Mary Cummins Animal Advocates Los Angeles California Wildlife Rehabilitation Real Estate

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Showing posts with label wildlife. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wildlife. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Peanut the Squirrel's Owner Sues New York. Major Flaws in their Potential Lawsuit, by Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates

Photo: Wikipedia, Peanut (squirrel)

Mark Longo and Daniela Bittner filed their notice of intention to make a claim against the New York State Department of Conservation for the death of Peanut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon. You must file a notice within six months of filing a lawsuit to give state a chance to solve issue. They allege unlawful search and seizure, violation of freedom of speech, and other due process violations.

Longo and Bittner stated the incident was the result of alleged "negligence, carelessness, and recklessness" by the state of NY and its agents. They stated they may have violated due process laws by not revealing to a judge their intention to kill the animals after raiding Longo and Bittner's home.

Another alleged issue is that Longo and Bittner stated Peanut and Fred were "companion animals" under the law and not wild animals. This claim was allegedly never discussed in court before the raid, which was another oversight, in their opinion.

"Peanut and Fred were not euthanized, according to the notice, because they weren't sick. Mark and Daniela say the two animals were "executed." That said, Longo and Daniela say they were acting in good faith by trying to get Wildlife Rehabilitators licenses and other permits before the raid occurred.

They will sue for emotional distress, pain and suffering, violations of their constitutional rights and lost wages since Peanut's online presence supplemented their income."

Longo and Daniela's attorney needs to look at relevant Fish & Wildlife laws. They have major flaws in their notice of intent to file a lawsuit. While I agree that the Department handled the situation poorly at least from a public relations standpoint Longo and Daniela knew they never had the legal right to possess wildlife. They were very irresponsible to be widely publicly exhibiting wildlife to the public online especially in a pet-like manner. I warned them as did others. FYI I never reported them. NY rehabbers reported them.

Turns out they were reported over a year ago by NY licensed wildlife rehabilitators. The Department of Conservation contacted them January 2024 and told them to transfer the animals to a licensed facility. Allegedly Longo stated he released them which was a lie.  Longo admitted he knew he needed a permit but didn't have one. He stated he was in the process of getting an "educational permit." Longo and Daniela knew the laws yet continued to violate them which endangered Peanut and Fred who were killed as a result of the actions of Longo and Daniela.

Wildlife is under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Fish & Wildlife. Wildlife is owned collectively by the state. People cannot legally own wildlife. They can never be pets or companion animals. Longo and Daniela did not have permits to possess wildlife. You must have the permits before you possess wildlife. 

Ill, injured and orphaned wildlife must be turned over to licensed permitted wildlife rehabilitators within 48 hours. Wildlife must be possessed according to the law in specific types, sizes of enclosures. How to get a NY wildlife rehabilitation permit. It's not legal to possess wildlife as "pets" or "companion animals." You cannot display animals to the public with the rehabilitation permit. They never would have been allowed to show the animals in a pet like manner because it encourages illegal and improper behavior. 

It is legal in some states to have an exhibit or sanctuary permit for wildlife. You generally need at least two years experience with a permitted person or facility. NY may not allow it though most states do. You need two years experience to rehab Rabies Vector Species animals such as raccoons in New York. You must be approved before you obtain the wild animal. Wildlife that cannot be released back to nature can legally be euthanized. This is not a pet which can only be euthanized due to medical or behavioral condition. Squirrels and raccoons can be dangerous in captivity. I've rehabbed them for over 20 years and know this personally. I've written articles about ex pet squirrels and raccoons. I no longer take them in to try to wild them up for release to the wild. It's too difficult, time consuming and stressful for the animals and me. 

They never had an exhibit permit so they can't sue for lost earnings. They legally were not allowed to make money off or exhibit the animals even just on internet video. All their pain and suffering was the result of their own actions. If they really cared about the animals, they would have gotten them to safety. They could have then gotten proper permits and maybe taken the animals back. I even warned them about these issues and was attacked just for telling them that this would happen. I'm amazed someone didn't report them sooner. I really hoped this couple would do the right thing after people had warned them.

Below is a press release about the situation from PBA of NYS. Longo was given ten months warning before any action was taken. He lied to state agents about the squirrel. The health department ordered the animals killed about the squirrel bit someone when Longo refused to put the squirrel in a carrier. 


