Raven Ridge Wildlife Center

Raven Ridge Wildlife Center We are a non-profit wildlife rehabilitation center (EIN # 47-2143893) located in Washington Boro, PA. of information on non-profit organizations.
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We specialize in rehabilitating injured birds of prey and rabies vector species mammals in Lancaster and surrounding counties. Our Amazon Wish List:
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1NLCQ9ORTEIV5

Our goal is to give wildlife a second chance at life across this beautiful state. We are constantly expanding our facilities to offer the highest quality care to as many animals as possible. Once

our patients are fully healed, we release them into the wild again where they can live out the rest of their lives as part of a healthy and balanced ecosystem. Raven Ridge Wildlife Center has achieved the Platinum Seal of Transparency Rating on GuideStar, the world's largest source. View our GuideStar profile here:
https://www.guidestar.org/profile/47-2143893

Donations may be sent to P.O. Box 38, Washington Boro, PA 17582

Donate Via Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/ravenridgewildlifecenter

Order RRWC swag here! https://artisticimprints.3dcartstores.com/Raven-Ridge-Wildlife-Center_c_711.html

Thank you for your support!

We received a call from a concerned individual regarding a nestling bird found on the ground next to its deceased siblin...
06/03/2026

We received a call from a concerned individual regarding a nestling bird found on the ground next to its deceased sibling. She mentioned that her son loves visiting Kiwanis Lake to watch the birds, and after sports practice, they would often stop by the lake. When they spotted this little white bird on the ground, she immediately recognized it.

This bird is both federally protected and listed as a state-endangered species, she was worried about the potential consequences of her finding. To avoid any trouble, she promptly reached out to us for guidance.

Without intervention, this nestling would have likely died or fallen prey to a predator. We reassured her that she would not face any consequences and quickly transported the bird to our facility. This unusual-looking bird, with its striking green skin, is indeed a Great Egret. In Pennsylvania, the Great Egret is classified as a state-endangered species, with only two active nesting colonies statewide. Their continued survival relies on conservation efforts and strict monitoring.

Key Breeding Locations~

Wade Island: An isolated island on the Susquehanna River in Dauphin County, housing the largest breeding colony.

Kiwanis Lake: A highly accessible, urban nesting site located in York County.
Because they are highly sensitive to disturbances, these sites are closely monitored.

Why They Became Endangered~

The Great Egret's path to near-extinction was largely driven by human greed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The Plume Trade: During the breeding season, these birds grow beautiful, long, lacy feathers called "aigrettes." They were hunted by the thousands so these feathers could be used to decorate women's hats.

Egg Collecting: The popular, but destructive, hobby of egg collecting heavily contributed to the crash of their numbers.

Conservation Response: The massive slaughter outraged the public, which led to the founding of the National Audubon Society and the passing of critical federal protections like the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Saving the Great Egret in Pennsylvania requires protecting their vulnerable nesting colonies and maintaining clean waterways. Since these birds are highly sensitive to disturbances and rely on rich aquatic habitats, you can directly aid their recovery by safeguarding nesting islands, avoiding toxic lawn chemicals, and removing dangerous litter from local wetlands. Clean up all discarded fishing lines and use lead-free tackle. Fishing lines can easily entangle egrets, leading to starvation or drowning.

We received a call from our Game Warden informing us he was transporting to our facility two poults that a gentleman had...
06/01/2026

We received a call from our Game Warden informing us he was transporting to our facility two poults that a gentleman had found running alongside the road and assumed that their mother had been killed, possibly by a car. We will rehabilitate these two poults until they are old enough to be released. To help these high-stress poults feel more comfortable, our team creates a mother-like environment using a feather duster for them to hide in. We always strive to establish comforting habits for our patients to help them adjust to their stay in rehab.

Like most birds, turkeys have keen eyesight and hearing. Wild turkeys can see colors, and their vision is vastly superior to that of humans. They possess one of the most complex retinas of any vertebrate, allowing them to perceive a broader and richer spectrum of colors. Turkeys can cleverly hide, fly at speeds of 40 to 55 mph, and cover more than a mile while airborne. They can also swim with ease, but typically, they rely on their feet to escape danger. The strides of chased gobblers have been measured at 4 feet, and their maximum running speeds are estimated to be around 18 mph.

Tracks can vary somewhat based on the age of the bird; for example, a young tom may have shorter prints than an adult hen. However, any track larger than 4¼ inches—from the back of the heel pad to the tip of the middle toe—was likely made by a male.

Each evening, turkeys fly into trees to roost for the night. A flock of six to 40 birds may share the same tree or roost in adjacent trees, preferring the shelter of conifers during inclement weather. In the early morning, the birds glide to the ground, call to each other, and regroup for feeding.

