05/31/2025
If you see these white/ yellow things on a wild animal, it is in trouble and needs immediate help!
These are fly eggs (also know as “fly strike”) and will hatch in less than 24 hours. Once they do, fly larva (aka maggots) will wreak havoc on the poor animal they are attached to.
Many people believe they maggots only eat dead tissue so they can’t hurt animals - which isn’t entirely true. These larva cause damage to surrounding healthy tissue as they feast on dead tissue. This damage causes healthy tissue to die and then be eaten.
Flies often lay their eggs on animals they sense to be dying, so their larva can feast on it. They each lay about 150 eggs at a time, so it doesn’t take long for freshly hatched larva to cause severe damage to the host.
If you see these on an animal, don’t wait to call someone. They need help IMMEDIATELY. Please call your local wildlife rehabilitator ASAP. They can be combed off gently with a flea comb and soapy water if you are not able to reach anyone.
Let’s spread the word to prevent as much suffering as possible. Knowledge is power and the more we know the more we can help.
