Sunday, November 3, 2024

Wildlife in the News: Nibi the beaver, Peanut the squirrel, by Mary Cummins Animal Advocates

I'm sure most by now have heard about the stories of Nibi the beaver and Peanut the squirrel. Both were found orphaned and raised by individuals with the intent to release them back to nature. For differing reasons neither were released. Instead the local Fish & Wildlife/Game Departments got involved. After some legal wrangling, petitions, press, social media campaign, Nibi is now an educational beaver. Sadly the authorities just instantly took Peanut and killed him. Here's a little explanation of what issues were involved.

Peanut the squirrel was found orphaned by a kind couple who raised him in Pine City, New York. The finder Mark Longo and his wife tried to release him but he was too acclimated to humans so they kept him. They made a social media page about him wearing hats, acting like a pet which garnered lots of fans and attention. They started P'Nut's Freedom Farm an animal sanctuary. Peanut got the attention of the local Fish & Game Department. New York State Department of Environmental Conversation (DEC) got a warrant then went and took him October 30, 2024 and killed him. They did not cite Longo or give him notice to appear for formal charges. They killed Peanut and a raccoon stating he bit someone and could have rabies. Just fyi any mammal can get and carry rabies. It's extremely rare for squirrels to have rabies. Most would die pretty quickly with obvious signs.

Legally one must have a permit to possess wildlife in New York. One could have possibly gotten an exhibit, sanctuary or wildlife rehabilitation permit to possess a squirrel. One could have also given the squirrel to someone who is already licensed to have squirrels. I doubt anyone would have been bitten at that point. I personally feel the authorities should have given the squirrel to a licensed individual. They could have worked something out in the future so the finders could visit or become licensed. The bad press is never worth it. Sadly that didn't happen. In a perfect world they should have given the baby squirrel to a wildlife rehabilitator so he could have been raised with others then released to the wild. It's possible the finder didn't know the law at the time. He did know the law later and should have taken steps to safeguard Peanut.

Nibi the beaver was also found orphaned. He was given to licensed wildlife rehabilitator Jane Newhouse of Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Massachusetts. You must raise beavers with others so they don't get acclimated to human caregivers. Squirrels are the same way. The rehabber tried but couldn't find another beaver Nibi would accept. Nibi wasn't able to be released for this reason. The rehabber applied for an educational permit but was denied. They were ordered to release Nibi instantly. A habituated beaver would most likely die if released.

Instead they used their social media fans to start a petition, contacted the media and contacted lawyers and local politicians. With the help of media and politicians including I believe the Governor they were able to secure the proper permits.

I personally feel they should have been granted the educational permit originally. I feel perhaps the local Fish & Wildlife department just didn't want to encourage rehabbers to keep wildlife or showcase them in a pet like manner. While we got a wildlife rehabilitation and educational exhibit permit our local Fish & Wildlife department is also extremely against giving permits. They believe wildlife should be "utilized" as in hunted, eaten, used for fur, research or released to the wild even if they just die. They don't believe any wildlife should be kept for education, exhibition, sanctuary or foster. Because there are a lot of "working" wild animals in California they still give out some permits to some people.

The purpose of this article is to educate people about possessing wildlife and the necessary permits. If you find ill, injured, orphaned wildlife, give it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instantly. Don't keep it because you will bond with it and it will bond with you. Then it won't be able to be released back to nature and could end up dead. A life in nature is best for wildlife.

If you want to care for wildlife, volunteer with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. We are not accepting new volunteers but other facilities may. Thanks for caring about wildlife.

Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates is a wildlife rehabilitator licensed by the California Department of Fish and Game and the USDA. Mary Cummins is also a licensed real estate appraiser in Los Angeles, California.

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Mary Cummins

Mary Cummins of Cummins Real Estate Services has been in real estate since 1983, over 35 years. She is licensed by the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers. Mary Cummins was an agent and broker licensed with the California Department of Real Estate selling residential income, commercial buildings, raw land and homes for Merrill Lynch Realty in Beverly Hills and Westside Properties in Los Angeles before concentrating on appraisals. Mary Cummins currently provides real estate appraisals, expert witness testimony, historical research, legal real estate research for mortgage brokers, banks, lawyers, factors, insurance companies, financial consultants and private individuals. Mary Cummins was born and raised in Southern California. Cummins attended Beverly Hills Good Shepherd Catholic School and Beverly Hills High School. Besides being on the Dean's list, Mary Cummins was a top ten national swimmer and competed on the men's water polo team. Mary Cummins began college at the age of 15 attending the University of Southern California on scholarship, majoring in Psychology/Sociology. http://www.animaladvocates.us http://www.facebook.com/AnimalAdvocatesUSA

