In early August, on a boat loaded close to full capacity, CWC once again set sail for Lunch Island to experience the wonders of nature. Guests got a front row seat to witness the incredible sight of hundreds of thousands of purple martins circling the largest purple martin sanctuary in North America! It was a fantastic evening filled with food, fun and incredible entertainment! The martins of Lake Murray put on an unforgettable show, but the evening was made even more special with the release of five rehabilitated martins back into the wild. Guests held their breath as the young birds took their first flights into freedom and disappeared into the cloud of martins above. Even more spectacular was watching as adult martins actually hovered above the top deck of the boat beckoning the new comers to join them.

The five rehabilitated martins arrived at CWC as hatchlings after their parents were killed and their home destroyed in an early summer storm. Each year thousands of injured and orphaned wild animals, like the young martins, enter CWC's wildlife center for a second chance at life. But few people get to experience firsthand the thrill of returning these wild animals back into their natural environment.

Thank you to all of our sponsors of this event, including Gene and Miriam Mills, Lindsay and Bunni Crawford, Homeowners Mortgage, Total Wine & More, and Earth Fare. Their contributions made the evening a true success! The two-hour cruise not only raised close to $3,000 for animal care at the wildlife center, but it also endeared all who attended to the amazing purple martin! You will not want to miss next year!

What is it that keeps Carolina Wildlife Care ticking? CWC is certainly the most dynamic and amazing organization in which I have ever had the privilege of serving. The center runs like most businesses with the usual challenges of budgets, schedules, and the trials and tribulations associated with any other work place, but throw into that equation the daily needs and care of hundreds of animals and* whew!!! Some days it all seems too much to handle. But somehow, from deep within, we find something that pushes us forward. So, what is the fuel that keeps this fire burning? It can be summed up in one word* passion.

Passion is a word used a lot lately, especially since the unfortunate death of wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin. But what does it really mean to be passionate about something? Passion is a feeling that exudes itself in actions, voices and behavior. Passion is not something that hits you from time to time, but rather consumes you. There is an ever- present desire to somehow be connected with that passion whether acting upon it or talking about it. But, you don't have to be involved in something full time to be passionate about it or to make a lasting impact. A single person who is truly passionate about a cause can be a powerful force for change.

Passion is a trait that is often accompanied by selflessness. Those who are truly passionate about a cause or mission often place their own needs on the back burner to further that mission. Passion. Carolina Wildlife Care was built upon it, has been sustained by it, and it is still the underlying force that drives the organization today.

Shortly after the passing of Steve Irwin, CWC received a memorial in celebration of his passion to educating the world about wildlife. Carolina Wildlife Care shares Steve's passion and commitment to making a difference for wildlife, starting with the wild animals in our own backyards. Not a day passes that I am not amazed and proud of the great work being done at Carolina Wildlife Care, but at the same time I feel the importance of moving its mission forward. It is this pressing need and a passion for wildlife that enables CWC to persevere despite the challenges. Thanks for the passion that you bring to CWC and for all that you do to make a difference for wildlife!

Joanna

A 4-week old bunny was admitted after being caught by a dog. Aside from bite wounds, the bunny suffered a fractured leg. The fracture was splinted, and after a couple of weeks of healing time and light physical therapy, the rabbit made a full recovery. He hopped away beautifully (and quickly) upon release. No thanks necessary!!

A 5-week old eastern gray squirrel was admitted after being raised for 3 weeks by a lactating Chihuahua. The reason given for bringing the orphaned squirrel to the center, "the squirrel was outgrowing the Chihuahua." The young squirrel was seemingly healthy upon admission and continues to do well. He will be at the center for several more weeks before release.

A carolina wren was brought to the center after landing on a freshly paved road. The wren was completely encased in the hard, sticky tar. Unfortunately, the tar could not be safely removed and the wren was euthanized.

An adult chipmunk was transported from the upstate to CWC by a utilities worker after it was discovered lying on the ground with an enlarged groin. After closer examination, it was discovered that a very large "warble" (see article below) was embedded in the area making it difficult for the chipmunk to urinate. The warble was removed and after a round of antibiotics, the chipmunk was sent back to Greenville for release... feeling much, much better!

