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Wyandot County Humane Society: A Legacy of Compassion
In Wyandot County, compassion has a home β and it started in a garage.
Founded in 1985 by Dave and Lynda Balz, the Wyandot County Humane Society (WCHS) began as a simple effort to help stray and unwanted animals find safety and care. Forty years later, that small act of service has evolved into a multi-faceted organization that includes the HOPE (Helping Our Pets Everywhere) Clinic and the Wyandot County Equine Rescue, all working together to save lives of every species imaginable.
EHD Outbreak Impacts Thousands of Deer in Southeast Ohio
Ohio is facing its most severe outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) to date, with nearly 7,000 deer confirmed sick or dead across 22 counties, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Disease Outbreak: Ohio Deer Dying
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has reported an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, in whitetail deer in several counties across the state.
Beaver Deceiver Saves Lives in Vermont
In Orange, Vermont, beavers have been given a chance to thrive thanks to an innovative flow device known as a βbeaver deceiver.β Installed by Beaver Deceivers LLC and funded primarily by In Defense of Animals (IDA), the device allows beavers to remain in their natural habitat while also preventing flooding that can damage roads and culverts.
Silver Fox Lake and the Rising Need for Sanctuaries in Ohio
In the spring of 2025, a striking silver fox captured the attention of Medina County residentsβand raised a red flag for wildlife advocates. The animal, later named Lake, was not just beautiful, he was out of place.
Unlike Ohioβs native red and gray foxes, Lakeβs dark, shimmering coat marked him as a melanistic or βsilverβ foxβa trait rarely seen in the wild, but common in captive-bred foxes raised to be pets. His calm behavior around humans and lack of fear signaled something else: this was no wild animal. Lake had been bred and likely raised in captivity.
And, like many exotic pets, he had been abandoned.
Ohio Species Spotlight: Sandhill Crane
The Sandhill Crane is a striking, tall bird standing 3 to 4 feet high with a wingspan of up to 6.5 feet. Itβs recognized by its long legs, long neck, grayish-brown feathers, and distinctive red crown on its head. These cranes are known for their trumpeting calls that echo across wetlands and open fields, especially when traveling in large migratory flocks.
A Powerful Story of Wildlife and Coexistence: Coyoteβs Wild Home
This month, as our Humane Education Resource of the Month, we are excited to highlight an exceptional resource that aligns perfectly with our mission of fostering compassion and understanding towards animals: Coyoteβs Wild Home, by Barbara Kingsolver (2023 Pulitzer Prize Winner in fiction; 2000 National Humanities Medal winner) and Barbaraβs daughter, Lily Kingsolver (American ecologist and author), with illustrations by Paul Mirocha. Published in 2023 to extremely positive reviews, this 32-page picture book offers two intertwined stories that describe the adventures of a young coyote pup and a girl named Diana, both embarking on their first journeys into the Appalachian wilderness.
Ohioβs Wildlife at Risk: Why the State Needs Stronger Protections
SmileHub, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting donors with charities, conducted an extensive analysis of wildlife protection across all 50 states. The study assessed 17 key metrics, including the number of animal and environmental protection agencies per capita, the strength of wildlife protection laws, and the presence of wildlife-focused charities. Each state was given a score on a 100-point scale, with higher numbers indicating stronger wildlife protections.
Kick off the New Year with the Ohio Wildlife Council Meeting
Ohio wildlife enthusiasts, start 2025 off right by joining us at the Ohio Wildlife Council meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will take place at the Division of Wildlife, District One Office, located at 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH. This gathering offers a chance to stay informed about wildlife updates, enforcement efforts, and plans for the upcoming year.
Ohio Species Spotlight: Allegheny Woodrat
Allegheny woodrats are a unique species with specialized needs, and protecting them requires ongoing conservation efforts, habitat protection, and public education. By taking these actions, you can help protect Allegheny woodrats and contribute to their long-term survival.
Ohio Species Spotlight: Green Salamander
Green salamanders are a unique species with specialized needs, and protecting them requires ongoing conservation efforts, habitat protection, and public education. By taking these actions, you can help protect green salamanders and contribute to their long-term survival.
βWe can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.β
β Nelson Mandela