|
 |
|
The 2009 Atlantic hurricane season is upon us.© Courtesy of The National Weather Service |
As we head into the heart of the hurricane season, Hurricane Bill is hanging out in the Gulf of Mexico, vacillating between a Category 3 and 4, possibly on a wobbly track toward New England.
Residents from North Carolina to New England are beginning to take stock to make sure they’re prepared for whatever the weather may bring. Plans are in place for humans, their companion animals and livestock.
But what happens to wildlife?
The wild animal patients temporarily living at the Cape Wildlife Center have nothing to fear: contingency plans are firmly in place.
“Anytime there’s a pending storm or disaster, this center—as well as all of our animal centers—must be conscious of potential disasters and remain vigilant,” said Debra Parsons-Drake, director of the HSUS animal care centers, including the Cape Wildlife Center, as well as four other animal centers operating under the auspices of The HSUS.
“Storms like Hurricane Bill put us on heightened alert, but through systematic planning we’re prepared on an ongoing basis, whether the threat is from natural or manmade disasters. Not all disasters provide the luxury of advance notice.”
Always Prepared
|
 |
|
When seabirds like this dovekie are blown ashore, they lose their flight ability and can starve to death.© The HSUS |
Bill likely will cause wind and rain along the Northeast coast; a more direct hit could exponentially impact the Cape Cod area. The Cape Wildlife Center staff has taken precautionary measures.
• The generators are ready in case the power goes. In many cases, it could mean life or death for some of the animals. The generators power heat lamps, heating pads, fans, refrigerators full of antibiotics and other drugs, and freezers full of frozen food supply. They also keep lines of communications open, namely cell phones.
• Animal nutrition is a big issue at the center, and a seven- to 10-day supply of non-perishable foods is on hand, as always. Because many of the animals’ diets consist of foods such fresh fruit and greens—perishable—only a four- to five-day supply is possible.
• Staff is vigilant about the placement of cages, especially those outside. These enclosures are thoroughly protected and give the animals access to interior niches for an extra sense of security and protection during stormy weather. Shades on cages are secured to keep them from becoming a hazard or stressor to the animals.
• And in the unlikely event of evacuation, the center’s vehicles are always fueled and ready to go. An adequate supply of carriers is always on hand.
|
 |
|
This is another Cape Cod resident—a northern gannet—vulnerable to high winds.© The HSUS |
“Natural or manmade, our animal care centers are always cognizant of the threats around us and, in the case of Hurricane Bill, ready to ‘batten down the hatches’” Parsons-Drake said.
The HSUS is listed in the state disaster plans for both Massachusetts and Rhode Island as a supporting agency. Both states have excellent infrastructures/disaster response teams.
The Fallout from a Storm
Storms take a toll on the native wildlife population. Baby animals are thrown from nests. Many are left dazed and disoriented. Seabirds live exclusively on the water and when strong winds blow them ashore they are unable to take flight.
They'll starve to death unless someone finds them. In the aftermath of a decent sized storm, Cape Wildlife staff sees these birds and plenty of others as the intake rate increases measurably.
“Inclement weather of any sort can wreak havoc for wildlife,” said Robbie Fearn, director of the Cape Wildlife Center. “People are passionate about animals, both wild and domestic, and they see one who has been injured or is in peril and they want to help.”
