Joseph J. and Helen M. Sommer Wildlife Conservation Center · 2019-05-02 · Wildlife Conservation...

Joseph J. and Helen M. Sommer Wildlife Conservation Center

800 Genoa Ave. N.W Massillon, OH 44646

330-477-0448

Wildlife Conservation Volunteer Handbook

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Table of Contents Wildlife Conservation Center History ............................................................................................................. 3

Wildlife permits and regulations .................................................................................................................... 4

Safety guidelines ............................................................................................................................................. 6

Incident Report…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………9

Wildlife Accepted at the Wildlife Conservation Center .............................................................................. 10

Wildlife Conservation Center Volunteer Guidelines .................................................................................... 12

Wildlife Conservation Center Volunteer Job Descriptions ......................................................................... 13

Rabies Vector Species ................................................................................................................................... 15

Zoonosis ........................................................................................................................................................ 17

Bacteriosis (caused by bacteria) .............................................................................................................. 17

Mycosis (caused by Fungi) ....................................................................................................................... 18

Viruses ....................................................................................................................................................... 18

Parasites .................................................................................................................................................... 19

Overview of Volunteer Positions ................................................................................................................. 20


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The Joseph J. and Helen M. Sommer Wildlife Conservation

Center

The Wildlife Conservation center was gifted to the Stark County Park District in

1982 from the Sanders Wildlife Foundation and its founder C. Pitt Sanders. The

center existed to provide wildlife rehabilitation and conservation education to

Stark County and surrounding communities. Staff and volunteers provided care

to nearly 2,000 injured, ill, and orphaned wild animals each year. The ultimate

goal was and still is to return the patients to their natural habitats and strive to

teach people how to live in harmony with our native wildlife.

In January of 2016 we acquired Quail Hollow State Park. The nature center

became part of the wildlife center and is currently open during the summer

months for visitors.

The current building opened in May of 2018. The building was named after

Joseph J. and Helen M. Sommer due to their continued support and donations to

make the new building a reality. The building is 9,405 square feet with 6,907

square feet of outdoor caging allowing for a broader range of species to be

rehabilitated. With modern amenities like bio swales, cisterns, window frit and

skylights we are able to offer high quality care in a state of the art environment.

Natural Resources Mission Statement

Dedicated to the conservation and management of native wildlife and

their habitat through research, education and quality animal care.


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Rules and Regulations

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife

Governs the laws concerning non-migratory birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and

state-listed threatened and endangered species of wildlife

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Governs the laws concerning migratory birds and federally listed threatened and

endangered wildlife throughout the United States

USDA (Animal Welfare Act AWA)

This law provides for the humane care and treatment of animals exhibited to the public

Wildlife Rehabilitation Permits

ODNR

State Category II Rehabilitation Permit

Category II allows permittee to rehabilitate a broad range of species and dispositions

Category I applies to the rearing of only healthy neonatal squirrels and rabbits

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, pass the required training courses and

apprenticeships, and then fill out a state application

USFW

Federal Rehabilitation Permit

A federal rehabilitation permit authorizes possession of sick, injured, and orphaned

migratory birds for rehabilitation purposes.


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Federal Salvage permit

A federal Salvage Permit allows dead migratory birds, bird parts (such as feathers), abandoned

nests, and nonviable eggs to be taken from the wild for conservation education purposes. The purpose

of this permit is to allow legal acquisition of wild specimens to be donated to educational facilities,

such as museums, schools, and visitor’s centers.

Why Have Wildlife Laws?

Protection of Wildlife

Unnecessary capture

Uneducated care (even if well-intentioned)

Prevention of wild pet collection

Prevention of large-scale collection of skin, feathers, eggs, etc.

