Old Fort Town Crier

07/13/2024

07/13/2024

Today!!!!

See you at the Joseph McDowell Catawba Greenway tomorrow. Lots of fun for kids and families.

07/13/2024

Be captivated by the riveting performances at the Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama in Cherokee, NC.

07/13/2024

Old Fort!!!!

07/07/2024

06/25/2024

Please take this seriously:
Please please understand that when we give instructions/advice, there’s a reason behind every word. If you find injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife, do not handle/pet. Do not feed. Do not give water. If you have the animal contained, put it in a ventilated box/container and keep it in a dark quiet area away from pets and people. Then reach out for help. Don’t do anything else unless instructed to do so by a rehabber…not your neighbor, not Google, or someone who raised a chipmunk once, but a rehabber or wildlife professional.

Today someone who reached out to GWN for help with a rabies vector species was bitten by the animal. It seemed docile so he reached in to place a bowl of water in the crate and it bit him. GWN had to contact environmental health and the animal was picked up by animal control. It will be euthanized and sent off for rabies testing. If it is positive, the person will go through a series of expensive shots. This is protocol for any RVS animal that bites someone, whether it is exhibiting any symptoms or not.

Do NOT touch a rabies vector species without gloves!! The most common animals to carry rabies are bats, raccoons, skunks, & foxes but this doesn’t mean they all have rabies. All animals can carry mites, fleas, & diseases so wear gloves anyway. And unless you are actually Snow White, a wild animal that approaches you needs help. Proceed with caution and follow the advice of wildlife professionals.

Facts: Putting water in a birds mouth can literally cause them to choke to death. Not all birds eat worms. Domesticating a fawn by bringing it in your home to “help it” is a death sentence. If you give a baby squirrel or bunny the wrong kind of milk, you can make it so ill that it will take days for a rehabber to stabilize. Baby opossums do not suckle; they are attached to a feeding tube inside their mom so you can’t feed with a bottle. Some animals require rehydration before they can be fed. Turtles live in a 1 mile radius their entire lives. Baby birds can get food lodged in their throat and suffocate. If you use the wrong kind of syringe/nipple and feed a baby animal too fast or too much, it will aspirate and die. Ducklings can drown. You cannot judge if it’s a venomous snake by its head or pupil shape. The animal that you just found doesn’t “like you”, he’s in shock and afraid to move. Baby animals can’t have breast milk. Everything we tell you is for a reason.

If you’re still reading this, thank you. Today was a scary day. We hope our human friend has a clean bill of health. We ❤️ our wildlife and we ❤️ our wildlife loving humans. Today’s incident was avoidable. This post isn’t to criticize; it’s to teach someone who may not know so we can avoid another incident tomorrow.

xoxo, GWN
The Georgia Wildlife Network

Photo is of another raccoon who also sadly had to be euthanized last week. 😞 This work really sucks some days.

06/25/2024

There will be no home delivered meals and no meals served at either center on Thursday, July 4th 2024.

06/25/2024

The Marion Police Department would like to thank Friends of K9 Officers for their donation of a new kennel for K9 Marsoc. Friends of K9 Officers is a group of individuals that have a special place in their heart for our four legged officers. They work to raise money through various methods to help departments buy needed gear for their K9 officers. Thank you again for your generous donation!

06/25/2024

🔥Bottled Water Needed!🔥

As summer temperatures soar, our unsheltered community are at serious risk due to the dangerous heat. We need donations of bottled water to help them stay hydrated and safe.

Drop-off location: 804 State St
Contact: [email protected]

Thank you for your support and compassion ❤️

06/25/2024

🌞🍀 Looking for a fun outdoor activity? Come explore the great outdoors with our nature scavenger hunt at the Greenway! Discover the beauty of nature while searching for hidden treasures.🌞🌾

Bring your family and friends for a day of fun, excitement, and fresh air! Fun for all ages!

🌞Join us along with the Master Gardeners Tuesday, June 25th from 10-11:30 AM at the Greenway behind Sonic.🌾

06/25/2024

06/25/2024

06/25/2024

MTCC's HVAC Tech Academy classes are designed to equip you with the skills needed to become a technician. Complete these two courses, and you'll earn an NCCER certificate, opening doors to exciting job opportunities!

For questions & registration, contact Chris Saxton:
📧: [email protected]
📞: 828-659-0456

Learn more:
https://www.mcdowelltechconed.com/classdetails.php?id=1699364136
https://www.mcdowelltechconed.com/classdetails.php?id=1717768518

06/25/2024

Numerous studies have shown that commercial snake repellents, whether chemical-based or natural, do not effectively deter snakes. The active ingredients in these products do not impact snake behavior as advertised.

Thinking about using mothballs? Think again! Not only are they useless against snakes, but using them outside is also illegal. Mothballs are harmful to wildlife, pets, and people.

Want to keep snakes away? Keep your yard tidy and seal off entry points. And remember, if you see a snake in your yard, it might be helping with a rodent problem you didn't even know you had!

📸: Kyla Metzker

06/14/2024

In America we need to think about how many farmers there are actually out there making it happen..... know your farmer, know your food....

05/18/2024

05/13/2024

Farm Camp offers the perfect blend of agricultural education and classic camp excitement! Register today to join us in learning and growing!

05/13/2024

Old Fort Elementary thanks Biltmore Church East Asheville Campus – Biltmore Community for the wonderful snacks today for our staff!

05/13/2024

🚵Learn basic trail assessment and maintenance with McDowell Tech Trail School! This is a 5 Day Class (40hrs) + optional certification (1.5-3hrs). Class dates are: June 17 - June 21, don't miss this opportunity!

Link below to learn more, REGISTER TODAY!
https://www.mcdowelltechconed.com/classdetails.php?id=1682954447