IDAHO REHABBERS REJECTED & REFUSED

IDAHO REHABBERS REJECTED & REFUSED

"Idaho is full of wild spaces - over 83,000 square miles of land. Sadly, there are only a small handful of nonprofit organizations (AIRforWILDLIFE.org) helping the wild animal species which have become injured or orphaned through no fault of their own. Only 8 community supported volunteer operated facilities approved in the entire state. Each region is independently managed. Some regions allow no species, others only birds of prey, others only nongame mammals. Each person who began their nonprofit charitable organization has given time talent and treasure for 20, 30, 40 years and never accepted a penny from the state or federal agencies. The goal has always been for these founders to pass the baton onto the next generation therefore ensuring Idaho remains WILD. 

Over 90% of admitted patients are due to human cause. Thousands of telephone calls, emails and patients are accepted each year!  Causes vary from domestic cat attack, domestic dog attack, inadvertent kidnapping, hit by car, tree trimming and branch removal at improper time, unintentional orphaning due to killing the mother, window strikes, intentional acts of cruelty.

Many of the rehabbers are members of the international wildlife rehabilitators council and / or national wildlife rehabilitation association. These individuals have special training and years of experience. These dedicated individuals are all exclusively community supported and most volunteer their time. No federal, state or county funds support their missions. 

Idaho fish and game has never supported professional wildlife rehabbers. In 2015, IDFG regional manager stated in a magazine article, there is a "social side" to rehab but it offers "dubious value biologically". The additional comment that "animals in the wild should be left be" is blatantly ignorant. There has been documented and proven records announcing the alarming trends seen by professionals for years. The reality of a wild animal being admitted to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility due to 'natural causes' is less than 10 percent. Fewer than one out of ten animals has become injured or orphaned because of nature such as a wind storm. It is not nature taking its course when an animal is suffering. 

We humans are to blame and now Idaho State has tied the hands of those too few individuals who were trying with all their blood, sweat and tears to correct our egregious errors. Those trained, experienced, licensed and permitted individuals who have been helping return a wild animal back to the very habitat which it belongs. These individuals forsaking family time, forsaking full time jobs, forsaking their own futures and attempting to fill the need for that wild animal which should have the opportunity to live and thrive. The animal is not treated as a pet nor held captive. The goal of every rehabber is for the patient to absolutely hate their caregiver. A wild animal which looks at humans as the enemy is a success story!   

Approximately 280 species call Idaho home. Yet only one facility is authorized for black bear cubs, one is solely small mammals, one is for all bird species,  three are for only birds of prey, one is all types of mammals (excluding hoof stock), one for deer fawns, one helps small mammals and a few bird species, and one accepted all nongame species of mammals as well as all birds (excluding eagles). 

Several years ago, the state denied the licensed experienced ungulate rehabber permission to care for orphaned elk and moose calves. A few years ago, the state has refused to allow an orphan black bear cub facility to be created in the panhandle. In 2024, idfg stopped deer fawn rehab. In 2025, announced no new rehab permits will be approved. Additionally, no existing permits would be renewed. 

The state "wildlife" agency would rather let a wild animal starve or suffer and die slowly from mortal injuries than recognize the importance and value of professional wildlife rehabilitation.  There IS biological value. Rehabbers contribute to their human communities by educating and also the scientific community. The individual wild animal returned to the natural environment contributes as well. 

Curious about the statistics? connect with the two professional membership organizations. International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) and National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA). 

Additionally disconcerting is the fact idaho politicians looking to pass legislation removing relocation as an option for wild animals who have been habituated by humans. These animals will be euthanized. 

IDFG has never supported wildlife rehabbers, so what exactly does the idaho state nongame animal program support? 

What is the importance of a nature center without offering subsequent information and education about how to keep Idaho WILD including lessons on cohabitation?Without rehabbers teaching and sharing their knowledge, who will provide information to the general public? 

Professionals and compassionate citizens alike are heartbroken, outraged, frustrated... wild lives matter. wildlife rehabbers matter. why idaho.

the Broken Vase

 

The broken vase

 

Imagine in a land not so far away, there was a woman with the vision to merge what she loved with what is important. She willingly made the choice to listen to her calling and became both federal and state wildlife agency approved as a professional wildlife custodian. She recognized that within her soul she must sacrifice self in order to help those innocent beings which through no fault of their own have been traumatized. Since 2001, the American Heritage Wildlife Foundation founder has willingly sacrificed personal health, family, friends, and even simple activities which enrich life and create joy. The hope was that this society would see the need and join her in making this dream a reality.

Operating a nonprofit is the same as operating any type of business. Responsibilities include public relations, human resources, marketing, awareness, and fundraising with the extra pressure to do more with less. Pressure to offer more outreach and educational opportunities. Pressure to respond to EVERY need. The very life of a living being is dependent upon expeditious and appropriate responses. The information gleaned off the world wide web from perhaps less than credible sources should never be the only option for caring citizens. A do-it-yourself project should not be synonymous for the level of experience (and legal permission) required to accomplish the complicated task of successfully rehabilitating (not simply keep alive and raising) and returning to the wild any animal which is expected to survive long term.      

Wildlife rehabilitation is a traumatic field. When AHWF began 60 % of patients were human cause. Currently over 90 % of ALL patients admitted are due to HUMAN causes. We have an obligation to mitigate the damage we have caused to a native population which has been struggling maintain viable populations.   

Which is a primary reason why children are not allowed to get involved with the daily hands-on labor of animal care. No matter what the cognitive mind says trauma is an occupational hazard. There is fatigue. There is moral injury because the patients (rightfully so) hate you. There is chronic emotional stress. 80% of professionals leave after only 3 years! National surveys report a 19 % turnover rate of volunteers. The primary reason is because the workload is too great for so few people. Basically, one out of every five people will quit.  60 % of nonprofit leaders feel used up by the end of the work day. 100% of all NPO leaders polled has felt or feels burned out these past three years.

This community has demonstrated the absolute need for this unique nonprofit! For more than twenty years, every year, there has been an increase in the number of telephone calls from citizens seeking help for a wild animal or inquiring about human wild animal situations. No other agency fills the gap relating to this specialized niche. The early years average was 100 phone calls and not even 3 dozen admitted patient cases. Every year there has been an exponential outcry to do more. By 2014 the demand was too great for the handful of citizens who had been assisting. In 2015, the hiring of seasonal interns began. By 2019, more than 400 telephone calls were made to AHWF. Over 4,000 volunteer hours were recorded from a only a handful of volunteers who provided social media posts, downloadable informative pdf’s on the webpage, and over three dozen outreach events and activities, 6 additional were slated but not possible, and nearly 100 patient cases (an additional 30 could have been accepted had we the trained personnel to respond).

The past three years, we have been struggling to find balance. The pandemic really struck and even shook the foundation core of many. We need to find the reset button. We want to maintain the mission of AHWF. The mission to conserve the native wildlife through rehabilitation of the injured and orphaned local wildlife and community education. There has been the expectation the founder should work 18 – 20 hours each day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, as well as be present in multiple locations simultaneously is not sustainable nor realistic.  This Winter, the quote from the Dalai Lama resonated with the founder - “Never ruin your present for a past with no future.” 

JUST like a VFD (Volunteer Fire Department) cannot function and respond when emergency arises, neither can a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. Imagine your shed is on fire. You need a team of experienced professionals. You place the call. ………..    No one answers the telephone. No one has signed up for training. No one has been willing to support community. This is not a ‘google-able’ activity. Your shed burns to the ground.

Just as society expects a response when a fire arises, there is also the expectation for ‘someone’ to rise to the challenge when a wild animal situation arises. A wild animal is a living being which deserves respect and to not be treated like a do-it-yourself project by an untrained citizen. A wild animal is not the same as a domestic pet. One tender heart cannot carry the burden of supporting an entire society in need.

 To keep giving despite depletion. To keep experiencing empathy repeatedly. The intensity of the level of suffering seen multiple times daily. To reflect that most do not care to see the signals. A highly empathetic sensitive person is highly feeling and needs time to recharge. Exhaustion cynicism as well as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, sleep disruption, lack of self-care, gastrointestinal issues, autoimmune disorders, physical ailments, disassociation from gatherings are symptoms of the disease Burnout. The term Burnout is a fairly new term which is defined as the process of prolonged stress, frustration, exhaustion of physical and emotional stress. Literally there is no glucose in the muscles. Distressing to all aspects of being: psychological, behavioral, social, and spiritual. We all understand the term five alarm fire to be descriptive of a devastating catastrophic event. Some experts have broken burnout into 12 different stages. Now imagine the psyche of a human being who is suffering from a 12-alarm fire. The process starts small with feelings to prove yourself, to keep working harder, to neglect self for the needs of others, to blame others, to focus on work more, to deny problems because of work. The burnout continues and there is withdrawal from family and friends, experiencing behavior changes, depersonalization of self, feeling empty, feeling lost and exhausted. Until a complete and comprehensive burnout occurs – a full burnout. There is a complete level of mental and physical collapse. This is a fire which has been burning for a long time and been ignored but the fire continued to consume everything. No spark of that person exists. The cure is a sabbatical. Sabbaticals provide an opportunity to manage professional burnout. Sabbaticals allow the sufferer to return to the rejuvenated mentally and physically and fully recovered from their moral injury, empathetic distress, and vicarious trauma disorders. Please understand the decision to rest is brutal. The sense of duty to the animals is what has driven the founder for over two decades just the same as her heart beat, but the focus and strength of conviction cannot sustain a weakened body, mind and spirit.

