Cat Tales Wildlife Center https://www.cattales.org/ Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:54:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://www.cattales.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/499/2022/10/cropped-Favicon-32x32.png Cat Tales Wildlife Center https://www.cattales.org/ 32 32 đŸŸ What It Really Costs to Care for Rescued Wildlife https://www.cattales.org/news/costs-to-care-for-rescued-wildlife/ Thu, 28 Aug 2025 00:54:34 +0000 https://www.cattales.org/?p=5499 When guests visit Cat Tales Wildlife Center, they often see tigers splashing in their pools, bobcats lounging in the sun, or bears enjoying a snack. What they don’t always see is the mountain of work—and the budget—that keeps those animals healthy and safe, every single day of the year. Running a wildlife rescue isn’t just...

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When guests visit Cat Tales Wildlife Center, they often see tigers splashing in their pools, bobcats lounging in the sun, or bears enjoying a snack. What they don’t always see is the mountain of work—and the budget—that keeps those animals healthy and safe, every single day of the year.

Running a wildlife rescue isn’t just about food (though our grocery bill is impressive). It’s about forever care. Once an animal comes to us, they have a home for life. That means every day, every week, every year—we’re there with clean water, fresh diets, medical attention, and safe, secure spaces.


đŸ’” The Big Picture

In our current budget (FY26):

  • Annual Income: ~$669,820
  • Annual Expenses: ~$589,528
  • Cushion for emergencies & growth: ~$80,292

It takes nearly $600,000 a year (or about $1,600 a day) to keep Cat Tales running.


📊 Where Your Dollar Goes

Every single dollar is stretched to meet the daily needs of more than 40 animals in our care. Here’s how it breaks down:

  • Animal Care (Food, Vet, Supplies): 24%
  • Staff & Training: 14%
  • Animal Homes & Utilities: 18%
  • Education & Guests: 13%
  • Other (Insurance, Marketing, Travel, etc.): 31%

🐅 What That Looks Like in Real Life

  • Feeding just one tiger costs about $5,000–$6,000 a year.
  • A single vet procedure (like X-rays or bloodwork) can be $500–$1,000.
  • Heating and water pumps in winter push utility bills into the thousands each month.
  • Insurance is non-negotiable: $30,000 annually just to protect the sanctuary and animals.

🌟 Why Small Gifts Matter

Even though the budget feels big, here’s the hopeful truth: most of our donors give $20 or less. And those gifts? They add up beautifully.

  • $20 = a week of chicken for the bobcats
  • $50 = keeps the bear pool clean and filled
  • $100 = arthritis meds for a tiger for a month

Your support covers more than bills—it creates forever homes for animals who had nowhere else to go.


💖 Be Part of the Rescue

Every gift—large or small—is a lifeline. Together, our community of givers makes forever homes possible.

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Behind the Scenes: How Wildlife Rehab Happens at Cat Tales https://www.cattales.org/news/behind-the-scenes-how-wildlife-rehab-happens-at-cat-tales/ Tue, 10 Jun 2025 19:36:11 +0000 https://www.cattales.org/?p=5427 If you’ve been following us lately, you’ve likely heard the chatter about this spring’s adorable new arrivals: three baby raccoons brought to Cat Tales Wildlife Center for rehabilitation. But what you might not see is the world behind the scenes—the quiet, round-the-clock work our team does to give animals like these little masked bandits the...

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If you’ve been following us lately, you’ve likely heard the chatter about this spring’s adorable new arrivals: three baby raccoons brought to Cat Tales Wildlife Center for rehabilitation.

But what you might not see is the world behind the scenes—the quiet, round-the-clock work our team does to give animals like these little masked bandits the best possible second chance at life.

We wanted to take you on a quick behind-the-scenes tour of our wildlife rehab efforts—because these small victories are only possible thanks to your support.

How Animals Arrive


Most of the wild animals who come to Cat Tales for rehabilitation arrive here through no fault of their own:

– orphaned due to a parent hit by a car
– displaced by habitat destruction
– injured or sick from environmental hazards or human interference
– well-meaning but misinformed people trying to raise wild babies at home

This year’s raccoon kits (the official name for baby raccoons) were found after their mother was likely scared off during nearby tree removal. With no way to survive on their own, they were brought to us for care.

