Critter Care Prepares for Annual Influx of Orphaned Wildlife

Langley’s Critter Care Wildlife Society is gearing up for its annual “baby season,” a period when the shelter sees a significant increase in orphaned and injured young animals. While the peak is still ahead, preparations are underway to accommodate the expected surge in wildlife needing care.

What to Expect During Baby Season

According to Rod Janz, a spokesperson for Critter Care, the organization typically receives around 1,000 orphaned or injured young animals during the spring and summer baby season. This includes approximately 350 raccoons, over 100 skunks, 200 squirrels, and around 200 rabbits. The centre as well anticipates receiving bears, coyotes, and fawns requiring assistance.

The primary “baby season” generally runs from April through August, though this can vary by species. Rabbits often commence breeding as early as February or March and can continue through the fall, with a short gestation period of about a month and the ability to develop into pregnant again soon after giving birth [Critter Care Wildlife Society].

Squirrels typically have two litters per year, the first between March and April, and another in July or August, with each litter containing between two and seven kits [Critter Care Wildlife Society].

How You Can Help

To prepare for the influx of animals, Critter Care is requesting donations of specific supplies, including:

• Sterile .5 and 1 inch needles (21 – 27G)
• Small and medium fleece blankets
• Plain rice cereal
• Bleach
• Toilet paper
• Gerber puffs
• Raw almonds/walnuts
• 5oz/150mL Gerber baby bottles
• Disposable gloves (all sizes)

The society currently has sufficient supplies of towels, sheets, and stuffed animals and asks that potential donors call ahead before dropping off these items to ensure adequate storage space [Critter Care Wildlife Society].

Donations can also be made through Critter Care’s Amazon wish list. The centre is open for donation drop-offs from 9 a.m. To 4:30 p.m. Every day, with an after-hours donation table available outside the main gate.

Critter Care’s Mission

Critter Care Wildlife Society is dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing wild animals back into their natural environment. Animals that are too severely injured or habituated to humans to survive independently remain at the shelter under the care of staff and volunteers [Langley Advance Times]. The organization relies on community support to fulfill its mission [LinkedIn].