Volume 33, Number 2, Summer 2013

NYSWRC Board Meetings are open to everyone. E-mail Kelly Martin, President (kmartink@midtel.net) Save the Dates: WRA 25TH ANNIVERSARY SYMPOSIUM September 26-29, 2013; FFA Florida Leadership Training Center, Haines City, Fla. NYSWRC Seminar 2013: Oct. 25-27 in Grand Island, Buffalo/Niagara Falls, NY Registration flyers will be on the web and in the mail mid summer.

THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE NEW YORK

STATE WILDLIFE REHABILITATION COUNCIL, INC.

NYSWRC Board of Directors

Kelly Martin, President kmartink@midtel.net

Barb Hollands,Vice Pres. Barbh103@rochester.rr.com

Cheryl Hoople, Secretary hooplec@juno.com

Amy Freiman, Treasurer & Release nisseq@aol.com

Jean Alden, Membership Jalden4@verizon.net

Lainie Angel berneck2000@gmail.com

Barb Cole brancher@clarityconnect.com

Maggie Ciarcia maggie119mae@yahoo.com

Virginia Frati wrwrch@aol.com

Sue Heighling sheighling@roadrunner.com

Beverly Jones bjonesnature@yahoo.com

Ellen Kalish info@Ravensbeard.org

Terri Murphy wtaoffice@aol.com

Veronica Serwacki Serwacki@canisius.edu

Matt Zymanek mjzymanek1@aol.com Advisory Board: Andrea Sammarco, Attorney at Law

George Kollias, DVM, PhD

Noha Abou-Madi, DVM, Msc.

Dr. Karen Moran, DVM Webmaster: Molly Gallagher silverlair@verizon.net

www.NYSWRC.org

Back issues of Release are available online.

33rd NYSWRC Seminar Keynote Speaker: Michael Noonan, PhD, is Chair of the Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation Department at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. He is also Director of that college’s Master’s Program in Anthrozoology, and it’s Institute for the Study of Human-Animal Relations. As Founder/Director of the Canisius Ambassadors for Conservation he manages a program that has brought a pro wildlife message to 1.2 million people. His research focuses on the social-cognitive nature of marine mammals and on the welfare of those species in captivity. Join us at conference for the opportunity to hear Dr. Noonan as he presents, “The Social Cognitive Nature of Killer Whales and their Future in Captivity: Candidates for Future Reintroduction Projects” See you at the BYBLOS Niagara Resort & Spa, this Oct. 25-27, 2013. (formerly the Grand Island Holiday Inn)

Editor’s note: I welcome your articles, poems, information, questions and artwork. We are pleased to print articles from our members, but caution each reader that NYSWRC is not responsible for the accuracy of the content or information provided, and does not necessarily endorse the policies proposed. Submissions should be sent to: nisseq@aol.com, or to NYSWRC, PO Box 62, Newcomb, NY 12852.

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President’s Report, By Kelly Martin Aiding wildlife in distress, and the public that seeks aid for wildlife in need, is the self appointed role of the wildlife rehabilitator. But what about aiding the wildlife rehabilitator in distress? There were situations arising this year that caused the NYSWRC Board to evaluate just how much we can do and what services we are able to provide. With a primary focus on education for wildlife rehabilitators, and with a dedicated, yet busy, volunteer board we found that with limited resources we can not be all things to all people. A recent issue presented to us by a member is one that may face rehabilitators all across the country, and that is the problem of local zoning laws restricting the ability to rehabilitate wildlife. Often a wildlife rehabilitator’s efforts go unnoticed until more, or bigger, caging goes up. What starts out as a small ‘backyard’ operation can expand to a noticeable degree and neighbors may begin to worry about just what kind of wild animals the neighbor is housing within! Information in our license application warns new people to inform themselves about local zoning restrictions. Naturally it is incumbent on the licensed rehabilitator to keep cages clean to avoid odors, attracting flies, or local free-ranging animals, and to make sure nothing we release makes a nuisance of itself. Often a community resident will object to the activity for no good reason. This dilemma which threatens more than one wildlife rehabilitator in NY prompted us to look at what we can do to help. It would be difficult for NYSWRC to join in fighting local battles. To be honest, and with absolutely no criticism intended, we would have no good way to determine whether there was justification for objections raised within a community against an individual’s wildlife rehabilitation facility. As in any regulated or organized endeavor, there are those who do it well and those who do not. What we did opt to do was to draft a “Good Neighbor Policy” (printed later in this issue) to be used as a tool on behalf of wildlife rehabilitation; citing the benefits of having a wildlife rehabilitator within a community. We hope it will be useful for you. Veterinarian of the Year Award Nominations This very prestigious award is presented each year during the conference. It is presented to a veterinarian who has demonstrated outstanding qualities and skills that have contributed to a cooperative working relationship between the veterinary community and wildlife rehabilitators. When considering candidates for the Veterinarian of the Year award, the Council recognizes and appreciates the efforts of all the veterinarians who have contributed their time and skills, frequently without charge, to wildlife rehabilitators across the state. To nominate your veterinarian, send a letter explaining what makes your veterinarian special and how he/she assists wildlife or works with wildlife rehabilitators to make a difference in our field. For more information visit our website: www.NYSWRC.org Please send your letters to the Council at: NYSWRC, Attention Veterinary Committee, 1170 State Road, Webster, NY 14580

