Winston Wild Things • Wildlife Rehab/Rescue

08/05/2026

One of four different intakes this evening. 🐿️

Can you spot what’s anatomically different about her? It explains why she kept falling out of the tree and landing on her head. There’s something about the little buzzes baby squirrels make. Every rehabber knows that sound. It’s the sound of a baby finally feeling safe…it always feels like they’re saying, “Thank you.”

08/04/2026

“MY NI***ES ARE HERE!” is a WILD sentence to yell out loud in excitement but here I am.

08/02/2026

I’ve had to delete some ugly comments and the “Stop sticking your hands where they don’t belong,” or “Just let nature take its course”

Take that negativity elsewhere ✌🏻
You’re on a wildlife rehab page….
My hands are exactly where they belong.

I also assume you don’t vaccinate your pets, spay or neuter them, use flea tick, or heartworm prevention, rabies vaccines, or give them antibiotics.

If your goal is to comment and argue with others to convince wildlife rehabbers to stop rehabbing wildlife, you’re going to have a bad time.

That is all.

08/01/2026

Today is a good example of exactly why wildlife rehabbers “beef” with outdoor cats. Some of the most heartbreaking calls I receive begin with “My cat brought this home.” This is why rehabbers speak so passionately about keeping cats indoors or in secure catios. We love cats too. This has never been about hating cats. It’s about preventing suffering that never had to happen and protecting the native wildlife.
This Squirrel came in after being caught by a cat yesterday and was brought in to me today. Her injuries were too severe to survive. As I was assessing her, she started agonal breathing and I also discovered she was pregnant. Within 5 mins, she was gone. The only chance left was a Hail Mary ~emergency C-section.
Three babies were delivered weighing 4~6 grams. One didn’t make it and was buried with its mom. Two are still fighting. They’re premature, underdeveloped and their prognosis is poor.. I’m going to do everything I can for them but the odds are not in their favor. Run free, sweet mama. Your little one is with you, and your other babies will be loved and cared for for as long as they keep fighting

My phone has rung nonstop with critical cases and I’m beyond overloaded. Every emergency means more formula, medications, syringes, heating pads, supplies, and many many hours of care. Wildlife rehabilitation is 100% volunteer based for me. There are no state funds that cover Those costs come from my own pocket and from the kindness of our community

Venmo
Cash App $WinstonWildThings
Zelle 336-650-8943
Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1GTOUF5WM08N7?ref_=wl_share

07/31/2026

TGIF (for regular work)🙌🏼🎉😅

07/30/2026

Please remember if you are in the shaded area on this interactive map , even if you didn’t lose water, you need to boil your water! That means for your pets too. Currently have multiple pots going to keep up with this crew 😅 Don’t forget to check on your elderly neighbors who may not have access to the map or social media and unaware 🖤

Water Boil Advisory Interactive Map ⚠️

We’ve heard your concerns and want to provide clarity. Please use this interactive map to determine whether your address is affected by the boil water advisory from the water main break.

Enter your address in the search bar. If any portion of your property is highlighted in blue/purple, you should boil your water for consumption until further notice: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/03b745387c334f44a06800bbc732bfda =id%3Awidget_4_output_config_default_geocode_0_0%3A0

07/16/2026

I wanted to say thank you to everyone who has sent items from my amazon wishlist, donated financially, shared my posts, or checked in on this little guy over the last two days. Every single bit of support allows me to say “yes” when an animal needs help, even when the outcome isn’t the one we hope for. Like this guy I received on my lunch break on my birthday. Fell from way up high in a tree onto the road.

You know the odds aren’t in their favor but you still do everything you can because every once in a while …. they surprise you.
He didn’t make it.
I’ve only had him for a short time, but some losses just hit differently. It’s never about how long they’re with you. It’s about the fight they put up and the hope you allow yourself to have.

Wildlife rehab comes with incredible highs and heartbreaking lows. Yesterday was one of the HARD days. Today, the phone will ring again, another animal will need help and because of all of you, I’ll be able to answer.

🩸Just a warning for the ones who are sensitive to blood, the 6th and 7th is of his injuries up close.

07/14/2026

It’s my birthday! And guess what I would really love?

I’d love to worry a little less about whether I can afford to say “yes” to the next orphaned or injured wildlife that needs help. I truly love volunteering to do this. Watching tiny babies grow strong enough to be released, helping the injured heal, and giving them a second chance is one of the greatest privileges of my life.

I can’t think of a better way to celebrate another trip around the sun than knowing a few more animals got the chance to grow up wild because of this amazing community. Whether it’s a donation, something from my wishlist, or simply sharing Winston Wild Things with others, you’re helping save lives and giving our native wildlife a second chance.

Thank you for believing in what I’m building. I truly couldn’t do this without all of you. 🖤🐿️

🎉 Cash App: $WinstonWildThings

🎂 Venmo:

🧁 Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1GTOUF5WM08N7?ref_=wl_share

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07/02/2026

While we’re all slowly baking in North Carolina’s oven, wildlife is feeling it too and fighting as hard as we are. A simple bowl of fresh water can be a lifesaver during these brutal temperatures. Don’t forget to add a few rocks or twigs so the little ones, including baby wildlife, frogs, lizards, bees, and butterflies, have an easy way to climb out if needed.

If you’ve put out a water station, I’d love to see it. Plus it may give others an idea. Share a photo in the comments! 🐿️🦡🐦‍⬛🐇🦨🖤

06/30/2026

A few weeks ago, I started a new full time job (still WFH). It has been a big adjustment, learning a new role while continuing to dedicate every free moment to the animals. The days start early, end late and there is still not enough hours.

Wildlife season doesn’t give a flying 🐀 🍑 about work schedules. The calls keep coming. (Just a friendly reminder-I am not licensed for birds)

What has made this season even more difficult is the number of criticals that have poured in. Severe head trauma. Cat attacks. Fly strike. Broken bones. Animals that are cold, dehydrated and hanging on by a thread before they ever make it to me.

Some of them surprise me. Others never get that chance, despite everything I try. But. Every animal deserves someone willing to fight for them, and as long as I’m able, I’ll keep answering that call. (But please text 😅)

If you find injured or orphaned wildlife, please TEXT me with:
A clear photo or video
City
Brief description of what happened
if you can transport

336-650-8943

Please be patient if you don’t receive an immediate response. I work full time and it’s just me behind Winston Wild things, but I try to get back to you as soon as I can.

I never like asking for help, but this simply couldn’t exist without our community. If you’d like to be part of giving these animals a second chance, I’d be incredibly grateful for your support, whether that’s through a donation, something from my wishlist or just sharing my posts 🖤

Cash App: $WinstonWildThings
Venmo: winstonwildthings
Amazon- https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1GTOUF5WM08N7?ref_=wl_share

Below are just a few intakes from the last 3 weeks