I do believe that the situation was handled poorly. The state should have taken the animals to a wildlife rehabilitation facility until things were handled in a better manner. California learned not to instantly kill stray mountain lions and bears. They relocate even thought it's against their own regulations. When they used to euth they got too much hate mail and threats.

References:

STATE COMPILATION OF CODES, RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
TITLE 6. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
CHAPTER I. FISH AND WILDLIFE
SUBCHAPTER J. MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS
PART 184. WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS


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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Thursday, November 21, 2024

Marine Mammal Care Center Behind the Scenes by Mary Cummins of Animal Advocates

mary cummins, animal advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, marine mammal care center, los angeles, california, wildlife, wildlife rescue, wildlife rehabilitator
Marine Mammal Care Center Behind the Scenes with Jules Leon and Deanna Bowlin, mary cummins, animal advocates, wildlife rehabilitation, marine mammal care center, los angeles, california, wildlife, wildlife rescue, wildlife rehabilitator


Just attended the online webinar Behind the Scenes at Marine Mammal Care Center. Deanna Bowlin and Jules Leon were the hosts. They showed us three seal pups and an adult female seal in care. They talked about the problems facing marine mammals today and what you can do to help. The video was super choppy. I recommend just watching some of their videos. 

UPDATE: Turns out the horrible choppy quality of the video was just a glitch. Glad to hear that. 

"Thank you for joining the livestream today! We apologize that the quality wasn't ideal and we are working with our vendor and looking at other options to bring you the best experience possible. We will send a special invitation to another livestream event when we have this fixed. 

Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties with our livestream platform, we don't have the recording to rewatch; however, we created this special holiday playtime video just for you in hopes that it makes up for it! https://youtu.be/h9VSdWwgs18 "


"We are so excited to announce that registration is now open for our Behind-the-Scenes Livestream happening this Thursday, November 21 at 11:30 am PT. bit.ly/mmccbehindthescenes or tap the link in our bio⁠
Have you ever wondered what goes on at a wildlife hospital or how we feed our patients? This is your chance to get an inside look at the Marine Mammal Care Center and watch our adorable patients eat, play, and be 100% cute.⁠"

"Meet our newest patient: POPTART! You'll get to see him on our Behind-the-Scenes livestream happening tomorrow (Thursday) at 11:30 am. You must register to attend at bit.ly/mmccbehindthescenes!
❤️ Poptart is a California sea lion pup who was rescued in Malibu and arrived at our hospital on October 23. At the time of his rescue, he was just a few months old – much too young to be separated from his mother. He was clearly emaciated and in need of specialized care. Although he had some gastrointestinal issues for his first few days, he has been eating well recently and successfully shifted from tube-feedings to eating fish on his own. 
🤳🏽 Thanks to everyone who submitted food names for our patient naming contest on social media. After a random selection 🥁🥁🥁 congrats to @rostastny for their name submission!"








#marinemammalcarecenter #mmcc #marinemammalcarecenterlosangeles #ocean #conservation #savetheocean #wildlife #seal #seals #animals #animal #sealion #sealions #savetheseals #elephantseal #elephantseals #animalrehab #savetheplanet #oceanconservation #wildlifeconservation #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehab #wildlifeveterinary #wildlifevet #animalrehabilitation #losangeles #california @marinemammalcare @animaladvocatesusa @mary_cummins #marycummins #animaladvocates #wildliferehabilitation #marinemammals

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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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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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
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 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.


Google+ Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, wildlife, wild, animal, rescue, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife rehabilitator, fish, game, los angeles, california, united states, squirrel, raccoon, fox, skunk, opossum, coyote, bobcat, manual, instructor, speaker, humane, nuisance, control, pest, trap, exclude, deter, green, non-profit, nonprofit, non, profit, ill, injured, orphaned, exhibit, exhibitor, usda, united states department of agriculture, hsus, humane society, peta, ndart, humane academy, humane officer, animal legal defense fund, animal cruelty, investigation, peace officer, animal, cruelty, abuse, neglect #marycummins #animaladvocates #losangeles #california #wildlife #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #realestate #realestateappraiser #realestateappraisal #lawsuit

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council IWRC Connections and Networking in Latin America and the Caribbean - Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates




We just attended the The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council IWRC "Connections and Networking in Latin America and the Caribbean" seminar. Dr. Sallaberry-Pincheira was the host of the IWRC’s Coffee & Tea event. It was a unique opportunity to deepen our connections and expand our network within wildlife conservation across Latin America & the Caribbean. Learned a lot about the status of wildlife rehabilitation in Mexico, Chili, Peru and Brazil. They have to deal with wildlife trafficking, wildfires, drought and climate change. They also have to deal with a lack of wildlife rehabilitation facilities, insufficient wildlife care regulations, lack of sufficient funding, lack of coordination and organization. IWRC is working on a Spanish version of the wildlife rehabilitation manual. Looking forward to seeing it. 