2013 Conference News Looking ahead to the fall conference we will welcome back many of our favorite presenters but also will host many newcomers. Along with some standard topics useful to all beginning rehabilitators we will feature new items on the program. We are proud to offer continuing education credits for veterinarians and technicians. This year we are planning a session on Sunday exclusively for veterinarians. Be sure to share conference materials with your participating wildlife veterinarian and encourage them to attend. There will be an encore presentation of the “Business Boot Camp” for rehabilitators on Friday – an all day workshop geared for those who are incorporated as a nonprofit or who wish to do so. As usual, the Rabies Vector Species Course, required in order to rehabilitate bats, raccoons, and skunks, will be held on Friday, as well as the beginner level Animal Basic Care Course. Concurrent sessions, though they frustrate many who have a difficult time in choosing which lecture to attend, offer something for everyone. Three concurrent tracks are being offered in addition to several specialty labs. Our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Michael Noonan, is a highly regarded professor with an interest in many different wildlife species. His interests in the welfare of captive animals and in reintroduction projects will be of great interest to our audience, even if the species are not those likely to be cared for by the average NY rehabilitator! In the tradition of years past, there will be fun to be had by all as well. Since this conference falls close to Halloween, we encourage people to dress up for the Saturday night festivities. It will not be a traditional costume party. If you would like to dress up we will feature a “Parade of Costumes” a little like last year’s Rehab Fashion Show. We ask that you let us know, either along with your registration, or even when you come to the conference, so that we know how many participants there will be. As usual, there will be our fund-raising silent auction and raffle so please consider bringing items. Watch for your registration form in the mail and check the NYSWRC website for updates. We look forward to seeing you in Grand Island. The hotel has a new name, a new staff, a new look, and upgrades in rooms, spa, pool, and dining areas. We are excited to be back in this good facility. See you there! Scholarships to help offset the cost of attending are available, and will be awarded based upon need. To apply send a letter, via email, requesting assistance. You must be a current member to apply. Send requests to: Steven Freiman, nisseq@aol.com PO Box 62, Newcomb, NY 12852

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Health Risks from Lead-Based Ammunition in the

Environment A Consensus Statement of Scientists March 22, 2013 We, the undersigned, with scientific expertise in lead and environmental health, endorse the overwhelming scientific evidence on the toxic effects of lead on human and wildlife health. In light of this evidence, we support the reduction and eventual elimination of lead released to the environment through the discharge of lead-based ammunition, in order to protect human and environmental health. 1) Lead is one of the most well-studied of all anthropogenic toxins and there is overwhelming scientific evidence that demonstrates: a) Lead is toxic to multiple physiological systems in vertebrate organisms, including the central and peripheral nervous, renal, cardiovascular, reproductive, immune, and hematologic systems. Lead is also potentially carcinogenic; lead is officially recognized as a carcinogen and reproductive toxin in California, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the National Toxicology Program, and the US Environmental Protection Agency have identified lead as likely to be carcinogenic to humans. b) There is no level of lead exposure to children known to be without deleterious effects (CDC, 2012). Exposure in childhood to even slightly elevated levels of lead produce lasting neurological deficits in intelligence and behavior. c) Lead is also known to be toxic across different vertebrate organisms, including mammalian and avian species. 2) Lead-based ammunition is likely the greatest, largely unregulated source of lead knowingly discharged into the environment in the United States. In contrast, other significant sources of lead in the environment, such as leaded gasoline, lead-based paint, and lead-based solder, are recognized as harmful and have been significantly reduced or eliminated over the past 50 years. a) Lead-based ammunition production is the second largest annual use of lead in the United States, accounting for over 60,000 metric tons consumed in 2012, second only to the consumption of lead in the manufacture of storage batteries (USGS, 2013). b) The release of toxic lead into the environment via the discharge of lead-based ammunition is largely unregulated. Other major categories of lead consumption, such as leaded batteries and sheet lead/lead pipes, are regulated in their environmental discharge/disposal. 3) The discharge of lead-based ammunition and accumulation of spent lead-based ammunition in the environment poses significant health risks to humans and wildlife. The best available scientific evidence demonstrates: a) The discharge of lead-based ammunition substantially increases environmental lead levels, especially in areas of concentrated shooting activity (USEPA ISA for Lead draft report, 2012).

b) The discharge of lead-based ammunition is known to pose risks of elevated lead exposure to gun users (NRC, 2012). c) Lead-based bullets used to shoot wildlife can fragment into hundreds of small pieces, with a large proportion being sufficiently small to be easily ingested by scavenging animals or incorporated into processed meat for human consumption (Pauli and Burkirk, 2007; Hunt et al., 2009; Knott et al., 2010). d) Lead-based ammunition is a significant source of lead exposure in humans that ingest wild game (Hanning et al., 2003; Levesque et al., 2003; Johansen et al., 2006; Tsuji et al., 2008), and hunters consuming meat shot with lead-based ammunition have been shown to have lead pellets/fragments in their gastrointestinal tract (Carey, 1977; Reddy, 1985). e) Lead poisoning from ingestion of spent lead-based ammunition fragments poses a serious and significant threat to California wildlife. i. Spent lead-based ammunition is the principal source of lead exposure to the endangered California condor, and lead poisoning in condors is preventing their successful recovery in the wild (Church et al., 2006; Woods et al., 2007; Green et al., 2008; Parish et al., 2009; Rideout et al., 2012; Finkelstein et al., 2012). ii. Many other wild scavenging species, such as golden eagles, bald eagles, ravens, turkey vultures, and pumas are known to be exposed to and affected by lead (Wayland and Bollinger, 1999; Clark and Scheuhammer, 2003; Fisher et al., 2006; Craighead and Bedrosian, 2008; Stauber et al., 2010; Kelly and Johnson, 2011; Burco et al., 2012). Based on overwhelming evidence for the toxic effects of lead in humans and wildlife, even at very low exposure levels, convincing data that the discharge of lead-based ammunition into the environment poses significant risks of lead exposure to humans and wildlife, and the availability of non-lead alternative products for hunting (Thomas, 2013), we support reducing and eventually eliminating the introduction of lead into the environment from lead-based ammunition. Signed,

Continues next page

David C. Bellinger, PhD, MSc Professor Neurology and Environmental Health Harvard Medical School Harvard School of Public Health Boston, MA 02115 Asa Bradman, PhD, MS Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health (CERCH) School of Public Health University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA 94720 Joanna Burger, PhD Distinguished Professor of Biology 604 Allison Road Rutgers University Piscataway, NJ 08854 Tom J. Cade, PhD Professor Emeritus of Zoology Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 6484 Hollilynn Dr. Boise, ID 83709