 

 

The outcry and demand has confirmed this region should have a qualified experienced professionally authorized wildlife rehabilitation facility. Currently during the busy ‘baby season’ it is not uncommon to receive 100 telephone calls each month from May through September. The level of financial support has been rising, thanks to kind hearted supporters who contribute both small and large amounts monthly as well as generous contributions being given at assorted fundraising events and for AHWF merchandise such as the children’s books, the book of memoirs, the online shopping programs and merchandise including clothing and mini-flashlights. Conversely however the human support has decreased these past few years. AHWF has been operating at a code black level. The demand is too great and the resources too few. These past several years we no sooner start the spring season only to refuse admittance of new patients within a few short weeks. This is heart breaking and soul crushing but if we were to accept every wild animal from every single telephone call, the result would not be successful releases.

We need people to give time and talent. A few years ago, AHWF wanted to expand our abilities. We wanted to enlarge the existing parcel to increase our educational outreach and we wanted to provide necessary rehabilitative care for orphaned black bear cubs. At that time, we had two land options plus the state wildlife agency commissioners willingness to approve a permit IF we could build the necessary enclosure(s). By the time we raised the money necessary, the company which was to build the enclosure had closed, the land owner was not in a position to allow building and the other land option was no longer available, plus the state wildlife commissioners changed their minds and refuse to issue any new game mammal permits.     

The saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, so too does it take a community to support a society. American Heritage Wildlife Foundation is exclusively community supported. There are no federal, state or county funds supporting this mission. There are no paid staff responding to the calls, emails, social media and online promotions, event planning and coordination, membership and supporter updates, nature walk maintenance and trail guiding, library lecture presentations, grant writing, website revisions, writing blogs, acknowledging contributions, continuing education and networking with other professionals, as well as providing quality care for the patients. 

Your north Idaho community supported wildlife rehabilitator needs people willing to become trained in order to accomplish all the tasks necessary to keep Idaho wild. In order to accomplish this, we need your support on two fronts. We must have sufficient financial support, as well as staff available to guarantee public presence. Now is the time to connect with neighbors and friends; now is the time to come together and create a legacy for future generations. Now is the time to make the vision a reality and construct the first inland pacific northwest nature center.

Why is a Wildlife Rehabilitation / Nature Center facility is important. These organizations provide answers to general public questions, they dispel common myths and misinterpretations about wild animals and provide professional assistance within a specialized niche. Unique and rewarding adult volunteer opportunities are provided as well as guidance for preventative and humane solutions regarding human and wild animal conflict situations. Diverse educational opportunities teaching about the native neighbors (all the wild animals sharing the ecosystem) are also given. No other organization fills the gap between public and wild animal. Federal and State wildlife agencies enforce legal aspects. Domestic animal shelters have no experience with wild animals. Veterinary clinics provide medical services for domestic pets and livestock. Nature Centers also enable the general public a location to recreate outdoors in a safe natural environment with interpretive tools and face to face guidance.

Other communities across the nation have embraced the mission of their local wildlife rehabber. They saw the need and responded and after a few years of working together as a team built wild animal hospitals, rehabilitation infirmaries, large wild animal enclosures, and financial stability in such a capacity as to allow hiring paid staff members. This community has a few superheroes over the past two decades who supported to the best of their ability, sadly they are too few. If this community expects a professional organization to respond and provide professional services for wild animals in need, this community needs to get together and help mitigate the damage we all have caused. WE have a responsibility to participate and stand for what is good and right. As Katharine Hepburn so eloquently phrased “There is a lot of lead butt in the world.  You are a doer. You are a worker. You make yourself into someone who matters and you do this with your heart and your brain and your skin and your energy. You show up for others and your word is your bond. I am really tired of victims of ambition, particularly when there are people who need our help in serious times of peril.” Get the lead OUT! Join forces with AHWF and let us build a legacy together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

human caused casualties statistics

 

Wildlife species are continually being presented to veterinary clinics and rehabilitation centers throughout the United States, and it is important to determine the reasons in order to monitor the changing health status of the surrounding ecosystem (10), decrease the anthropogenic effect of habitat fragmentation and pathogen pollution (2,12–14), and investigate preemptive strategies for reducing the number of wildlife casualties. This large dataset provides a sample to explore causal trends for presentation and sheds light on some of the major anthropogenic threats to wildlife health. This study does not attempt to explain the origin or cause of all reasons for presentation, but rather focuses on human related causes of presentation. Approximately one-third of the cases examined were presented to the hospital because of either direct or indirect anthropogenic reasons. Direct interactions with humans (human-induced- trauma and hit-by-automobile categories) were less common than indirect interactions (dog and cat categories) in this population, but still made up 11% of the total cases. Pathogen pollution, noise pollution, and environmental pollution have also been shown to lead to wildlife morbidity and mortality (1,15–17), but this study provides an additional explanation that “predator pollution,” by means of introducing domestic cats and dogs to wildlife areas, may also be having a profound and damaging effect. Of all cases presented, approximately 20% were due to interactions with domestic pets, specifically cats (14% of all cases) and dogs (6% of all cases). By narrowing the interface between wild and urbanized areas, it is likely that human–wild animal encounters, whether direct or indirect, will increase and, based on the results of this study, these encounters frequently result in the detriment of the wild animals. The data provided in this study do not investigate or provide evidence for the role of environmental pollution, pesticide use, or other forms of habitat disruption, but it does lend itself to the needed discussion about the many factors contributing to the morbidity and mortality of native wildlife species. In order to establish long-term conservation, a variety of initiatives including responsible pet ownership and habitat modification should be considered. Community and veterinary-client education about the importance, as it relates to wildlife, of keeping domestic cats indoors and preventing domestic dogs from roaming outside unsupervised could lead to a reduction in the number of animals presented to wildlife facilities based on the findings of this study (18). Although pets other than dogs and cats were not identified as reasons for presentation in this study, exotic, invasive species can lead to wildlife morbidity and mortality in other regions. Providing educational materials to owners about the proper care of their exotic pets may decrease those introduced to the wild by intentional abandonment and therefore reduce interactions with native wildlife (19). Increasing canopy coverage and the shrub layer along urban parks and greenways has been suggested to increase crucial habitat areas for certain avian species and protect them from the negative pressures of urbanized areas (20). In addition, evidence supports certain habitat defragmentation projects, such as linear patches and biological corridors, as successful in increasing migratory ranges and establishing connectivity between wildlife (5,21,22). On a smaller scale, establishing larger wildlife-friendly areas by arranging neighborhood gardens adjacent to each other has also been proposed as a means to increase wildlife habitat in urbanized areas (23). By removing invasive predators, focusing efforts on the conservation of native habitats, and affording a level of protection along developed and undeveloped transition zones, the numbers of animals affected by direct and indirect interactions with humans might be decreased, therefore leading to decreased morbidity and mortality

 

Are you a radical?

 

ARE YOU A RADICAL?

 

What is your definition of radical? Do you think of the movie actor James Dean or perhaps 1980’s ‘surfer dudes’. The oxford dictionary states the word radical is relating to the fundamental nature of something. It is also advocating for social change, representing or supporting progressive policy. 

There is a coffee mug a friend showed me with the saying ‘sedate women seldom make history’. That can easily be applied to current times. Unless we are radical about saving the wild species and spaces of North Idaho we do not deserve to show sorrow for the loss. We should not have the audacity to act shocked when we humans are also adversely affected by the massive environmental changes which have taken place these past 100 years.  The human population has quadrupled in that time span and yet wild animal populations have declined disproportionally to levels of near extinction and other species vanished entirely.  

Yes there are developers altering habitats and creating homes for residents. Yes there are more people moving to Idaho and calling it home. Yes we are seeing declines in native animal species and rises in human wild animal conflicts. Is the answer to post a picket sign in your yard or type franticly on a keyboard in retaliation – NO! Nothing will change except your blood pressure.

