The Montesano Police Department shared a story of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and community partnership via Facebook.
Several months ago, a mother opossum was struck by a vehicle while her babies were still attached to her. Sadly, the mother did not survive, but six of the baby opossums did survive the incident.
Officer Marcus O’Connor contacted Amy Bledsoe with Twin Harbors Wildlife Center, who arranged to retrieve the young opossums and provide them with the care they needed over the following several months.
On October 3, O’Connor had the opportunity to participate in the release of the six opossums back into the wild. During the release, he met with Bailey Davis of Twin Harbors Wildlife Center and learned more about the organization’s ongoing wildlife rehabilitation efforts.
Davis explained that caring for orphaned and injured opossums is a common occurrence for the center. The organization also rehabilitates a variety of other wildlife, including squirrels, birds, and other animals in need of care.
Opossums play a valuable role in our ecosystem by helping control insects and other unwanted pests, including rats and mice. Wildlife rehabilitation organizations help ensure that injured and orphaned animals have an opportunity to recover and return to their natural habitats whenever possible.
“The Montesano Police Department would like to thank Twin Harbors Wildlife Center and its dedicated staff and volunteers for their continued commitment to wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. This successful release is a great example of how community partnerships can make a positive difference,” the department stated.
Twin Harbors Wildlife Center is a nonprofit organization that relies on donations, community support, and partnerships to continue its important work. Anyone interested in supporting its wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts is encouraged to contact the center.
Twin Harbors Wildlife Center
4 Old Beacon Road
Montesano, WA 98563
360-358-0385
