Real estate agent rescues mole from swimming pool

By Joanna Fitzgerald | Director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital

An eastern mole was among the 63 animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this past week. Other admissions include a limpkin, two black skimmers, a great egret, a yellow-bellied slider and three marsh rabbits.

The eastern mole was rescued from a swimming pool by a real estate agent. Thankfully, the woman brought the mole to the hospital so we could provide appropriate care while monitoring to ensure no signs of respiratory distress (from inhaling pool water) developed.

The mole was placed in a specialized enclosure so he could burrow into fresh dirt. The mole was active but also showed signs of weakness in his back legs. After several days of rest and supportive care, the mole’s level of activity increased and he was no longer exhibiting any signs of paresis. The vet cleared the mole for release.

When the admit form was checked to see where the mole had been found, we realized the rescuer had left that section of the form blank. After calling and sending repeated texts, the rescuer finally provided the location information we needed. Hospital staff was able to find a preserve area far away from the pool but still on the property where the mole had been found. Staff loosened a section of dirt and placed the mole on top of the soil. Within seconds the mole buried himself and disappeared.

Obtaining the exact location where an injured, sick or orphaned animal was found is crucial. Our state permits dictate that animals need to be returned to the area where they were found as long as that area is safe and provides suitable habitat. Please - when rescuing an animal - take a moment to note your surroundings, a landmark or the address where the animal was picked up. This will help staff determine the appropriate release site when the animal is ready to go.

Recent Releases

Four chimney swifts, three Virginia opossums, nine mourning doves, a nine-banded armadillo, a gopher tortoise, a yellow-bellied slider, four brown pelicans, a white-winged dove, two northern mockingbirds, a mottled duck, a royal tern, a Florida softshell turtle, a boat-tailed grackle, a Florida red-bellied turtle and a barn swallow.

Opportunities to Help

Please visit the Conservancy website at www.conservancy.org to view all of the amazing volunteer opportunities at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Your volunteer time, memberships and donations are vital in helping us continue our work to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.