provided to The Santiva Chronicle
Patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife got a Halloween treat when a “cat” jack-o’-lantern appeared in their enclosure on Friday.
Opossums, squirrels, raccoons, gopher tortoises, and some Animal Ambassadors at CROW on Sanibel Island enjoyed pumpkins this week that offered opportunities to explore, investigate, and engage in natural behaviors.
The seasonal activity enriched the animals by introducing new objects, scents, and experiences to stimulate them mentally and physically. The opossum patients were particularly curious, spending time sniffing and exploring the pumpkins.
“Pumpkins are a fun, easy, and safe way to enrich the lives of many species,” says Bree Buysse, a Wildlife Rehabilitator at CROW. “They give squirrels and raccoons simple foraging chances, and they’re a tasty snack for gopher tortoises. Raccoons and opossums especially enjoy exploring the pumpkin’s inner texture, which offers great tactile enrichment.”
The pumpkins were part of CROW’s annual internal pumpkin carving contest, a tradition started in 2021 by Hospital Practice Manager Becca Brooks.
This year’s competition featured six pumpkins carved by staff and students, showcasing designs that included a sea turtle, cat, the Sanibel Lighthouse, an otter, and Mina, CROW’s great horned owl Animal Ambassador. Staff voting is underway.
“I started the pumpkin carving contest as a way to bring a little Halloween spirit to the hospital and find a fun way to include our wildlife patients in the festivities,” says Brooks.
While pumpkins can enrich animals under professional care, CROW reminds Southwest Florida residents that Halloween decorations can pose unintended risks to wildlife.
Pumpkins, decorative corn and other edible displays may attract wild animals looking for an easy meal, potentially drawing them closer to homes, roads and other hazards. Decorations with small, dangling or edible-looking pieces can also attract curious wildlife and pose potential dangers.
Fake spiderwebs, loose strings and decorative lights can be especially hazardous for nocturnal wildlife, including bats and owls, which may become entangled and injured.
CROW encourages residents to always keep wildlife in mind when decorating for Halloween by avoiding synthetic cobwebs, securing decorations, and being mindful of where pumpkins and other edible displays are placed.
With a few simple precautions, Southwest Florida residents can enjoy Halloween while helping protect the wildlife that shares their neighborhoods.
CROW has been saving wildlife since 1968. If you find an animal in need of help, call (239) 472-3644 ext. #222 or visit https://crowclinic.org/found-animal.
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