trained volunteers
- Cottontails and Opossums (must have tubing experience (RVT)
- Raccoons and skunks (must understand biosecurity risks)