The Goal: Release Back to the Wild


Whenever we take in wild native species—like raccoons, foxes, coyotes, or bobcats—our goal is the same: get them healthy, strong, and wild enough to return home.

That’s why we limit human contact as much as possible, even when the babies are small and require bottle feeding. The less they imprint on people, the better their chances in the wild.

For these young raccoons, that means:

đŸŒ frequent bottle feedings to start, using special wildlife formulas
🌡 temperature-controlled enclosures for warmth and comfort
🛠 gradual introduction to climbing, foraging, and natural behaviors
â›ș transition to large outdoor enclosures for physical conditioning and “wilding up”

And when they’re ready, they’ll be released in appropriate, protected habitat where they can thrive.

The Work You Don’t Always See


Our rehab team and veterinary partners monitor everything from weight gain to behavior to subtle signs of readiness for release. And all of this happens while the rest of our team is also caring for the resident animals you see on exhibit.

In the early days, the baby raccoons required feedings around the clock, including overnight—our keepers and trained students often take shifts to make this possible.

Now, they’re in the mischief stage—climbing, exploring, and getting into everything they can reach (as any raccoon enthusiast will tell you, this is completely normal!). Watching that transformation is one of the most rewarding parts of the work.

Why We Need You

Wildlife rehabilitation takes time, specialized knowledge, and resources.

Your support helps provide:

đŸŒ formula, medications, and supplements
🏡 safe, species-appropriate enclosures
🛠 maintenance of outdoor rehab habitats
đŸ‘©â€âš•ïž veterinary care and monitoring
🕐 staff and student time for intensive, hands-on care

Rehab isn’t glamorous—and it often happens out of sight. But thanks to supporters like you, we’re able to offer second chances to animals that would otherwise have no hope.

So when you see those sweet baby raccoon faces, know that you are part of their journey back to the wild.
đŸŸ – The Cat Tales Wildlife Center Team

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Think Before You Rescue: A Spring Guide to Baby Wildlife https://www.cattales.org/news/think-before-you-rescue-a-spring-guide-to-baby-wildlife/ Tue, 10 Jun 2025 19:32:42 +0000 https://www.cattales.org/?p=5432 It happens every year: spring arrives, the world fills with new life, and soon our phones start ringing—“I found a baby animal. What should I do?” We love that so many people care about helping wildlife. But the truth is: not every baby animal you find needs rescuing. In fact, sometimes the kindest thing you...

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It happens every year: spring arrives, the world fills with new life, and soon our phones start ringing—
“I found a baby animal. What should I do?”

We love that so many people care about helping wildlife. But the truth is: not every baby animal you find needs rescuing.

In fact, sometimes the kindest thing you can do is to leave it be.

Here’s a quick guide to help you know what to do (and what NOT to do) if you find a wild little one this season:

First: Observe, Don’t Assume


It’s very natural for wild babies to be left alone for periods of time while the mother feeds or avoids drawing attention to them.

Many babies that look “orphaned” are not orphaned at all! Moving them can actually harm their chances of survival.

Signs a Baby May Be Just Fine


🐣 Songbirds: Fledglings on the ground are normal! They’re learning to fly, and the parents are usually nearby.

🐇 Baby rabbits: Nests are often shallow scrapes in the grass—if the babies look warm, clean, and quiet, mom is probably caring for them when you’re not around.

🩝 Raccoons, foxes, and coyotes: Young ones may venture out of dens or tree hollows as they grow. If the baby is not cold, crying, or visibly ill or injured, mom may be nearby.

🩌 Fawns: Mothers intentionally leave fawns hidden in tall grass for hours at a time to keep them safe from predators. A quiet, still fawn alone is usually not abandoned.

When to Call for Help


Some situations really do call for human intervention. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or your local animal control if:

đŸš© The animal is clearly injured or bleeding
đŸš© The animal is cold, thin, weak, or covered in flies
đŸš© The mother has been confirmed dead or unable to return
đŸš© The baby has been handled or “rescued” and can no longer be safely returned
đŸš© The animal is in a dangerous area (road, construction zone, neighborhood cat zone)

DO NOT try to care for the animal yourself.