Host was Dr. Sallaberry-Pincheira. Nicole Sallaberry-Pincheira DVM, MS is a Chilean veterinarian who has been a faculty member at the School of Veterinary Medicine at Andres Bello University, Santiago, Chile for the past 10 years, directing the Wildlife Rehabilitation Unit (UFAS). At the same time, Nicole is pursuing a Clinical Zoological Medicine PhD at the University of Georgia with plans to return to Chile upon completion to continue her work in Wildlife Rehabilitation. 

Meeting was in English and Spanish.

#wildliferehabilitation #IWRC #AnimalAdvocates #wildliferehabilitator #wildliferescue #marycummins #mexico #UnitedStates

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.


Google+ Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, wildlife, wild, animal, rescue, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife rehabilitator, fish, game, los angeles, california, united states, squirrel, raccoon, fox, skunk, opossum, coyote, bobcat, manual, instructor, speaker, humane, nuisance, control, pest, trap, exclude, deter, green, non-profit, nonprofit, non, profit, ill, injured, orphaned, exhibit, exhibitor, usda, united states department of agriculture, hsus, humane society, peta, ndart, humane academy, humane officer, animal legal defense fund, animal cruelty, investigation, peace officer, animal, cruelty, abuse, neglect #marycummins #animaladvocates #losangeles #california #wildlife #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #realestate #realestateappraiser #realestateappraisal #lawsuit

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Animal Advocates Supports AB 2552 to Amend Food Agriculture Code inre Pesticides, Mary Cummins




Support Letter to Waters, Parks & Wildlife Committee

I'm Mary Cummins President of Animal Advocates. I almost died from accidental exposure to anti-coagulant bait in 2003 in San Buenaventura, California during a California Department of Fish & Wildlife cleanup. I strongly support (AB 2552) to amend the Food and Agricultural Code relating to pesticides. It will better protect California wildlife and communities against harmful rodenticides.

Mountain lion P22 died from anticoagulant-related nephropathy which resulted in bleeding in the kidneys which causes kidney failure. Anticoagulant exposure was also the cause of P22's mite infestation. This poison directly and indirectly killed P22. (Necropsy report, findings) https://animaladvocatesmarycummins.blogspot.com/2023/06/op-ed-mountain-lion-p-22-killed-by.html

Anticoagulant rodenticides are poisoning California wildlife and have been documented in at least 38 nontarget species including the critically endangered San Joaquin kit fox and California condor. The problem is so severe that over 70% of wildlife tested in California are exposed to rodenticides. National Park Service researchers have documented the presence of anticoagulant rodenticides in 39 out of 40 mountain lions tested in the Santa Monica Mountains, which are already threatened with local extinction from habitat fragmentation and lack of wildlife connectivity. In September 2022, the four unborn kittens of a pregnant mountain lion named P-54 also tested positive for anticoagulant rodenticides.

AB 2552 is desperately needed to limit the dangerous second generation anticoagulant rodenticides and strengthen future restrictions on anticoagulant rodenticides, including the first generation anticoagulant diphacinone, to better protect wildlife, children, and pets.

Mary Cummins
President
Animal Advocates
Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation, Education
http://www.facebook.com/AnimalAdvocatesUSA
http://www.AnimalAdvocates.us 

Please contact members of the Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee to support AB 2552, with the following options:
  • Call any member and briefly state your support for AB 2552.
  • If you are in a committee member’s district, click the “Contact Assembly Member” link to fill out the form and state your support for the bill.
  • Create an online account, then submit a brief letter stating your support for the bill.
NB: The state has discontinued allowing citizens to call in during committee hearings to support a bill.


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.


