B: Well, another week has gone by and we are still overrun with squirrels. More show up every day as some citizens feel the need to remove trees from their yards without checking to see if there are any large, leafy nests that could be housing a mom and her litter of four to six babies.

A: Between our seemingly endless feedings (at 8AM, noon, 4PM and 8PM), we are struggling to clear the house of releasable animals and prepare for the onslaught of the babies of other species. Brittany has gallantly undertaken the cleaning and organizing of the Raccoon Room today. I'm sure she eager to tell us about it!

B: After removing most of the supplies from the room, I was able to scrub the floor and re-arrange all the cages, linens, toys and the new stacking drawers, now full of water bottles and feeding supplies. It took a few hours, but by the time the four pm feeding came along, I was able to house our six new raccoon babies on their new little table, complete with heating pads. But I was not the only one having cleaning adventures...

A: While Britt toiled upstairs, I was releasing our outside squirrels, cleaning out their cages, setting them back up and putting squirrels from our Side Porch into them. Between having to cart the squirrels a considerable amount away (to prevent territorial disputes), foraging for new cage furniture and contending with an uncooperative power drill, I had my work cut out for me. But having the space on the side porch and moving the squirrels along (some of whom have been with us for months now) was well worth it. Plus I got some sun.

B: I got to enjoy some time outside in this beautiful weather while I was carting many a broken kennel and worn-out holding box to the dumpster, or during my many trips out to our storage barn in a vain attempt to find a suitable replacement cage.

A: I hear the dumpster is lovely this time of year.

B: Yes, it is just starting to ripen. We wait with baited breath for a shipment of squirrel cages. My hopes soared when cage boxes arrived only to be dashed to bits when I saw that the company had sent the wrong type. Complete devastation. Luckily, the error has been corrected and we hope they will show up tomorrow. I have seven kennels of squirrels that have needed the upgrade for a few days now.

A: In other news, the opossums that came in last week are still coming home with me every night so that they can receive feedings throughout the night. Sadly, one passed away but the other two are holding on, despite the infections that they are suffering from. Having stayed in a dead mother's pouch for a while, they have a mild case of necrotizing fascitis (a type of flesh-eating bacterial infection) and I am treating them with antibiotics as well as probiotics. Though I would love to see them gain weight at a greater rate than they are at the moment, I am glad they are still fighting for life. Keep reading and hopefully I will be able to give you all positive updates in the weeks to come!

B: The Great Horned owl nestling from last week was transferred up to Tri-State in Delaware where their on-staff veterinarian will attempt to refracture and pin the wonky right leg. The baby's age is a pro and a con. Pro - the quicker metabolism and rapid growth rate will quicken the healing time. Con - the quicker metabolism and rapid growth rate could be severely stunted in the injured leg. Everyone is keeping their fingers (and talons) crossed for the little guy.

A: Another owl has left us recently but he's in for a far more enjoyable time. A Barred Owl who had had a fracture tibiotarsus was released on Sunday. I enjoyed watching the beautiful animal soar up into the sky, especially after treating him for his painful injury for a number of weeks. Another reason we were glad to see him go- he was an owl with an unusual penchant for flying into people's faces. Not cool.

B: Not cool indeed. Last Friday I released a juvenile female Cooper's hawk that came to us from PG County. Most likely suffering from a mild impact trauma on arrival, it became obvious the next day that she did not need to be at our Center as she escaped her cage and flew around the house. As she was a juvenile and not required to return to where she came from (and I am sure her parents would appreciate her leaving), I was able to release her into a very suitable habitat with the right amount of pocket woods and subtle meadows, perfect hunting grounds for her favorite prey: small birds and reptiles.

A: Though things pass both ways through our doors, we are grateful to always have the continuing opportunities to better the lives of our wild neighbors. We want to thank you all for your support and for caring about our precious wildlife.

B: Such a sweet sentiment. And just in time for the last squirrel feeding of the day. Tune in next week when we will regale you with tales of glory! And squirrels!