Officer Finds Anhinga Stuck in Car’s Grille
What to do If You Accidentally Strike an Animal
By: Joanna Fitzgerald, Director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital
A couple driving down Oil Well Road in eastern Collier County hit an anhinga, resulting in the bird getting stuck in the grille of their car. The couple had no idea what to do and continued driving. An officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission passed the couple, noticed the bird in the grille of their car and pulled them over. The officer used his pocket knife to free the anhinga from the grille, placed the bird in the back of his vehicle and transported the bird to our facility for care.
The anhinga suffered significant trauma from the impact with the car. The anhinga’s right leg was swollen and sensitive when palpated, the left wing was bloodied and bruised, the right side of his neck was lacerated leaving his trachea exposed and the anhinga showed an increased respiratory effort. Despite all of the physical injuries, the anhinga was alert, responsive and strong when handled.
Hospital staff administered pain medications, an antibiotic, subcutaneous electrolytes and placed the anhinga on oxygen in an animal intensive care unit to rest.
The anhinga’s condition was monitored closely by the hospital vet. Unfortunately the anhinga struggled due to the severity of internal injuries sustained in the car strike. The anhinga’s condition deteriorated significantly leaving humane euthanasia as our only option.
Obviously it is startling and distressing if you hit an animal while driving. By keeping a box and towel in your vehicle you will be prepared if you do hit an animal. Please, if you strike an animal while driving, when possible, safely pull over and offer assistance. If the animal is alive and injured, contain the animal and transport to the Conservancy for immediate medical assistance.
Always call the hospital for guidance if you are unsure of how to help an animal in distress. Von Arx Wildlife Hospital staff will do their best to offer information and guidance on rescue techniques and help determine the appropriate course of action.
Recent Releases
Six eastern cottontails, two gopher tortoises, a grey squirrel, two red-eyed vireos, a black racer and a Florida softshell turtle were released last week.
Opportunities to Help Visit the Conservancy website at www.conservancy.org to view all of the amazing volunteer opportunities at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Volunteers help in many different capacities and are vital to the success of our work. If you think you could dedicate one shift a week to help in the hospital, contact our volunteer office and get involved. Your volunteer time, donations, and memberships truly help us continue our work to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.
