Gearing up for more impact
Our first year
Our inaugural season was nothing short of a dream come true. Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund has been in the works for several years now, and to finally be able to open our doors to serve wildlife in need and the community was extremely rewarding. The support from the local community and wildlife enthusiasts was overwhelming, as they rallied behind our cause and contributed both time and resources to help us succeed. The first season was a testament to the resilience of wildlife and the power of collective efforts to make a positive impact on the natural world. We are excited to build on this success and continue our mission of rehabilitating and restoring wildlife for years to come.
Although there is still much time left in the season, we are reflecting upon the work we have done thus far and the exciting opportunities that lay ahead. Between April and September of our first year, we took in over 137 animals in need including rabbits, opossums, squirrels, porcupines, foxes, and several bird species. Some of our most memorable stories from this year were…
Red Fox
We treated our first red fox this season who came to us with a severe case of mange, reduced body condition, and a variety of small injuries. Luckily, the animal was trapped by a local hunter in Interlochen and we were able to recover the animal. Through a nutritious diet and several medications, the fox was released back into the wild once the mange was gone and his injuries were healed. Foxes play an important role on our northern landscape, and we are grateful to have returned this animal back into the wild. The difference in his appearance from capture to release was astounding. Special thanks to the Association to Rescue Kritters for advice and assistance.
Wood Turtle
This season, we helped rehabilitate and release a wood turtle that fell victim to a vehicle strike along a popular roadway in Manistee County. The shell was broken, so we worked with North Sky Raptor Sanctuary and West Michigan Wildlife Center and their veterinary team to medically treat her, set her shell, and rehabilitate her for release. We are happy to report that the wood turtle’s shell mended, and was released back into the wild to lay the four eggs she was carrying. This species is listed as Threatened in the State of Michigan, and we are honored that our efforts helped this rare turtle.
Porcupine
We received two young porcupines that were in need of additional care and rehabilitation for release back into the wild. One was found in Newaygo County and overwintered at West Michigan Wildlife Center, which is slightly outside their natural range, so she was brought up north prior to release. The other was found in Lake Ann, and after waiting overnight for an adult to retrieve him, we opted to take him in. Both porcupines were orphaned at a young age, and were unable to survive on their own. We helped select quality habitat for these animals to be released to and are preparing them for their lives in the wild. Porcupines contribute to forest health by selectively pruning trees and aid in nutrient recycling through their diet and behavior, leading to healthier forest composition.
Looking Forward
When deciding what immediate services to provide the community, we noticed there was a strong need for wildlife rehabilitation in the area. We focused our efforts on addressing this need, especially for mammals, but quickly reached our full capacity with so many new patients in need of help. There were several cases that we were unable to treat based on our limited capacity, but we still made arrangements for them to be treated by partner organizations in other parts of the state. This required logistical planning and coordinating transportation, but we were able to still fulfill our mission by helping connect wildlife with the appropriate resources. Looking forward, we are hoping to be able to address sensitive cases in-house in order to help reduce transport times and provide care locally.
Bobcats
This year there was an orphaned litter of bobcats found along the Wolverine Golf Course at the Grand Traverse Resort. We were able to respond to the situation, and helped transfer them to another facility a few hours away to receive care. Our capacity was met, so we were unable to rehabilitate these animals near where they were found. Bobcats play a vital role in controlling rodents and other small mammals, helping to maintain the balance and health of their ecosystems.
Otters
An otter was injured and recovered in Northport, and we were able to help pick it up for relocation. Unfortunately, the otter was in severe condition and did not make it. Having a large enclosure that could house these animals would be useful in ensuring they receive care as fast as possible. North American river otters thrive in clean and unpolluted environments, and their presence can signify the overall well-being of aquatic ecosystems. Research suggests that they have minimal impacts on fish populations in large streams, rivers, and lakes.
More Foxes
In addition to the red fox we rehabilitated, we received several calls about other individuals, including kits, in the area in need of our services. We were able to help coordinate support for the effort to recover them, but were unsuccessful. When foxes are able to be trapped or picked up, it is likely their injuries or sickness is so severe, they are past the point of help.
Conserving Northern Michigan’s wildlife
In order to better serve wildlife and the community, we aim to increase our capacity to house these types of patients at our facility, and are in need of funds to help with construction projects and supplies for larger and improved enclosures and rehabilitation quarters. These species are incredibly important for the ecosystem by helping regulate the food chain as mid-level predators and supporting them helps make our ecosystem healthier.
Follow the button to support the construction of new habitats for temporary residents.
We will be purchasing framing lumber, chain link fencing, metal mesh, gravel, and more!
This year, we have achieved significant milestones and remain dedicated to our mission and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. As we reflect on the diverse range of animals we treat, we are eager to expand our capacity to rehabilitate species like bobcats, otters, and foxes, recognizing their vital role in maintaining ecological balance. With the community's continued support, we are excited to pursue these goals and make an even greater impact on wildlife rehabilitation and conservation in the years to come.
