Help A 'Habber!

He sings when he's frustrated. She smiles when she's scared. They eat dirt, dance on your roof, and potty-train in your backyard. These are your neighbors. And...OK...sometimes they need professional help.

Pigeons, opossums, and prairie dogs—wild animals usually do quite well without any help from humans. Every so often, however, they get hurt. Luckily, licensed wildlife rehabilitators have the experience, training, and TLC to lend a hand. Their job is to get injured and orphaned animals back on their feet—and back into their habitats.

They can't do it alone, though. Try one of these projects to help a 'habber in your neck of the woods.

Creature Comforts
Wild animals eat a specialized diet and need specialized care. Call local rehabbers to see what they need. It might be grapes to feed a box turtle or a 40-watt light bulb to warm a baby bird. Organize a collection with your friends!

Coats for Cubs
Many people no longer wear fur but aren't sure what to do with that old mink in the attic. The Humane Society of the United States does! They collect unwanted furs for wildlife rehabilitators. The rehabilitators cut coats, mittens, and jackets to size and give them to baby bunnies, otters, and other little critters who miss their mommies! The animals use them as blankets, burrows, and "playmates."

Hold a collection of old fur coats, hats, and other fur items. Advertise it by posting flyers throughout the community. Pack up donated furs and send them to                     
                         HSUS Fur Campaign
                         2100 L Street, NW
                         Washington, DC  20037

Flour Power
Hold a back sale to benefit your neighborhood animal shelter or wildlife clinic. They can use the money to buy food, medicine, and cleaning supplies.

Pages for Cages
Collect newspapers to line animals' cages and keep them dry. Sometimes old news is good news!