Wildlife rescue in Middle Tennessee

So many wild animals call Nashville home. There is a lot we can do to help protect our wild neighbors.

Bobcat kitten rescued by Jerry Vandiver and Walden’s Puddle.

Squirrels, possums, turtles, foxes, birds of prey and countless other wild creatures live right here with us in Middle Tennessee. Unfortunately, interactions with humans and human-made things can lead to injuries or death for these animals.

Today, we’re speaking with the dedicated leaders and volunteers of several local wildlife rehabilitation centers to learn about what to do — and not do — if we come across an injured wild animal. We’ll also discuss steps we can take to be considerate and help prevent injuries to our wild neighbors.

This episode was produced by Katherine Ceicys.

GUESTS:

• Joanna Johnson, animal care manager, Walden’s Puddle Wildlife Center of Greater Nashville
• Jerry Vandiver, volunteer with Walden’s Puddle Wildlife Center of Greater Nashville
• Anastasia Kudrez, executive director of Harmony Wildlife
• Debbie Sykes, director of Nashville Wildlife Conservation Center
• Molly Mayes, wildlife educator, Nashville Wildlife Conservation Center

FURTHER LISTENING:

• This Is Nashville | It’s for the birds
• This Is Nashville | Nashville urban wildlife
• This Is Nashville | Getting batty
• WPLN | Birds are crashing into downtown Nashville buildings. Treating windows could help.

Tasha A. F. Lemley WPLN News

Jerry Vandiver sets a trap for an orphaned bobcat kitten.