around the JerSey Shore

Renee A. Thomaier

Retired New Jersey State Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

Typically, a wildlife rescue scenario is receiving a call, any hour - day or nightfrom a concerned person. If they’re lucky enough, they already know to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator (rehabber). They’re advised to transport the animal to the rehabber. There are times, however, when I performed the rescue myself as special skills are required. Don’t attempt rescue yourself before speaking with a licensed professional.

It was a warm summer afternoon when my phone rang. Like everyone else, wildlife rehabbers try to maintain a normal life and are often already caring for many animals. The woman on the phone explained there was a large bird who was having trouble flying. The bird was located at Mother Seton Regional High School in Clark, New Jersey. As I hung up the phone, so many things began running thru my mind. What kind of bird, was it a broken wing, a head injury, adult, or juvenile, and most importantly, where at the high school would I find this bird? The adrenaline starts pumping because you know the rescue could be dangerous for either the animal, for you, or both. Until you see the situation, planning the rescue cannot be done. I hopped in my car with my usual rescue supplies.

I arrived at the high school and was fortunate enough to quickly spot a red-tailed hawk, suffering from what appeared to be a broken wing, perched on the fence. Knowing that hawks have excellent eyesight, I positioned myself within a few feet of the bird, who continued to ‘watch me like a hawk.’ About five minutes passed, when he turned his head away from me. I quickly swung the net up, over and behind the bird, moving him to the ground, when I suddenly heard a woman on a motorcycle cheering. A sense of relief, I secured the hawk and transported him to the Raptor Trust for rehabilitation. Wildlife rescue begins with a concerned person making the effort to get the animal help. Without rescue, the odds of survival are very low.

To reach me please call 732-244-2768.

It is illegal to possess or relocate wildlife for any reason without the proper state and/or federal permits. Violating New Jersey laws protecting wildlife, which include harm inflicted upon an animal, are subject to punishment.

A Little Extra Protection

Our bodies are created with many different means of protecting our eyes from everyday harm. Lenses, eyelids, lashes, and tears are all very efficient at their jobs. However, those who spend a great deal of time in environments with large amounts of intense sunlight, sand, dust, and wind may find their bodies taking more extreme measures to keep their sight safe. Pterygia are growths, often triangular in shape, that originate when eyes require more protection. In most cases, growths can be stopped by limiting eyes’ exposure to irritants. Generally, pterygia are not dangerous, but in rare cases they can continue to grow across the eye, blocking sight or alter the shape of the cornea.

For minor cases, treatment usually involves eye drops or ointment to treat inflammation. Thick or larger pterygium can make it feel like you have a foreign object in your eye. You may not be able to continue wearing contacts when you have a pterygium due to discomfort. To schedule an eye exam, please call SIGHTMD NEW JERSEY SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES at 732-349-5622. We offer evening hours most nights of the week.

P.S. Those who are more likely to develop pterygia, such as surfers, farmers, and welders, can reduce their risk by consistently wearing proper eye protection.