Being a warrior can be defined not as one who brutally and blindly with malicious intent destroys any on the chosen path but rather a visionary who has hope for the future. Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without words and never stops at all (E. Dickenson)  

Warriors have experienced great hardship which is why they choose to be so gentle. They have felt the burn of the past and carried the weight of their world on their shoulders. The lamp of love has been subjected to hurricane winds of anger and torrential rains of sorrow. And yet, they rise with a pure energy which illuminates all those around. There is a blazing sun within their soul which shines a light upon the shadows and darkness which try to engulf them. The Teton Dakota Chief Sitting Bull said warriors are the ones who sacrifice self for the good of others. The task is to take care of the defenseless and those who cannot provide for themselves and above all the children which are the future of humanity. 

We borrow this land from our grandchildren. Be the radical who leaves nothing but a footprint and takes only photographs. Be honest, despite the illegal nature of taking bits of nature while hiking on public lands, how many have taken a plant or rock or even animal back home with them?  “I am just one person, it won’t be missed” right? WRONG! Every single alteration to any habitat has a ripple effect; please change your perspective. An excerpt from a short story may help the message linger longer. A girl went to a museum and took a small piece of bandage from a mummy which was on display. She thought nothing of the theft because it was after all only a small piece and there was so much remaining. That night she was visited from the mummy who plucked one hair from her head. The next night a different mummy appeared and took a single hair. The third night, again a different mummy appeared and took one hair. She realized that if this continued, she only had so many pieces before there would be nothing left. This was the exact act which she had performed at the museum. When we take from nature we are like that girl and the mummy.

In 1963 one of the most prominent wild animal parks in the world had an exhibit called “the most dangerous animal in the world” ………… what species do you think was on display? …………… it was a mirror! The most dangerous animal is the human animal. We humans vilify the wild animals with traits which are purely human. We imbue the worst characteristics of humans upon other living beings so that we may feel superior. We destroy habitat and turn a blind eye to the suffering we have caused but assuage our guilt by proclaiming the false statement ‘nature is cruel’ ‘let nature take its course’. 

Far too many view nature as a place to ‘wreck-reate’ or a place to exploit for sheer financial gain. It is imperative the lessons of cohabitation are shared freely. Leave the leaves in the autumn. Leave plant stalks and seedheads. Use no pesticide or lawn chemical. Mow less by planting native plants for year-round foraging. Reduce light pollution. Protest using poisons (aka herbicide, insecticide) on our foods.

Shift your perspective. What we do to our home and wild neighbors, so too we do to ourselves.  This planet is not ours to use up and appease our every want; this planet is merely on loan to us from our grandchildren so they may simply live with needs fulfilled.

The word radical is synonymous with fundamental, essential, deep rooted, extreme, far reaching. Are you a radical?

There is a coffee mug a friend showed me with the saying ‘sedate women seldom make history’. That can easily be applied to current times. Unless we are radical about saving the wild species and spaces of North Idaho we do not deserve to show sorrow for the loss.

Yes there are developers altering habitats and creating homes for residents. Yes there are more people moving to Idaho and calling it home. Yes we are seeing declines in native animal species and rises in human wild animal conflicts. Is the answer to post a picket sign in your yard or type franticly on a keyboard in retaliation – NO! Nothing will change except your blood pressure.

Being a warrior is about standing for and abiding by a cause. Being a visionary means there is hope for the future. Change the perspective from ‘make the best of today’ to ‘We borrow this land from our grandchildren’. See the habitat as a community where you are one small part instead of a society where you must be bold enough to dominate.   

Once upon a time the land spaces were filled with diversity of species. It is painfully clear, as more and more species are listed as endangered of being extinct or are now gone forever we must ALL become a radical to save what we love. The truth is, how we treat our home is a reflection of our destiny. What we have done to our native neighbors, so shall become of us.   

Granted Granite Gratitude

 

Be the Difference

 

The English language has assorted peculiarities one such example relates to the words Granite, Granted, Gratitude. Three very different words despite the difference of only a few letters.

Granite – noun. rock (solid, heavy)

Granted – adjective. approved, decided. / verb. given. acknowledged.

Gratitude – noun. thankfulness. gratefulness. appreciativeness.

The founder of the panhandles only licensed nonprofit organization working with native wild mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians has been the driving force. She has been the immovable object between certain death for hundreds of injured and orphaned wild animals.

When one person gives another something, it shows approval. The opposite occurs when someone is ‘taken for granted’. The removal of value and a general lack of empathy towards another living being.

Without this community American Heritage Wildlife Foundation would not have been able to keep Idaho wild. Thanks to the contributions of time, talent and treasure your local 501c3 has been operating for more than 20 years and without that support would have closed its doors years ago.

The difference between these similarly spelled words is only a letter or two. Granite to Granted is ‘ID’ and Gratitude is ‘U’.  YOU are why the injured and orphaned native nongame wild animals have a chance at being returned to their home territories. If you want AHWF to continue another twenty years we must have you involved today!

ID is the state we all call home. ID also is a psychology term referring to the oldest and most primitive instincts - pleasure. ID provides the drive for our actions, Superego the moral perfection and portion of personality stiving for balance between potentially opposing forces is the ego.   

Do you see your wild Idaho through the lens of ID? Do you see yourself as simply one piece of the Eco(system)?  We humans are in a place of power, let us forget and take our wild native spaces and species for granted. Let us remember Earth and Heart are spelled with the same letters. Let us reflect that we can all evolve and love each living being with a little repetition and patience.  Just as the word impossible declares everything is possible (A.Hepburn) so too does the word love. Palindromes are words identical forwards and backwards, now look closely at  the words LOVE and EVOLVE.  

Idaho was once full of wild animals. The wild spaces and species were plentiful. Then we humans discovered the beauty of the wild spaces and claimed them for our own private recreational area. Conflicts arise, injuries and orphans are created and the need increases for services which are provided by no other organization. Think ECO not EGO. Be a part of nature not apart from nature. Be aware of the wild animals around you. Hesitate before approaching any wild animal. Watch for signs of distress. Follow through by connecting with Idaho’s professionals found at AIR for Wildlife (Association of Idaho Rehabbers for Wildlife).

Treat the earth as if it is has been loaned to you by your grandchildren not given to you by your parents. (Lakota Chief Crazy Horse). There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice but there must never be a time when we fail to protest (E. Wiesel). The price good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (Plato). Merge what you love with what is important to you (M. Chapin Carpenter). Your community needs your help with contributions of time, talent and treasure. 

Human Nature

 

Human Nature

 

What is it about human nature that makes us polar opposites?  Take a moment, reflect on those around you. … Are all the people you know named Steve or Sharon generous people? Is every Kevin and Karen bold? Perhaps human nature cannot be confined to a name; perhaps human nature is in our core being. The Nature versus Nurture theory.  Is it freedom of choice or demand of ego?

 

What makes one person stop on a highway and pick up a turtle who was trying to cross the roadway and another person simply run over the top and crush this living being? What drives one person to commit time and money when they find a wild animal orphan in need? This person will drive hours and donate money (often funds which they have do not have) to ensure the necessary care required will be possible! What encourages one person to leap in and volunteer at charities and another repeat the mantra ‘I am too busy’.    

 

One person will see a nest of crows who have fallen and say ‘well its just nature’ and ignore the vocalizations. Another will say the same thing BUT they will watch for signs of distress. They will connect with professional agencies who can answer questions and guide through the next right step. One person will see a group of Striped Skunks and run away screaming and demanding killing or trapping to take them away (which is the same thing only more suffering involved). Another person will see the group and watch for normal signs of behavior. They will rejoice in the reality these animals dig up underground wasp nests and keep rodent populations in check. One person will ignore the guidelines suggested for the best times to allow their domestic cats outside (which is around mid-day) or ignore the recommendations to keep their dogs on leash when hiking. These people treat the wilderness as their own personal habitat to abuse and yet another will spend hours picking up litter including plastic water bottles, dog feces, candy bar wrappers etc. which is not their own. One person will view the wilds of North Idaho as their personal back yard and all the inhabitants should bow down to the desires. Each animal is to be dominated and made a ‘pet’.

 

A wildlife rehabilitator is a licensed experienced professional. These dedicated few choose to commit their lives to this calling. It is in their nature to nurture. Audrey Hepburn said eloquently that ‘hard work is never so hard as when it is done with love’. Most wildlife rehabilitators are volunteer based and solely community supported. What greater statement of love is there?

 

Keeping North Idaho WILD is a necessity. It is why we all live here. It is why we all love our lives here. Despite the hardships we can always step out our door and listen to the sounds of birds calling, see pine squirrels racing around the trees, find foot prints in the mud from the assorted native neighbors, and perhaps be fortunate enough to locate one of the handful of reptiles or amphibians tough enough to call North Idaho home.

 

The wild animals have survived for hundreds of years without human intervention. They have maintained that line of respect and fear. They do not need us to ‘help’ them survive. However, we humans have created such a rapidly changed environment these last 100 years the wild animals cannot adapt. We humans have not held dear that line of respect and fear.  Is it human nature to want to dominate and put ourselves first? Is it human nature to view oneself as part of a whole?