A Few Big “Don’ts”


đŸš« Don’t feed wild babies. Cow’s milk, human baby formula, or inappropriate foods can cause fatal digestive problems.

đŸš« Don’t remove the animal unless absolutely necessary. When in doubt—observe from a distance and call a wildlife professional for advice.

đŸš« Don’t attempt to raise wild animals at home. It is illegal without a permit, and even the best intentions can lead to permanent harm or imprinting that prevents release.

How You Can Help Wildlife


✅ Share this information with friends and neighbors—especially those who love animals and want to help.

✅ Keep dogs and cats away from areas where wildlife may be nesting.

✅ Support your local wildlife rehabilitation centers (like Cat Tales!) so we can be ready when genuine rescues are needed.

✅ And if in doubt—always call a professional before taking action. We’re happy to offer advice!


Springtime is full of life, and nature knows what it’s doing.
Together, with care and good information, we can give wild babies the best chance—whether that means rescue, or letting nature take its course.

Thank you for being a wildlife friend!

đŸŸ – The Cat Tales Wildlife Center Team

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Meet Taz: Our New Carpathian Lynx Resident https://www.cattales.org/news/meet-taz-our-new-carpathian-lynx-resident/ Sat, 08 Mar 2025 23:05:48 +0000 https://www.cattales.org/?p=5308 Taz’s Story Taz, a 2-year-old Carpathian Lynx, is the newest resident at Cat Tales Wildlife Center. He was purchased as a kitten in Tennessee and raised in a private home. As Taz matured, his natural behaviors became increasingly difficult for his owner to manage safely. The owner, facing family obligations that limited the time and...

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Taz’s Story

Taz, a 2-year-old Carpathian Lynx, is the newest resident at Cat Tales Wildlife Center. He was purchased as a kitten in Tennessee and raised in a private home. As Taz matured, his natural behaviors became increasingly difficult for his owner to manage safely. The owner, facing family obligations that limited the time and resources available for Taz’s care, made the difficult decision to relinquish him to Cat Tales, ensuring that Taz receives the specialized care he needs.

Why Taz Needed a New Home

As a non-neutered male, Taz has reached an age where his natural instincts and strength pose a significant risk of injury to people other than his owner. Mature lynxes, especially those not neutered, exhibit territorial and defensive behaviors that can be dangerous without proper containment and experienced handling. At Cat Tales, Taz is in a safe, enriched environment designed to accommodate his natural behaviors while keeping him and his caretakers safe.

About the Carpathian Lynx

Taz is a member of the Carpathian Lynx subspecies, known for their elusive nature and impressive hunting skills. Native to the Carpathian Mountains, these lynxes thrive in dense forest habitats, using their keen senses of sight and hearing to track prey. With wide, fur-covered paws that act like snowshoes, they are well adapted to life in snowy terrains. At full size, male Carpathian lynxes like Taz can weigh between 40 and 65 pounds, making them one of the largest lynx subspecies.

Taz’s Care at Cat Tales

Our team is working to transition Taz to his new home by providing a secure, species-appropriate enclosure that includes opportunities for climbing, hiding, and exploration—mimicking the dense forest habitat he is adapted to. Enrichment activities and a specialized diet will help Taz remain physically and mentally stimulated. Veterinary care, including a health assessment and potential neutering, will also be part of Taz’s care plan to help him adapt to sanctuary life.

Help Us Welcome Taz!

Taz’s rescue was made possible thanks to supporters who understand the importance of providing a forever home for animals that cannot be released into the wild. You can help support Taz’s care by sponsoring him or contributing to our rescue fund.

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When a Tiger Needs a Manicure: Nalin’s Medical Journey https://www.cattales.org/news/when-a-tiger-needs-a-manicure/ Sun, 10 Nov 2024 01:45:00 +0000 https://www.cattales.org/?p=4711 Not All Medical Moments Are Streamed –In a world of streaming content, you will find some zoos and wildlife rescues included in the viewing lineup. You may even see them sharing medical procedures for the animals in their care. We aren’t streaming but thought you might be curious how we handle big cat veterinary care...

