Winter wellness

A wildlife institute in New Brunswick has been busy preparing its facility so it can provide comfort to animals during colder months.

W inter presents challenges for everyone and the 120acre Atlantic Wildlife Institute outside of Sackville, N.B., is no exception.

Pam Novak, Director of Wildlife Care and co-founder of the facility, is proud of the facility and the work they do.

The not-for-profit wildlife rehabilitation facility has been operating for 22 years and is the only licensed one of its kind in New Brunswick.

“There is a lot that we have to handle during the winter months,” says Novak.

“Winter, in itself, especially if we have had a bad snow cover year, has its challenges.”

She points to a small tractor that they keep running but it can only do so much if there is a lot of snow.

Duties include ensuring there is enough bedding, keeping water from freezing in the buildings and keeping the units clear of snow and ice. Being in a remote area, poses its problems.

The institute will house more than 100 animals over the winter. Squirrels, birds, a bobcat, a skunk and bears are among them. Some arrive in the fall and may not be rehabilitated and ready to release so it’s necessary to keep them over the winter.

“If everybody can go back where they came from and into their appropriate habitat, that’s the best thing,” says Novak.

Some, however, can’t and are permanent residents at the facility. They are often used as surrogates when orphans arrive.

Since the operation is non-forprofit, three people take on many different roles. Executive director Barry Rothfuss is building an extension on one of the structures for additional space to house animals.

They have received support from local businesses to help with projects and Novak is thankful for the assistance.

Their newest addition to the team is wildlife rehabilitator Barbara Brush. She was recently sent out on a wild goose chase – to find a goose that a local resident was concerned about.

What keeps Novak going is what she learns from helping animals.

“From what I do for them I probably get more in return,” she says.

A great horned owl is one of the many animals that will be spending the winter recuperating at the Atlantic Wildlife Institute outside of Sackville N.B.

Wildlife rehabilitater Barbara Brush who recently joined the team from San Diego, CA., spreads bails of hay around the Woodchuck pen so they can prepare for winter hibernation.

Gus, the porcupine, a non-releasable resident of the institute, enjoys some snacks recently.

Novak checks on the bear enclosures as the institute prepares for the coming winter.

Atlantic Wildlife Institute’s Pam Novak feeds a recuperating American Kestrel with an eye injury recently.

Executive Director Barry Rothfuss takes on the roll of carpenter to help build extra shelter space for animals the institute will shelter for the winter.

A juvenile bald eagle, a resident of the institute, squawks at passersby.