Deborah A. Cory-Slechta, PhD Professor of Environmental Medicine and of Pediatrics University of Rochester School of Medicine Box EHSC Rochester, NY 14642 Daniel Doak, PhD Professor and Colorado Chair in Environmental Studies Environmental Studies Program University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO 80309 Myra Finkelstein, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology University of California Santa Cruz, CA 95064 A. Russell Flegal, PhD Professor Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences University of California, Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA 95064

Opossums and Antibiotics By Paula R. Arms Vice-president, National Opossum Society Clinical Microbiologist opossums5@yahoo.com

Wildlife rehabilitators are familiar with the exceptional challenges in rearing the Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana). From pinkies through release, they challenge us in ways many other species do not. Many opossum rehabbers have had disastrous results when trying to raise infant opossums. Conditions ranging from weight loss and failure to thrive, to the development of petechiae, swellings and bruises, loss of appetite, self and/or cagemate mutilation, lethargy and death are all too common in opossum infants in rehab. Bacteremia and resulting sepsis are the typical cause of these losses. An understanding of the uniqueness of marsupial biology is extremely helpful to us as we strive to give them the best care that we can. The Virginia Opossum is a marsupial, and has the shortest gestation period of any mammal, 12.5 days. This time is devoted to rudimentary development of the embryo. During the first nine days the embryo has no organs at all, and during the last 3 days of gestation, virtually all of the organs and features present at birth develop at an astonishing rate. The joeys are born with about the amount of development of a seven-week old human fetus, and continue their gestation in the marsupium, or pouch, for up to 12 weeks. At birth, marsupials have an undeveloped immune system, and are not able to mount an immune response to infectious challenges. Many mysteries remain in the understanding of marsupial immunology, but much has been published regarding the many unique aspects of their ability to survive in their natural world. While most of the research has been done in Australian marsupials, there is no reason to think that the work cannot be translated to our North American marsupial. In 2001, an article was published regarding koalas, proposing that marsupials could regulate the microbial population in the pouch, resulting in one avenue of protecting the young. Later, researchers identified β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, hornerin and dermcidin as antimicrobial substances in pouch secretions. Other research has investigated the mother’s saliva in this role as she paves the way to the pouch before birth of the young. Protective substances are apparent in maternal milk, and an article in 2012 identified immunoglobulins, lysozyme, transferrin and immune cells in milk as mechanisms by which marsupials gain immunity. As the infants grow, peptides called cathelicidins become present in infant tissues, providing some innate immunity. So what do we, as rehabbers, have in our arsenal that might protect infant marsupials? We have no

Article continues on next page.

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Michael Fry, PhD Research Physiologist (retired) Department of Avian Sciences University of California, Davis Davis, CA 95616 Rhys E. Green, PhD Professor of Conservation Science University of Cambridge Department of Zoology Downing Street Cambridge CB2 3EJ United Kingdom Howard Hu, MD, MPH, ScD Director & Professor Dalla Lana School of Public Health University of Toronto Toronto, ON M5T 3M7 Canada David E. Jacobs, PhD, CIH Research Director, National Center for Healthy Housing Adjunct Associate Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health Washington DC 20016 Christine Johnson, DVM, PhD Associate Professor of Ecosystem Health and Epidemiology School of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Health Center University of California, Davis Davis, CA 95616 Terra Kelly, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACZM Wildlife Veterinarian and Epidemiologist School of Veterinary Medicine, Wildlife Health Center University of California, Davis Davis, CA 95616 Michael Kosnett, MD, MPH Associate Clinical Professor Division of Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology Department of Medicine, University Colorado School of Medicine Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health Aurora, CO 80045 Philip J. Landrigan, MD, MSc Dean for Global Health Ethel H. Wise Professor and Chairman Department of Preventive Medicine Professor of Pediatrics Director, Children's Environmental Health Center Mount Sinai School of Medicine New York, NY 10029 Bruce Lanphear, MD, MPH Clinician Scientist, Child & Family Research Institute BC Children's Hospital Professor Simon Fraser University Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1Canada Howard W. Mielke, PhD Professor Department of Pharmacology Tulane University School of Medicine Ian Newton, D.Sc, OBE, FRS, FRSE Emeritus Fellow, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Benson Lane, Crowmarsh Gifford Wallingford, Oxon OX10 8BB United Kingdom

Mark A. Pokras, DVM Associate Professor Wildlife Clinic & Center for Conservation Medicine Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine N. Grafton, MA 01536 Robert H. Poppenga, DVM, PhD, DABVT CAHFS Toxicology Laboratory School of Veterinary Medicine University of California West Health Sciences Drive Davis, CA 95616 Patrick T. Redig, DVM, PhD Professor of Avian Medicine & Surgery Founder & Director Emeritus of The Raptor Center University of Minnesota St. Paul, MN 55108 Bruce A. Rideout, DVM, PhD Wildlife Disease Laboratories Institute for Conservation Research San Diego Zoo Global PO Box 120551 San Diego, CA 92112 Robert W. Risebrough, PhD Research Ecologist (retired) University of California, Berkeley and Santa Cruz Executive Director, Bodega Bay Institute 2711 Piedmont Avenue Berkeley, CA 94705 Tony Scheuhammer, PhD Emeritus Scientist National Wildlife Research Centre Carleton University Ottawa, ON K1A 0H3 Canada Ellen Silbergeld, PhD Professor Department of Environmental Health Sciences Department of Epidemiology Department of Health Policy and Management Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, MD 21205 Donald R. Smith, PhD Professor Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology University of California Santa Cruz, CA 95064 Barbara Strupp, PhD Professor Division of Nutritional Sciences Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 Vernon G. Thomas, BA, MA (Oxon), MSc, PhD Professor Emeritus Department of Integrative Biology College of Biological Science University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1 Canada Robert Wright, MD, MPH Professor of Pediatrics Department of Preventive Medicine Mount Sinai School of Medicine New York, NY 10029