Protection of Public Health

Zoonoses

Injury from animals defending themselves


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Wildlife Conservation Center Safety Guidelines and

Information First Aid Locations

Natural resources office (cupboard)

Each park vehicle

Fire Escape Plan Locations

Classroom

Copy room hallway

Fire Extinguisher Locations

Exhibit hall

Quarantine room entry hallway

Kitchen by exit door

Garage by mudroom

Mechanical room

Each park vehicle

Fire Alarm Pull-Stations

Lobby exit doors

Side exit door by staff restroom

Side exit by rehab office space

Side exit in kitchen

Garage by cargo door

In Case of Fire Take direction from staff

Leave animals and possessions behind

Exit the building and meet in the field across from WCC.

Do not re-enter the building until you are cleared from the Stark Parks ranger

In Case of Tornado Warning

Take direction from staff

Remain inside the building

Tornado warning designated rooms are: o Women’s restroom in lobby o Janitors closet o Exam room

AED location

Lobby


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Current First Aid and CPR Certified Full-time Employees

Talula Koch

Stephon Echague

Linda Watkins

Vanessa Shanower

Kenny Willaman

James Woodworth

Ryan Varga

Cliff Bann

SDS Location (Safety Data Sheets)

Copy room (counter top)

Emergency Phone Numbers

West Rangers primary number 330-353-2377

WCC primary number 330-477-0448 o If any suspicious activity is seen please contact the park rangers

Give detailed information

Misconduct in WCC education area

Be polite

Kindly ask visitors to step behind barriers

Remind guests that they are wild animals and they may still bite. It is for the protection of the animal and the guest.

Notify staff immediately.


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Wildlife Rehab – Incident Report STARK COUNTY PARK DISTRICT INCIDENT REPORT

(To be used with any incident involving a patron/volunteer)

☐ Complaint ☐ Accident ☐ Injury ☐ Other

NAME LOCATION

DATE OF INCIDENT DATE OF REPORT

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INCIDENT

(NOTE: Please remember to forward the completed form to Human Resources)

SIGNATURE DATE

SUPERVISOR SIGNATURE DATE


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Native Wildlife Accepted at the Wildlife Conservation Center

MAMMALS

Species Rehab Hold Refer Comments

Bats (RVS) Yes

Beavers Yes

Bobcats No No ODNR Endangered

Coyotes No No ODNR Adults & pups must be euthanized

White-tailed Deer No Fawns: No ODNR

State Law effective 1/1/09 Fawns must be re-united with mom, fostered or euthanized

Red Fox (RVS) Yes

Mice Yes

Low priority

Mink Yes

Virginia Opossum Yes

Otter Yes

Eastern Cottontail Rabbit

Yes

Raccoon (RVS) No No ODNR All raccoons originating from certain counties must be euthanized.

Norway Rats No Endangered – must be transferred to an endangered species permit holder

Striped Skunk (RVS)

Infants: Yes Adults: Case by Case basis

Squirrel Yes

Weasel Yes

Exotics No


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BIRDS


Waterfowl Yes

Mute swans must be euthanized

Gamebirds Yes

Songbirds Yes

Raptors Yes Yes

Bald Eagles, Osprey, Peregrine Falcon, and state and federal endangered species must be transferred to an endangered species permit holder

AMPHIBIANS


Salamanders Yes

Eastern Hellbender-notify ODNR-Endangered species

Frogs Yes

Toads Yes

Exotics No No Yes

REPTILES


Turtles Yes No

Snakes Yes No

Exotics No No Yes


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Wildlife Conservation Center Volunteer Guidelines 1. Each volunteer is normally assigned one two hour work shift per week, but longer or additional

shifts can be available. One or two volunteers are assigned per shift. Those who find themselves available for work on short notice are invited to call the Wildlife Center to see if help is needed. Those who cannot work an assigned shift should call the Wildlife Center at least 24 hours in advance, if possible, so that we can make arrangements for a replacement.

2. Volunteers are responsible for arranging their own transportation. If your shift is at the end of the day, please be sure your ride arrives promptly at closing time.