 

Every day wild animal rehabilitators see the traumas which are inflicted upon the patients. 90 percent of patients admitted for care are a direct result of humans. Some of these injuries are purely accidental and the rescuers are such tenderhearted people. The rehabilitator is meeting a kindred spirit. Some of these injuries are a direct act of cruelty or ignorance. These rescuers are lacking in awareness and education. The only way a rehabilitation facility is able to continue from one decade to the next is with strong community support and awareness. Please help American Heritage Wildlife Foundation continue into a third decade. Ask local humane societies to expand into a wildlife ward. Seek corporate sponsorship or commissioner support to build a facility which can be staffed. Collaborate with friends to create a wildlife paramedic ambulance service.

 

Wildlife Rehab is FUN

 

Wildlife Rehab is FUN

When people first hear there is such a profession as caring for the injured and orphaned native wild animals, usually the first word uttered is FUN. The reality of accepting responsibility for the wellbeing and very life of a living being is, in a word DAUNTING.

If providing necessary medical, behavioral, psychological, and emotional care were easy, state wildlife agencies would not require citizens to be licensed. The reality is rehabbers respond to the community of caring citizens when their cat brings in a songbird, when their dog uses a turtle as a chew toy or they witnessed a vehicle aim for and intentionally run over a wild animal. They also respond when the goose family group has been separated and youngsters are wandering the roadside, when a mother raccoon has been killed and her offspring were found under the shed days later, when the lawnmower ran over the nest of baby cottontail rabbits. These caring individuals have knowledge, training, experience and networks to guide them. This harsh reality is, in a word, CHALLENGING.

As a 501c3 nonprofit with the mission to also provide education and awareness on how to keep Idaho WILD, your local wildlife rehabilitation organization also offers programs and presentations. In years past: youth summer camp, guided nature walks, children’s’ books as well as anecdotal books for older readers, public booths, and outreach events. We have spoken on important topics such as cohabitation, healthy habitats and the value of each species. Interacting with our human neighbors has been ENJOYABLE.

Did you know that recent surveys report 90% of all wild animals admitted at rehab centers are there because of human causes. To be able to return an individual who through no fault of its own was traumatized back to the home territory is what this profession is all about. There is a saying amongst professional wildlife rehabbers – every animal which crosses the threshold has already been claimed by death. That animal has already had the hand of death lay hands upon it.

When we are able to stand between death and that patient and succeed, the word is RESTORATIVE.

Wildlife rehabilitation is not the same as raising a domestic animal. Domestics have been reliant upon humans for thousands of years. Food items are created for domestics not wild animals. Domestics want to be held and interact. A wild animal wants nothing to do with humans. The boundary is respected and there is no desire to cross it. A wildlife rehabilitator honors that aspect and using wisdom gained through more than reading one online article. The reality is a ‘tame’ wild animal is a ‘dead’ wild animal.  

Wildlife rehabilitation is a calling. Wildlife rehabilitation is a career without the salary. Wildlife rehabilitation is a public service to help the native neighbors. Wildlife rehabilitation is provided by no other entity than private citizens who accept the daunting challenges with a smile and enjoy restoring a small piece of nature one animal at a time.

Wildlife rehabilitators need public support to continue the vital missions. Without supportive society, a wildlife rehabilitator is EXTINCT.

 

Be the Difference!

 

Be the Difference

 

The English language has assorted peculiarities one such example relates to the words Granite, Granted, Gratitude. Three very different words despite the difference of only a few letters.

Granite – noun. rock (solid, heavy)

Granted – adjective. approved, decided. / verb. given. acknowledged.

Gratitude – noun. thankfulness. gratefulness. appreciativeness.

The founder of the panhandles only licensed nonprofit organization working with native wild mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians has been the driving force. She has been the immovable object between certain death for hundreds of injured and orphaned wild animals.

When one person gives another something, it shows approval. The opposite occurs when someone is ‘taken for granted’. There is a general lack of empathy towards another living being.

Without this community American Heritage Wildlife Foundation would not have been able to help keep Idaho wild. Thanks to the contributions of time, talent and treasure your local 501c3 has been operating for more than 20 years and without that support would have closed its doors years ago. These past several years the demand has become so great, the founder has felt as if she is being crushed by a boulder of granite.   

How has AHWF been able to operate? Only because of you. AHWF is community supported for every aspect of operations. What is the difference between granite and granted ‘ID’ and gratitude ‘U’.

YOU are why the injured and orphaned native nongame wild animals have a chance at being returned to their home territories. If you want AHWF to continue another twenty years we must have you!

ID is the state we all call home. The ID is also the primitive core essence of a person. It is one of three parts to the human psyche. The ID is the source determining what gives each being happiness. The Superego is the moral compass while the Ego attempts to balance the moral conscience with the primitive base desires. Do you view Idaho as a place to ‘wreck-reate’ or as a place where you are but one small part of a vast ecosystem?

When you are able to recognize Earth and Heart are spelled with the same letters you will begin to identify the importance of being a good neighbor. When you see that love is the solution, the evolution process begins. A word which is the same forwards and backwards is a palindrome. Look closely at the word Evolve. The instructions could not be any clearer. WE must evolve and love our native neighbors as ourselves, for what we do to them we do to ourselves. Real eyes realize real lies from agencies and organizations which say they support the environment. Pay attention, make a stand, shift your perspective to the mindset that we do not own this land, it is simply on loan to us from our grandchildren and all the wild neighbors.

Idaho was once full of wild animals. The wild spaces and species were plentiful. Then we humans discovered the beauty of the wild spaces and claimed them for our own.  The human population has quadrupled in 100 years. The wild animal populations have dramatically declined to levels of near extinction, imminent extinction or extinct in the last 50 years. We alone are responsible for their demise. We have taken nature for granted.

There are countless conflicts which arise, wild animal injuries and orphans are created and the need increases for services which are provided by no other organization. Think ECO not EGO. Be a part of nature not apart from nature. Be aware of the wild animals around you. Hesitate before approaching any wild animal. Watch for signs of distress. Follow through by connecting with Idaho’s professionals found at AIR for Wildlife (Association of Idaho Rehabbers for Wildlife).

IF you wish to get involved with creating the first nature center of the inland pacific northwest – which has been the vision since 2001, we need you to join with your friends and share this vital information. Make the changes to behaviors and demonstrate an attitude of gratitude for all the wild spaces and species. Gratitude is after all the key component of joy.

 

Demise of Community

 

Indoor plumbing – the demise of community?

 

Take a moment to reflect on the benefits of indoor plumbing, specifically the loo, the WC (wash closet), the john,  the head, the can, the toilet, the crapper, the commode, the porcelain throne, the potty …. Now take a moment to reflect on the lessons learned from the ‘out’ house.  What knowledge could be shared from the experiences gained by our relatives which lived in a time before this modern convenience.

These folks needed to observe many factors or else suffer the consequences. The obvious aspect was location. Not only the distance from home to outhouse but additionally the chosen pathway to the outhouse. Did the route have sharp rocks or plants with thorns? The conditions of the trees were also noted: if leaning there would be concern of falling onto the pathway. Was the trail bisected by any wild animal trails? Equally important, other trends of nature such as the direction of the wind. Did it blow away from or towards the outhouse? In every type of weather, would the path be accessible? During the spring rains, would there be puddles and mud? In the cold of winter, would there be issues with ice formation or snow drifts? The lesson: pay attention to natural world and your surrounding habitat.

Before construction could begin, the acknowledgement of physical abilities and a proper design were necessary. The builder needed to be physically able to accept the challenge, be able to obtain all necessary materials plus make sure they were sustainably sourced so a new one could be created with minimal inconvenience. Observational and memory skills were put to the test to reflect upon design flaws noted in other outhouses? Which way did the roof slant? Which direction did the door open and face? What materials had they used? Where did they put the therapeutic papers (tp)? Additional information could be gained by asking neighbors for valuable insight. There was an acceptance of limitations to live within ones means. There was value in learning as well as sharing. 

The design must be inclusive as it would be utilized by all ages and sizes of humans. It must be sturdy enough to support a large man yet small enough as not to have a small child fall in. It was also imperative that the work be done properly. An outhouse which was built with poor craftsmanship would not last for long. Poor choice of wood could result in splinters. The hole itself, if dug into a substrate which would not drain or would crumble when wet, as well as if not dug deep enough would all cause future issues. There was no excuse for exerting the least effort possible or expectations of someone else fixing your shoddy work. There must be pride in a job well done and wisdom to think of others instead of exclusively self.

This wisdom to look outward to community has eroded. The realization that we are made to be together and cooperate has been lost. The world today preaches the value of looking inward and relying upon self. Society demands we be narcissistic (self-absorbed); take as much as you can for as long as you can. To be considered important you must go faster than your neighbor. In our haste to speed up and be more productive, are we actually doing more damage?