An extensive list of references is available if you send me an

email. nisseq@aol.com

Signed by, continued

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The following chart is taken from the National Opossum Society’s Orphan Care Handbook:

Other antibiotics can be used. Cefadroxil is very similar in its action and lack of side effects. Beta-lactam inhibitor combinations such as Clavamox ® and cephalexin both have a greater tendency to create gastrointestinal disturbances such as bacterial overgrowth and yeast infections. Enrofloxacin (Baytril® ) is not generally recommended in young animals due to articular cartilage damage in other species, but for specific recalcitrant disease treatment, it may still be indicated. Yeast (Candida sp.) can be problematic in the opossum, even when antibiotics are not in use. For this reason, Nystatin suspension is recommended as an adjunct to antibiotic treatment. The recommended dosage is 25,000 Units/pound or 55 Units/per gram of body weight. In practical application, this translates into about 0.1 ml of 100,000U/ml suspension for a 45 gram baby. It should be given after feeding so it is the last thing in the mouth, and not mixed with formula or anything else. Nystatin is not appreciably absorbed by the gut, but acts to kill and inhibit yeast growth in the entire gastrointestinal tract. For this reason, the volume given (within reason) is not in itself critical. Its action in the gut seems to reliably prevent yeast infections that can appear in other body systems, notably on the skin, and in the urinary tract. Perhaps one day we will be able to add immunoglobulins and mysterious protective peptides to our formula to better replicate marsupial milk, and strengthen infants’ immune systems. Researchers have actually synthesized cathelicidins in the laboratory, working with an ancient marsupial genome, in hopes of laying ground work for new antimicrobials for humans. But while we are holding our breath for miracles to come along to treat our wildlife, we do have antibiotics. This is a modern miracle when you think about it, and one we can all use to benefit the opossums in our care.

Level of

Antibiotic

Needed

Dose Per

Pound

Dose per Gram

of Body

Weight

Low End 5 mg / lb. .011 mg

Mid-Range 7.5 mg / lb. .017 mg

High Range 10 mg / lb. .022 mg

Severe Range 20 mg / lb. .044 mg

Opossums and Antibiotics, continued

cathelicidins, no dermicidin. We can certainly support the barrier function of the skin, by keeping a humid environment. Not only will this protect them from dehydration by slowing evaporative fluid loss, but will create an environment where the skin is encouraged to develop normally. We can even add favorable bacteria to the gut with yogurt and probiotic preparations. But the most important thing we can do is to administer antibiotic. The opossum coming into care is by definition traumatized, making him even more vulnerable to bacterial invasion. They have been dehydrated, chilled, had physical trauma, thrown in a dumpster, terrorized by pets; we have seen it all, haven’t we? All of these circumstances create an inherent challenge to the immunity that was developing in their young bodies. In nearly all cases, the process of being orphaned has created a break in their meager defenses. The National Opossum Society’s founder, Dr. Anita Henness, found that the addition of a simple antibiotic regimen early in captivity dramatically reduced incidences of illness and increased survival rates. Dr. Henness came to her recommendation after performing many post-mortem examinations of infants lost “for no apparent reason,” and finding overt signs of bacterial infection and septicemia. She thereafter included the antibiotic regimen in her own practice, and in recommendations to rehabilitators and veterinarians. Common sense tells us that not every infant death, even due to sepsis, will be prevented by administering antibiotic. So why shouldn’t we wait until we see symptoms, and then treat? Isn’t this overusing antibiotics or even creating resistant organisms? Because, in these rapidly growing, metabolically active neonates and juveniles, we do not get much of a chance to treat illness. As rehabilitators, we are all familiar with wildlife’s tendency to hide symptoms of illness for as long as they are able. Often, by the time we notice that the appetite may be a little off, or some other seemingly minor symptom, the illness is entrenched and any treatment we offer is ineffective. Antibiotic is one tool that we are entitled and obligated to use when necessary. By far, the biggest source of resistance in bacteria is the wide-spread use of antibiotic in food animals by agri-business, and yet the FDA supports a voluntary reduction of their use. Amoxicillin is usually the first choice of antibiotic because it is well tolerated and has a broad range of action. The circumstance of any particular orphan and his perceived body condition should be evaluated when choosing a dosing schedule and consultation with the veterinarian is encouraged. For infants that seem well, a dose of 7.5 mg/lb (1 mg for each 60 grams of bodyweight) once per day, for 7 days is generally recommended as a minimum. For infants more distressed or with frank injury, dosing may be adjusted upward to as much as 20mg/lb (.044 mg/gm), twice/day, and given as long as 4 weeks, or 2 weeks past healing.

A Review of Chepaitis, Barbara, Saving Eagle Mitch One Good Deed in a Wicked World: Albany, NY (SUNY Press), 2013; 129pp, $19.95

By Donald Jenner, PH.D.

Saving Eagle Mitch is a great story of people doing great things to rescue and rehabilitate a Steppe Eagle. The adventure started around April, 2010 and came to a happy ending in November that year. During that time, a dozen people or more, in a range of private and public positions, stretching half 'way around the world added rescuing a bird to what was, for all of them, a busy life.

The story in outline is pretty simple. An Afghan soldier out on the firing range (with live ammunition instead of the blanks he should have had) decided to take a potshot at an eagle passing overhead. He hit the bird in the wing; down came the bird.

A U. S. contractor, a former Army Ranger engaged mainly to train Afghan troups, learned of the incident, went to the range and found the bird wounded but alive. He took the bird in; he located an Army veterinarian who had training in zoo and wildlife medicine and who knew what birds need. Between the ex-Army Ranger, the itinerant Army vet and a Navy SEAL (primary, but one senses, not the only immediate caregivers), the eagle, now named “Mitch”, survived, but was never to fly again.

