Publications
Wildlife Guide
Does this animal need help?
Learn when an animal needs to be rescued or when it should be left alone
Choruses in the Backyard: Discovering Virginia’s Native Frogs and Toads
Virginia is home to 27 species of frogs and toads, each playing an important role in the ecosystem. Discover their adaptations, diets, calls, and the threats facing these fascinating amphibians.
Volunteer Spotlight – Percy Zimering
Percy Zimering has volunteered with Wildlife Rescue League as a helpline volunteer for three years, helping connect injured and orphaned wildlife with the care they need while supporting wildlife conservation.
Volunteer Spotlight – Robin Liten-Tejada
Robin Liten-Tejada joined Wildlife Rescue League as a transporter in 2025, combining her love of wildlife and nature with a commitment to helping injured animals reach rehabilitators.
Volunteer Spotlight – Shari May
Shari May has volunteered with Wildlife Rescue League since 2019, supporting donor and volunteer management behind the scenes while helping advance the organization’s wildlife rescue mission.
Volunteer Spotlight – Caroline Chadbourne
Caroline Chadbourne has volunteered with Wildlife Rescue League since 2025, helping callers connect orphaned and injured wildlife with the care they need through the organization’s helpline.
The Rise, Fall and Comeback of Eastern Bluebirds in Virginia
Once on the brink of disappearing from Virginia, the Eastern Bluebird has made a remarkable comeback thanks to nest box programs and dedicated conservation efforts. Learn how you can help protect this beloved bird.
Volunteer Spotlight – Amy Brisendine
Amy Brisendine has volunteered as a Wildlife Rescue League transporter since 2024, helping injured wildlife reach rehabilitators while continuing a lifelong commitment to conservation.
Volunteer Spotlight – Aisling O’Connell
Aisling O’Connell has volunteered with Wildlife Rescue League since 2022, helping callers connect injured and orphaned wildlife with rehabilitators through the organization’s helpline.
Volunteer Spotlight – Jennifer Rokasky
Jennifer Rokasky has been a dedicated Wildlife Rescue League volunteer since 2021, serving on the helpline, assisting with volunteer recruitment, and helping injured and orphaned wildlife receive the care they need.
Volunteer Spotlight – Casey Nolan
Casey Nolan has been a dedicated Wildlife Rescue League volunteer since 2018, serving in leadership roles, supporting helpline training, and helping connect injured wildlife with care.
Volunteer Spotlight – Kirsten Hampshire
Kirsten Hampshire joined Wildlife Rescue League as a wildlife transporter in 2025, combining her passion for animals with her expertise in public health to help wildlife reach rehabilitators safely.
Volunteer Spotlight – August Gurin-Hirschoff
August Gurin-Hirschoff has served as a WRL helpline volunteer since 2023, helping callers connect injured and orphaned wildlife with the care they need.
Rare Wildlife in Virginia
Virginia is home to several rare and endangered wildlife species, including the Virginia big-eared bat, rusty patched bumble bee, and Shenandoah salamander. Learn why habitat protection matters.
Volunteer Spotlight – Sara Rubida
Sara Rubida has volunteered as a WRL wildlife transporter for around 10 years, using her time, dedication, and local knowledge to help injured and orphaned animals reach rehabilitators safely.
Volunteer Spotlight – Lana Africano
Lana Africano has volunteered with Wildlife Rescue League since 2022, serving on the helpline and board while helping connect injured and orphaned wildlife with care.
Volunteer Spotlight – Olivia Newsom
Olivia Newsom has been volunteering with WRL since 2024 as a helpline volunteer, supporting callers and gaining hands-on experience with wildlife care. As a zoology major with a passion for education, she brings curiosity, compassion, and a genuine love for animals to every interaction.
A Close Call at Brennan Park: When Fishing Gear Harms Wildlife
A young Canada goose at Brennan Park was rescued after fishing gear became lodged in his mouth. Brennan’s story is a reminder that discarded hooks, lures, and fishing line can be deadly for wildlife.
Irresponsible Fishing Can be Deadly
Fishing line entanglement can be deadly for wildlife. One rescued Canada goose shows how responsible fishing and proper disposal can save animals’ lives.
Volunteer Spotlight – Katie Hughes
Katie Hughes has been a dedicated WRL transporter for three years, helping move wildlife and supplies wherever they’re needed. With a background in veterinary care and a lifelong commitment to volunteering, she brings reliability, compassion, and genuine love for animals to every mile she travels.
Volunteer Spotlight – Andrew McCoy
Meet WRL volunteer Andrew McCoy, who helps wildlife and supports helpline callers across Virginia. Learn how his passion for nature inspires others to care for animals.
Volunteer Spotlight – Emily Henderson
From opossums to snapping turtles, WRL volunteer Emily Henderson transports wildlife with care, compassion, and a few unforgettable rescue stories.
Volunteer Spotlight – Holly Neilsen
Meet Holly Neilsen, a dedicated Wildlife Rescue League rehabilitator whose passion for fawns and wildlife care has saved countless animals since 2007.
Rehabilitator Spotlight – Erika Yery
Remembering Erika Yery, longtime wildlife rehabilitator and WRL supporter who dedicated over 40 years to helping Virginia wildlife.
Mange in Foxes
Mange is threatening Virginia foxes. Learn the signs of mange, why it’s dangerous, and what to do if you encounter an affected fox.
Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker
A feisty Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker turned a routine transport into a moment of joy, pecking nonstop in its box and charming the volunteer who drove it to safety. It’s a reminder of the essential — and often unseen — role WRL transporters play in every successful wildlife rescue.
Volunteer Spotlight – Donielle (Donnie) Ficca
Wildlife rehabilitator Donnie Ficca has cared for countless small mammals, including a chipmunk who turned its release into a hilarious escapade.
Volunteer Spotlight – Elizabeth (Beth) Negron
Beth Negron, a lifelong rehabilitator and founder of FoxTales Wildlife Rehab, now devotes her home and expertise to caring for foxes, skunks, and raccoons while rescuing the animals no one else can reach.
Leaf Peeping
As vibrant leaves blanket the landscape in reds, golds, and oranges, fall invites us outdoors to take it all in. But while you’re enjoying the view, remember that wildlife is active too—especially during dawn, dusk, and nighttime. With a few simple tips, you can safely enjoy leaf peeping while respecting the animals that share these beautiful spaces.
Leave Leaves Alone
Stop! Collaborate and listen—nature’s got a new mission! Learn why leaving your leaves is one of the easiest (and coolest) ways to protect local wildlife this fall.
Volunteer Spotlight – Grace Holden and Pam Fulmer
Meet Grace Holden & Pam Fulmer, WRL’s longest-serving volunteers. Their 50+ years of dedication help save and protect Virginia wildlife.