3. We strive for a work environment that allows people to be creative and have fun while maintaining their professionalism at all times. Volunteers are held to the same standards of conduct and behavior required of regular staff. Should a volunteer’s conduct become an issue, the situation will be turned over to the Human Resources manager for disposition.

4. Volunteers receive park logo t-shirts and nametags after their first eight hours of service and are required to wear them when working. Open-toed or open-heeled shoes are not permitted. Please dress for the weather and be prepared to get dirty.

5. The clinic area is a quiet zone. We expect all staff and volunteers to keep their voices and other sources of noise low. Please respect the animals by keeping your distance as noise and crowding can increase their stress and agitation. Do not peek into cages or handle animals unnecessarily.

6. When animals are brought to the Wildlife Center, only staff are permitted to handle and perform examinations.

7. No volunteer shall enter any cage or handle any animal without staff supervision and proper training. The animals housed here are wild and must be handled with the appropriate safety equipment.

8. No volunteer shall enter quarantine without permission. NOTE: It is critical that all volunteers abide by these guidelines. The maintenance of our state and federal permits depends on staff and volunteers alike acting within the parameters set by those permits. Volunteers who are unable to abide by these guidelines will be reassigned to duties outside the wildlife rehabilitation department.


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Wildlife Conservation Center Volunteer Job Descriptions General Care Volunteer: Time Commitment: 32 hour yearly requirement Qualifications: Minimum age 16 Training Required: WCC General Care Volunteer Orientation Duties:

Food preparation o Specified diets for each animal o Chopping, measuring, weighing of food o Proper dish sizes for each species

Cleaning cage enclosures o Encountering feces o Soiled food dishes o Cage ponds o Feathers and fur o Scrubbing o External parasites (fleas, ticks, mites, feather flies)

Feeding infants/neonates-beginner species o With proper training o Prepare formulas o Feeding songbirds and helping with neonatal care of mammals

Environmental enrichment Record keeping

o Daily documentation of cleaning and diets General cleaning

o Dishes o Laundry o Countertops, tables and sinks o Pet taxis o Sweeping floors o Garbage o Deep cleaning (including perches, hide boxes, and raking gravel)

Any misc. jobs as needed RVS training (for qualified volunteers)

o Fox o Skunk o Bats


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Sub-permittee Volunteer: Time Commitment: 24/7 Qualifications: Minimum age 18 and a schedule that allows for this time commitment

Training Required: Mentoring with WCC staff until required information is learned Duties:

Provide 24/7 care Provide proper caging and materials for the species Provide foods and formula Continue to mentor with WCC staff Become familiar with the species SOP manuals Prepare species for release Record keeping Monthly reports

Advanced volunteer: (with staff discretion) Time Commitment: 32 hour yearly requirement Qualifications: Minimum age 16 Training Required: Continued commitment to the WCC Duties:

General care volunteer duties Animal handling Lead volunteer Feeding infants/neonates-advanced species Front desk assistant Record keeping Educational opportunities


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Rabies Vector Species Wildlife Conservation Center

Rabies Vector Species Agreement

I have read the rabies information and policies on the reverse side.

I have consulted with a Doctor before making this decision, or have made the choice not to consult with a Doctor.

I understand that rabies is a fatal disease and can be prevented by vaccination.

I understand that I am liable for any adverse consequences as a result of my activities when handling or caring for rabies-vector species and will not hold the Stark County Park District responsible.

If bitten by a rabies-vector species or otherwise potentially exposed to rabies, I will immediately report the incident to a WCC staff member.

I understand that I will no longer be allowed to have any contact with WCC’s RVS if the policy requirements are not followed.

________________________________________ __________________________

Print Name RVS Training Workshop Date

__________________________

Rabies Vaccine/Titer Check Date

________________________________________ ______________________

Signature Date

Check if Read RVS Handbook

Check if received Check if received

copy of RVS certificate copy of Vaccination

_____________________________ ______________

Wildlife Care Supervisor Signature Date

Revised 3-8-16 SE

Rabies - What You Should Know


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Rabies is a viral disease that attacks the nervous system and can be transmitted by any mammal infected. Ohio’s rabies vector species are Raccoon, Skunk, Fox, Coyote, and Bats. Birds are not thought to be susceptible to infection. Prevention of rabies is critical and is fatal if left untreated.