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Thanks to the National Wildlife Heath Center for sharing this information: All rehabilitators need to be aware that

Salmonella can be present and should use appropriate caution when dealing with reptiles.

Mitch's caregivers faced two problems: Caring for Mitch was one, and not insignificant. A diet of live chickens awas not adequate; caging problems were significant; all the usual problems birds in captivity can face came into play. The other problem was more intractable still: All Mitch's caregivers were eventually to return home, but there was no good place for Mitch to stay in Afghanistan.

The solution to these problems is the subject of the book. Mitch's caregivers hit the 'net, and that took them to www.birdparadise.org. They called Peter Dubacher, whose mission for two-thirds of his life has been caring for birds, and Peter began setting things in motion.

Early in the game (knowing Peter somewhat, I am pretty sure it was one of several calls, but among the first), Barbara Chepaitis's phone rang. She'd written an earlier book on Dubacher's Berkshire Bird Paradise, a realized idyll near Albany, in the western Berkshires, just spitting distance from the Vermont border. Dr. Chepaitis is not only a serious writer (she makes money at it); she also teaches it — in Colorado (a long commute, since she lives in upstate New York). One has the sense that encountering Peter Dubacher has been for Barbara Chepaitis a kind of life-changing encounter — as it has been for others. [To understand this better, see Chepaitis, Barbara, Feathers of Hope: Pete Dubacher, the Berkshire Bird Paradise, and the Human Connection with Birds: Albany, NY (SUNY Press), 2010.]

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23 Snapping Turtles find Temporary Refuge at Teatown

On Thursday, May

16, Teatown Lake

Reservation, an 875-

acre nature preserve

in Westchester

County, took in 23

adult snapping

turtles seized by

DEC officers. Officers Timothy Machnica and Brent Wilson took the

snapping turtles from a Chinatown food market where the

owner had recently illegally purchased the wild collected

turtles. Some of the turtles were suffering from

dehydration and minor wounds from having been,

according to officers, kept in harsh conditions. The

officers transported all 23 turtles, ranging in size from 10

to 30lbs, to Teatown and transferred their care to Teatown

Animal Care staffers and NYS licensed wildlife

rehabilitators Erin Baker and Lisa Kelly. New York State Law protects all NY native species of

turtles, including the Common Snapping Turtle, from

being taken from the wild, sold, or possessed without a

proper state permit. These particular turtles, suspected of

having been locally harvested, have been given a second

chance to be brought back to health and released when

appropriate. “The smallest of the group are the size of a dinner plate,

and about 1/3 of them are easily the size of a

Thanksgiving turkey platter. As wildlife rehabilitators, it

is our job not just to ensure the individual animals’ health,

but to also consider any impacts to the wild population if

released. Once deemed healthy, we will evaluate proper

release sites for these sizable turtles, so as not to

overpopulate any one particular pond. It will be a large

number of road trips throughout the region undoubtedly,”

said Ms. Baker. While not part of their regular animal care duties at

Teatown, Wildlife Rehabilitators Erin Baker and Lisa

Kelly are licensed volunteers by the NYSDEC and use

their own time and funds to help injured and sick wildlife,

specializing in the care of native reptiles. For information

on how you can become a volunteer licensed wildlife

rehabilitator visit www.nyswrc.org. “Most species of turtles worldwide are in a state of

decline due to overharvesting and habitat loss, and I am

glad that our DEC enforces the law to protect all native

turtles. While considered common, and intimidating by

some, these large prehistoric snappers are quite docile in

their ponds where they help provide a proper balance to

our ecosystems. And, they are, after all, our New York

state reptile,” said Ms. Baker.

As it turns out, saving Eagle Mitch entailed convincing the Fish & Wildlife Service that this was a Steppe Eagle, not a Golden Eagle, and therefore not subject to the absolute ban on birds from Asia entering the country. It engaged the services of Senator Charles Schumer's office, the Department of State and the White House. Ordinary folks stepped up — a wildlife liaison in Kabul helped clear the way with Afghani officials, who expedited exit paperwork. U. S. contractors sent to kill rodents started using live-capture traps, so rats could be turned into “ratsicles”, thus improving Mitch's diet. The army veterinarian drafted resources from all sorts of places to put together a test to show that Mitch was free of the avian flu virus. Pilots N Paws were in place to take Mitch from his first landing in Virginia to his USDA quarantine in Newburgh.

Finally, in November, after seven months of unremitting effort by so many people, one bird found his way to a new home in Petersburgh. Interestingly, he even found new friends — other eagles who are among the uncountable number of birds of all species, from everywhere, who have found a “forever home” at Berkshire Bird Paradise.

The story is great. The subtexts are more interesting. There is the obvious tale of bringing the team together. A lot of people spent a lot of time telling Barbara Chepaitis that what she wanted to accomplish could not be done. But a core simply refused to accept this — Mitch's immediate caregivers, the Army vets who managed to find time to give care outside their normal and very packed schedule, Senator Schumer and his staff, the constituent liaison in the White House and several others simply said this must happen. Somehow, at each step, the we-can't-do-it folks were avoided, and the here's-how-we-do-it people stepped up to the plate.

There is a less obvious element that seems to me still more important to the wildlife rehabilitation community. We are not alone.

We all know — are sometimes guilty ourselves — of a certain arrogance. I have encountered one avian rehabilitator here who not only regards those not licensed as wickely incompetent, but regularly, and quite offensively, takes the view that no rehabilitator other than she has an inkling of knowledge or ability.

Saving Eagle Mitch makes clear what should be obvious: The impetus to do right by our fellow creatures is not limited to saints or wildlife rehabilitators. The right modality is not better understood by civil ministeriales than by ordinary people thinking clearly and using the significant range of information tools that are the hallmark of late- and post-Modern society.

Most especially, Saving Eagle Mitch is about people working together. One person does not save a critter; there are always more involved.

