Painted Acres Wildlfe Rehab

01/22/2026

SQUIRREL APPRECIATION DAY!

11/03/2025

09/23/2025

In Ontario and Michigan, black squirrels can outnumber grays.

Their dark coats absorb more solar heat, losing about 18% less warmth and lowering metabolism by 20%, giving them an edge in brutal winters.

09/23/2025

Tiny paws, bright eyes, and stripes that tell a story older than memory.
This is the baby striped skunk—nature’s smallest warning wrapped in fur.

Even at this age, the pattern is unmistakable: black coats slashed with bold white lines that shout, “Do not touch.” To predators, those stripes are a promise of the powerful musk these kits will one day wield. But for now, they are harmless, relying instead on their mother’s care and the camouflage of their den.

Striped skunks are nocturnal wanderers, feeding on insects, fruit, small mammals, and even grubs dug from the soil. Despite their infamous defense, they play an important role in balancing ecosystems, keeping insect populations in check.

Held in a hand or perched on a log, their innocence is disarming—soft fur, curious noses, bushy tails raised like banners. But beneath the cuteness lies evolution’s lesson: sometimes the boldest patterns belong to the smallest creatures.

09/17/2025

“It is only the farmer who faithfully plants seeds in the Spring, who reaps a harvest in the Autumn.” — B.C. Forbes

Art: Colorado's Mantled Squirrel https://www.wildwings.com/collections/all/products/1058185074ig

09/17/2025

A baby squirrel’s life is fragile.
From the moment they’re born, eyes closed, hairless, and no bigger than a thumb, they depend entirely on their mother. She keeps them warm in the nest, feeds them milk, and defends them from predators until they’re strong enough to climb and forage on their own.

But sometimes, tragedy strikes. If a mother squirrel dies, is injured, or is unable to care for her babies, the little ones are left alone in the nest — hungry, shivering, and calling out with tiny cries that few ever hear. Without help, most would not survive.

💔 This is where human compassion can step in. Wildlife rescuers and rehabilitation centers often become the lifeline for these orphans. With warmth, special milk formulas, and round-the-clock care, they give abandoned babies a second chance at life. Once the squirrels are strong and old enough, they’re released back into the wild — free to climb, leap, and chatter in the treetops where they belong.

✨ It’s a reminder that even the smallest creatures carry stories of survival, and that sometimes, the kindness of people bridges the gap left by nature’s hardships.

Because every life, no matter how small, deserves a chance to grow.

09/17/2025

09/14/2025

We're grateful for your visit to our booth and your support for the Rehab! Your kindness enables me to buy formula and veggies for the fall babies. As promised, here are the heartwarming baby pictures.
Sincere appreciation,
Dawne

02/17/2025