Black Bear

On a cold snowy day in December 2019, a small male Black Bear cub arrived at AIWC for care. He had been found out of hibernation, barely able to walk, and was severely emaciated. He weighed a mere 20lbs on admission. He should have been at least 55lbs and in hibernation.

With supportive care which included fluids, soft and easily digestible foods, the bear cub slowly and healthily regained the lost weight. It can be dangerous to overload an animal’s system with food when they are emaciated, so he was fed at routine intervals to ensure he was able to tolerate the items well.

Thankfully, no injuries were found and it is suspected his poor balance and coordination before rescue was due to his poor body condition.

The bear cub remained at AIWC through the winter. As he was so underweight, he did not go into a full hibernation, instead sleeping for 1-2 days and then waking up to feed.

In spring 2020, he was returned to the wild after being fully assessed by AIWC's veterinarian and fitted with a GPS collar. He had more than doubled in size. He is now thriving out in the wild and his collar is programmed to fall off in spring 2021.

Bear cub on admission, sedated and having x-rays taken.

Bear cub in care – getting stronger every day.

Not long before release – ready for a life back in the wild.

Sticker Information:
Black Bear Sticker Size: 87mm x 100mm

Each sticker is thick durable vinyl, waterproof, UV resistant, and dishwasher safe. Free shipping for stickers!

Your support ensures more animals in need get the second chance they deserve. Thank you!

Big Brown Bat

In September 2020, a male Big Brown Bat was found on the ground and unable to fly. His finder reached out to AIWC for assistance and one of our volunteers was able to rescue him and bring him straight to us for care.

Upon arrival, his examination revealed no significant findings, so it is possible he could have become displaced from his hibernaculum (a place where a creature seeks refuge during the winter).

With a dip in Alberta's temperatures, the bat’s chances would have been significantly decreased if he had been released immediately. The decision was made to overwinter him at AIWC’s hospital, and once the warm weather returns he will be released back to the wild in spring 2021.

Over 25 bats have received care at AIWC in 2020. Your support ensures these amazing flying mammals get the care they need.

At AIWC, we have a dedicated room that provides bats with the perfect climate and space to overwinter. Come spring, they will be moved to one of our outdoor bat flight enclosures to prepare for release back to the wild.

Sticker Information:
Big Brown Bat Sticker Size: 100mm x 73mm

Each sticker is thick durable vinyl, waterproof, UV resistant, and dishwasher safe. Free shipping for stickers!

Your support ensures more animals in need get the second chance they deserve. Thank you!

Wilson's Snipe

In June 2020, a small Wilson’s Snipe chick was found alone in a parking lot. He/she was running underneath cars and was in danger of being killed, so the chick was rescued and brought to AIWC for care.

Weighing only 20 grams on intake, the chick was stressed and dehydrated. Due to his/her age, the chick could not regulate their own body temperature and needed to be housed in an incubator for the first few weeks at AIWC.

The incubator was set up with foliage, sand trays, and wading dishes with bloodworms and mud. All things to reduce stress levels by trying to mimic a natural environment as much as possible.

Not long after the chick was admitted, another chick came in to care and the two chicks were housed and raised together at AIWC.

In late July, the two chicks were released back to the wild in a perfect habitat for their species.

Snipe Chicks in their incubator at AIWC. Bloodworms in water help encourage the chicks to probe for food as they would in the wild.

Almost ready for release! It's amazing how quickly these little ones grow :)

Sticker Information:
Wilson’s Snipe Sticker Size: 100mm x 93mm

Each sticker is thick durable vinyl, waterproof, UV resistant, and dishwasher safe. Free shipping for stickers!

Your support ensures more animals in need get the second chance they deserve. Thank you!