Fawn season has arrived! White-tailed deer fawns are typically born between April and July, with the majority being born...
05/30/2026

Fawn season has arrived! White-tailed deer fawns are typically born between April and July, with the majority being born in June. First-time mothers usually give birth to one fawn, while twins or triplets are common in subsequent years.

To protect their young, mother deer leave their fawns hidden while they go off to feed. This behavior is not abandonment; instead, it helps reduce the risk of attracting predators. Fawns are often concealed in tall grass or shrubs but can also be found in open areas, including backyards.

As they grow, fawns may venture short distances from their hiding places, but they still rely heavily on their mothers. Mothers generally return at dawn and dusk to feed or move their young.

Well-meaning humans often mistakenly assume that a lone fawn is an orphan, leading to many cases of fawn "kidnapping" each year. In reality, most fawns are not orphaned—they are simply waiting patiently for their mother to return.

If you find a fawn, do you see any of the following?

* It is bleeding, has an open wound, or has a broken bone.
* It’s covered in fly eggs (look like small grains of rice).
* It’s cold or wet.
* It has diarrhea
* It’s crying nonstop for over 48 + hours
* It's lying on its side with legs away from its body.
* If you have seen NONE of the above scenarios, please leave the fawn alone.

Is the fawn in a dangerous location, such as near a busy road or in a backyard with dogs?

If the answer is YES, you can move the fawn a short distance to a safer area. When relocating a fawn, it’s common for it to try to follow you. To prevent this, position the fawn so it is facing away from the direction you plan to leave, so it cannot see you. Firmly tap the fawn twice on its head; this mimics the way a mother deer communicates to her fawn to stay put until she returns.

After tapping, quickly leave the area without lingering. The fawn may stand up and take a few steps to follow you, but keep walking, and it should lie back down. If possible, monitor the situation from a distance using binoculars.

Please refrain from interfering with the fawn until you have spoken with a wildlife center for guidance, as your good intentions may unintentionally harm or cause the death of the fawn.

***UPDATE*** We recently admitted a fascinating bird known as a Sora (Porzana carolina). Madison spotted this small bird...
05/29/2026

***UPDATE*** We recently admitted a fascinating bird known as a Sora (Porzana carolina). Madison spotted this small bird alongside the road and sensed that something was wrong. She pulled over, noticed that the bird's eyes appeared injured and unresponsive, and quickly wrapped it in her jacket before getting back into her car to call us for help.

Upon examination, we determined that the Sora had likely been hit by a car and had sustained head trauma. We provided treatment to reduce swelling and manage pain. A week later, we admitted another Sora that had flown into a window at one of our volunteers' homes. Fortunately, we were able to admit this bird right away.

We are pleased to share that both Soras were released at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. We want to thank the team at Middle Creek, including Laura, the Wildlife Management Area Manager, and Payton, the Environmental Education Specialist, for helping transport our precious cargo and our volunteer, Jennifer, to the perfect spot for the release.

In terms of habitat, Soras prefer shallow marshes and wet meadows. They are highly secretive birds, often more easily heard than seen, known for their "explosive, descending musical whinny." Sightings are possible, particularly in the early morning or late evening when they forage at the edges of marshes. While they are not uncommon, they can be difficult to spot. Both birds did not linger for long, but we managed to take a photo of one that perched in a tree before flying off. We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to rehabilitate and learn about the Sora.

05/28/2026

Morning feedings at the center can be quite hectic because we have so many babies to care for. Each one needs to be fed, cleaned, and some require medical attention. We weigh each patient daily and place them in weighing bins for their safety until we can clean their cages.

We have several raccoons that need to be bottle-fed several times a day, and it’s clear they know when it's feeding time; they can smell the formula. Raccoon babies are cute and curious, but it’s important to remember that they are considered a rabies vector species. Their lives depends on how finders handle them, so always use gloves and towels to ensure a barrier between you and the animal.

Rabies is caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system of mammals. It is typically transmitted through saliva via the bite of an infected animal. Rabies poses a significant public health concern because it can be transmitted to humans through bites from infected animals and is nearly 100% fatal without post-exposure treatment.

In the 1960s, wildlife became the primary source of rabies exposure for domestic animals and humans. However, cases of human rabies in the United States have declined due to the vaccination of domestic animals. As wildlife habitats shrink and encounters with wild animals increase, it is crucial to avoid wild animals that are behaving abnormally.

All mammals can potentially become infected with the rabies virus. In North America, the primary wildlife reservoirs for this disease include raccoons, coyotes, skunks, bats, and foxes. Unvaccinated domestic or feral cats and dogs are also at risk of acquiring and transmitting rabies.