Saving Eagle Mitch , continued

Page 8

Vocalizations in Chelonians: A Brief Literature

Review

By Petra Link

Member of Messinger Woods Wildlife Care and

Education Center

Are Turtles truly silent creatures with poor auditory

capability?

Reptiles, and turtles in particular, have been

considered strictly non-verbal and silent creatures. But in

reality, reptiles are anything but silent! For example,

leopard geckos (Eublepharus macularius) are known to

produce a piercing and scary scream when annoyed,

threatened, and/or in pain. [1] Some crocodilians were

shown to communicate with their offspring, while still in

the egg, and during and after hatching occurred [2].

These vocalizations and communications in crocodilians

are thought to produce synchronized hatching of their

young. Mother crocodile may indicate that she will

uncover the nest soon, and in order to have all her young

hatch just at the right time, will give verbal signals and

listen to her brood’s readiness [2].

Even though chelonians are considered the least

vocal group of reptiles, several publications have shown

that turtles are capable of producing sounds. However,

the meaning of each sound and their implications

frequently remain unclear. There are several categories

of chelonian vocalizations which can be grouped into:

1. Mating and courtship related sounds in tortoises

2. Sounds of unknown implications produced at times

other than mating in adults 3. Sounds produced by

hatchlings, and 4. Sounds produced by adults and

hatchlings that facilitate prenatal care. Yes… prenatal

care!

Mating vocalizations in tortoises

A simple search on google.com or youtube.com

will yield a plethora of examples and videos of mating

tortoises. Here, the male produces species-specific moans

and/or grunts while actively engaging in courtship and

mating behavior. There is also a collection of courting

sounds of several species of male tortoises documented

by the California Turtle and Tortoise Club, including the

purr-like chirping of the Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo

Kleimanni), the grunting of the African Spurred Tortoise

(Geochelone sulcata), and mellower groans produced by

the Yellow-footed Tortoise (Geochelone denticulata).

The mating sound of the Chaco Tortoise (Chelonoidis

petersi) sounds like the faint ‘honk’ of a goose [3]; male

Red-footed Tortoises (Geochelona carbonaria) expel a

series of chicken-like clucks during courtship and mating

[4]. And courting Wood Turtles (Glyptemys insculpta)

produce faint whistles that are barely audible to the

naked ear [7].

These sounds may express extreme excitement in

the males, attract females during courtship, or cause the

female to retract her head and protrude her cloacael

region during copulation [6].

Vocalizations of unknown implications

Several scientific publications document a variety

of sounds produced by chelonians that cannot be

connected to mating behavior. For example, the

Travancore tortoise (Geochelone travancorica) is the only

chelonian species known to engage in chorus calls.

Several individuals have been observed to vocalize

together during nocturnal rains reminding listeners of a

frog chorus [4]. Sadly, the ecological significance of this

nocturnal concert remains unknown.

Even marine turtles are vocal: Adult Leatherback

turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are capable of producing

several sound types under water: “wails, groans, roars and

bellows” [5]. Nesting females of this species produce

various loud sounds during nesting and grunts when

camouflaging the nest [8].

Furthermore, a study in 2005 examined vocalizations in

Chelodina oblonga, the narrow-breasted snake-necked

turtle. These amazing turtles are capable of vocalizing in

17 different ways! [8].They live in turbid water with low

visibility, and it is possible that vocalizations serve as an

important intra-species communication tool [8].

Hatchling vocalizations

The hatchlings of the Big-headed turtle

(Platysternon megacephalum) are capable of squealing

[2]. This is thought to be only physiologically possible in

hatchlings smaller than 3 inches in carapace length, as at

this size the animals lack the species’ characteristic of a

large jaw which would make vocalizations difficult.

Also, small specimens possess a bright reddish color,

which together with the squealing sound may serve to

ward off predators. Similar to adults, hatchling Red-

footed Tortoises (Geochelone carbonaria) have been

documented to produce a single chicken-like “cluck” or

“chirp” sounds while head-bobbing [4]. When these

sounds were presented to a foraging hatchling, it was

answered with an immediate head-bob and chirping [4]. Vocalizations between adults and hatchlings, and

evidence of chelonian parental care

A very recent publication focused on

Podocnemis expansa—the so-called Arrau River turtle, or

Giant South American turtle. This large aqualtic turtle

inhabits the Amazon River. Females of this species not

only produced sounds while basking, nesting and

swimming in the river, but also were quite vocal when

approaching hatchlings, and they also responded to the

sounds of their hatchings. Mom and kids were found to

converse! In total, a breathtaking 2,122 sounds of 11

types were recorded during this study [2].

Article continues on next page.

Page 9

Vocalizations in Chelonians, continued

The most interesting aspect of the vocal activities of this

species is that their verbal expressions are used to

facilitate communication and physical interaction between

mother turtles and their young after hatching [2]. In an

experiment, captive hatched young were equipped with

radiotransmitters and were released. These hatchlings

began to produce sounds, and soon after their release,

several adult females were found to ‘respond’ verbally,

and to also approach these hatchlings [2]. Several other

hatchlings released were later found to live in groups with

adults, while heavily conversing. This aspect is intriguing

as until now turtles were considered to be ‘bad mothers’,

who left their eggs and later hatched young to fend for

themselves.

In summary, the common notion of turtles being

silent animals, lacking the capability of vocal

communication, needs to be re-evaluated. In addition, the

example cited above may indicate that female turtles

indeed perform some type of interaction with, and

parental care of, their hatched young; this could have

important implications in hatchling care and release

during rehabilitation efforts. To date, it remains unclear

whether the demonstrated examples of postnatal care are

isolated and species specific events, or whether all types

of chelonians exhibit this trait. Clearly more research is

required.

References:

1. Internet: http://youtu.be/WWrzFf0dP6k

2. Ferrara, C.R., Vogt, R.C. (2012) Turtle Vocalizations

as the first evidence of post hatchling parental care in

chelonians. Journal of Comparative Psychology. advanced

publication online

3. Internet: http://www.tortoise.org/tortcall.html

4. Campbell, H.W, Evans, W.E. (1972). Observations on

the vocal behavior of chelonians. Herpetologica, Vol. 28,

No.3 (Sept. 1972), pp.277-280

5. Mrosovsky, N. (1972). Spectrographs of the sounds of

leatherback turtles.

