“There’s a goose at Oronoco Bay Park with sticks stuck in its wing.” “There’s a goose that’s been shot with arrows at Oronoco Bay Park.” Our Animal Services team has been fielding these and similar concerns for nearly two years. While the appearance of the goose can be jarring and raise concerns, what people are actually seeing is a goose …
Giving Alexandria’s Wildlife a Second Chance
It’s the time of year when Alexandria’s wildlife comes to life — foraging, making nests and raising their young. That translates into action-packed days for Animal Welfare League of Alexandria’s (AWLA) Animal Services Officer and wildlife specialist Megan Lawrence. A recent call concerned a common wildlife issue: squirrels. “A tree had been cut down In Del Ray, and in the trunk …
It’s a Wild Day in the Neighborhood
Few people complain that they don’t have enough mosquitoes, mice, rats, ticks or lice in their backyards. Fewer still complain about not enough dead fish on the shorelines. But local animal protection officials often receive complaints about the very beings who help to keep these populations under control. A baby raccoon takes shelter at the AWLA. Residents should call the …
Wildlife in Trouble? Experienced Team to the Rescue
The call from distraught Alexandria city employees was urgent. They needed the AWLA to help with a tiny, furry problem: A baby raccoon was stuck on top of a city dump truck that the workers had been driving around town. AWLA Animal Services Officers Howard Stanback and Megan Lawrence were dispatched to the scene, where Officer Stanback climbed atop the …
Remembering a Friend to Wildlife
Over the past decade, one of Virginia wildlife’s greatest resources was Dogue Hollow Wildlife Sanctuary, a nonprofit in Lorton dedicated to rehabilitating wildlife, especially raccoons. Last week we lost the organization’s director, Jenna Such, a champion for wildlife, but we will always remember her generous spirit and determination to help animals in need. Pictured: A baby raccoon who went to Dogue …
Junior PAWS: Fun & Games – What Scat is That?!
The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria is excited to share our new virtual humane education program, Junior Pet Advocacy and Wildlife Series (PAWS), with your family! Junior PAWS is a series of humane education lessons ranging from crafts to careers. Lessons utilize Zoom and Google Classroom to bring fun and learning directly to kids and their families at home! Families who register will be emailed …
Are You Prepared for Spring?
Getting Ready for Spring Babies! Last Thursday, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria hosted the second event in our brand new speaker series to help our community learn about the baby wildlife they might be seeing in their backyards this spring. AWLA Animal Services Officers Boyd and Doran spoke about the variety of wild animals that will be having …
SPEAKER SERIES: Get Ready for Spring Wildlife!
Join the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria to learn more about the animals who will be populating your backyard this spring, from the wild to the domestic. Alexandria’s Animal Services will provide more information about spring babies, how you can help keep them safe and what to do if you find an abandoned animal, whether it’s a squirrel, a bunny, …