Wild animals treated at Houston SPCA after storms

HOUSTON– Hundreds of injured and abandoned animals are currently being treated at the Texas Wildlife Centerfollowing Thursday’s destructive storms, but there are still more.

Typically, little owls rely on their mothers to provide them with the food they need, but after storms many are left to their own devices, and at this size they cannot do this.

“I’m a self-proclaimed Mrs. Dolittle. I love all animals,” said Patricia Martin, who rescued a sparrow.

Martin found the bird in the driveway. She thinks he may have been in a nest inside a tree that fell during the recent storm.

“I put him in a little box with some rice, a warmer sock and just prayed that he would make it to today, and that’s what happened,” Martin said.

In just one day, people like Martin delivered a menagerie of animals to the Wildlife Center of Texas.

“But the best thing we can do is get them to a licensed rehabilitator. One of the things we’re most concerned about is hypothermia, just low body temperature,” said Dr. Roberta Westbrook, chief veterinarian. .

Wildlife staff and volunteers have already cared for several hundred animals. Since it’s spring, more and more animals are giving birth to babies.

Due to the storm, there’s a good chance you’ll see a lot more little ones who need help.

Wildlife Center of Texas Director Brook Yardley said she was staying in one of the hardest-hit areas.

“There were trees everywhere, almost every house had a tree on the ground. And there will be animals under those branches,” Yarley said.

There are a few things to keep in mind if you find an injured or abandoned animal.

You should collect the animal in a box covered with a towel or blanket and include a rice warmer or hot water bottle. Keep them away from family pets and do not feed them.

“Often we have people who want to give them food and fluids right away, but their body temperature is too low to be able to handle that nutrition,” Westbrook said.

For many of these animals, it’s their second chance at survival and Martin said it’s an easy gift to give.

“I think it’s very important that we take time not only for wildlife, but for all people,” Martin said.

Katiera Winfrey on social media: Facebook | X | Instagram