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Not All Medical Moments Are Streamed
In a world of streaming content, you will find some zoos and wildlife rescues included in the viewing lineup. You may even see them sharing medical procedures for the animals in their care. We aren’t streaming but thought you might be curious how we handle big cat veterinary care here at Cat Tales Wildlife. Let me tell you about Nalin the white tiger and his toe.


a white tiger scratching on a box with a bowl in it
Close up of an ingrown claw needing a trim

A Tiger’s Toe Troubles
This August staff noted Nalin favoring his left front paw. He was grooming it more than usual and shaking it often as if to shake something out. Soon the staff were able to capture a picture of the culprit. Nalin had a claw growing too curved, causing it to curl back and into his toe pad on that foot.


A Unique Procedure for a Unique Patient
Tigers aren’t typically welcome into clinic, so his procedure took place here. Despite his early years showcasing his tiger abilities, presenting paws for nail trims was not part of Nalin’s training. This manicure would require sedation.


Veterinary big cat manicure using a farriers tool
Dr. McConnell trimming white tiger claw

When a Dremel Becomes a Claw Tool
If you aren’t familiar with it, tiger claws are STRONG. Standard nail clippers are not up to the task. Thus, farrier tools and a nail file in the form of a cordless Dremel were our go to. Once safely under sedation we entered his space and began to tackle the problem claw. With a loud crunching snap the vet clipped the claw and pulled the tip from Nalin’s toe pad. We trimmed the rest of his claw tips, checked teeth, did an overall physical exam, and drew some blood before waking Nalin up.


veterinarian using a Dremel to smooth a white tigers claw
claw tip from a white tiger in the palm of a hand

Fast Recovery and Positive News
From the initial injection to back on his feet, the entire process was completed in an hour. The toe pad healed beautifully in a few days. Also, we are happy to note his bloodwork shows Nalin’s kidneys are performing better than expected.


Thanks for Making This Possible
Thank you, Dr. McConnell, for your professional care. And thank YOU! Your support makes veterinary procedures possible.

More about Nalin the White Tiger

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Changing Seasons Through the Eyes of a Zookeeper https://www.cattales.org/news/changing-seasons-through-the-eyes-of-a-zookeeper/ Tue, 22 Oct 2024 03:39:13 +0000 https://www.cattales.org/?p=4570 A New Appreciation for Seasonal Challenges I grew up in Spokane and have enjoyed the beauty that each season brings to our region. I am also accustomed to the seasonal challenges, from springtime allergies to snow shoveling and driving in slush. It took moving onsite at Cat Tales and experiencing the seasons, and all the...

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A New Appreciation for Seasonal Challenges

I grew up in Spokane and have enjoyed the beauty that each season brings to our region. I am also accustomed to the seasonal challenges, from springtime allergies to snow shoveling and driving in slush. It took moving onsite at Cat Tales and experiencing the seasons, and all the tasks that come with them here to truly appreciate the hard work and commitment that caring for our outdoor occupants require. 

Summer is gone, and winter will be here far too soon, so what does that mean to the animal care and maintenance teams here at Cat Tales?  Let’s see


Preparing for Winter

Shade tarps that provide relief from the heat in the summer need to come down.  Snow weight is nothing to joke about, so exhibit roofs need shade tarps removed before the fluffy white stuff arrives.

Hoses that help us run sky sprinklers, clean and fill pools, and keep the animals refreshed stop working when filled with ice.  Hoses removed, drained, and stored.  Spiggots locked for the season and sprinklers stowed away.  Our arms, already muscled from hauling basalt, fencing, and compost, are about to get a new workout in hauling water buckets while spilling as little as possible from our winter water source to all the animals through the chilly months ahead.

Tackling Winter Maintenance

Stock up on torches, butane, and lock lube to keep our padlocks functioning all winter.  Nothing can quite describe the (sarcastic) joys of thawing a padlock to open it, doing your task, and then needing to thaw it again to get it to close properly.  Do you know how many padlocks we open and close each day?!

Water bucket swap time!  Each animal gets a heated water bucket installed for the winter, which of course requires running power supply, splitters, and installing the species suitable bucket or bowl for the animals.  I always remind my current winter crew of how easy they have it with these heated buckets, where most previous students enrolled in our program had to haul, thaw and replace heavy ice buckets daily for all of the animals.  Perspective is a great tool to counter complaining.

