White-tailed deer are common in and around the DMV. The only real hazard that deer pose to humans are vehicle collisions. Keep yourself and the local deer safe by following these steps: Always be alert when driving. Be extra vigilant at dawn and dusk when deer are most active. Use your high beams at night. If you see one deer,   [Read More …]

Every year, millions of birds die from colliding with windows. Birds are unable to see glass and some windows are so reflective that birds think they’re flying into reflected scenery rather than a window. Bird-glass collisions occur most frequently during spring and fall migration seasons, and especially at night when birds fly long distances,   [Read More …]

Just as lead is toxic to humans, it is toxic to wildlife. Over the past three years, City Wildlife has treated 42 patients confirmed with lead poisoning, including squirrels, opossums, and raptors. In wildlife, lead poisoning usually manifests itself as neurological symptoms, such as lack of balance and coordination, circling, and inability to   [Read More …]

Do you hear birds in your chimney? They’re probably a family of Chimney Swifts. As their name indicates, Chimney Swifts like to roost in chimneys. Their feet are specifically adapted to grip rough surfaces, like the bricks in chimney walls or the inside of a hollow tree. Chimney swifts are unable to perch on branches or stand on the ground like   [Read More …]

Virginia opossums are very misunderstood animals. Many people see them as a pest when, in fact, they’re nature’s pest control. Opossums love to eat and they’ll eat just about anything. That’s why you might find one rummaging through your trash can. One of their favorite snacks is ticks. A single opossum can eat up to 5,000 ticks in one season!   [Read More …]

We’re deep into spring, which means that baby birds are hatching all around the city! If you happen to stumble upon a grounded baby bird, don’t fret; you can easily help it. First, identify whether or not the baby bird is injured: Does it have open wounds? Is it bleeding? Is it unable to use a leg or a wing? Was it in another   [Read More …]

City Wildlife recently admitted the first baby squirrel of the year! Each spring, we get flooded with orphaned squirrels that have fallen from their nest. We do our best to give every squirrel a second chance at life, but our specialized care does not come close to the care they receive from their mother. To ensure their best chance of survival,   [Read More …]