Wildlife Rescue Efforts Surge Amid Long Island Drought Crisis

Wildlife Rescue Amid Drought on Long Island

On a recent morning, Frankie Floridia, president of Strong Island Animal Rescue League, rescued a young buck trapped in a pool cover in Holtsville. The buck’s antlers were tangled, and its mouth barely reached above the water. Floridia and another rescuer cut the cover and lifted the exhausted, cold, 200-pound animal out of the pool.

This rescue represents a rare success amid a troubling trend. Many wildlife rescuers report a rise in dehydrated and malnourished animals due to ongoing drought conditions. Floridia mentioned he has rescued various animals including deer, rabbits, geese, raccoons, and possums.

Since August, Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown has received numerous calls about deer collapsing in pools while trying to drink water from pool covers, as noted by Janine Bendicksen, the center’s director of wildlife rehabilitation. Unfortunately, not all of these animals survive, and vegetation, which provides hydration and nutrition, has become scarce.

As of Wednesday, Sweetbriar was at full capacity, caring for seven geese. Typically, the center sees just one goose in a year. Bendicksen explained that the lack of rain is inhibiting grass growth, a crucial food source for geese. Many birds arriving at the center are emaciated and exhibit signs of nutritional deficiency.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation stated that there have been no reports of increased wildlife distress, yet they acknowledge that drought often leads to behavioral changes in animals. Meanwhile, Rose Lynch, a wildlife rehabilitator at Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center, shared similar experiences with dehydrated waterfowl. She believes extreme weather is forcing animals into unusual situations.

The center recently took in a bat that prematurely woke from hibernation during unseasonably warm weather, only to be stunned by a sudden temperature drop. Lynch noted that hibernating animals are struggling as they dry out and seek water.

Recent rains have not been sufficient to support animal needs in the coming months. Both hibernating and non-hibernating animals should gather food in the fall to survive winter, but Bendicksen observed that conditions have been too dry. Deer, which consume a variety of food, rely on fat reserves as they do not hibernate.

Bendicksen highlighted that the fall should be a time for animals to build up food stores, but the dry conditions have created a barren landscape. Even if winter remains mild, she anticipates challenges for wildlife due to current food shortages. She warned, “It’s going to be a bad winter.”