COMMUNITY SPCA of Diamondhead: Plenty of Wildlife

228 861 2287

Spcaofdiamondhead@gmail.com

by Toni GrEy

Diamondhead is full of caring people concerned about wildlife, particularly injured or baby animals seeming to be abandoned.

The S.P.C.A. of Diamondhead receives dozens of these calls. Knowing who to contact for help can be a dilemma. We would like to share a list of South Mississippi groups who rescue and rehabilitate wildlife, what their specialties are and how to contact them.

Keep in mind that not every animal found needs rescue. A very helpful website that provides guidance about when and how to determine the need for rescue is Gulf Coast Wildlife Rehab...228-238-5505. Open 7 days – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 5500 Richmond St., Ocean Springs, MS. They have a Federal “Unlimited License” and can handle migratory birds, birds of prey and federally protected wildlife. Another excellent website is Woodside Wildlife Rescue, Pass Christian, MS. 228-223-0430. Paula Woodside has rescued many sick raccoons from Diamondhead and all along the Gulf Coast. In addition to raccoons, Woodside Wildlife rescues birds, rabbits, foxes, opossums and more.

Wild at Heart Rescue Open 24 hours 228-669-7907 or 228 236-7990. They respond to calls for a wide range of wildlife including opossums, squirrels, other small mammals, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, eagles, turtles, owls and songbirds.

Wildlife Care and Rescue Center 228-669-2737 Open 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday –Friday. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sat. -Sun. Federal “Unlimited” License.

They can handle migratory birds, birds of prey and federally protected wildlife.

It is common to see a baby wild animal outside during Spring, and they may seem like they need our help, but unless the animal is truly orphaned or injured, there is no need to rescue them. Some signs that a wild animal needs your help:

• The animal is brought to you by a cat or dog.

• There’s evidence of bleeding

• The animal has an apparent or obvious broken limb

• A bird is featherless or nearly featherless and, on the ground

• The animal is shivering

• There’s a dead parent nearby

• The animal is crying and wandering all day long

If you see any of these signs, call one of the legitimate wildlife rescue groups licensed by the Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks listed here.

Remember that wildlife rescue depends upon volunteers, as well as the goodwill of the Community. Consider donating or volunteering to further their important work.

Because fawns are left alone by their mothers most of the day, they are often mistaken for orphans.