What are the opening hours?

Monday 10am - 5pm Tuesday 10am - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 5pm Thursday 10am - 5pm Friday 10am - 5pm

Savage Hart, P. O. Box 451, Fortson, GA (2025)

Q: What is the website?

https://www.savagehartwildlife.org/

04/23/2025

We meant to celebrate our 100th patient of the year...
But we blinked, and dozens more showed up! It’s been a whirlwind of a week, and it’s only Wednesday. 😅

Most of the recent arrivals have been orphaned opossums who lost their moms to car strikes. But we’ve had a few surprise patients from other species too—stay tuned, we promise to introduce them (eventually… probably… hopefully;)

With just the two of us and a couple of part-time volunteers, we’ve been feeding, cleaning, medicating—and somehow still keeping everything running smoothly, one fuzzy face at a time.

To the animals: We love you, but maybe take a number?
To the humans: Send snacks. And coffee.. And maybe… a donation?

Every dollar helps us care for the next 100 wild lives.

04/18/2025

Four Raptors. Four Cities. One Week.

Last week, we admitted four different raptors after vehicle collisions, each from a different part of the Chattahoochee Valley: a barred owl from Columbus, a broad-winged hawk from LaGrange, a red-tailed hawk from Americus, and an osprey from Woodbury.

These species vary in size, behavior, and habitat, but they all faced the same risk. Some are now continuing their recovery with specialized rehabilitation partners, while others sustained injuries too severe to overcome.

Vehicle strikes remain one of the most common causes of injury to native wildlife. Whether hunting, flying low, or simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, wild animals often don’t stand a chance against traffic. Even food waste and litter tossed from vehicles can create unintended hazards. When prey species gather near roadsides, predators often follow, bringing them dangerously close to harm.

As our communities grow, so does our responsibility to coexist with the wildlife that shares these spaces. Increased awareness and small actions, like driving carefully and keeping roadsides clean, can make a meaningful difference.
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To learn more about our work and how you can support native wildlife in the Chattahoochee Valley, visit https://savagehartwildlife.org/

04/16/2025

Just a few of the 20+ opossum joeys currently in care—spring keeps us busy!😅

04/10/2025

Buns in need of greens!

Our cottontail patients have munched their way through our entire supply of white clover and dandelions—and they still need more to support their development and prep for life back in the wild. This forage is packed with nutrients and helps them practice natural feeding behaviors.

If you have a yard that's full of dandelions or clover, or know of a place that has lots of it, we'd love to have some — just make sure that the area hasn't been sprayed with pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals; the buns do NOT like that stuff!

You can rip them up, roots and all (that's where a lot of the nutrients are), stuff them in a gallon ziplock bag, store them in the fridge, and call/text us at (888) 444-1810 to arrange a dropoff.

We and our buns thank you!

04/08/2025

Cleared for Takeoff!

During the coldest months of the year, we admitted three bats in need of urgent care—two evening bats (Nycticeius humeralis) and one tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), a species of concern in Georgia. Found cold-stunned in January and February after sudden temperature drops, these bats were unable to regulate their body temperature or forage for food.

Unlike true hibernators, many bats in the southeast use torpor, a temporary state of reduced metabolic activity, to conserve energy during cold periods. However, rapid weather shifts can disrupt this process, leaving bats too weak to find shelter or sustain themselves. Without intervention, cold-stunned bats are at risk of dehydration, starvation, and predation.

Upon admission, all three bats underwent a mandatory quarantine period to rule out illness and ensure they were healthy enough for release. During this time, they were provided with species-appropriate diets, proper hydration, and a controlled environment to regain strength. Once they met release criteria—demonstrating proper flight, weight recovery, and normal behavior—they were returned to the wild in optimal weather conditions.

Why Bats Matter
Bats play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance. In Georgia, insectivorous species like evening bats and tricolored bats consume thousands of insects each night, reducing agricultural pests and controlling mosquito populations. Their contribution to natural pest control benefits both ecosystems and human communities.

Despite their critical role, bats are often misunderstood. Habitat loss, disease, and climate fluctuations threaten many species, making conservation efforts like these more important than ever. Rehabilitating and releasing these individuals is a victory not just for them, but for the environment as a whole.

We are proud to have played a role in ensuring these bats returned to the wild where they belong. Every successful release strengthens local bat populations, supporting a healthier, more balanced ecosystem. If you want to learn more about our work,and how you can support native wildlife, visit https://www.savagehartwildlife.org.

04/04/2025

Mission Accomplished – Just in Time!