The Anthropologist Kathryn Bouskill has been studying the effects of fast paced living on humans.  Except for the exponential population growth, what do we as a race of humans have to show for the past 50 years? 100 years? 200 years? The world population, at the start of the 1800’s was around one billion people. In a span of 100 years, the population doubled. Statistically speaking, approximately 50 people for every 5,280 square feet. By the 1970’s the population again doubled to four billion people. Incidentally, that was also the same decade in which the realization that the United States had surpassed the carrying capacity of its citizens.  The term carrying capacity is defined as the ability for one nation to grow enough food within the soil of that nation to support all the humans who live within the boundaries of that nation. This explains why our grocery store foods are more world traveled than the majority of shoppers.      

The world human population is presently over 8 billion, for every square mile 130 people. In essence, where there was only one person now within a span of a single generation there are three. The wild animal species however have not been able to over populate their habitat. They have not been reckless by acting as if there were seemingly unlimited resources of food, shelter, water.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list established in 1964 as an indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. This list currently provides the names of more than 150,300 species. Over 42,000 have populations declining; one of every three is threatened with the reality of extinction. In the United States 1,300 species are in endangered. The number of known globally extinct living beings was 842 only 13 years ago, today 905 known species - gone forever. These numbers do not reflect the dark extinctions, those species which died out before we have even discovered them and determined their contributing value. Unless we think of community instead of self and take bold actions, we will be once more be responsible for mass genocide. ‘One does not have to operate with great malice to do great harm. The absence of empathy and understanding are sufficient.’ – Charles Blow

The last 50 years many bird species have had population declines as great as 60%. Hundreds of lives have been lost, and hundreds more are considered to be extinct within the next fifty years. Do we feel empathy for the devastation? Do we even acknowledge ourselves as the destroyer of all creation?

If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way. Wrong is always wrong no matter how many are doing it. Right is always right even if no one is doing it.  “Integrity is choosing courage over comfort. It is choosing what is right over what is fun. Fast. Or easy. It is choosing to practice your values rather than simply professing them”- Professor & Author Brene Brown. You may never know what results come from your actions but if you do nothing here will be no results. – political ethicist & lawyer Mohandas ‘Mahatma’ & activist Kasturba Gandhi. If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. – Theologian Desmond Tutu

The desire for we humans to have every want conveniently and expediently fulfilled appears to be acceptable. Do we consider the origins of the water when we twist the knob? Or electricity when we flip a switch? What about the foods we consume? Where do they come from? Because of the advancements in there are wonderful improvements to the medical field, industry, transportation, and connectivity. Thanks to innovations in technology, we have access to a great flood of information on a global scale within minutes. In one moment, we see human tragedies, scroll a bit more to see humorous baby animal videos, scroll further to salacious celebrity headlines. We are living faster than we can cognitively process. We pack our days with activities but are we actually improving our lives? Happiness and busy-ness are not synonymous.  We have polarized our communities, stifled our creativity and retreated into our self-made safe havens of chaos. We are surrounded by billions of people and yet we feel more isolated and lonelier than any time in history!  

As anthropologist Jane Goodall said ‘Here we are arguably the most intelligent being that ever walked the planet earth with this extraordinary brain yet we are destroying the only home we have.’ How many of the 8 billion humans view themselves as a guest on this planet; the earth as being borrowed from future generations - a loan from the native neighbors? How many view it as a place to control? Privilege is when you think something is not a problem because it is not a problem to you personally. It is culturally sanctioned to stay busy no matter the expenditure of natural resources. But author Brian Herbert points out “The capacity to learn is a gift. The ability to learn is a skill. The willingness to learn is a choice.”  A question was posed – Would you give up right to vote or give up your smart phone? The majority of those polled responded flippantly: the right to vote! Technology keeps me connected.

Sociologist W.E.B. DuBois astutely professed that we should measure the prosperity of the nation not by the number of millionaires but by the absence of poverty; the prevalence of health; the efficiency of the public schools; and the number of people who can and do read worthwhile books.” If you view reading a waste of time, consider the insight of Albert Einstein that creativity is the residue of time wasted. The creations of art, music, and writing are ways to be reminded that humanity is capable of beautiful things and allow us to escape the harsh reality encapsulating us daily. 

‘The earth provides enough to satisfy mans needs, but not every greed’ – M. Gandhi. There is no limit on what entails enough for many of the most wealthy and powerful human beings on this planet. There is the desire to possess more. Yet the wisest person finds contentment with the joys which have no monetary value. Those souls are by far the wisest. They K.I.S.S. and find JOY! They Keep It Super Simple and find the Jubilation of Yielding. Discovering youthful bliss in the assorted shades of green upon the natural landscape, the symphony of wild bird songs, the fragrant scent of flowers, the taste of wholesome foods. Nothing in nature lives for itself. Rivers do not drink their own water. Trees do not eat their own fruit. Flowers do not spread fragrance for themselves. Living for others is the rule of nature. It is the humans then which can be defined as the aberrant beings.        

The lessons of the past should still resonate in the present. The only way to preserve a future is by acknowledging we must be aware of the wild spaces and species around us. We must not be afraid to share and learn experiential facts. We must think of ourselves as one member of a community – an ecosystem where all members actions effect all the other members very lives. Reflect upon the insight in this statement: When any living being is removed from the natural landscape, the ripples are always felt – except man-kind. We humans must identify the truth that our place in the natural world is not defined as the dominant destroyer but rather a guest in the home of our wild native neighbors.     

Have we finally reached a place in history when we are able to see the consequences for our actions and inactions? Weak people are abusive and spiteful. Strong people are protective and loving. Compassion is not a weakness. The absence of it is toxic. It is the savage who destroys the spaces and species around himself. “Cruelty is the worst of human sins. Once we accept that a living creature has feelings and suffers pain then knowingly and deliberately inflict suffering on that creature, we are guilty whether it be human or animal.”- J. Goodall. “You need power only when you want to do something harmful. Otherwise, love is enough to get everything done.” - Film maker Charles ‘Charlie’ Chaplin

Closing words of wisdom from World Class freediver Kimi Werner “When you feel the need to speed up, slow down!” and look around.

 

Parallel Lines

 

Parallel Lines

 

The phrase “stand for something or fall for everything” reflects the passion of community. The desire to become involved with a battle cry to fight for what stirs you soul. The recognition that you cannot enjoy the privilege of being silent.

Society relies upon technology and industry. Communities require citizens who care. Society needs / demands capital and assets as indicators of success. Community provides services not otherwise found. These services help create a thriving neighborhood. These services fill the holes and provide an assistance for those with want and in need. 

Public Libraries for example were established “to bring information and imagination to all the people of community”.  These institutions offer enjoyment for each citizen of the community. They exist because of support by each member of society. Regardless of which station in life or belief. A public service which exists for the betterment of society. Many public libraries are simply an extension of community, a place where friends gather and share information. Most societies agree a public library should provide all manner of topics in assorted media formats; they are not institutions for only a privileged few. 

Another example of a public service which is perhaps taken for granted, fire departments and the mission to save lives and protect property. Citizens expect there will be this service provided in their community. However, think for a moment about the level of commitment required by each member, particularly in rural areas where the members are volunteering their time and talent and even treasure.

Imagine your shed is on fire. You need a team of experienced professionals. You place the call. ………..    No one answers the telephone. No one has signed up to training. No one has been willing to support community. Your shed burns to the ground.

Just as society expects a response when a fire arises, there is also the expectation for ‘someone’ to rise to the challenge when a wild animal situation arises. JUST like a VFD (Volunteer Fire Department) cannot function and respond when emergency arises, neither can a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center when there are no bodies willing to commit to helping neighbors.

A wild animal is a living being which deserves respect and to not be treated like a do-it-yourself project by an untrained citizen. A wild animal is not the same as a domestic pet. Also true is the reality that one tender heart cannot carry the burden of supporting an entire society in need.

‘Those who do not move never feel their chains’ were the words spoken by Rosa Luxemburg - a very wise person. If you do not get involved in what you love today; it may not exist tomorrow. A community is very much synonymous with an ecosystem. All members must contribute in their own way in order to keep it functioning. Eco is Greek for House. Our communal household demands certain aspects accomplished in order to remain standing and functioning. 

Only with unity and acceptance can a society rise up to the challenge of being a community. Mattie Stepanek said Unity is strength, when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved. Communities must be guided by unbiased public sector representatives. There are many local charities in which to become involved. Sadly, smaller charities are underserved and overshadowed by entities which claim the spotlight. Choose wisely – opt for community!  As we each begin a new day, take a moment and reflect upon the actions of self and how to improve our todays and ensure a better tomorrow. Make a pledge to present the present as a present for future generations.

