Spring is a time of renewal, but it can also be a dangerous time for nesting birds and other wildlife. That’s the message from Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation in Carbonville.
Founder and owner Debbie Souza-Pappas said as activity increases with warmer weather, encounters with wildlife are also on the rise, which can be detrimental to the wildlife. “Because of the weather people are getting outside, they’re trimming their trees or trimming bushes. They’re doing all kinds of things outside, moving wood piles, debris in their yard, and it causes a lot of issues for all kinds of critters,” opined Souza-Pappas.
She urges people to be more cautious and aware as they spend more time outdoors because, “If the babies get abandoned then we become mom & dad. We do a good job but [the natural] mom & dad do better.”
Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation is now in its 23rd year of taking care of sick or injured wildlife- most often, but not limited to raptors. Souza-Papas is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and has the requisite state and federal permits to operate the facility, which was moved last summer to a larger location at 1910 West 2000 North in Carbonville.
The majority of the animals that are brought in or retrieved have sustained injuries from being hit by a vehicle. Currently Debbie and volunteer Connie Waddell are caring for two Golden Eagles, a Screech Owl, a Barn Owl, three Great-Horned Owls, three hawks- all injured by vehicles, and a Mallard Drake which was somehow saturated in motor oil.
No government funds
Souza-Pappas emphasized the facility receives no local, state or federal government funding. Second Chance is a 501(c)(3) organization that subsists through donations and grants. She said an easy way to help support the work they do for injured wildlife is to register your Smith’s Rewards card online. “It gives you an option to put in a charity that they will support on your behalf, and we’re one of their charities,” she explained. There is no cost to the customer. In addition to the Kroger Corporation, Amazon Smile has a similar program to benefit charities of the shopper’s choice.
Financial support and dedicated volunteers are always welcome to help keep the facility in operation. Debbie said, “The volunteers we’ve had have been amazing. They would drop everything to come and help. Some have moved and others had to devote their time elsewhere.”
Most recently, seven members of the USU Eastern Wildlife Club pitched in to help with the daily chores and errands essential to running the facility. Souza-Pappas emphasized, “It doesn’t require a lot of time or a big commitment. The little things mean the world to us.”
Find Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation on Facebook or call 435-650-3441.