Rabies is transmitted through the saliva and brain tissue of the infected animal. Transmission occurs when the infected saliva comes in contact with a person’s (or animal’s) exposed mucus membrane. This usually occurs during a bite, a scratch from a saliva-covered paw of an infected animal, or infected saliva entering a pre-existing break in the skin.

Once a bite is received from a rabid animal, the virus multiplies at the wound site. Next, the virus will enter the nerves nearest the wound and travel to the brain. Once in the brain, the virus continues to multiply and ultimately travels to the salivary glands. At this point the animal is shedding the virus, but it may be 3-4 days before it starts to show the notorious signs associated with rabies. Such signs include: abnormal aggression, drooling, staggering, increased vocalization (crying, howling, etc.), paralysis, tremors, seizures, and eventually death.

When a domestic animal bites someone, it is quarantined for ten days to see if it eventually develops these symptoms. For wildlife, there are no established quarantine times. Thus, any animal that bites will be considered a rabies suspect and will be euthanized and tested for the disease. Testing for rabies requires brain tissue, so it is not possible to test an animal without euthanizing it first. Testing the animal is the law, whether it is wild or it is an RVS education ambassador that has been vaccinated. This policy is in place for your protection. It is critically important for all staff, volunteers, and sub-permittees to protect themselves. Not only for your safety, but that of the animals’ as well.

Permit regulations require rabies vector species in rehabilitation to be held for a minimum of 65 days without signs of illness before being released. All sick appearing non-juvenile RVS shall be euthanized. The Stark County Health Department does not need to test a rabies vector species unless someone has been bitten or scratched. However, bats found in a bedroom overnight shall be euthanized and sent in for testing.

WCC’s RVS Policy

Requirements o Trainings

Rabies Vector Species Training Workshop held by OWRA and WCC’s RVS Agreement Form

Any year round WCC Rehab Staff, Volunteer, Sub-permittee, or Non-Paid Intern wanting to feed, clean, and/or handle any RVS must complete workshop and agreement form.

o The WCC permit holder must be vaccinated. RVS Training Workshop Handbook and WCC’s RVS Agreement Form

Any ED Staff, Seasonal Staff, and Paid Intern wanting to feed, clean, and/or handle any RVS must read the handbook and complete agreement form.

o One must give the Wildlife Administrative Assistant a copy of their RVS Training Workshop certificate if applicable.

o Leather gloves must be worn at all times when entering the cage of or handling any RVS. o No Rehab or Education animal should be motivated to bite anywhere on a person’s body, even if it is just for

play. o A pre-exposure rabies vaccination is strongly encouraged but not a requirement at this time. The benefit of

being vaccinated for rabies is that in the event that you are bitten, the treatment consists of just a couple of booster shots, rather than the full course of rabies treatment, which involves a longer series of injections. It is recommended for people in our line of work to get titers checked every 2 years.

If Bitten o Tell a WCC staff member immediately so the staff member can isolate the animal. o Complete a SCPD Incident Report. This needs to be filled out by the injured party and a witness and then

handed to the Wildlife Care Supervisor. The supervisor then alerts the Stark County Health Department and submits the animal for testing. Volunteers, sub-permittees, and non-paid interns are not covered under workman’s comp.

o See a physician as soon as possible for your post-exposure rabies vaccinations.

Disclosure o If any one of the above requirements are not met or being followed, you will no longer be allowed to have

contact with WCC’s RVS. The Wildlife Care Supervisor reserves the right to revoke your RVS handling privileges at any time.