Society and Community may be parallel to each other. Both appear to be heading the same direction. Both appear to have the same course. However, without individuals removing the obstacles, repairing damage, and warning of the hazards the road will not be traversable. There will be a traffic jam where Everybody was sure that Somebody would take care of it. Anybody could have done it. Somebody got angry, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized Everybody would not do it. So, in the midst of stagnation and sorrow, Everybody blamed Somebody when nobody did what Anybody could have done.    A society has four types of ‘body’. Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. A community has caring hearts, willing hands, active feet and engaged minds. It is up to you where you live.

 

Recap of 2022 = Annual Report

 

2022 Annual American Heritage Wildlife Foundation Report

In 2001, the paperwork process began to create the first 501c3 nonprofit incorporation with the two-fold mission of providing immediate and necessary care for the injured or orphaned local native wild animals and providing education to our local neighbors about conservation and cohabitation. AHWF was created to keep Idaho wild; our vision has been to present the present as a present for future generations.

By 2019, our dozen volunteers provided nearly three dozen outreach opportunities, responded to 100 individual animals, answered more than 400 telephone calls, donated close to 4,000 hours. During the 'baby season' from Mid April through Mid September we committed nearly 500 hours every month. We appeared to be making an impact and gaining influence with our community and the vision to create the first inland northwest nature center.

March 2020 began the national pandemic. This local charity, like so many charities and businesses alike have been struggling ever since. We experienced shortages – namely volunteers, but the demand for our unique services skyrocketed. The primary reason is the overwhelming influx of human population. Ninety (90%) percent of patients are admitted because of human causes. We view that as an opportunity to teach citizens topics of cohabitation and how to be a good neighbor to the native neighbors.

The two-acre parcel of land upon which AHWF is located and the Nature Walk guided pathway was created had a wide diversity of native neighbors calling this habitat their home also. It is certified with NWF with native plants, shrubs, trees and also water features. For years we shared every Winter with a mother Moose and her yearling calf bedding down underneath the Cedar trees, watched herds of White-tailed Deer mingling and resting in the front yard during heavy snowstorms. Cotton tailed Rabbits would scamper through any time of year. The native Pine Squirrels had their two batches of offspring annually. The families would be seen racing up and down the trees and loud conversations heard often. Northern Flying squirrels were also seen. Little Brown Bats consumed mosquito and other flying insects at night and Violet Green Swallows at day. Northern Alligator Lizards laid their eggs in the forest, Rubber Boas and Common Garter Snakes birthed their live young, and several species of native Frogs were also seen as well as heard. Snails and Slugs, Beetles and Ants, Bees and Hornets, Butterflies and Spiders all found a home here. The symphony of dozens of songbirds and woodpeckers could be heard morning and night. From Solitary Vireo to Lazuli Bunting, Western Tanager to Pileated Woodpecker, White Crowned Sparrow to Cedar Waxwing, Steller’s Jay to Common Nighthawk and so many others including the ‘common’ birds such as American Robin, Black Capped Chickadee, Red Breasted Nuthatch, Dark Eyed Junco, House Finch, Pine Siskin, Gold Crowned Kinglet, Winter Wrens, and Varied Thrush. Rufous, Calliope and Broad Tail Hummingbirds all made nests, consumed insects and drank nectar from the wild vines. Tracks from Coyote, Black Bear, and even Cougar were left in the mud of the adjacent parcel of land. That three-acre property (which we had hoped to acquire) offered a seasonal pond upon which migrating ducks would come. A quiet respite place with cattails and sedges. Raptors found shelter and food on this parcel. Shark Shin Hawks would grab a quick meal. A Great Horned Owl had taken up residence. Flammulated Owl could be heard on summer evenings. Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles and Osprey as well as flocks of Canada Geese were frequently spotted overhead on their way to the nearby Clark Fork River. Golden Eagles and even Turkey Vultures were seen gliding on the wind with seemingly little effort. Other cohabitants of this land were the Raccoons, Striped Skunks (who were passing through as they always do), Flammulated Owls, Voles, Moles, Gophers, Shrews, White Footed Mice, Woodrats, Ruffed Grouse, Wild Turkey and Common Ravens.

As I reflected upon what once was and I look out now and listen to the present - I am deeply saddened. That time was a fairy tale which I struggled to maintain but one human can only accomplish so much.  To assist you with perspective: One full time trained and experienced volunteer was able provide quality care for twenty individual animals, depending upon species and time of the season the patient is admitted. The first few years of operations, one full time and two part time volunteers were able to maintain operations including a few outreach programs, responding to the two hundred inquiry telephone calls from the public, and provide quality patient care for fifty individual patients. During the last five years, the need to do more has skyrocketed. The demand to provide care for more patients, provide more educational lectures and learning opportunities, provide more fundraising events, provide unique ways to connect and promote awareness has become unambiguously obvious. The annual number of calls is now around 400. The number of patients would easily surpass 200 individuals if indeed each animal in need were able to be accepted. AHWF volunteers had been offering three dozen different outreach opportunities plus maintaining six online locations as well as mailing updates to the members four times a year. 4,000 hours were recorded as being volunteered and it was still not enough to meet the need plus expand!

Despite assorted radio interviews & podcasts on local stations, newspaper & magazine interviews, and seven books written as a means to educate, entertain, & foster empath this community as a majority appears to be deaf to the to the pleas for help. Listen to the 2021 KRFY radio interview or the 2022 podcast from SCRC & the BCDB article with the founder.

The level of volunteerism had fluctuated so greatly the board of directors made the decision in 2015 to hire university students as summer interns. These on-site full-time animal patient care providers received a weekly stipend for providing consistent continual care as well as assist and instruct the daily volunteers. Some years the students were able to excel under the pressure while others collapsed. The ultimate responsibility for every volunteer, student intern, educational presentation, informative blog, social media post, teaching opportunity, fundraising event, awareness campaign, telephone call and email, board of director agenda and authoritative agency report, as well as the very life of each wild animal patient lies upon the shoulders of the founder. Bear in mind, the founder works five days a week at a paying job as well as 365 days a year volunteering for AHWF. 

You may be surprised to hear over the past nine years the majority of applications received are not from Idaho universities! The students seeking careers with wild animals are from places like Maine, New York, Ohio, Montana, Oregon, Texas and even Ireland. In 2023, AHWF was incredibly blessed to hire two amazing interns. Each student was able to commit to eight weeks. These two students were absolutely sent by the heavens. Caring, compassionate, dedicated, devoted, energetic, engaged, courteous, and curious. They fanned the nearly dead ember of belief that there are still good people on this earth who appreciate the native wild animals and want to help. 

Nearly 400 calls, emails and messages were responded to. Patients were cared for from January through September (when the Idaho state permit expired and was not renewed until January). We had several volunteer taxi drivers, and two retired citizens assisted with patient care at the end of summer. Thanks to a group of determined volunteers, the Clean Comedy Show and Silent Auction reappeared after two-year hiatus. This was the only major event which took place. We did partner with the City Nature Challenge event once again and attempted to solicit volunteers for the twice annual adopt a highway cleanup for the three-mile section of scenic highway 200 which has been claimed by AHWF for over 15 years. The demand to help our community is being heard but without help of community, AHWF cannot respond. As the saying goes “everyone wants to save the world but no one wants to help mom do the dishes.” Good intentions are fabulous; they guide to stay on the path of being good however the only way to see good happening around you is to jump in with both hands and feet and do good. So much more could have been accomplished had we, your local nonprofit – the only charity with this vital mission, had your help. The predominant factor of limited manpower allowed only three dozen patients to be accepted. Our traditional ‘baby’ season no sooner had begun than we were forced to refuse to admit any more patients. This condition is called Code Black and defined as the influx of patients being too great for the limited resources. We must find ways to collaborate with and expand this vital mission if this region wishes to keep Idaho wild. New residents may see North Idaho as a wild space full of species, however ask the residents who have lived here for twenty or more years. The wild spaces are shrinking and the wild species populations are declining. Once prolific and ubiquitous animals are now seldom heard. The landscapes are full of free roaming cats and dogs, trees and shrubs removed and replaced with green grass lawns, seasonal ponds filled with dirt and open fields sectioned off so more homes could be built. Where have all the sounds of nature’s symphony gone? They have been silenced by the citizens who continue to believe Ego instead of Eco. The people who insist on fireworks, balloons, trimming treeing before looking for nests, driving carelessly, “rodent” poison, littering, trapping, and outdoor cats as well as attempting to care for a wild animal as a DIY just google it project. 

Through the consistent generosity shown by our donors – many of whom have been contributing for years, we are able to offer two dozen part time seasonal job positions.

• Total expenses $22609.82
• Total revenue $28634.93
• Marketing and Fundraising (including comedy event) $2,789.60
• Amazon smile (ending 02/2023) raised over $300. IGive and GoodShop still active. EScrip(yokes) $45.39

 

We would like  to continue the monthly library lectures, be able to offer guided tours for the nature walk, see local shops with our merchandise, receive greater returns from the online shopping programs including igive, escrip, bird magazine and wine cellars as well as the bring back those entertaining and engaging events and activities which were so enjoyable in years past.  Should we continue to create large naturalistic animal recovery enclosures?