We are thrilled to share that, thanks to your generosity, we have fully funded our Formula Fund for the season! This means every orphaned squirrel, opossum, and other young patient in our care will receive the critical nutrition they need to grow strong and thrive.

And the timing couldn’t be better—we’re seeing a steady influx of new intakes. With baby season in full swing, this support ensures we can continue providing the specialized care these animals require for a successful return to the wild.

Your donations and shares didn’t just fund formula—they directly contributed to wildlife rehabilitation in action. Because of you, we can meet the needs of these growing patients and give them the best chance at survival.

From all of us at Savage Hart, thank you for making a tangible difference. Your generosity fuels our mission, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.

04/02/2025

Last week, we received a call about a great horned owlet that had fallen from its nest—an 80-100 foot drop. Miraculously, after a thorough exam, the young owl showed no signs of injury. Our immediate goal was to reunite it with its parents, as young raptors are best raised in the wild.

Renesting is a delicate process that depends on many factors: confirming the parents are still present, checking for other owlets in the nest, monitoring the weather, and securing a trained tree climber to safely return the nestling. For several days, we worked tirelessly to coordinate these logistics. Unfortunately, with recent storms and the complexities of timing, we were unable to return the owlet to its original nest.

Since Savage Hart is not yet licensed or equipped for long-term raptor rehabilitation, we transferred the nestling to Philema Animal Hospital, a federally licensed rehabilitator. There, it will be raised with minimal human contact, ensuring it develops the skills needed to thrive in the wild.

While nature doesn't always follow our best-laid plans, what matters is that this owlet has been given a second chance at life. Wildlife rehabilitation is full of challenges, but every effort we make helps protect these incredible creatures and their place in the wild.
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If you’d like to support our work or learn more about what we do, visit https://savagehartwildlife.org. Every donation, share, and kind word helps us continue rescuing and rehabilitating Georgia’s wildlife!

03/26/2025

In wildlife rehabilitation, the release process varies depending on the species, age, and circumstances of the patient. For adult animals admitted for short-term care, a hard release—returning them to their home territory in a transport carrier and simply opening it—is often appropriate, as these individuals are already familiar with their environment. For orphaned or long-term patients, however, a soft release provides a crucial transition period to ensure survival.

These juvenile flying squirrels are undergoing a soft release, allowing them to acclimate to the wild at their own pace. In the video, you’ll see one squirrel inside the enclosure, while another ventures out—exploring, yet still able to return to the safety of its known space. Soft releases are especially beneficial for species like flying squirrels, which rely heavily on caching behavior to store food for survival. By maintaining access to their food caches within the enclosure, these squirrels can gradually transition to storing resources in nearby trees, a key indicator that they are ready for full independence.

Every species has unique needs, and tailoring release strategies to their natural behaviors is essential to successful rehabilitation. Discover how you can support our efforts to conserve Georgia’s native wildlife at https://savagehartwildlife.org/how-to-help/

03/21/2025

A single storm changed everything for this young beaver. Tuesday morning, we were contacted about an orphaned beaver kit found by a fisherman in South Columbus. The kit had been seen alone in the same spot since Sunday, with no signs of adult beavers nearby. The finders gave ample time for a possible reunion, but when it became clear the parents were not coming back, they reached out for help.

Since intake, his condition has worsened, and we are increasingly concerned that pneumonia may be developing—a risk for young mammals left wet, cold, and exposed for too long. Right now, stabilizing him is our top priority. He requires intensive care, including warmth, hydration, and specialized formula to support his fragile system. To give him the best chance at survival, he is receiving round-the-clock care and monitoring from our Director of Rehabilitation.

Beavers are highly social animals that stay with their families for 2-3 years, learning essential survival skills. At only 1-2 weeks old, this kit should still be in his lodge, cared for by his parents. Instead, he is in critical condition, fighting to recover. Beavers also play a key role in ecosystems, creating wetlands that support countless other species.

How You Can Help
This critical care would not be possible without a specialized formula, which varies by species and is essential for survival. Every orphan we take in depends on this lifesaving nutrition, and we need your help to sustain our Formula Fund. Donations through our Formula Fund Facebook fundraiser, website, PayPal, or Venmo (tagged "formula") will be used exclusively for this vital need.

➡️ Give today to support this beaver kit and the many others who will need our help this season. https://savagehartwildlife.org/how-to-help/donate/

Thank you for making this work possible.

03/19/2025

In wildlife rehabilitation, seconds matter. The difference between survival and an untreatable injury often comes down to how quickly help arrives. Over the weekend, a case involving a bald eagle, estimated to be between 4 and 5 years old, demonstrated just how critical immediate action is in determining a patient’s outcome.