Stocking Up for Winter’s Unpredictability

Pool skimmers, bleach pans at our safety gates, and all other non-winter tools are stowed for the season.  Cleats and torches are added to our staff’s daily equipment gear, and basic supplies – straw, animal food stores, bleach, gloves and paper products for sanitation, are stocked up to have on hand, just in case
 (Just in case could be interruptions to supply chains, weather affecting supply access, and potential winter weather closures.  We also stock up as we prepare for the decrease in our visitors each winter, which means a decrease in financial support to cover our normal expenses, so we stock up while we can
 just in case.) 

The Never-Ending Battle with Pine Needles

Pine needles.  The bane and time suck of our lives in the fall, and throughout much of the year.  Raking leaves is fun, as it provides enrichment supply for the animals, and some pine needles as well.  But the amount we manage is far more than we need or want.  Pine needles just keep on giving.

The Physicality of the Job

Believe it or not I love it all.  The process, the seasonal tasks and To Do lists  which seem endless until the weather changes and the new To Do list takes its place.  I missed each of the four seasons that the Spokane region enjoys annually enough to move back home from Hawaii to experience them again.  And I love the physicality of the job.  Never before have I had to watch my back while raking to avoid being sprayed by a tiger, or time my zip-tie removal (shade tarps) and zipping on new zip-ties (power cords) while carefully avoiding being snagged by a bobcat or serval. 

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed my first attempt at blogging the world of wildlife rescue and zookeeping, and that it didn’t come across as a complaint list.  I do love the job, and being able to teach it to each new student in our program keeps it entertaining.  Until next time, enjoy the autumn and watch out for tigers lifting their tails at you.

Lisa G. – Executive Director, Lead Keeper

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The Little Wildlife Rescue That Could https://www.cattales.org/news/little-wildlife-rescue-that-could/ Wed, 18 Sep 2024 18:15:09 +0000 https://www.cattales.org/?p=4477 Cat Tales Wildlife Center in Spokane, Washington, is not your typical zoo. Founded in 1990, this small nonprofit serves as a sanctuary for over 100 non-releasable animals, including lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars, and more. Known as the closest thing to a zoo in the inland Northwest, Cat Tales provides lifelong care to wildlife that has been rescued from euthanasia, abandonment, or private owners. Operated with limited staff and resources, the center thrives on the dedication of volunteers, students, and community support, offering educational programs and hands-on experience for aspiring zookeepers. Through determination and compassion, Cat Tales continues to make a lasting impact on both animals and people.

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A Sanctuary, Not a Zoo

Nestled in the heart of Spokane, Washington, Cat Tales Wildlife Center stands as a unique testament to determination, resilience, and the power of second chances. Since its founding in 1990, Cat Tales has been much more than a traditional zoo—it is a sanctuary, a haven for wildlife that has been displaced, relinquished, or deemed non-releasable. Unlike a zoo, which often focuses on animal exhibits for entertainment and education, Cat Tales is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center that provides lifelong care for animals in need. However, to the residents of the inland Northwest, Cat Tales is the closest thing to a zoo, filling a vital gap in the region. Your support is integral to our mission, and we value your contribution to the well-being of these animals.

Second Chances for Wildlife

Over its 30-year history, Cat Tales has become a beacon of hope for over 100 animals, including big cats like lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars, leopards, bears, wolves, and other native wildlife. Many of these animals come from backgrounds where they faced euthanasia—rescued from private owners, law enforcement seizures, or cases of abandonment. Cat Tales is often their last stop, offering a second chance at life in a forever home where they receive expert, specialized care, ensuring their well-being and happiness.

A Small Nonprofit With a Big Heart

Despite being a small nonprofit, Cat Tales has continuously punched above its weight. With a limited staff and resources, the center operates mainly on donations and the passion of its dedicated volunteers and students. Cat Tales also provides unparalleled educational opportunities through its zookeeper school, where students learn the intricacies of caring for exotic and native wildlife, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them for careers in animal care, conservation, and ecology.

