'We're getting a lot of calls right now' Wildlife rehabilitators see more rescued animals after flooding

In Brunswick County, wildlife rehabilitators are seeing an increase in animal rescue calls after heavy flooding in the area.

Flooding is not only difficult for humans, but for animals too. The excess water can cause animals to be displaced from where they belong.

Potential tropical Cyclone Eight brought historic rain to Brunswick County, you can learn more here from our previous coverage. Places like Chevalier’s Wildlife Rehabilitation have had their hands full trying to take care of lost or abandoned wild animals.

“We’ve had a lot of calls where we just don’t have space to take anymore,” said Tandy Chevalier, a State Licenced Wild Life Rehabilitator. “There are many great wildlife rehabs in Brunswick County I know especially and in New Hanover County if you call and you don’t get an answer leave a message, they will get back to you. Everyone has been really busy right now it’s been really swamped especially with Brunswick County and all the flooding we have seen in the past few years.”

Chevalier has had her hands full caring for baby squirrels, bunnies, and opossums. Babies can sometimes get lost after a storm, or somehow end up separated from their mother.

Chevalier wants people to know when stumbling on a wild baby animal it’s important to leave it alone first. She says oftentimes when it comes to bunnies or squirrels the mother is nearby and the baby will be okay.

“The best thing to do is make sure they are truly an orphan before you call a wildlife rehab, a lot of times mom is close by and if you leave them and watch for a little bit she’ll come back,” said Chevalier.

She wants people to know it’s important not to give baby animals any food or water, this can be deadly for the animal. Baby animals need a special formula that should be given to them by someone who is state-licensed.

“All of these orphans eat different kinds of food so different formulas are needed for each species.”

It’s important to note that while the animals are cute, people should not try to keep them for extended periods or as household pets.

“Wildlife do not make good pets, they are very cute when they are little,” said Chevalier “As they get older, especially squirrels they do become aggressive they will bite you they are very destructive they are definitely not pets, and also to have a quality of life they need to be in the wild.”

To have a wild animal rehabilitation near you can use this website.