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Raccoon roundworms baylisascaris in raccoons in Los Angeles California by Mary Cummins Animal Advocates

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health stated there were two recent rare case of raccoon roundworms in humans i.e. baylisascaris procyonis. The roundworms have been here forever. Just don't touch or eat raccoon feces or raccoons. Don't attract raccoons to your home by not allowing them access to food, water or shelter. Clean any feces with gloves and a bag. Don't let babies crawl on the grass if you've seen raccoons anywhere near your property. We've rescued raccoons over 20 years and have never been infected with the worms or eggs. Please, share this information. Thanks. #raccoonroundworms #raccoon #baylisascaris #AnimalAdvocates #marycummins #publichealth #losangeles #california

Just heard it was two people in the southbay. We have a lot of raccoons down there. Problem is people feeding outdoor cats which attract raccoons. I will bet the two people who got roundworms were babies crawling on the lawn. Most of the previous human cases were babies crawling on the ground. Their hands touch tiny bit of fresh raccoon poo then they put their hand in their mouth.

Health Department press release

http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/media/mediapubdetail.cfm?unit=media&ou=ph&prog=media&cur=cur&prid=4821&row=25&start=1

September 17, 2024

Public Health Investigating a Rare Disease Spread from Animals to Humans - People are reminded to take precautions concerning wildlife

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating two human cases of a rare parasitic infection, Baylisascaris procyonis, also known as raccoon roundworm. The two cases were found in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County. In humans, the Baylisascaris parasite can infect the spinal cord, brain and eyes and lead to swelling of the brain and eye disease.

While Baylisascariasis is rare in people and the risk to the general public is low at this time, it is concerning because a large number of raccoons live near people, and the infection rate in raccoons is likely high. The confirmed cases of this rare infection are an important reminder for all in Los Angeles County residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of disease from animals to people, also known as zoonotic disease.

Baylisascaris procyonis is a type of parasite (roundworm) that lives in the intestines of raccoons. It does not make them sick, but their feces (poop) can carry the roundworm’s eggs. People can become infected with Baylisascaris if they eat dirt/soil, water, or material contaminated with infected raccoon feces. Young children, developmentally disabled persons, or persons with pica (an eating disorder in which a person eats things not usually considered food) are at highest risk for infection as they may be more likely to put contaminated fingers, soil, objects, or even animal feces into their mouths by mistake. Baylisascaris infection cannot be transmitted from person to person.

Although rare, dogs and cats can also become infected if they ingest raccoon feces or contaminated materials. Cats infected with this parasite cannot transmit it in their feces, and dogs rarely do. Talk to your veterinarian about maintaining your pets on a deworming medication to prevent and treat any roundworm infections.

Animals can greatly enrich our lives and environment and can even benefit our health. However, 60 percent of infectious diseases in humans originate in animals or involve animals, especially wildlife. Public Health reminds everyone to learn about and practice basic safety precautions to prevent the spread of diseases between animals and people (zoonoses), including diseases transmitted by fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Pet owners should work closely with their veterinarians to keep their pets healthy, too.

“Our health is closely linked to the health of animals around us,” said Dr. Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “Simple precautions, like washing your hands regularly, avoiding direct contact with wild animals and their waste, keeping pets healthy, and preventing wildlife from sheltering or living in or next to our homes or properties can help keep our neighborhoods and families safe and healthy.”

Other examples of diseases that involve both humans and animals in Los Angeles County include flea-borne typhus, leptospirosis, West Nile Virus, salmonella, and rabies. In addition, wild birds in the County have tested positive for H5N1. There are currently no confirmed cases of H5N1 in humans in LA County.

Children, adults older than 65, pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of serious illness from zoonotic diseases.

Public Health encourages people to follow these practices to prevent illness from pets and wild animals:

