An Alternative For Wildlife In Crisis

To the Editor:

I was saddened, as I’m sure many were, to read last week’s letter to the editor entitled “Death On The Roadside.” I admire Ms Wierczorek for having had the compassion to stay with the injured fawn, as heartbreaking as that must have been for her. She states that a passerby made calls on the fawn’s behalf, presumably to the fire and police departments. She goes on to say that, when asked, the police officer told her that there was no available agency that would take in a wounded deer. While I am not aware of any “agency” that would have taken the deer, I would like to inform people that there is, in fact, a wildlife rehabilitation center in our area. It is Wildlife In Crisis (WIC) and is located in Weston. I work as a volunteer there and can tell you that as of last week, there were eight fawns successfully rehabilitating at the facility. Many were orphaned, but I know of at least one fawn that is recovering from internal injuries sustained as a result of a car accident.

Since I was not there and do not know the extent of this fawn’s injuries, I cannot say for sure whether or not it could have been saved, but a phone call to WIC might have provided an alternative to shooting the fawn.

For anyone who might find themselves in a similar situation with a deer or any other wildlife, WIC’s phone number is 203-544-9913. They also have a very informative website at www.wildlifeincrisis.org 

Janice Paik

15 Overlook Drive, Newtown                                 September 12, 2005