Contributed by CWC
Photo contributed by CWC

Rehabilitated wood duck

When wildlife is displaced by construction, hit by a car or boat, or injured by domestic animals, Carolina Wildlife Care (CWC) can help. Every year, hundreds of people bring injured wild animals, birds, and reptiles to the Bush River Road location of CWC. On October 29, CWC is throwing a Halloween party to help cover the cost of treating the thousands of injured animals brought through their doors this year. All proceeds from the Hoot N’ Howl fundraiser will go directly to the care and feeding of injured wildlife.

So far in 2005, CWC has treated more than 3,200 patients. Since 1989, CWC has taken in 33,000 wildlife patients from across the state. CWC is the only wildlife center of its kind in SC caring for songbirds, waterfowl, small and large mammals, and reptiles.

CWC uses over 1,800 pounds of cat chow, close to 1,000 pounds of bird seed, approximately 1,000 pounds of nuts, more than 600 pounds of formula, and 2 million mealworms each year. In addition to the feed, there are medical and housing supplies needed.

While donations to CWC are on the rise, so are the numbers of animals being brought to the center. A visit to the center in the spring is a raucous affair with rows and rows of birds screeching for food from holding containers. Sleepy–eyed baby opossums peek from hand–made pouches, and aquariums hold turtles with broken shells resulting from car strikes.

It costs $25 to rehab a songbird, $30 for a waterfowl, and doves are about $35. Mammals cost a little more to rehab, but the cost can go up depending on the injury of the animal.

CWC is having a Halloween fundraiser Saturday, October 29, 2005, at Rust in the Vista (behind Motor Supply Company). Proceeds from this adult costume party will go directly to the care and feeding of injured wildlife brought into the center. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door. There will be entertainment by the all lawyer band, Gross Negligence, and a costume contest.

Carolina Wildlife Care always accepts donations. Donations can be made at CWC’s wildlife center at 5551 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. A current list of needed items can be viewed at www.carolinawildlife.org.