Wash your hands. Always wash your hands with soap and clean, running water before preparing food and eating and after and outdoor activities or being around animals, even if you didn't touch the animals. If you don't have soap and water, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Proper handwashing helps prevent the spread of germs.
Be aware of zoonotic diseases: Be mindful of diseases that can be spread from animals to people, whether at home, petting zoos, animal exhibits, childcare settings, schools, or while traveling.
Prevent insect bites. To avoid bites from mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas, use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent. Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks to cover your skin when hiking or walking outside. After being outdoors, check yourself, your clothes, and your pets for ticks and remove any you find right away. Keep grass short, remove leaf litter, and put tightly fitted screens on windows.
Avoid animal bites and scratches. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical care promptly, as these injuries can transmit diseases.
Keep wildlife away. Don’t leave pet food and water bowls outdoors, especially overnight because this attracts wildlife. Pick up any fallen fruit and other possible food sources around your home. Raccoons and other wildlife may also be drawn to fishponds and bird feeders. Block access to basements, attics, and crawl spaces, and trim brush and trees away from your property and roof line. Close pet doors at night to prevent wild animals from entering your home.
Handle food safely. Learn how to handle food properly for yourself, your family, and pets. Do not feed raw food to your pets.
Remove animal waste. Use protective equipment to clean up and dispose of animal feces, including pet waste, from your yard or home daily. Animal feces can carry germs that may make humans and other animals sick.
Do not touch dead wildlife. Dead wildlife can still spread germs harmful to people and other animals. Keep people and pets away from dead wildlife. Call your city or local animal control regarding dead animal removal.
Cover sandboxes. Always cover sandboxes when not in use to prevent wild animals from pooping and urinating in them.
Keep pets healthy. Work with your veterinarian to keep your pets healthy and free of diseases. Ask about preventative treatments for fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal worms.

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Mary Cummins

Sunday, August 25, 2024

60 Fighting Cocks Killed After Rescue Offer by Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates

This photo is from 2010 cockfighting raid in San Luis Obispo, California. I'm on the left back facing camera. That's Rowdy Shaw and Eric Sakach from HSUS. Michelle is on the right. heartwood haven,cockfighting,animal advocates,rooster,sanctuary,mary cummins,hsus,california,cockfight,los angeles,fighting cocks,rescue,

I read the Mercy for Animals story about 64 former cockfighting birds being euthanized after rescue groups offered to take them. As someone who was involved in a cockfighting raid with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) National Disaster Animal Rescue Team (NDART) this is a complex issue. Below is from Mercy for Animals an organization which I generally support.

"A plan to move former cockfighting roosters to animal sanctuaries was foiled when deputies in Yakima County, Washington, shot 64 birds awaiting rescue. Authorities reportedly feared that the birds might be moved without authorization if they were left on the property.

Before this horrific killing, Heartwood Haven animal sanctuary co-founder Kate Tsyrklevich and her team worked tirelessly to find the roosters suitable homes. They managed to save more than 40 of the birds and were clearing space on their property for the remaining ones. While waiting for a call from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to proceed with their plans, they were informed that the roosters had been shot and killed."

https://mercyforanimals.org/blog/cockfighting-roosters-shot/

I don't know the full issue but I know cockfighting birds a little. When I was involved in a raid of over 600 birds then told us they would euthanize them all after the owner relinquished them. All of us volunteers were animal lovers.We all said "can't we rescue them, take them to bird sanctuaries?" They said okay but told us sanctuaries probably would not want them because they will fight for life. In fact while we were logging in the evidence birds one of the sheriff officers accidentally let one go. We started to run after it and HSUS guy said "don't bother. He's not going anywhere." Instantly the bird flew back around and started trying to fight other birds in their enclosures. We easily grabbed him and put him back in his enclosure. Here this bird had a chance to escape to freedom and instead it chose to stay and fight. That's how strong the desire to fight is in these birds. Below is photo of the birds in their enclosures.

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They told us when they would euth them which gave us two days to find homes. We all called all the bird and farm rescues in California for 24 hours. They all said they didn't want them because cockfighting birds are very different than regular farm chickens due to years of selective breeding for the fighting trait. They are selectively bred to be perpetually combative. That's all they want to do besides eat. The males will fight for life unless they are in their own separate enclosure. That's why the fighters house them separately, see photos of raid linked above. The females are also more aggressive and have to be separated from regular chickens. Regular chickens are frightened of them. The babies would have to be separated when they come of age.

Two day time limit was up and no one could find a home for a single bird. We're talking experienced rescuers with contacts. I actually had one woman who agreed to take some but she called back and said no after talking to other chicken experts. I'm amazed anyone offered to take the birds. In fact Heartwood Haven who did take 40 birds in this recent situation is now offering them up for adoption. They don't want to keep them because they learned how difficult it is to house them separately. They even stated what I just stated "Heartwood Haven says there is a misconception that fighting roosters might be aggressive, but that is not true. The only caveat being that they can’t be placed with each other or other roosters." This is true. All the cockfighting birds were fine with humans. They just can't be with other birds. That's a big issue on a farm where chickens are generally all housed together. Heartwood Haven's statement proves my point. They said they'd keep the birds in sanctuary and instead are trying to get rid of them. I personally feel they shared this story with the media to get donations and media attention for their nonprofit. I understand as raising funds for nonprofits is difficult but still. I doubt they knew the true nature of fighting cocks when they agreed to take them originally.

