GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — As summer-like weather impact part of Northeast Wisconsin, some young wildlife is starting to appear on the scene.
A “waterfowl crossing” sign is designed to help ducks and geese get across East Shore Drive in Green Bay.
“They all started hatching around May 1. We had a nice little warm spell somehow, and they really set up those nests. It’s been a really long hatching season for the goslings because of the weather, but the nests are just finishing up and the goslings are everywhere,” said Lori Bankson, Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary Animal Curator.
Bankson says with Canada geese all around, crossing the street can be a challenge. Adults walk along, appearing to guard the front and rear, as the young brood moves across the pavement.
“The little goslings are actually very tiny. They might look a little bit bigger, because they have all that down feathers, but they’re pretty delicate actually,” said Bankson.
Bankson says sometimes those birds and other mammals need help.
“The numbers have been great. We admitted over 500 animals in the last two weeks,” she said.
Including a five-week old baby squirrel. Kelly Brosig says it fell out of a tree at their cabin in Crandon over the weekend.
“We watched it, and then the next day, he was still sitting there. We picked it up, cuddled it with a towel, and brought him to the Wildlife Sanctuary,” said Kelly Brosig, Bellevue.
Bankson says the squirrel may have a broken leg, and after some food, shelter, and a little care, the prognosis is good.
“I love every animal,” said Brosig.
“And I was not going to let him pass away on my watch. So, I will do anything to help an animal,” she said.
Bankson says people should call the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary at (920) 391-3658 before bringing in an injured animal.
“Not all babies need to be rescued. Some of them are on their own. Some of them are able to be reunited with mom,” she said.
Experts say people should expect to see the young geese throughout the summer. They will spend the coming months traveling around as a family.
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