Early in the morning, this eagle was struck by a vehicle. The driver did exactly what we hope the public will do—they reported the incident immediately to Georgia DNR Law Enforcement. A game warden responded, contained the eagle, and transported it to our facility without delay.

Upon arrival, our team conducted an initial assessment and addressed shock, pain, and inflammation to prevent further decline. The most concerning injury was a compound humeral fracture, where the bone had punctured through the skin—an injury that poses significant risks of infection and long-term functional impairment, particularly near a joint.

Recognizing the urgency, our partnering veterinarian, Dr. Carey, stepped in on his day off, providing radiographic imaging, further stabilization, and medical treatment to give this eagle the best possible chance at regaining flight. The next morning, the patient was transported to UGA’s School of Veterinary Medicine, where specialists will continue care and determine the next steps.

Wildlife does not have access to emergency medical care the way humans do. Public awareness and rapid response are critical to positive outcomes. This eagle’s future remains uncertain, but because of the swift actions taken at every stage, it now has a chance.
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To learn more about our work and how you can support wildlife rehabilitation, visit www.savagehartwildlife.org. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of Georgia’s wildlife.

03/17/2025

Monday morning mood 😴

03/07/2025

They did it again! 🥰

The Harris County Chamber of Commerce is back with another awesome event supporting Savage Hart! The 2nd Annual Man O’ War Experience is happening next month, and it’s your chance to pedal through the rolling hills of Hamilton and Pine Mountain on a stunning ride through nature.

Oh, and did we mention? A portion of the proceeds will be donated to help us care for injured and orphaned wildlife! Plus, the route even takes you right past our clinic—so you’ll be riding for a cause, literally!

Sign up today to secure your spot and be part of this unforgettable ride!

https://www.harriscountychamber.org/mwe?fbclid=IwY2xjawI3wq5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHZV0WEjKakQSiD7rKz3p0AFQDltCtzD_JuwVjpg7DErYKmS4kqKUBKWleA_aem_LCmPG4reBaRAgKfzmUijkQ

03/05/2025

These two neonate eastern cottontails, called kits, were found in a driveway alongside their two deceased siblings. Now in our care, they’ll spend the next few weeks growing strong before they’re ready to return to the wild. At birth, they have no fur, and their eyes and ears are closed. Their development happens quickly—by just over a week old, their eyes open, and they start nibbling on forage. Within three weeks, they are fully furred and ready to leave the nest.

Rabbit nests are often hidden in plain sight—small depressions lined and covered with dead grass and fur, commonly found in yards or near buildings. Because mother rabbits only visit 2–3 times a day to feed her young, many people assume the kits have been abandoned. However, this behavior is a natural survival strategy to avoid attracting predators to the nest.

If you find an intact nest or accidentally uncover one, carefully put 👏 the babies 👏back 👏 and leave it undisturbed. A wild animal's best chance of survival is being raised by its natural parents in its native environment. If you’re unsure whether the kits need help, call or text our hotline (888)444-1810 for advice.

03/03/2025

Follow the Leader: Flying Squirrel Edition 😆

03/01/2025

As March arrives, we have had a steady stream of orphaned squirrel species needing care. These two southern flying squirrels were displaced when the tree housing their nest was cut down, and despite efforts to reunite them with their mother, they needed to come into care. Now, they require formula every three hours and will continue to need specialized nutrition and care for the next few months.

With more wildlife soon to follow, our Formula Fund ensures we’re prepared to meet the growing need. Last year, we spent $1,500 on formula alone to keep up with the demand—and with baby season just beginning, we know this year will be no different. A sincere thank you to those who have already contributed—your support makes this work possible.

If you haven’t donated yet, please consider making a contribution today. You can give through our Formula Fund on Facebook & Instagram, or directly on our website. Every donation helps provide the essential nutrition these young animals need to grow and return to the wild.

🔗 https://savagehartwildlife.org/how-to-help/donate/

Thank you for supporting native wildlife in need.

02/27/2025

Looking at our nursery filled with supplies, we are completely overwhelmed with gratitude. Because of you, our incredible supporters, baby season is off to an amazing start! Every single donation, whether big or small, means orphaned and injured wildlife will have the supplies they need to grow strong.

From individuals to local organizations, you showed up for these animals in a big way, and we can’t thank you enough. Your kindness makes all the difference. We are so lucky to have you all on this journey with us!

Savage Hart

04/23/2025

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02/27/2025

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Monday	10am - 5pm
Tuesday	10am - 5pm
Wednesday	10am - 5pm
Thursday	10am - 5pm
Friday	10am - 5pm