Is it humane to house a cockfighting bird for life by itself? It still wants to fight all other birds it sees. It can never run free in a large enclosure. The females must be housed together and not with regular chickens. Regular chickens are frightened of the female cockfighting bred birds. The babies grow up and males will have to be housed alone.

Obviously after the two days we were given to find homes they euthanized all the cockfighting birds. They didn't shoot them which is dangerous for people. The Sheriff officers broke their necks instantly and painlessly. The birds may have had drugs in their systems so they couldn't even be given away for food. I saw the officers afterwards and they all looked pretty sad. No one wants to do that. They actually said we could do it if we wanted to and all the rescuers said NO. Maybe they thought we wanted to make sure it was instant and painless? It wasn't a cruel offer on their part. The Sheriff Officers were nice to us and grateful for our help.

Cockfighting is horribly cruel for so many reasons. It's a difficult situation for officers who have to deal with the birds after the raids. The birds can't be given back to the fighters. They can't go to a regular farm sanctuary and live free. They must be kept for life in solitary confinement while still wanting to fight and kill other birds every day. I personally feel euthanasia is the best option for cockfighting birds unless someone just wants one pet chicken which will be by itself in a huge locked enclosure.

Mary Cummins

Friday, June 28, 2024

Recognizing and Understanding Bias for Animal Welfare Professionals , Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

Recognizing and Understanding Bias for the Animal Welfare Professional was a great class. I learned about the different types of human conscious and unconscious biases. Humans in order to survive have basic instincts and biases. We are fearful and distrusting of things which are new or different from ourselves. The us versus them is a survival mechanism. Our perceptions can change over time based on our experiences. All these things affect how we view the world, others and how we react. The class went into the different types of biases. It then went into how to control our biases in our reactions and behavior so we can treat people and the situation fairly and properly.

There was an interesting class experiment. Instructor told us to close our eyes and imagine we're going on a plane trip to a seminar we're really interested in. We go to the hotel and see a couple in love at the restaurant. We go to the seminar and listen to the presenters speak. Then the instructor told us to open our eyes. He asked us "what did the pilot of the plane look like in your mind? Were they a white man? What color and orientation was the couple? What did the presenters look like?" He showed photos of a female pilot in hijab, a same sex couple and black and disabled speakers. He asked if that was what we imagined? He said these biases are formed based on our experiences in real life, in movies, books...

From the class description, "Our brains are amazing at making connections, doing work, and making decisions without us ever realizing it. Like when you drive home and realize as you're parking that you don't really remember the drive - yup - your unconscious brain played navigator so you could zone out a bit. However, these unconscious connections and processes can have a lasting effect on how you do your job.

Join us as we discuss different types of bias and how they unconsciously invade your decisions and actions on and off the job.

- Learn to identify 5-8 different bias types

- Understand how bias and cynicism can play off of each other;

- That bias, while often thought of as a negative, is actually an evolutionary necessity that we can earn to identify and work on

- And how to create a shared language around bias so your entire team can work on being more aware of these unconscious traps."

https://www.justiceclearinghouse.com/resource/recognizing-and-understanding-bias-for-the-animal-welfare-professional/

Jace Huggins with San Diego Humane Society was the host. I took my two week Humane Officer training at San Diego Humane Society in 2005.

Below are a few slides. I suggest taking the class because the instructor shares a lot of stories, examples, tests and polls.

Mary Cummins

Thursday, June 27, 2024

IWRC - A Big Problem with Little Animals, How Insect Declines Affect Wildlife - Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

gwen pearson, mary cummins, animal advocates, insects, iwrc, international wildlife rehabilitation council, wildlife rehabilitator, wildlife rehabilitation,insects, entomology, wildlife, xerces, los angeles, california

IWRC International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council Coffee & Tea: A big problem with little animals: how insect declines may affect wildlife webinar.

"A growing pile of research papers document insect declines across the globe. What does this mean for wildlife, as well as humans? We'll look at how deeply embedded insects are in ecosystems, and how declines in insects may harm birds and other wildlife.

Gwen Pearson serves as a Volunteer Ambassador for the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, a non-profit organization focused on conserving invertebrates and their habitat. She has a PhD in entomology, and has worked in zoo and bird sanctuary settings."

