Las Vegas Review-Journal (Sunday)
Animal house: Utah woman a tireless protector of fauna
MAPLETON, Utah — At first glance, Patti Richards’ home blends in with those of her Mapleton neighbors — until you step into the backyard.
Chirps and shrieks can be heard from the enclosures, where a talking crow named Earl and a baby owl are stretching and eating.
Richards is celebrating 15 years rehabilitating wildlife at her home in northern Utah, the Daily Herald of Provo reported. She rescues more than 100 birds each year, including falcons, eagles and hawks.
The idea for the Great Basin Wildlife Rescue stemmed from her passion for birds and bears, she said. In addition to birds of prey, Richards and her team have rehabilitated bears, bobcats and foxes.
Now the team focuses on treating birds of prey and corvids such as ravens, crows and magpies.
The corvids are her favorite, Richards told the Daily Herald, because they’re so smart.
She said the majority of the birds are released back into their natural habitat once they’ve recovered from their injury or illness.
Federal law prevents the rescue operation from keeping the animals for longer than six months. At that point, Richards said, members have to decide whether to release the animal, euthanize it or find it a more permanent home. The group has relocated birds all over the country.
The Great Basin Wildlife Rescue is also home to several education birds, which work at schools, memorials and fundraisers.
A barn owl named Adele came to the group to take over for Moonshine, an old male barn owl who started to fall asleep during educational programs, said Brittany Bugg, who volunteers with the program.
Richards said the team has received a lot of community support, which has helped it continue to thrive. Boy Scouts helped build many of the enclosures. In return, rescue volunteers will bring eagles to Eagle Court of Honor ceremonies celebrating the completion of Scouting’s highest rank.