In a few short weeks we will mark the three-year anniversary since the mandated global isolation began. Perhaps in a few short weeks you will mark your calendars on ways you are willing and able to reach out and help keep Idaho WILD. Other groups are working wonders for their causes including environmental laws, land preservation, domestic animal rescue but only AHWF has the mission and dual focus as well as experience and authorization to be wildlife custodians.   

Now in the present moment, human kind sits impaled on a crossroads facing an uncertain future. Will we rise to the challenge of climate change? or the opposite of that? Will computers learn to delete us? and if they do how will we get ourselves out of the recycle bin? Can human kind learn to exist at peace with itself? or are all of us right now living through the final hours, minutes and seconds of civilization? No matter what happens it will happen right here on this glistening space rock called earth.  – Philomena Cunk mockumentary host.

 

 

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

In March of 2020 the world as we knew it changed. Operating your local community supported nonprofit which has the mission to conserve the local wildlife through rehabilitation and education has become exponentially more challenging.

 

2020 was the year of the Rat. We had to be hard working, ambitions, strong willed, and intelligent. 2021 was the year of the Ox. I researched the meanings in January 2020 and almost heard ominous music playing in the background as I read the description. ‘The year is one when we will fully feel the weight of our responsibility’. The year when it is necessary to ‘double the efforts to accomplish anything’! Now that the year has come to a close – I have to agree.

 For 21 months we have been experiencing event cancellations, local business restrictions, volun- teers inability to assist, lack of ability to provide educational experiences, inability to rapidly respond to telephone calls for assistance, record numbers of patients and telephone calls. The natural habitats and inhabitants are experiencing wild fires, triple digit heat, drought, urbanization and sprawl, pesticide and herbicide use … just to name a few.   

Total Number of cases = 80  (in 78 in 2020 (& 2 interns) & in 2019 = 57 (& no interns),)

(excluding the telephone consults who were never delivered or had refused due to being at capacity)

 (estimate 30% more need AHWF but we had 60% less people).

Third year in a row we had to ‘close our doors’ and refuse patients for a time.

 

 Total individual animal patients = 119.

(30 different bird species and 8 different mammal species)   68% release rate for total individuals.

 

Total telephone calls =  OVER 600 calls from citizens with questions and concerns!

we recorded 450 telephone calls by July 31^st  2021

(360 total calls in 2020 with 2 interns and few volunteers)

(440 calls in 2019 with no interns but 6 regular volunteer)

 (320 calls in 2018 with interns & volunteers)

 

Total volunteer hours = estimated 4,150 (almost exclusively direct and indirect animal care)

Thank you for all those who continued to financially (contributions and in-kind) support the mission to keep Idaho WILD!

Ronda (not only do you support financially but also have incredible understanding and kindness with allowing your employee to keep a very unusual work schedule), Keith, Jerilyn & Derek, Jacque & Timothy, Ivana, Susie, Jackie, Robert & Patricia, Lynda, Lacy, Del & Norma,  Brenda, Darcy, LaBelle, Christopher, Steven, Raymond, Katherine, Shayla, Julia, Lynn, Heather, Vera, Jessica, Star, Edith, Jennifer, Caralea, Cory, Judy, Emma, Vina, Lori, Sue, Margaret, Wendy, Mona & Cary, Joyce, Kasey, David, Paul & Janie, Richard & Kristen, Roberta, Gordon, Tom & Linda, Karen, Ed & Janie, Oscar, AnnaMarie, Sharon, Jacque, Patti, & CFMC

 

Great appreciation for all those who created FB birthday fundraisers this year and to all those who use the Yokes or Fred Meyers community rewards, Amazon smile or wishlist, Ebay charity works, ishop, benefit mobile app, Chewy, EScrip, or belong to any of the programs (Purium health, wine cellars, bird watchers digest etc.) where your purchases contribute to help local wildlife.  A very special thank you to Angela who connected with organizers of the Sandpoint Farmers Market and once each month set up the table and spoke to those citizens interested in our mission. I also wish to thank those who baked the goodies for the one bake sale at the Farmers Market.  Heart felt thank you’ s are extended to all those who have worked tirelessly to create the Nature Walk. Al & Lori, Bryan, Gabriella, Shiloh, Carol & Ed, George, Kevin, Mona, James, Dave, Jamie, Sam, Perky, Jake, Ed, Amanda

 

Special gratitude for those citizens who made time in their schedules to donate a few hours and lend a hand. I will openly admit I could not have gotten through without your support.

Angela drove weekly from Careywood & coordinated the monthly table at the Farmers Market.

Jessica despite a job with long hours & active teenagers at home committed one evening a week.

Teresa works out of town at a stressful occupation but spent one day every other week with AHWF. This was her therapy time she said.

Michelle has a full schedule and many obligations and yet made a few hours a week for wildlife. Jennifer wanted to learn about wild animal rehabilitation. She arranged her schedule to ensure she spent at least two full days a month at AHWF.

April attended the wildlife workshop, spent time learning at AHWF and became our first Nature Nurse for a few patients.

Krista & Chris heard the call for help and were able to lend a hand a few times.

Lacy and husband Jan dropped everything one Saturday to provide vital support. 

LaDonna, Tamarie, Lori, Alana, Darcy, Ryanne & Hannah, Emma, Lillie each made time in their schedules to help their wild native neighbors for a few hours.

Kim for spending six hours & Brenda (and husband Ken)  for spending more than 12 hours as a taxi for three juvenile hummingbirds needing to get to the Bird Center in Boise.

Diane spent time writing letters to manufacturers and online researching.

Jeannene who despite having two full time jobs still made time to transport patients in need.

Ashleigh & Ebba both willingly jumped in their cars and became a taxis’ for wild birds in need.

Nick for donating his time to accomplish a few construction projects.

my friend Irish for her time with patient consultation and rescuing me when I was literally left holding the bag .

Thank you (intern #3) Hannah for your dedication and willingness to power through solo.

 

January

Continuing care for the Merlin (small raptor) injured in the Autumn of 2020.

Veterinary clinic called January 1 with a little bird needing out help.

Rework the Volunteer application

Board meeting (online)

Purchase Oxygen concentration machine

Create Bylaws for the newly formed Association of Idaho Rehabbers for wildlife (AIR for wildlife)

Create article for Daily Bee about combined efforts of PWRR, RFP & AHWF

Create article for neighbors insert of the daily bee – Baby its cold outside

Begin tidy up of the animal infirmary room

No scheduled library presentations

Complete IRS 990

Complete seventh book titled IMAGINE (first edition)

researching grants and ordering necessary supplies.

handful of Calls & received over 200 emails

 

February

Continuing Merlin care

Prepare course syllabus and other materials necessary for teaching wildlife workshop

Continue animal room preparations.

Create blog articles

Attend online bat meeting

Connecting with speaker for possibility of Little Panida presentation, & Bowling and Dilunas events

Researching capital campaigns and land acquisition grants

Daily Bee article  - trio of rehabbers working together for local wildlife

One volunteer reaching out to Farmers Market coordinator asking for a place this summer

Board meeting (online)

Handful of Calls & received over 200 emails

 

March

Daily Merlin care

Sawwhet Owl patient admit

3 Gray Squirrel patients admitted (care every couple of hours 24 hours day)

Great Horned Owl patient

Pine Siskin patient

Ordering supplies and replenishing inventory

Prepare for fundraising event IdahoGives

No interns applied. recreate job posting for internship

Respond to calls and emails

Wildlife Workshop – in Moscow and Clark Fork

Webinar on Coyotes in NYC

Promote and encourage volunteerism for the spring highway clean up

No events – library, panida, bingo, bowling,

Board meeting (online)

Dozens of Calls & responding to four dozen emails

 

April

Merlin released

Gray Squirrels in care

Great Horned Owl in care

Sawhet Owl in care

House Finch nestlings admitted (every 20 – 30 minutes care for 14 hours day)

Arrange with Hays Chevron to have hats available for patrons

Replenishing teeshirts and sweatshirts and other merchandise (books, miniflashlights, lightbars, bumper stickers, keychains) at Monarch Market

Create map of Idaho with rehab centers indicated

No EarthDay event

Article in the Daily Bee

Volunteers here to complete the Nature Walk in preparation for the City Nature Challenge next month

Prepare RV for intern candidate beginning at month end.