An Educational Hub for Spokane

Though not a traditional zoo, Cat Tales is recognized as a crucial part of Spokane’s wildlife education landscape, offering guided tours, community outreach programs, and educational events. It’s the “little wildlife rescue that could,” making a significant impact on the lives of animals and people and standing tall as the inland Northwest’s closest connection to a zoo. Every day, Cat Tales proves that with determination and heart, even the smallest organization can make a lasting difference.

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It’s Feeding Time https://www.cattales.org/news/its-feeding-time/ Fri, 28 Jun 2024 00:09:20 +0000 https://www.cattales.org/?p=4404 Nutritious Animal Diets Our sanctuary is home to a variety of species, each with its own unique dietary needs. Here’s a glimpse into the types of food we prepare: Carnivores: Animals like our tigers and bobcats enjoy a meat-rich diet. Feast Components & Routine Serving Proportions & Adjustments On average, every big cat is served...

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Nutritious Animal Diets

Our sanctuary is home to a variety of species, each with its own unique dietary needs. Here’s a glimpse into the types of food we prepare:

Carnivores: Animals like our tigers and bobcats enjoy a meat-rich diet.

Feast Components & Routine

  • Prime Proteins: Our felines feast on top-notch red meat, including equine (horsemeat) and beef, as well as premium-grade chicken and turkey.
  • Chicken Necks: These aren’t just meals but also dental care tools! As natural toothbrushes, chicken necks help maintain oral hygiene, ensuring no tartar buildup. They’re packed with calcium-rich protein, and their vertebrae are safe for consumption, causing no internal harm.

Serving Proportions & Adjustments

On average, every big cat is served meat at roughly 2-4% of its body weight. However, this is more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Factors like species, weight, age, activity level, hormonal fluctuations, and other unique requirements play pivotal roles. Our team closely monitors everything from scat patterns to health indicators to ensure the diet stays effective and appropriate.

  • Vital Additions: We sprinkle essential supplements on the main course. This includes bone meal for calcium and phosphorous balance, multivitamins, and probiotics to ensure robust health. A dose of glucosamine coupled with chondroitin is provided for those with joint concerns.
  • Natural Fasting Instinct: Taking natural cues, larger feline species like tigers and pumas undergo a weekly fasting day, especially in warmer climates. Depending on various factors, this might even extend into winter. Contrary to popular belief, these majestic creatures don’t feast daily in their natural habitats. Their digestive system functions optimally with periodic empties.

Omnivores: Our raccoons, foxes, and bears have varied diets.

This include fruits, vegetables, eggs, species-specific kibble, and prime proteins like those we feed the carnivores.

Preparation Process

Every meal is carefully prepared with the animals’ health and nutritional needs in mind:

  • Species-Specific Diets: We tailor each meal to meet the specific dietary requirements of different species. For example, tigers need a high-protein diet with essential nutrients found in meat, while raccoons benefit from a balanced mix of proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Age-Related Needs: Young animals require more protein and calcium for growth, while older animals may need softer foods or supplements to support their health.
  • Fresh and Safe Ingredients: All food is sourced fresh and inspected for quality to ensure safety and nutrition.

Feeding Safety

Feeding time is conducted with utmost care to ensure the safety of both the animals and our staff:

  • Protected Contact: We use barriers and feeding tools to maintain a safe distance while delivering food, especially for large and potentially dangerous animals like tigers and bears.
  • Routine and Calm Environment: Animals are fed calmly and predictably to reduce stress and ensure they feel secure during mealtime.

Food Pan Retrieval and Dishwashing

After the animals have enjoyed their meals, we follow a thorough process to maintain hygiene and safety:

  • Retrieval: Food pans are retrieved using tools to ensure staff safety. This process is done carefully to avoid disturbing the animals.
  • Dishwashing: All dishes and feeding tools are thoroughly washed and disinfected to prevent the spread of bacteria and ensure the animals always eat from clean containers.

Recordkeeping

Accurate records are crucial for monitoring the health and well-being of our animals:

  • Dietary Logs: We keep detailed logs of what each animal eats, how much they eat, and any changes in their diet. This helps us track their nutritional intake and adjust as needed.
  • Health Monitoring: Recording feeding habits and food-related issues can quickly identify and address potential health concerns.