Great presentation by entomologist, educator and speaker Dr Gwen Pearson with Xerces Society. Learned a lot about the importance of insects for wildlife, humans and our environment. Dr. Gwen Pearson is a wonderful speaker. You really need to watch her presentation. IWRC recorded it.

In summary insect populations are down for many reasons. Birds and mammals feed on insects. This causes bird, mammal populations to also be reduced. We must take steps to help the insects. Some of those steps are not using pesticide, getting rid of some of your lawn, planting native plants, don't rake leaves and leave stems on the ground.

Below are a few quick things I learned from the presentation.

General consensus is that one should not don't release captive reared monarchs because of bacteria contamination which ends up spreading into the wild population.

We should plant organic milkweed.organic. Make sure it's never treated with Neonicotinoid pesticides which stay in the plant forever.

Keeping non-native honey bees is a business. It's not conservation. Honey bees now have diseases which they pass on to native bees.

Most native bees are solitary. 3/4 bees nest in the ground. They only have 12 eggs in their lifetime whereas honey bees can have 1,000.

Lawns are the number one irrigated crop in the US. They're almost all treated with dangerous pesticides.

Bees come out after a few days of a certain temperature. Plants bloom based on daylight hours. They don't always align together so bees may not get enough food especially bees which only feed on certain flowers.

Feeder insects should be treated humanely. They should not be crowded. Must have good healthy varied food with calcium. The insects need calcium for their exoskeleton and other functions. Animals that eat insects also need calcium. @bug_gwen @theiwrc @animaladvocatesusa @mary_cummins #IWRC #internationalwildliferehabilitationcouncil #marycummins #AnimalAdvocates #animaladvocate #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #wildliferehabber #wildlife #wildliferescue

Below are just a few slides from her presentation. You must see her full presentation with all the slides.

Mary Cummins

Thursday, June 13, 2024

National Pigeon Appreciation Day by Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

National Pigeon Appreciation Day is celebrated on June 13th to honor pigeons that served in World War I and World War II as messengers and spies, and to challenge the misconception that pigeons are pests and disease-ridden. We've rescued many non-native pigeons including racing, wedding, homing and fancy pigeons. The pigeon sitting on an unfertile egg is Patty Pigeon rescued by Patty Shenker at then Animal Acres which is now Farm Sanctuary in Acton, California. #nationalpigeonappreciationday #pigeon #pigeonlove #pigeonrescue #marycummins #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferhabilitator #wildliferescue #losangeles #california #rockdove #homingpigeon #weddingpigeon #racingpigeon

Mary Cummins

Sunday, June 9, 2024

2024 Bat Roost Count Natural History Museum of Los Angeles by Mary Cummins Animal Advocates

natural history museum, bat roost count,mary cummins,animal advocates,@animaladvocatesusa, los angeles, california, 2024, freeway, overpass, underpass, los angeles river

Counting bats for the 2024 bat roost count in Los Angeles with Miguel Ordenana, Amy Jaecker-Jones, Jill Carpenter, Rachel Blakey, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, North American Bat Monitoring Program, NABat. The roosts are under freeways generally over the Los Angeles River. We count before and after they have their pups. These are obviously crevice bats. There were lots of swifts, bunnies, toads, rats and some homeless people. It was a quiet meditative experience staring quietly at the sky while sitting in the lotus position under the freeway as cars and semis drove above us. #bats #marycummins #mexicnfreetailedbats #californiamyotisbats #losangeles #california #lariver #losangelesriver #freeway #overpass #underpass #maternityroost #batroostcount

A great article about a previous count. I've been counting for the last 12 years with different organizations.

Mary Cummins

Mary Cummins Wildlife Rehabilitation Animal Advocates News Los Angeles California

Mary Cummins Animal Advocates Los Angeles California Wildlife Rehabilitation Real Estate

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Wildlife in the News: Nibi the beaver, Peanut the squirrel, by Mary Cummins Animal Advocates

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Raccoon roundworms baylisascaris in raccoons in Los Angeles California by Mary Cummins Animal Advocates

Public Health Investigating a Rare Disease Spread from Animals to Humans - People are reminded to take precautions concerning wildlife

Sunday, August 25, 2024

60 Fighting Cocks Killed After Rescue Offer by Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates

Friday, June 28, 2024

Recognizing and Understanding Bias for Animal Welfare Professionals , Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

Thursday, June 27, 2024

IWRC - A Big Problem with Little Animals, How Insect Declines Affect Wildlife - Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

Thursday, June 13, 2024

National Pigeon Appreciation Day by Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

Sunday, June 9, 2024

2024 Bat Roost Count Natural History Museum of Los Angeles by Mary Cummins Animal Advocates