The von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has recently admitted 110 wildlife patients, many of whom were injured as a result of human activity, such as vehicle collisions. Among the current patients in recovery are a gopher tortoise and an eastern screech owl, both receiving specialized care from hospital staff and volunteers.
Gopher Tortoise
The gopher tortoise was brought to the hospital after being struck by a car. Upon admission, the tortoise was in critical condition. A full initial examination revealed a cranial carapace fracture, significant facial swelling, and fresh bleeding from both the nares and mouth. After the tortoise was stabilized, the staff veterinarian performed a sedated examination and determined that the tortoise had also suffered a fractured jaw.
Similar to humans, animals with fractured jaws are unable to eat normally and require a liquid or soft food diet while healing. Gopher tortoises are herbivores that feed on a variety of grasses and plants, all of which require chewing. Because chewing is currently impossible for this tortoise, the veterinarian placed a feeding tube while the animal was under sedation to ensure proper nutrition throughout recovery. During the same procedure, the veterinarian also debrided the carapace wound to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.
Injuries of this severity can take a long time to heal. The jaw injury is expected to require at least eight weeks of recovery, while the carapace fracture may take even longer. Throughout this process, the tortoise is being closely monitored and is receiving pain medication, antibiotics, daily tube feedings, morning soaks, regular bandage changes, and supervised time outdoors for fresh air and natural sunlight.
As gopher tortoises continue to lose habitat due to development, they are increasingly forced to move in search of food or suitable areas to dig burrows. This often leads them to cross busy roadways. If you see a gopher tortoise crossing the road, please stop and, if it is safe to do so, help guide the tortoise across in the direction it was already heading. If you are unsure where to place the tortoise, you may transport it to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital. Any tortoise showing signs of injury, especially fresh blood, should be brought in immediately for professional care.
Eastern Screech Owl
Another patient currently recovering at the wildlife hospital is an eastern screech owl. Eastern screech owls are Florida’s smallest owl species, standing only about nine inches tall, and are frequently mistaken for baby owls. Despite their name, their call sounds more like a trill than a screech. They also possess specialized feathers with soft, comb-like edges that allow them to fly silently, making them highly effective nighttime hunters.
This owl was injured after colliding with a vehicle late at night. The finder responded quickly and responsibly by stopping immediately and safely containing the owl. Although the hospital was closed at the time, the finder listened to the after-hours voicemail instructions and kept the owl in a warm, dark, and quiet space overnight. The following morning, the owl was brought to the hospital as soon as it opened.
An initial examination revealed trauma to the right eye as well as fractures to both wings. Pain medication and eye treatments were administered to address swelling and discomfort. While the eye injury has since healed, the owl remains in a small recovery enclosure to limit movement and prevent further damage while the wing fractures continue to mend.
The von Arx Wildlife Hospital understands that accidents involving wildlife can happen despite best intentions. If you ever see an animal hit by a car, please bring it to a wildlife hospital as soon as possible. The faster an injured animal receives care from a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, the greater its chance of survival and eventual return to the wild.
The von Arx Wildlife Hospital is located at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida – 1495 Smith Preserve Way in Naples, FL. Please call 239-262-2273 for wildlife assistance. We are open 365 days a year from 8am to 6pm.