Herpetologica, Vol. 28, No. 3 (Sept. 1972), pp. 256-258

6. Gans, C., Maderson, P.F.A. (1973). Sound Producing

Mechanisms in recent reptiles: review and comment.

Amer. Zool., 13:1195-1203

7. Internet: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/nhesp/

species_info/nhfacts/

glyptemys_insculpta.pdf

8. Giles, J.C. et al. (2009). Voice of the turtle: the

underwater acoustic

repertoire of the long-

necked freshwater turtle,

Chelodina oblongata.

J Acoust Soc Am. 126

(1):434-43

TECHNOLOGY – Use It To Your Advantage By Ginnie Frati All these advances in technology! The speed of advancing technology these past 10 years has been nothing short of scary. Just 10 brief years ago, I didn’t have a laptop - just a clunky old computer with a giant monitor on my desk. I didn’t have e-mail. I basically just used the computer for word processing and data spreadsheets (not to mention all the fun games as well). I didn’t have a cell phone let alone one of these new-fangled smart phones. I couldn’t figure out why anyone would want a cellphone with a camera in it. Fast forward to the present. I can’t live without my smart phone. And no, not because of games and Facebook, although these pastimes have admittedly become quite pleasurable to me. More, because it helps me screen wildlife calls more efficiently. How many times have baby penguins turned out to be dovekies? Or swans turned out to be egrets? Tell them to simply e-mail or text you a picture! What about the times that people finding baby animals insist they saw a dead mother? “Could you please e-mail or text me a picture of the dead mother?” Chances are, if they did see a dead animal, it was half a mile away. The following are some real-time scenarios where technology has been my friend. A person called to report that there was a dead deer with a tiny fawn lying right next to it. The call came in in March which made me suspicious of the tiny fawn part. “Could you please e-mail or text me a picture?” The ensuing photo did depict a dead deer but the tiny fawn lying next to it turned out to be a juvenile from the previous year, almost as large as the dead deer, lying comfortably about 50 feet away. “No, I’m sure that “fawn” doesn’t need help…..” How about the people that tell you they think an animal is still alive but you find it’s been dead for a very long time? They really just wanted you to remove the animal. An immediate photo of the animal texted or e-mailed sure comes in handy. A person called to report a baby Great Horned Owl on the ground. They had called another facility who told them to put it back in the branch of a tree. He was calling me to make sure that was the right advice. Sounds like pretty good advice, right? Well the photo he texted me depicted an adult Eastern Screech Owl which he was able to pick right up and was indeed badly injured. The caller found a nest of baby rabbits with pieces of the dead mother rabbit all over it; specifically “bone, tissue, and fur.” Something didn’t sound right. Why would the predator that killed the mother, not take the babies too? Well the photo I asked her to send me just showed the nest of bunnies with all the mother’s beautiful fur lining the nest. When I told her that and asked about the “bone and tissue,” she changed the subject but was relieved and agreed that the bunnies were fine.

Page 10

INFORMATION SHEET CHLORDANE

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

Wildlife Health Unit

Chlordane is an organochlorine insecticide composed of a variety of chemically-related compounds: principally

alpha and gamma chlordane, heptachlor, and transnonachlor. Manufactured by the Velsicol Chemical Corporation,

chlordane was used in the United States for about 40 years for a variety of uses, particularly as a soil treatment. In

residential settings, chlordane was used extensively to control beetle larvae (grubs) and ants on turf, and for termite

protection around building foundations. Substantial quantities were once used in agriculture, most notably for the

control of corn rootworm in the Midwest. Together with the chemically-related insecticides heptachlor, dieldrin and

endrin, sale of chlordane for most non-termiticide uses were banned nationwide in 1975. All remaining uses were

finally banned in 1987. The impetus for the initial restriction was principally the result of concern about possible

carcinogenic effects based on experimental studies with laboratory animals.

Chlordane is very persistent in undisturbed soil, with a half life of up to several years. Soil dwelling invertebrates

such as earthworms and beetle larvae become contaminated with chlordane by external contact with, and ingestion of,

soil. In many areas where chlordane was used extensively, chlordane resistant strains of beetles have evolved. Birds

and other animals which consume these soil dwelling invertebrates may accumulate hazardous levels of chlordane

metabolites in their tissues. Hawks, owls and other predators in turn accumulated chlordane metabolites by

consuming the invertebrate eaters. Lethal intoxication is caused by feeding on contaminated prey over an extended

period. Intoxication may also be triggered when fat reserves, where organochlorine residues are concentrated, are

utilized during periods of increased energy expenditure such as migration or brood rearing.

Intoxicated birds occasionally exhibit convulsive behaviors, especially when disturbed. Treatment is very difficult

and based on combating convulsions, and maintaining the bird on a high calorie diet in order to dilute and reduce the

organochlorine burden. Post-mortem diagnosis is confirmed by determination of the levels of oxychlordane

(metabolic of alpha and gamma chlordane and transnonachlor), and heptachlor epoxide (metabolite of heptachlor) in

the brain. Our experience has been that poisoning is possible whenever the sum of these two metabolites exceeds 4

parts per million (wet weight). Dieldrin, another cyclodiene organochlorine once used for many of the same purposes

as chlordane, may add to the effects of the chlordane metabolites or vice versa.

