- you do a quick u-turn when you notice flashing car lights and police officers in the middle of a busy road wondering what to do with a large snapping turtle stranded in the middle of four lanes.
- you know how to handle a snapping turtle, and you happen to have a carrier for it in your car. (See https://mefurr.wordpress.com/2014/05/13/a-snap-decision/.)
Have carrier, will rescue!
- you go to work (school, social events, etc.) with a container of infant squirrels and the formula and syringes to feed them every two to three hours throughout the day. (See Nutty for Squirrels, https://mefurr.wordpress.com/2013/09/26/nutty-for-squirrels/.)
Orphaned squirrel takes a nap at the office between feedings.
- you’ve been on a wild goose chase…literally.
- you go to the doctor for a couple of stitches on your cheekbone because you’ve been clocked by the goose you were trying to catch. (The doctor thought my story was pretty crazy but figured it had to be true. Who could make up something like that?! I don’t think you want to see the photo–had a nasty bruise too!)
- you’re more afraid of being bitten by a chipmunk than a coyote. (Those chipmunks bite hard!)
Believe it or not, I’m more wary handling these little critters than large predators like coyotes and hawks.
- you’ve handled a coyote. (See https://mefurr.wordpress.com/2013/11/02/back-to-the-wild/.)
- you’ve had a close friendship with a non-releasable crow. (See My Friend Edgar Allan Crow, https://mefurr.wordpress.com/2013/11/19/my-friend-edgar-allan-crow/.)
Edgar Allen Crow was very dear to me. I still miss her.
- you love opossums, squirrels, coyotes, snakes, vultures, crows, pigeons, and many other animals that people disdain because you know they play an important role in their ecosystem. (See Carrion, My Wayward Bird and Pretty as a ‘Possum.)
- You’ve worn a ghillie suit.
Ghillie suits help prevent orphaned animals from imprinting on humans. They’re worn especially around predators like coyotes and foxes that need to keep their distance from human habitation to remain safe in the wild.
- you can’t say no when you get a call to go rescue an injured opossum (goose, squirrel, fox, etc.), even when you’re exhausted and have just found a moment’s peace.
- you’ve been bitten, scratched, or taloned by most of the native wildlife in your area.
- you’ve said to a friend, “I’d give you a hug, but I have feces on my shirt.”
- you deal with a lot of sh*t!
But aren’t these faces worth it!!
My Eco-centric Life 