AWLA Responds to Calls About Snakes, Kittens, Bunnies, Opossums + Chipmunks

The Animal Welfare League of Arlington has had their hands full keeping up with calls about a bunny, a cat, a chipmunk, an opossum, a snake and kitten. Here's a look at some of the animal tales from the most recent calls they received:

Monday

Animal Control received a call about an injured baby bunny.  An Animal Control Officer responded and found an adult domestic rabbit with two babies, one of whom was deceased.  The rabbits were all transported to the shelter to be held for a stray holding period.

Saturday – 2400 block South Culpeper Street

Animal Control received a call from a homeowner who is concerned that a cat is raiding a bird house in her yard.  The caller was advised of several deterrents to make the yard less appealing to feral cats, such as using a motion-activated hose appliance (called a “Scarecrow”), placing orange peels or coffee grounds near the house, and attaching a baffle to the base of the house, which is atop a pole.

Thursday – 4700 block 34th Road North

Animal Control received a call about an injured chipmunk lying in the callers’ driveway.  An Animal Control Officer responded and found an adult chipmunk that appeared to have a pelvic injury.  The Officer consulted with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, who suggested humane euthanasia for the injured chipmunk.

June 5 – 2500 block 9th Street South

Animal Control received a call about an opossum, confined to a lower level of a multi-level garage.  An Animal Control Officer responded to find that someone had put an overturned wheelbarrow over the opossum.  The Officer removed the healthy opossum and released it just outside.

June 3 – 2700 block North Quincy Street

Animal Control received a call from a woman who is concerned about a large black snake lounging in her yard.  An Animal Control Officer spoke to the caller length and advised her that our local snakes provide valuable pest control, but was provided with a number of exclusionary techniques and deterrents to make her yard less appealing to the snake.  The caller was also advised that it is illegal to kill or relocate wild snakes in Virginia.

June 2 – 2400 block South Monroe Street

Animal Control received a call from a citizen who found a kitten stuck in a window well at a property that’s for sale.  An Animal Control Officer responded, captured the kitten in a net, and transported him back to the shelter where he will be held for a stray holding period. The kitten will spend the next few weeks in foster care getting socialized and will soon be available for adoption.