In New York, poisoning of birds with chlordane is most likely on Long Island, in parts of Westchester and

Rockland counties, in some suburbs of the larger upstate cities, and around some golf courses. Species most likely to

be poisoned include robins, blue jays, starlings, grackles, and raptors such as great horned owls, screech owls,

Cooper’s hawks, red-tailed hawks, and American kestrels. Although it has been more than three decades since most

applications to turf ended, chlordane-related avian mortality still occurs, and will continue until the soil residues at

the most contaminated sites are sufficiently diminished. Revised 12/5/11 JCO

Rehab Tip: By Lainie Angel It is important that we don't use liquid Calcium Gluconate 23% in formulas. It contains boric acid as a solubilizer which is irritating to the GI tract and will cause diarrhea. It is an injectable form of calcium used mostly in livestock, and while some injectables can be administered orally, this one can not. I have discussed this with Dr. Brian Landenberger and he verified my concerns.

The alternative pediatric product, Calcium Glubionate, is available in a syrup form and while it is certainly palatable and recommended by NOS, it does contain sugars which could promote bacterial growth, so Dr. Landenberger suggests we don't use it. The pure calcium (no added vitamins) of choice for opossum formula is in powder form - several of us use JurassiCal, a reptile product available in pet stores. Pure calcium tablets are hard to find, but could also be used in formula.

Our NYSWRC Mission NYSWRC, Inc. is a not for profit membership

organization dedicated to the education of wildlife rehabilitators, improvement of the field of wildlife rehabilitation, and the protection and preservation

of the environment.

Page 11

Editor’s Note: The following letter is available to our members for your use. Zoning laws are becoming more stringent and rehabilitators are finding it more difficult to establish and maintain “back yard” facilities. Be sure to check your local regulations before building any permanent facilities.

Wildlife rehabilitators may face challenges to their services for wildlife in need by local zoning laws in their community of residence. NYSWRC would like to offer supportive information concerning wildlife rehabilitation and what it offers a community, the public at large, and wildlife in need. Wildlife rehabilitators may refer local governments to NYSWRC for additional information.

The New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council is a nonprofit organization offering education and information for wildlife rehabilitators, those interested in becoming licensed, and to the public about wildlife rehabilitation. NYSWRC's role in wildlife rehabilitation includes:

works with regulatory agencies, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service, to insure that wildlife rehabilitation in New York maintains a high standard

hosts an annual conference for rehabilitators featuring recognized wildlife experts, including biologists, veterinarians, naturalists, and experienced rehabilitators

offers continuing education credits for licensed veterinarians and veterinary technicians publishes a quarterly newsletter, Release, to inform members of current information in our field

Wildlife rehabilitators offer temporary care of injured, orphaned, diseased, and displaced native wildlife. Our goal is to return a healthy animal back to its natural environment. In New York, the majority of wildlife rehabilitators is home-based rather than work at centralized shelters. In accordance with New York State Education Law, wildlife rehabilitators are prohibited from charging fees, though we are not prohibited from accepting donations. Home-based rehabilitators, though often volunteers, hold themselves to a professional standard in the services they provide to the public seeking help and in the care they provide for wildlife. Wildlife rehabilitators are a valuable resource in their local communities by:

providing a service to the public seeking aid for wildlife are a resource for local governments based on citizen demand for a response to wildlife situations offering advice about wildlife perceived as causing problems are licensed and permitted by the NYSDEC and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to legally possess native

wildlife for temporary care keeping wildlife out of the hands of the unqualified and often uninformed public are informed about potential disease concerns returning healthy native wild animals back into their natural habitats supporting an ethic of co-existence with native wildlife

Wildlife rehabilitators, who conduct themselves in a professional manner, follow license and permit conditions, and in general act as good neighbors are a welcome addition in their communities. The public seeks their help and advice. With the multitude of threats facing native wildlife in today's world, they are but one way for humans to make right all the things that go wrong for wildlife trying to survive the impacts of humanity. For more information visit: www.NYSWRC.org

NYSWRC Board of Directors Annual Meeting and Elections: The following Directors have agreed to continue their service to NYSWRC. They will be seeking re-election at the Annual Meeting: Amy Freiman, Barb Hollands, Kelly Martin, Terri Murphy, and Matt Zymanek

Nominations will also be accepted from the floor.

To serve on the NYSWRC Board of Directors, you must have been a current NYSWRC member for at least one year, be a resident of the state of NY, be at least 18 years old, and be willing to serve for a term of 3 years. No board member shall receive compensation for services as a director.

Voting will take place at the Annual Meeting at BYBLOS Niagara Resort & Spa on Oct. 26, 2013. You must be a member to vote. Proxy voting is available upon request. Email your request to: Nisseq@aol.com

NYSWRC-Release

P.O. Box 62

Newcomb, NY 12852

NEW YORK STATE WILDLIFE REHABILITATION COUNCIL, INC.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

_____NEW _____RENEWAL

Complete all information below and make checks payable to: NYS Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Inc. Please print clearly.

____GENERAL: $25.00 ____HOUSEHOLD: $40.00 ____ORGANIZATION: $50.00

NAME(S): _______________________________________________________________________________

AFFILIATION: __________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP: _______________________________________________________________________

PHONE home: (___)___________ work: (___)____________ e-mail: _____________________________

Species handled: __________________________________________________________________________

Knowledge and skills willing to share: ________________________________________________________

Return form to: Jean Alden, NYSWRC Membership, 1850 N. Forest Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221

NYSWRC MEMBERS

Please check the address label on this issue of RELEASE to determine your current membership type. Your membership in the New York

State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (NYSWRC) expires on this date. To guarantee uninterrupted membership services please utilize the

application below to renew your membership. We encourage you to share your issue of RELEASE with new rehabilitators and other

interested persons. RELEASE is the quarterly newsletter of the New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Inc. and is included with membership.

Papers, photographs, illustrations and materials relating to wildlife rehabilitation are welcomed and encouraged. Please send

materials to: RELEASE, PO Box 62, Newcomb, NY 12852, Attention: Editor. All materials are copyrighted, For permission to reprint portions, contact Editor.

Reminder: Licenses expire annually on December 31 and must be renewed. To renew, you must submit the Log and Tally forms. Even if you did not rehabilitate any wildlife during the year, a Tally form must still be submitted.