Google+ Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, wildlife, wild, animal, rescue, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife rehabilitator, fish, game, los angeles, california, united states, squirrel, raccoon, fox, skunk, opossum, coyote, bobcat, manual, instructor, speaker, humane, nuisance, control, pest, trap, exclude, deter, green, non-profit, nonprofit, non, profit, ill, injured, orphaned, exhibit, exhibitor, usda, united states department of agriculture, hsus, humane society, peta, ndart, humane academy, humane officer, animal legal defense fund, animal cruelty, investigation, peace officer, animal, cruelty, abuse, neglect #marycummins #animaladvocates #losangeles #california #wildlife #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #realestate #realestateappraiser #realestateappraisal #lawsuit

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Fish & Wildlife Wants to Kill All Barred Owls to Protect Spotted Owls, by Mary Cummins Animal Advocates

Fish & Wildlife wants to shoot and kill barred owls to save spotted owls. Animal Advocates does not agree. spotted owl,barred owl,fish and wildlife,mary cummins,animal advocates,wildlife rehabilitator,wildlife rehabilitation,los angeles,california,wildlife,wildife rescue,
Fish & Wildlife wants to shoot and kill barred owls to save spotted owls. Animal Advocates does not agree. spotted owl,barred owl,fish and wildlife,mary cummins,animal advocates,wildlife rehabilitator,wildlife rehabilitation,los angeles,california,wildlife,wildife rescue,.Photos: Wikipedia


Many people have asked us about our stand on the Fish & Wildlife proposal to kill barred owls to protect spotted owls in California. This is our position. We have sent in comment letters.

The Federal Fish & Wildlife Department FWS proposed shooting and killing barred owls in California, Washington and Oregon to allegedly save the spotted owl. This is their official proposal made November 2023 linked below. They claim the barred owl isn't native to these specific areas. Barred owls expanded their range across the nation naturally. They weren't artificially introduced. 

The real cause of reduction of spotted owl population is climate change, bark beetle, human development, wildfires, timber harvest, drought... Barred owls are larger, more aggressive and more adaptable than spotted owls. Barred owls are more adaptable as to their wider variety of prey, nesting sites, habitat range...They out compete spotted owls for prey, habitat and space. Barred owls aren't fighting and killing spotted owls directly. 

Fish & Wildlife has offered these same solutions for Fox Tree Squirrels versus Western Gray Squirrels. It's the same issue though fox squirrels have two litters per year as opposed to one for WSG. If you kill all barred owls, spotted owls will still decline for the reasons stated above. They need to look at the root causes of the decline in spotted owls and deal with those issues. That will save spotted owls and many other animals.


"Abstract: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has developed a proposed Barred Owl
Management Strategy to address the threat of the non-native, invasive barred owl to the native
northern and California spotted owls. This action is necessary to support the survival of the
threatened northern spotted owl and avoid substantial impacts to the California spotted owl
populations from barred owl competition. This Draft Environmental Impact Statement (Draft
EIS) was prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This Draft EIS
evaluates the impacts of six alternatives, including a no action alternative, on the human
environment, including spotted owls, barred owls, other wildlife species, recreation and visitor
use, wilderness areas, socioeconomics, and climate change." 

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.


Google+ Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, wildlife, wild, animal, rescue, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife rehabilitator, fish, game, los angeles, california, united states, squirrel, raccoon, fox, skunk, opossum, coyote, bobcat, manual, instructor, speaker, humane, nuisance, control, pest, trap, exclude, deter, green, non-profit, nonprofit, non, profit, ill, injured, orphaned, exhibit, exhibitor, usda, united states department of agriculture, hsus, humane society, peta, ndart, humane academy, humane officer, animal legal defense fund, animal cruelty, investigation, peace officer, animal, cruelty, abuse, neglect #marycummins #animaladvocates #losangeles #california #wildlife #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #realestate #realestateappraiser #realestateappraisal #lawsuit

Friday, March 8, 2024

International Women's Day from Animal Advocates, Mary Cummins in Los Angeles, California



Today is International Women's Day! This year's theme is "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress." Did you know that as of 2024 89% of wildlife rehabilitators in the United States are women? Most animal rescuers in general are women.

Our founder Mary Cummins was inspired by her Mexican American grandmother Maria Rivera who raised her. Maria Rivera was an animal rescuer and a vegetarian. She instilled in her granddaughter the desire to help all creatures in need. Cummins' first animal rescues of a bunny, squirrel and deer were with her grandmother. 

Today we honor women and especially those in animal rescue and care. Thank you, women, for spending countless hours rescuing and caring for animals around the clock. Thank you for educating the public about animal and wildlife issues. And thank you for helping out, investing in and donating to animal care organizations to accelerate progress for animals. 