Board meeting (online)

Several dozen Calls & responding to two dozen emails

 

May

Work on the Nature Walk in preparation for the City Nature Challenge  

Caring for many nestling songbirds (15 hrs day)

Gray Squirrel admit and care

Pine Siskin admit

Canada Goose  goslings admitted

Sawhet Owl admit

Mallard Ducklings admitted (very young – requiring close attention)

Snowshoe Hare admitted

American Robins admitted

Sparrows admitted

Great Horned Owl care

Rufus Hummingbird admitted

Chipmunks admitted (every few hours around the clock require attention)

Raccoons admit and care (every few hours 24 hours a day require milk supplements and stimulation)

Common Snipe hatchlings admitted

Evening Grosbeak patient

American Crow admitted

Update the amazon wish list

Idaho Gives online fundraising event $1,915 from 17 donors (unable to promote the bonus programs)

Bioblitz city nature challenge event – Nature Walk exposure

Letter introduction to  therapeutic laser manufacturer

Webinar about ophthalmic care

Construction company meeting regarding repairing and completing the small mammal enclosure which was started but ruined by ‘handyman’ last year

Farmers Market in Sandpoint the third Saturday through the summer (one volunteer accomplishing)

Board meeting (online)

Several dozen Calls & responding to over 100 emails

 

June

New intern was hired to assist current intern.

Pine Squirrel admit.

Snowshoe Hare admit

Hooded Merganser hatchlings admitted

Spruce Grouse admitted

Crow care

Raccoon care

Northen Flickers admitted

Ravens intake

Mallard Ducklings  care – release end month

Great Horned Owl care – transfer to wsu end of month for procedure

Chipmunks care

Striped Skunks care (six orphans the first week and six more the second week)

Nestling (junco) intake

Northern flying squirrels

Quail nestlings admitted

California Bat adult admitted

Red Crossbill admitted

House Finch admitted released mid-month

Tree swallow & Violet Green Swallows admitted (16 hours a day every 15 minutes require feeding)

American Robins care

Orange crowned warbler nestlings admitted (require feeding every twenty minutes at least 14 hours a day)

Canada goose care

Plover hatchling intake

One volunteer assisting one day

Sadly despite 40 individuals in care both interns quit the middle of the month.

Mourning the death of Animals in Distress (co-founder) Toni Hicks

Farmers Market in Sandpoint the third Saturday through the summer (one volunteer accomplishing)

One hundred seventy nine telephone calls (in 2020 we had a record of 75 (in 2019 there were only 50))

 

July

Fifty cases admitted to date (a few years ago this was our annual average)

Continuing daily care of dozen Striped skunks – release at end of month

American Robin care

Northern Flying Squirels – release end of month

Several nestling Tree Swallows admitted – released most throughout the next three weeks.

Northern flicker admit – released mid month

Chipmunk care – middle month release

Orange Crowned  Warbler care – end of month release

File interim report for grant received on behalf of RFP

Wild turkey intake and care until transfer

Long ear owl patient admitted

Vaux Swifts admitted (require feedings every 15 to 20 minutes for 16 hours every day)

American Crow patients admitted

No volunteers able to assist with the Independence Day celebrations

Mid July new intern started and will remain through mid august

File state nonprofit report

Farmers Market in Sandpoint the third Saturday through the summer (one volunteer accomplishing)

Daily Bee Neighbors Insert submission – one of the stories from the book Imagine.

Ten (10) volunteers chose days of the month to help

Dozens of Calls & over 300 emails

 

August

More than 60 cases admitted to date (a few years ago 50 was the average annual total)

Continuing care for Tree Swallow, American Crow, American Robin

Intake and care of three Ravens until release mid-month

Release one Crow – middle of the month

Care of Sparrow – release end of month

Daily care of Gray Squirrels and Pine Squirrels

Intake of Canada Goose with broken wing

Northern Flicker and Pileated Woodpecker patients admitted – end of month released.

Care of clutch of California Quail

Continuing Daily care of Vaux Swift – released end of the month.

Consulting care of (overwintering) Cedar Waxwing

Intake (& later transfer to RMBC) three juvenile Hummingbirds

Intern returned to university, third week of August

Drive to Palouse Wildlife Rescue and Rehab in Moscow – patient consultations

Seven (7) volunteers helping

Farmers Market in Sandpoint the third Saturday through the summer (one volunteer accomplishing)

KRFY morning show interview with AHWF and BOPNW founders

Board meeting (online) – first time since May

Dozens of Calls & received nearly 300 emails

 

September

77 cases admitted to date (sadly several cases had been refused due to lack of volunteer support)

Continue daily care of American Crow, American Robin,

Care for Gray Squirrels until release end of the month.

Care for pine squirrels until release early in the month.  

Clean out the Intern RV and winterize.  

Volunteers here working on a construction projects – entryway for small aviary.

Unable to obtain assistance regarding grant deadlines and applications.

Unable to obtain volunteers for highway clean up nor nature walk.

Attempted to promote and solicit help for the scarecrow contest and Halloween contest

Updated webpage – listed 2 blankets & a touring bicycle imported from Spain

No clean comedy show again nor trivia nights

Emailed construction company (met in Spring) about scheduling date for enclosure creation in 2022.

Autumn newsletter created for supporters

Agreement with University Idaho wildlife class to mentor students.

Virtual conference of wildlife rehabilitators (heroes for wildlife)

One volunteer at Sandpoint Farmers Market  (baked goods this month)

Blog article – let nature take its course 

Five dozen calls & responding to 120 emails

  

October

Daily care of American Crow and American Robin

Ordering some supplies for current patients.

Purchase used generator to ensure freezers and animal room needs are met if power failure.

Create powerpoint lecture & handout to show to university of idaho students wildlife careers class

One hour meeting with committee for a local grant to discuss our proposal for funding  - not awarded.

Several prerecorded wild animal rehabilitation webinars watched – 2^nd annual heroes for wildlife (virtual) conference

Mourning the death of the founder of Idaho Black Bear Rehab Sally Maughan.

No memorial apple pressing festival nor scarecrow contest nor costume entries.

Board meeting (online)

Three dozen calls & received nearly 200 emails

 

November

Continuing daily care for the American Robin and American Crow.

Board meeting (online)

No volunteers to respond (new phone system allows for remote access) - message machine offers clear instructions of how to locate veterinary clinics or other rehab facilities to consult with.

 

The founder has been working for twenty years, almost every waking hour has had some type of thoughts about AHWF. The last couple years have been increasingly demanding with this year being almost unbearable. After months of putting in 18 hour days, she made the decision to rest.  Did you know that university professors are given a sabbatical every seven years? The reason is to ensure that teacher stays fresh, does not burn out and recovers from their constant cycle of giving. Did you know that the founder has only stopped three times for a total of ten days in twenty years! This time of rest was necessary for emotional, mental, physical, spiritual health. Three webinars were attended September, October and November) regarding compassion fatigue, empathy exhaustion and burnout. This time of rest and minimal focus on matters related to AHWF extended through late December.      

 

December

Continuing daily care for the American Robin and American Crow.

We need board members – a few directors have stepped down this year.

No volunteers to connect with the Christmas Fairs

Submit internship position to university job boards

Missed a few grant deadlines. no volunteers .

Posted (auction) jewelry items on fb to solicit funds

Create article for Neighbors insert – ‘twas the week after Christmas poem. posted on Blog also

Complete Idaho Fish & Game rehab and US Fish Wildlife migratory bird rehab annual reports.

Submit renewal request (and fee) for educational use permits to IDFG & USFWS

Reptile and Amphibian Webinar from LaFeber

Uploaded video to AHWF youtube channel

December 5^th was international volunteer day – did you do anything exceptional, we would love to hear about it. One volunteer created three short videos for facebook – the goal to solicit help.

Supporter made and donated an owl lap quilt for AHWF to raffle or auction

Board meeting (online)

a dozen phone messages & responding to over 150 emails

 

 

To all the patrons who have been so generous in 2021, I extend my most sincere apologies for not keeping you updated on the wonderful wild animal patients you were helping, for not offering the usual 3 dozen events and public education opportunities, for not responding promptly to your letters, emails and contributions.

 

 

In order for AHWF to expand and build; provide care for more animals, to provide the amazing learning opportunity – the nature walk and reach more community members – we need more eyes and hands and boots. 

 

Do you ‘do social media’? there is a need to increase our presence on the various platforms and announce regularly our patients, our happenings and general information.

 

During the ‘baby season’ it is simply not possible for me to keep up and would gladly assemble and assist folks who have the interest and ability to take over.

 

AHWF wants to do more for this community of native neighbors and needs you to sign up for whichever task suits your schedules. be an ‘on call’ volunteer for tasks and projects or someone who will dedicate a few hours a month or someone who wants to learn about wild animal care, completes the training sessions during the winter in order to sign up for specific days and times during the spring baby season. over two dozen volunteer ‘job’ titles have been created.

 

Late Winter and Early Spring is the time traditionally used to plan future events and create a list of projects requiring attention as well as many of the other ‘behind the scenes’ requirements.

These tasks include event planning, intern application review as well as educational activities planning and article writing along with grant funding research. 

 

 

 

 

 

completed 20 January 2022 (KSM)