Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary

PAWS is a Wildlife Sanctuary specializing in rehabilitation care and treatment of small mammals, songbirds, waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, and reptiles.  We provide:

• Orphan care for babies and eventual release back into the wild.

• Educational programs and presentations to schools, youth and civic groups, and libraries, relating to native local wildlife, ecology, environment, natural resources, and backyard habitat creation.

• A learning and training center to provide experience in hands-on rehabilitation skills to new rehabilitators and interns, or those interested in earning their mandatory hours of experience and training for a variety of permits and licenses.

• A permanent home to non-releasable waterfowl and assistance with placement of adoptable domestic waterfowl.

• A sanctuary for people as well as animals.  We provide eco-therapy and animal handling therapy opportunities as part of our Come Find Your CENTER (Conservation, Eco-therapy, Nature, Tranquility, Environment, Raptors) program.

• Volunteer, relax and enjoy our outdoor setting to help reduce stress/anxiety/anger/depression and regain a sense of calm and peace.  Discover your inner tranquility and serenity here among our wildlife!
  
  

Possumwood Acres Wildlife Sanctuary (PAWS) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit center that operates solely on donations and grants and the help of our dedicated volunteers.  Our goal is to treat and release each animal and return it back into the wild.  Many animals come to us due to conflicts with humans, such as being hit by cars, attacked by cats and dogs, or being taken away from their parents by well meaning but unknowing humans.  We hold current state and federal licenses for wildlife rehabilitation, possession, and education.

As a training facility, we are able to offer hands-on experience working with many different species of avian and mammal wildlife.  Our staff instructors will teach new volunteers and interns how to provide safe handling, proper husbandry, medical care and treatment, and how to interaction with the public.  Environmental education opportunities are available to work with our wildlife ambassadors, provide tours, and teach the public about wildlife and habitat preservation.

We provide instruction for wildlife rehabilitation skills and environmental education through our internship program.

Online instruction is offered through the Animal Behavior Institute (ABI) in wildlife rehabilitation and animal therapy.