For more information on rabies consult the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00056176.htm or contact your local health department. revised 3-8-16 SE

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00056176.htm


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Zoonosis

Bacteriosis (caused by bacteria)

A zoonotic disease is one that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Zoonotic Disease

Animal Host

Transmission Symptoms Incubation Prevention

Lyme Disease

Any bird or mammal infested with ticks

From the bite of an infected tick

A ring-shaped skin lesion in humans Can include fever, arthritis, and neurological conditions in both animals and humans If left untreated symptoms can worsen

Days to weeks

Tick control Do not handle ticks with bare hands

Leptospirosis Most wild and domestic animals

Through direct contact with the urine from an infected animal Indirectly through urine contamination of soil, water, food, or bedding

Wide variety of symptoms- may include fever, depression, vomiting, pneumonia, stiff neck, and signs of liver and kidney failure

2 to 6 weeks

Good personal hygiene Caution when cleaning cages; wear gloves and protective clothing

Tularemia

Most commonly associated with rabbits and rodents (groundhogs and muskrats) Over 190 species of mammals, 23 species of birds, 3 species of amphibians, and 88 species of invertebrates.

Direct contact with blood or tissues of infected animal Bites from infected mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, or flies Ingesting undercooked, infected meat Inhalation

Flu-like symptoms, fever, depression, and swollen lymph nodes If inhaled, pneumonia can occur

2 to 10 days

Wear gloves and other protective clothing when handling animals Ectoparasitic control

Salmonella

Almost any mammal or bird, many reptiles, and some insects

Ingestion of contaminated food, water, or feces

Wide variation, mild to severe symptoms May include diarrhea, listlessness, and dehydration If bacteria enters the bloodstream, signs dependent on which organs are infected

Bacteria tolerant of wide variety of environments and temperatures Stress (overcrowding, parasites, other diseases) increases risk of outbreaks Animal may carry salmonella without showing signs

Good personal and clinical hygiene

Ornithosis (Psittacosis/ Chlamydiosis)

Affects over 100 species of birds

Inhalation of dust from infected feces, feathers, carcasses, or nasal secretions

Birds- diarrhea, possible enlarged spleen, death Humans- atypical pneumonia

7 to 15 days

Cage cleanliness Good personal hygiene, wear facemask when cleaning cages or handling birds Decrease stress to captive birds


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Mycosis (caused by Fungi)

Zoonotic Disease

Animal Host


Ringworm

Wide variety of mammals

Fungus infects dead portion of the skin, hair, and nails of animals and people Direct contact with infected animals, contaminated utensils or clothes

A ring-shaped reddened area may or may not be present Discolored, blistered, scaly skin area Disease is self-limiting but may take weeks or months to clear

Usually 3 to 7 days, but may be up to 3 weeks

Good personal hygiene Gloves and careful handling of infected utensils and garments

Viruses

Zoonotic Disease

Animal Host


Rabies

All mammals have the potential to be infected, but most common hosts are skunks, bats, and raccoons

Through a bite or scratch wound in which the animal’s saliva contacts the victim’s blood

No consistent signs other than changes in behavior Signs may include restlessness, no appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea Early signs progress to neurological conditions – head tilt, disorientation, incoordination, seizures, coma, and death

Prolonged and variable but frequently within 6 months of exposure

Pre-exposure vaccination If bitten or scratched by suspicious animal, post-exposure vaccination is recommended


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Parasites Zoonotic Disease

Animal Host


Sarcoptic Mange

Mammals

Direct contact with an animal infested with mites Indirect contact with contaminated materials

In humans and animals- blisters and intense itching In animals- hair loss, thickening of the skin, loss of fear of man, and listlessness

2 to 6 weeks

Proper disposal of infected clothes and utensils Wearing gloves and protective clothing

Toxoplasmosis

Mammals, especially cats and rodents

Ingestion of coccidian shed in feces of infected animals Consumption of meat that contains coccidian cysts Trans-placental infection to fetus of pregnant woman

May produce none Can produce ocular lesions in babies born of infected mothers High fever, lymph node enlargement and muscle pain