Benefits for the Animals

Proper feeding practices are essential for the health and happiness of our animals:

  • Nutrition: Ensuring each animal receives a balanced diet tailored to their needs supports their overall health and longevity.
  • Enrichment: Feeding time is an opportunity for mental and physical stimulation. For example, with the bears, hiding food in various locations encourages natural foraging behaviors.
  • Health Monitoring: Regular feeding routines and careful recordkeeping help us monitor the animals’ health and detect any issues early.

We invite you to join us during this important part of our day. Feeding our animals is not just about providing food—it’s about ensuring they live enriched, healthy lives.

What Do Tigers Eat?

What Do Foxes Eat?

What Do Black Bears Eat? A Guide to Their Diverse Diet

Ensuring Complete Nutrition for Captive Black Bears: Diet Adjustments

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What Do Black Bears Eat? A Guide to Their Diverse Diet https://www.cattales.org/news/what-do-black-bears-eat-a-guide-to-their-diverse-diet/ Thu, 27 Jun 2024 22:40:44 +0000 https://www.cattales.org/?p=4394 Black bears are fascinating creatures known for their adaptability and varied diet. Understanding what these animals eat can provide insight into their behavior, habitats, and role in the ecosystem. Let’s explore the dietary habits of the black bear, shedding light on their diverse and often surprising menu. Omnivorous Appetites: A Bit of Everything Black bears...

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Black bears are fascinating creatures known for their adaptability and varied diet. Understanding what these animals eat can provide insight into their behavior, habitats, and role in the ecosystem. Let’s explore the dietary habits of the black bear, shedding light on their diverse and often surprising menu.

Omnivorous Appetites: A Bit of Everything

Black bears (Ursus americanus) are omnivores, which means they eat plants and animals. Their diet can change significantly with the seasons and the availability of food sources. Here’s a breakdown of what black bears typically eat:

Spring: Waking Up Hungry

After hibernating through the winter, black bears emerge from their dens hungry and needing replenishment. During spring, their diet includes:

  • Fresh Vegetation: Tender shoots, grasses, and young leaves are among the first foods available. These are rich in nutrients and easy to digest.
  • Insects: Ants, beetles, and larvae provide essential proteins and fats.
  • Carrion: Bears might scavenge on carcasses of animals that didn’t survive the winter.

Summer: Fruits and Foraging

Summer offers a bounty of food options for black bears, and they take full advantage of the season’s abundance:

  • Berries: Raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries are favorites. These fruits are rich in sugars and help bears gain weight.
  • Nuts: Acorns, hazelnuts, and other nuts provide essential fats and proteins.
  • Insects and Larvae: Continued foraging of insects like ants and bees.
  • Small Mammals and Fish: Bears might hunt small animals or fish, adding more protein to their diet.

Fall: Preparing for Winter

As fall approaches, black bears enter a phase known as hyperphagia, where they overeat to build up fat reserves for hibernation. During this time, their diet includes:

  • Nuts and Seeds: High-calorie nuts and seeds become crucial for fat storage.
  • Fruits and Berries: They continue to consume large amounts of fruits and berries.
  • Carrion and Small Mammals: Opportunistic feeding on carcasses and small prey remains common.

Winter: Hibernation and Minimal Eating

Black bears do not eat during hibernation. They rely on the fat reserves built up during the rest of the year to sustain them through the winter months.

Human Influence: The Risk of Unnatural Diets

Unfortunately, human presence can significantly impact black bear diets. When bears have access to human food sources, such as garbage, pet food, or crops, it can lead to conflicts and health issues for the bears. People living in bear habitats must secure food sources to prevent bears from relying on human food.

Conclusion: The Resilient Foragers

Black bears are remarkable for adapting to different environments and food sources. By understanding what they eat, we greatly appreciate their role in nature and the importance of preserving their natural habitats. Whether munching on berries in the summer or foraging for insects in the spring, black bears remind us of the delicate balance within our ecosystems.

If you enjoyed learning about black bears’ dietary habits, stay tuned for more insights into the lives of our wild neighbors. At Cat Tales Wildlife Center, we’re dedicated to educating the public about the amazing creatures we share our world with and the steps we can take to protect them.

