Latest news with #WildlifeCenterofVirginia
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
See it: Virginia black bears released back into wild after rehabilitation
WAYNESBORO, Va. – After more than a year of care, two young black bears are now roaming through the forests of Appalachia, thanks to efforts by staff at the Wildlife Center of Virginia. The bears, known as Double Blue and Double Lavender, had been under human care since April 2024 but were released on Wednesday. Video shared by staff from the Wildlife Center showed the giant mammals quickly departing their transport containers and making their way into the dense forest. "All of the bears are healthy, strong, and ready for life on their own — and that's exactly what we've been working toward," wildlife staff posted on social media. The center regularly rehabilitates orphaned and injured wildlife, with the ultimate goal of quickly returning animals to their natural habitats. The Bear Necessities Of Living Safely With Florida Black Bears Black bears are native to Virginia and are the most common bear species found across North America. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources estimates the population of black bears across North America to be around 900,000, which outnumbers other species such as brown bears and polar bears. According to wildlife officials, female black bears commonly weigh upwards of 250 pounds, while adult males can weigh anywhere from 130 to 500 pounds. Double Blue and Double Lavender were taken to the wildlife center as cubs, where they spent a year building muscles and developing natural behaviors before being released to live on their own. Did The National Weather Service Capture A Photo Of Bigfoot During A Pennsylvania Storm Survey? Wildlife specialists said spring is an ideal time to release animals, as food sources start becoming more abundant and the weather is not as harsh as during the winter. The Wildlife Center of Virginia was established in 1982 and annually provides care to thousands of animals. According to the center, staff treat a wide range of animals from the mid-Atlantic, from birds and mammals to amphibians and even reptiles. Earlier in the month, the staff released two additional black bears, nicknamed Double Yellow and Red, who were said to be doing well. With the recent release of Double Blue and Double Lavender, the center says all of the cubs rescued in 2024 have now been successfully returned to the article source: See it: Virginia black bears released back into wild after rehabilitation
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
American mink recovers from injury at Virginia Wildlife Center
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – For the first time in five years, since 2019, the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center is caring for an American Mink. The mink was brought to the center on February 27 with limited mobility, including one functional arm and two immobile legs. It has since been receiving round-the-clock care, including anti-inflammatories, pain medication, and laser therapy to help reduce the swelling. Although the healing process is slow, there are signs of progress. Due to treatment, the mink is now starting to get movement back in all limbs. 'Hoo' goes there? Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center releasing Eastern Screech Owl The cause behind the injuries is unknown; however, the center believes the trauma is related to a vehicle collision. The severity of the injuries is believed to be from a spinal trauma that caused swelling and pressure on the spinal cord and nerve that left the mink with temporary paralysis. Minks are known to be solitary, nocturnal, and semi-aquatic, with a diverse diet of insects, rodents, fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and birds. Meet 'Cosmos,' Wildlife Center of Virginia reveals ambassador Opossums new name They are great swimmers and have webbed feet, which allow them to dive up to 17 feet. They can also stay underwater for several minutes. Their species are likely to be found in wetlands, including rivers, ponds, and streams, which is why intake at the center is rare. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'Hoo' goes there? Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center releasing Eastern Screech Owl
BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR) – The Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center will be releasing an Eastern Screech-Owl near Blackdog Salvage on Friday, March 7. The owl will be released at Vic Thomas Park at 6:15 p.m. after four months in the center, and anyone is welcome to attend to watch the owl fly home. The owl came to the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center on November 12, 2024, after it was found lying face down and stunned on Memorial Bridge. The rescuer tried to help the owl sit up, however, the owl did not fly away. Meet 'Cosmos,' Wildlife Center of Virginia reveals ambassador Opossums new name Based on the center's findings, they concluded the owl was a victim of a very common vehicle strike as they normally hunt near roads and draw their victims near the pavement. The risk of vehicle strikes also increases in the winter months as food is normally scarce and again in late winter and early spring as parent owls go to great lengths to feed their hatchlings. Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center receives first-ever rare Eastern Spotted Skunk What drivers don't realize is that tossing food out while driving increases these changes and can have great consequences. An owl will then scan for prey and swoop down only to be struck by a vehicle. Other raptors are victims of being struck, however, owls seem to be the most affected. It is important to keep roadsides free of waste to reduce the tragedies and give better survival rates to the owl species. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