Eggs are resistant and may survive over one year in the environment

Good personal hygiene and sanitation

Cutaneous Larva Migrans (Hookworm)

Wild carnivores, including skunks and raccoons

Humans can contract through skin penetration by infected larvae Ingestion of infected larvae from the environment

Blood loss anemia, itching/redness at site of skin penetration In severe cases- dark, tarry diarrhea, weakness, and dehydration

Eggs are passed in the feces 15 to 20 days after infection

Do not go barefoot around animal areas Good hygiene procedures De-worm captive animals every two weeks

Visceral Larva Migrans (Roundworm)

Especially raccoons; also skunks and other wild carnivores

Ingestion of eggs shed in feces

Central nervous system disturbances Retinal detachment in ocular infections

Eggs can remain viable for an indefinite period of time.

Avoid contact with feces, especially raccoon De-worming skunks and raccoons every two weeks Thoroughly clean and disinfect any cages, carriers, or areas occupied by raccoons or skunks on a regular basis

For your protection:

Wear gloves, masks, and googles when appropriate

Keep long hair pulled back

Wash your hands-never touch hands to face or mouth

Keep areas clean and use proper cleaning solutions


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Overview of Volunteer Positions Administration Volunteers interested in general office and administrative duties help with data entry, document scanning, filing, and computer work using Microsoft Office. These volunteer opportunities are “as needed” or for special projects.

Education Program Assistant Help our education programmers and staff to sign in program participants, assist with room setup and activities, pass out educational materials, assist with crafts and games, and help with clean up. Assist as a trail sweep on hikes, bike rides or with our many summer aquatics programs.

Docent Docents are specially trained volunteers that conduct guided tours and programs through the Congressman Ralph Regula Canalway Center and around the Magnolia Flouring Mill.

Enterprise Provide customer service in the Stark Parks concession trailer at large park events, the Lily Pad Gift Shop, or at the marinas. With specialized training you can captain the pontoon boat on Sippo Lake or Walborn Reservoir. Pontoon captains must be 21 years of age.

FeLeap or FeLeap Assistant Meet and greet park patrons while portraying the park’s official mascot “FeLeap”. Volunteers will portray FeLeap during park events, parades, or community events. FeLeap does not speak, and does share hugs, high fives, and handshakes with young and old. The FeLeap Assistant accompanies FeLeap at events, greeting guests and handing out park brochures.

Natural Resources/Operations Assist park staff with litter control efforts, landscaping, and invasive species control.

Citizen Scientist Provide park visitors the opportunity to connect and appreciate the wonders found in Stark County. Through informal interpretation in areas like the Ohio & Erie Canal, wetlands, and birding hotspots, volunteers will facilitate opportunities for visitors to make intellectual and emotional connections. Natural history and informal interpretation training will be provided.

Trail Patrol Become a Trailblazer and combine your love of the outdoors with walking, hiking, biking and horseback riding. Stark Parks provides training in park history, First Aid, and customer service. Applications for Trailblazers are taken throughout the year with an annual spring training class. A second class may be offered mid-summer if there is sufficient interest. Trailblazers must be at least 18 years old.

Special Events and Marketing Provide information to visitors at public events, assist with crafts, games, and activities at special events (e.g. Family Fall Fest, Summer Splash). Assist the marketing department at community events to help promote Stark Parks, parks, trails and events.

Wildlife Rehabilitation/ Program Animal Assistant Provide supportive care for wildlife and program animals. Special training required.

Stark Parks has volunteer opportunities for everyone and everyone’s schedule. From formal programs to drop in volunteer opportunities, the park has something for you! For more information on Stark Parks’ volunteer opportunities you may call the Volunteer Coordinator at 330.409.8993.

Joseph J. and Helen M. Sommer Wildlife Conservation Center · 2019-05-02 · Wildlife Conservation...

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Transcript of Joseph J. and Helen M. Sommer Wildlife Conservation Center · 2019-05-02 · Wildlife Conservation...