A small 4-5 year old female box turtle was admitted after being chewed on by a dog. The turtle suffered deep cracks and wounds to the top and underside of its shell and the front of its carapace was completely chewed away. The turtle has just completed treatment with antibiotics. However, it is not known at this time, whether the front part of the shell can be adequately reconstructed for a safe release.

While they aren't exactly "patients" at CWC, they often accompany them. Warbles are the nasty little lumps that later emerge as bot flies. Carolina Wildlife Care often receives phone calls and email messages like the following: "For the last week I have one squirrel that seems to have hair loss on the back and neck and several big swollen "knots". It eats normally and seems otherwise healthy. Is this a disease that could be potentially contagious? Is the squirrel in any pain and what can I or somebody else do for this squirrel?"

The lumps described are likely caused from a bot fly. The host, most commonly a gray squirrel, will accidentally ingest bot fly eggs that have either been laid on top of a leaf or the eggs are somehow rubbed onto its fur. Upon hatching, the egg turns into a larva known as a warble (also known as a wolf) and positions itself between the outer layer of skin and the muscle tissue. It remains there to feed on the squirrel's bodily fluids. As the warble grows, the lump forms and the squirrel experiences some hair loss. The area may also appear wet as the warble creates a small hole in the skin from which it breathes and excretes fluids. The warble later emerges from the squirrel in the form of a bot fly. When the fly emerges the squirrel is left with a sore, but most squirrels do not suffer any long term effects from it. Warbles are most commonly seen during the summer months. And while little can be done to provide relief to a squirrel with warbles in the wild, CWC does safely remove them from squirrels in our care.

CWC Executive Director, Joanna Weitzel, and Harbison Community Association Executive Director, Sid Crumpton, worked together to develop a non- lethal goose abatement plan for the Harbison Community. The decision came after a controversial action to have the USDA slaughter around 70 geese at Lake Woodcross in early summer. Mrs. Weitzel and Mr. Crumpton met shortly after the incident to discuss non-lethal options moving forward. As a result, the HCA Waterfowl Management Committee was established to formulate a non-lethal plan of controlling the goose population at Harbison Lake. Mrs. Weitzel, representing the Harbison Waterfowl Management Committee made a presentation to the HCA Board of an "integrated" approach to managing the waterfowl population in Harbison. Following questions and discussion, the HCA Board approved the following activities/policies:

1. A count of geese be conducted on a regular basis to establish what is the actual population 2. The HCA Board adopt a strict "No Feeding" policy 3. The HCA Board endorse the concept of "Egg Oiling" 4. The HCA Board provide funds for the purchase and installation of landscaping around the ponds/lakes that will cause them to less desirable locations for geese 5. The HCA Board endorse the practice of using a border collie in May and June to discourage geese from remaining during their molt 6. The HCA undertake a community based education effort to assist residents and non-residents in understanding and supporting the activities and policies

Why these recommendations? The plan, based on the experience of GeesePeace (www.geesepeace.com), emphasizes an effective long-term solution to the wildlife conflict through cooperative and humane actions. Different measures are implemented at specific times of the year based on the life cycle of the goose. Consistently working the plan stabilizes the population over time and resolves the human/wildlife conflict.

To successfully implement the program, help is needed from throughout the area. While the goal is a program that works for the Harbison community, the HCA's non-lethal goose abatement plan may serve as a model for other communities. You do not have to be a Harbsion resident to help make the Geese Peace plan at Harbison a success. Anyone can participate! For more information on helping, please contact the HCA at 781-2281 or email SCrumpton@harbisoncommunity.com.