Ensuring Complete Nutrition for Captive Black Bears: Diet Adjustments

The post What Do Black Bears Eat? A Guide to Their Diverse Diet appeared first on Cat Tales Wildlife Center.

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Ensuring Complete Nutrition for Captive Black Bears: Diet Adjustments https://www.cattales.org/news/captive-black-bear-diet/ Thu, 27 Jun 2024 22:30:02 +0000 https://www.cattales.org/?p=4396 Caring for black bears in captivity, such as at wildlife rescue centers like Cat Tales Wildlife Center, requires careful planning to ensure they receive a balanced diet that mimics the variety they would find in the wild. While wild black bears forage for various foods that change with the seasons, captive bears rely on their...

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Caring for black bears in captivity, such as at wildlife rescue centers like Cat Tales Wildlife Center, requires careful planning to ensure they receive a balanced diet that mimics the variety they would find in the wild. While wild black bears forage for various foods that change with the seasons, captive bears rely on their caretakers to provide a consistent and nutritionally complete diet. Here’s how diet adjustments are made for captive black bears to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients.

Replicating the Wild Diet: Key Components

  1. Fruits and Vegetables:
    • Variety: Captive bears are given various fruits and vegetables to mimic the seasonal changes they would experience in the wild. This includes apples, pears, berries, melons, carrots, and leafy greens.
    • Nutrient-Rich Options: High-nutrient fruits and vegetables are selected to provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
  2. Protein Sources:
    • Insects and Meat: Black bears consume insects and small mammals for protein in the wild. In captivity, bears may receive protein through specially formulated bear chow, which includes insect meal or occasional lean meats like chicken or fish.
    • Eggs: Eggs are also a valuable source of protein and essential fatty acids, often included in their diet.
  3. Nuts and Seeds:
    • Healthy Fats: Nuts and seeds provide healthy fats and proteins. Bears in captivity may receive a controlled amount of nuts, such as almonds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds, to ensure they do not overconsume fats.
  4. Specialized Bear Chow:
    • Balanced Nutrition: Many wildlife centers use specially formulated bear chow, which is designed to provide a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. This ensures bears receive consistent and complete nutrition.
  5. Supplements:
    • Vitamins and Minerals: Depending on individual health needs, bears may receive supplements to ensure adequate amounts of specific vitamins and minerals not sufficiently provided by their diet.

Seasonal Adjustments

  • Spring and Summer:
    • Higher Vegetation Intake: Like wild bears, captive bears are given more fresh vegetables and fruits during these seasons to reflect their natural diet.
    • Increased Variety: A wider variety of foods is provided to stimulate natural foraging behaviors and prevent dietary boredom.
  • Fall:
    • Higher Caloric Intake: To mimic the hyperphagia phase in the wild, where bears overeat to build fat reserves for winter, captive bears receive more high-calorie foods like nuts and fruits.
    • Increased Portions: Portion sizes may help bears gain weight for the winter months.
  • Winter:
    • Reduced Food Intake: While captive bears do not hibernate as deeply as wild bears, their food intake may be reduced to reflect the natural decrease in activity and appetite during the colder months.

Enrichment and Natural Behaviors

  • Foraging Activities: Enrichment activities that encourage natural foraging behaviors are essential. Food is often hidden or scattered to simulate the food search, keeping bears mentally and physically stimulated.
  • Varied Presentation: Food may be presented in different ways, such as ice blocks or placed in puzzle feeders, to provide challenges and prevent boredom.

Monitoring and Adjustments

  • Regular Health Checks: Regular health assessments ensure that bears maintain a healthy weight and show no signs of nutritional deficiencies.
  • Dietary Adjustments: Based on health checks and behavioral observations, diets are adjusted as needed to address specific health concerns or nutritional gaps.

By carefully planning and adjusting the diets of captive black bears, wildlife centers can ensure these magnificent animals receive the complete nutrition they need to thrive in captivity while encouraging natural behaviors and providing a stimulating environment. At Cat Tales Wildlife Center, our dedicated team works tirelessly to replicate the diverse and nutritious diet that black bears would find in the wild, ensuring their health and well-being are always a top priority.

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