Page 47 - Life In Naples March 2022 Flipbook

GOING GREEN

( and not just on March 17! )

by Karen Coney Coplin
On March 12, residents and visitors will wild animals
gather along historic Third St. S. leading to 5th which make
Ave. S. to watch the St. Patrick's Day parade, a their way to the
beloved Naples tradition. Be prepared with bags Conservancy
for kids to pick up candy, chairs to relax for hours each year for
in the sun (or shade), and, perhaps, a thirst for treatment. Keep
green beer later in the day. cats indoors; keep
Of course, most parade watchers will wear dogs on a leash
green, and lots of it, that day. as well as on the actual holiday. And, and monitor their activities outdoors.
there is plenty of time to "go green" between those days and Earth If you'd like to do more, consider becoming a volunteer animal
Day coming up next month on April 22. caretaker with varied duties under hospital staff supervision. The
The Muppet Kermit the Frog famously sings "It's not easy von Arx Wildlife Hospital also relies upon many "Critter Couriers"
being green," which may be true for a puppet amphibian. (His to help with rescue and to transport wildlife in distress for care.
corollary quote is "Time's fun when you're catching flies!") Visit conservancy.org to see if you can be part of the team
Fortunately, for his human fans, it is easy to tread more lightly on connecting the natural world with our everyday life in Naples.
this earth which we share with so many others. Call 239.262.2273 if you come across a wild animal in need of
Recently, I encountered an unexpected and sad scene: a native further help. It should be brought to 1495 Smith Preserve Way,
gopher tortoise had been placed in a bathtub in a vacant home, Naples, FL 34102, located off Goodlette Road south of Golden
possibly for as long as three weeks. I knew the Conservancy of Gate Parkway.
Southwest Florida von Arx Wildlife Hospital staff would be able St. Patrick's Day was my late father's birthday. I always said a
to help and I quickly brought the tortoise there after I conferred special man deserved a special day! He was a conservationist before
with staff by phone and sent photos of the animal as I found her. it was cool. Some rules from "Cork" Coney:
Note: this is a protected species and a referral has been made to FWC. Lights off when you leave a room and no lights on if sunlight
Joanna Fitzgerald, Director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital, will do.
shared some tips for all of us to keep in mind should we encounter Take shorter showers to save water and energy.
an injured, sick or orphaned native animal. To be prepared to help Keep your freezer full. Run washer and dryer on full loads only.
in an unexpected or emergency situation, consider the following: Repair not replace. This is one that I really miss. Things are no
Rescue equipment: longer built to last but if he could salvage something, my dad would.
Cardboard box with holes for ventilation, pet carrier or laundry Happy birthday to all our readers who share this great birth date.
basket. And thank you to all the readers who are willing to help creatures in
Towels(3) – one for catching the animal, one on the bottom of distress, or find other assistance immediately if they can't. When life
the box and one to cover the box or basket in Naples is better for the many special creatures which inhabit it, it
Protective eyeglasses (protection from birds with long necks is better for all.
and pointed beaks) and gloves (leather or gardening gloves).
Rescue – How To:
1. Never handle a wild animal bare handed. Use a towel and/
or a pair of gloves to cover the entire animal, including the head.
Approach quietly.
2. Keep the head covered, the darkness will help calm the
animal. Carefully pick up the animal and place it in a ventilated
box or pet crate and bring it to the closest licensed wildlife facility.
Email Karen at
The two closest facilities In our area are the Conservancy of
NaplesKCC@gmail.com with
Southwest Florida in Naples and CROW on Sanibel Island.
comments or ideas for a future column.
The Conservancy website also lists 14 ways to help prevent
Follow her adventures concerning life
injury to wildlife. The first and perhaps most significant tip is to
in Naples on
keep pet dogs and cats from attacking wildlife. These comprise a
Instagram @naplesbythenumbers.
significant number of the injuries suffered by the 3,300 distressed
Critter Couriers always needed.
46 Life in Naples | March 2022 Life in Naples | March 2022 47