STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — What should you do if you find a sick or injured animal in the wild?
This northern saw-whet owl is one of the many animals who call the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center "Home."
Based in Stroudsburg, the organization rescues and rehabilitates injured and orphaned animals from all across the region.
"We have educational animals, and we have just our animals that are rehabbing here. We have owls, foxes, opossums, two eagles that are rehabilitating, and lots and lots of babies," says Susan Downing the co-executive director, of Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center.
The organization works closely with municipalities, agencies, and the public with the goal of releasing the animals back into the wild.
Volunteers step up after DPW workers resignEach rescue is unique, but it's important to assess the situation calmly and wear gloves when handling any animal that could have rabies.
"Always use gloves, especially if it's a baby, and you want to rescue it, if you think it's injured or orphaned, never bare hands, ever ever ever," said Downing.
From owls to eagles, the center takes in up to 3,500 wild animals per year. The public should leave all decisions about an animal's treatment entirely to the experts, who have the required knowledge and training.
"We love our job, we love talking to people about what to do, what not to do. It's really important to know that we're here for you. We would love to be able to guide you in a situation that you may not be comfortable with. We also have capture transport out there called "Win" - wildlife in need, so if we can't come get it because of staffing, wildlife in need is there for Pennsylvania as well," explained Downing.
The Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center is participating in the "NEPA Gives" fundraiser.
Donations help them carry out their critical mission. To learn more about how you can support the efforts visit their website.