We have received numerous calls about a rare bird spotted in people's backyards. Some callers mention a partridge around...
05/27/2026

We have received numerous calls about a rare bird spotted in people's backyards. Some callers mention a partridge around their homes, and are unsure what these intriguing, pugnacious birds truly are. This is a Chukar, which is about the size of a small chicken, and is native to southern Eurasia, but it has been widely introduced as a game bird across North America since the 1930s. Although it has been introduced in Pennsylvania and non native, it has not thrived here and is considered rare in the wild. Most chukars seen in Pennsylvania are likely birds that have been released or escaped from game farms or someone's backyard caging.

Chukars are opportunistic ground foragers with a primarily vegetarian diet, though their diet varies by season. Adults mainly eat grass seeds, green leaves, buds, and berries, while young chicks depend on a protein-rich diet of insects. When startled, chukars can fly quickly to escape danger and are surprisingly strong for their size.

There have been isolated instances of free-roaming chukars nesting and raising wild young in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas, conducted from 2004 to 2008, confirmed two occurrences of chukar breeding in the state: one in the south-central region and another in the southwest. This species is generally regarded as one of the easiest game birds to raise in captivity and is being cultivated on many game farms and in backyards throughout Pennsylvania. We will be placing this beautiful chukar to live out the rest of his life in a safe location.

This unusually small fox kit is definitely a runt that was left behind. It was seen limping down a busy road, prompting ...
05/26/2026

This unusually small fox kit is definitely a runt that was left behind. It was seen limping down a busy road, prompting the finder to realize that the kit was in trouble. The finder safely pulled over and used gloves and a thick towel to wrap the kit before taking it back to their car. They then called our facility to report that they had rescued a fox kit with a broken leg.

Upon intake and evaluation, we noticed that the kit showed the early signs of mange and was very emaciated. She was favoring her back left leg and was not using it at all. A closer examination revealed a puncture wound that had developed into a severe abscess, causing her considerable pain and preventing her from using her left leg.

Injured animals often struggle to hunt or find food, which may lead them to wander along roads and highways, searching for food or carrion. This desperation can result in them getting hit by vehicles. It’s crucial to be vigilant for wildlife, especially injured or orphaned babies, during this time of year.

The fox kit is extremely small, and we are unsure how much longer she would have survived without being found. Fortunately, she is responding to treatment and is slowly starting to use her back leg as we continue to care for the abscess.

We always recommend keeping a towel, gloves, and a box in your vehicle in case you come across an animal in need of help. Please remember to never handle any rabies vector species without gloves, and never offer food or water, as it could be harmful to their condition. Our team is cautious, but we are doing everything we can to help her.

Wishing you a Happy Memorial Day! Today, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our countr...
05/25/2026

Wishing you a Happy Memorial Day! Today, we honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

We are beginning to admit baby skunks, as this is the time of year when the kits start to venture out of the den with th...
05/24/2026

We are beginning to admit baby skunks, as this is the time of year when the kits start to venture out of the den with their mother close by. When we find kits this small without their mother nearby, we know they are in trouble. Skunk mothers are very attentive and keep their kits close since the kits do not see very well but can follow their mother's scent.

Recently, a kit was found in the middle of the finder’s backyard, which is dangerous and makes it an easy target for predators. The finder wore leather gloves, placed the kit in a box with a towel, and called us immediately. The kit had clearly been alone for some time, as she was lethargic and dehydrated. Thanks to critical care from our team, she is making a great recovery and is now exhibiting her sassy personality. She is learning to eat from a bowl and clearly communicates that she doesn’t want help or to be cleaned up.

These are amazing little creatures, and their big attitudes make them even more interesting. After getting cleaned up, she returned to her warm incubator and promptly fell asleep. Kits are typically born in litters of four to six during the spring and weigh only a few ounces at birth. They are born with their signature black-and-white stripes but are entirely blind and helpless for the first few weeks of life. They cannot use their famous defensive spray until they are several weeks old.

Baby skunks (kits) are known for being playful, sassy, and fiercely confident. Despite their gentle nature, they have plenty of personality packed into their small bodies, often displaying a dramatic "big attitude."

Some of their notable behaviors include:

- **Foot Stomping:** Kits will aggressively stomp their tiny front feet to warn potential threats or express frustration.

- **Scoot & Spray:** When upset, they may arch their backs, scoot backward, and even attempt handstands to line up their spray.

- **Playful Tantrums:** During playtime, they wrestle, squeal, and hiss. If they don’t get their way, they might throw tantrums, vocalizing or pouting.

- **Bossy Demeanor:** Whether raised in captivity or interacting with siblings, young skunks love to assert dominance and act as if they own the place.

Please remember, while they may be cute and sassy, in Pennsylvania, they are considered a rabies vector species and must be handled cautiously, with gloves and without contact with pets or people. Feel free to contact us with any questions or for guidance.

Address

P. O. Box 38
Washington Boro, PA
17582

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm
Saturday 8am - 4pm
Sunday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

+17178082652

Website

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1NLCQ9ORTEIV5

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