Facts About Canada Geese * Life expectancy about 20 years * Weight: 20-25 pounds * Migration is a learned process * Migratory geese flight range 2000 to 3000 miles * Resident geese flight range: 100 to 200 miles * Resident geese can fly long distances as their migratory cousins, but do not know how to migrate. * Migratory geese do not become residents unless injured * Mating season: February to March * Geese mate for life and will stay together during all seasons * Geese will mourn the loss of a mate, if mate dies or is killed * Migratory geese nest in Canada. * Geese nesting in the U.S. are "resident" geese (born here) * Resident geese were imported to the area by the DNR for rebuilding dwindling numbers for hunting * Nesting Season: Mid March to May * Age of geese when they begin to nest: 3 years * The instinct to return to the exact site of birth is very strong. * Nests are usually on the ground, in the open. * When egg laying begins, the "Father" will stand watch,but not so close as to give away location of nest to a predator. If a lone goose is seen during nesting season, a nest is nearby. * Average number of eggs in a nest: 5 * Mother goose waits until all eggs are laid before she begins to sit on nest to incubate eggs * Incubation time: 28-30 days * All eggs in a single clutch hatch on approx. the same day * Natural predators of geese are foxes, raccoons, owls and snapping turtles * Goslings can fly approximately 2-3 months after hatching * During June, adult geese lose wing feathers (molt) and are unable to fly * Molting season runs from early June to late July. * Geese can fly again approximately 6 weeks after molting. * By early August all geese (except injured geese) can fly. * During the molt, geese must be near water for easy escape from predators. The molting area needs easy access to food.

Remember others this holiday season with Carolina Wildlife Care's traditional holiday gift card! This year's card features a 4" x 6" color photograph of a precious white tail fawn amidst colorful greenery. The fawn was orphaned after its mother was hit by a car where it remained by her side until rescued. The inside of the card contains the following message:

Wishing You All the Joy and Wonder of the Season! (YOUR NAME PRINTED HERE)

For each $5.00 gift, Carolina Wildlife Care will send a card notifying recipients that you have given a donation in their honor. Your donation will be used to provide care for injured and orphaned wildlife in the coming year.

DEADLINE: December 16th (for Dec. 25th delivery).

CWC's Wildlife Center Gets New Cages After months of planning, CWC finally received the first shipment of its new cages! The cages, ordered from Corners Limited, are professionally manufactured using galvanized metal for long life. The stainless floors provide an excellent, easy to clean enclosure for birds and other small mammals prior to release. The cages offer a spacious and secure environment and are a wonderful addition to the center! CWC will continue to upgrade many of the older cages at its facility to these durable, easy to maneuver cages. A special thank you goes to CWC volunteer, Wendy Eleazer, and staff members, Shannon Smith and Karen Mann, who unloaded the hundreds of pounds of cages. And thank you to Phil Watson and Jerry King, who donated their time to assemble them. Thank you to all who made a special donation towards this project and to those who sponsored a tribute cage in memory or honor of a loved one. Thank you to the Mary Seibert Trust for their generousity towards this upgrade.

Wildlife Center of Virginia's Ed Clark Travels to Cola. CWC was delighted to have Ed Clark, President of the Wildlife Center of Virginia visit Columbia to participate in a planning session initiated by CWC Executive Director, Joanna Weitzel and DNR Statewide Projects Director, Derrell Shipes. More than a dozen top wildlife professionals gathered from across the state to formulate a set of regulations that, if adopted, would better serve the wildlife and the wildlife rehabilitators in SC. The regulations are designed to create appropriate standards and guidelines within which wildlife rehabilitation can be practiced in SC. When done correctly, wildlife rehabilitators can provide valuable information to state agencies in regards to disease survellience. Wildlife rehabilitators also reduce the risk to the general public by providing a an appropriate place for the public to take injured or orphaned potential vector species. While many know of Ed Clark and The Wildlife Center of Virginia from the Animal Planet show "Wildlife Emergency," Ed is a driving force internationally for wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. Ed has assisted other states in developing such wildlife regulations. The WCV is currently working with federal agencies to develop a bioterrorism surveillance network, designed to provide early warning of possible acts of bioterrorism across the country through detection and analysis of emerging diseases in wildlife. CWC could serve as one of the centers in this early detection network. A huge thank you to Ed Clark for his help with wildlife rehabilitation efforts here in SC and for his dedication to helping wildlife worldwide!

CWC Welcomes New Board Members Carolina Wildlife Care is thrilled to announce that Mr. Roy Ingle, Mrs. Sheri Greenberg and Mrs. Leslie Haynesworth have joined its Board of Directors. The Board is delighted to have their involvement and looks forward to their contributions in strengthening CWC's mission for wildlife in South Carolina.

Please consider making a special gift now to help Carolina Wildlife Care continue its important mission of helping injured and orphaned wildlife return to its natural environment. Click here to make a donation today! Thank you for caring and taking action to help wildlife!