In loving memory of our great women volunteers Mari Shepard, Janet Adams and Julie Murray. #internationalwomensday #internationalwomensday2024 #AnimalAdvocates #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #losangeles #california #animalrescue

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.


Google+ Mary Cummins, Mary K. Cummins, Mary Katherine Cummins, Mary Cummins-Cobb, Mary, Cummins, Cobb, wildlife, wild, animal, rescue, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife rehabilitator, fish, game, los angeles, california, united states, squirrel, raccoon, fox, skunk, opossum, coyote, bobcat, manual, instructor, speaker, humane, nuisance, control, pest, trap, exclude, deter, green, non-profit, nonprofit, non, profit, ill, injured, orphaned, exhibit, exhibitor, usda, united states department of agriculture, hsus, humane society, peta, ndart, humane academy, humane officer, animal legal defense fund, animal cruelty, investigation, peace officer, animal, cruelty, abuse, neglect #marycummins #animaladvocates #losangeles #california #wildlife #wildliferehabilitation #wildliferehabilitator #realestate #realestateappraiser #realestateappraisal #lawsuit

Monday, October 16, 2023

Animal Advocates Celebrates Urban Wildlife Week Every Day by Mary Cummins, Animal Advocates

Urban Wildlife Week, Animal Advocates, Los Angeles, California, Mary Cummins, www.animaladvocates.us, www.marycummins.com, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife, rescue, wildlife rehabilitator, city, county, how to help wildlife, @mary_cummins, @animaladvocatesusa,
Urban Wildlife Week, Animal Advocates, Los Angeles, California, Mary Cummins, www.animaladvocates.us, www.marycummins.com, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife, rescue, wildlife rehabilitator, city, county, how to help wildlife, @mary_cummins, @animaladvocatesusa, 


Some organizations are celebrating Urban Wildlife Week this week. Every Week is "Urban Wildlife Week" for Animal Advocates because we care for ill, injured and orphaned native wildlife in the city of Los Angeles. We also educate the public about wildlife and offer help for people with nuisance wildlife.

People are sometimes surprised to see wildlife right in the middle of the city of Los Angeles. Not only does wildlife live in our city but they thrive here. Coyotes, deer, hawks, skunks, opossums, squirrels and more have adapted to live right alongside us in the city. They live in our backyards, in local parks and in adjacent open space. They eat fruit from our trees, live under our homes and even eat our trash.

Here are ten things you can do to help and coexist with urban wildlife. 

  • 1. Watch and enjoy wildlife from afar but don't touch them or interfere. That means no selfies with deer or petting squirrels and skunks.
  • 2. Plant native plants for the bees, birds and native wildlife to eat. Don't trim trees during wildlife baby season. Leave bird nests where you find them even if empty. No need to rake up all the leaves as insects nest in them.
  • 3. Don't use pesticides, herbicides which can harm native wildlife.
  • 4. Pick up trash so wildlife doesn't eat it and die from stomach blockage. Don't release balloons which sea animals, farm animals and birds can eat and die or become entangled.
  • 5. Make sure your cat can't kill wildlife by keeping them in the house, a catio or walk them on a lead. Walk dogs on a leash for the same reasons. It also protects your pets from wildlife.
  • 6. Don't feed wildlife. Fed wildlife can end up dead wildlife if they become a nuisance to others. This is especially true with bears, deer, raccoons, skunks and squirrels.  Not everyone loves wildlife like we do. 
  • 7. Don't poison, trap or kill nuisance wildlife. Reduce nuisance wildlife by excluding and deterring them from your property. Don't give them access to food, water or shelter.  Pick up dropped fruit, don't leave out pet food and lock your trash cans. Exclude wildlife from your home by securing your crawl space, under your deck and attic access.
  • 8. If you find ill, injured or orphaned wildlife, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. Here's a list. http://www.mary.cc/How%20To%20Locate%20a%20Wildlife%20Rehabilitator.html
  • 9. Volunteer with or donate to local wildlife and environment organizations. If you want to know what volunteering for a wildlife rehabilitator would be like, here our some of our free manuals. http://mary.cc/squirrels/rehabbers.html
  • 10. Educate your friends about helping wildlife by sharing this article.

Mary Cummins
Animal Advocates
Animal Advocates


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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