Rescues to releases: Local wildlife receives second chance at life

It’s been a busy week at Procyon Wildlife Centre in Beeton Ont., where the steady rhythm of rescues, recoveries, and releases reminds the community just how much wildlife need a helping paw in May 2025. (Supplied)

It’s been a busy week at Procyon Wildlife Centre where the steady rhythm of rescues, recoveries, and releases reminds the community just how much wildlife need a helping paw.

One of the recent arrivals at the Beeton wildlife centre is ‘Patches’. She is a young raccoon who was found in Vaughan. At first glance volunteers said her species was hard to identify as the only giveaway was her distinctively ringed tail.

Patches is currently being treated for mange, a skin condition typically caused by parasitic mites. It’s characterized by intense itching, hair loss, inflammation, and sometimes thickened skin.

Her progress is being closely monitored, and if her fur doesn’t begin to grow back, volunteers say further testing will be done to ensure she receives proper care.

Then there’s Bart, a barred owl who had a run-in with a vehicle and was spotted motionless on the side of the road. Staff say a passerby pulled over and brought him straight to Procyon.

Bart’s now in an incubator, volunteer say he is eating well. His healing process is hopeful all because a stranger who cared enough to stop.

A surprise guest made an appearance on Wednesday, a fuzzy gosling. Procyon staff say they don’t typically handle Canadian Geese, so volunteers quickly contacted their network of wildlife rehabilitators.

Within a few hours, the gosling was on its way to join a wild foster mom.

And finally, it was release day on Friday for two opossums who had arrived during the winter months with frostbite on their ears and tails.

During their release, one of them dashed out without hesitation ready for freedom and life back in the wild. The other, who had spent the harsh winter at the centre, took a little more convincing. After finding a peaceful stream with plenty of cover, both were on their way, back to the wild where their journey first began.

Whether it’s emergency care or a new lease on life, Procyon is a lifeline for local wildlife. If you encounter a sick, injured or orphaned wild animal, staff encourages you to call them at 905-729-0033. The line is operated from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.