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The baby squirrel that fell from its nest last October. | Photo by COLAtoday team
For most of us, spring + summer is a season for sunshine and relaxation. For animal rescue services, it’s also baby season.
Between February and October — but especially in the summer — you’re much more likely to come across baby animals that appear sick, injured, or abandoned. Our advice? Trust the pros.
Meet Carolina Wildlife Center
Carolina Wildlife Center rehabilitates over 5,000 orphaned, sick, and injured animals each year before releasing them back to their native habitats.
They also work to educate our community about wildlife through their outreach programs, volunteer opportunities, and events like Pack the Park — a philanthropic initiative hosted by the Columbia Fireflies with the help of Together SC + Central Carolina Community Foundation. The game will take place on Tuesday, June 18 at 7:05 p.m.
Five dollars from every ticket sold through the Pack the Park ticket link will be allocated back to the participating nonprofits, including Carolina Wildlife Center.
Never guess when it comes to animal care. Check Carolina Wildlife Center’s Rescue Advice — note that the center currently cannot accommodate fawns, raccoons, mice, or rats — then call (803) 772-3994 and leave a detailed message. But before you do…
Assess the situation
Many animals brought into wildlife rehabilitation centers aren’t actually abandoned. An animal displaying no indicators of distress or injury may just be waiting for Mom. If the animal is bleeding or obviously injured, it’s time to get the experts involved.
Be mindful of the animal’s well-being
Don’t act immediately when you’ve determined an animal is abandoned. Human contact stresses the animal and could lead to injury and disease (to you and the animal). Human food or improper feeding techniques can also cause harm. Keep a close eye, be patient, and consult the Carolina Wildlife Center or another licensed rehabilitator.
At this point, you’re in good hands. Follow their instructions to safely bring in the animal, and go cash in on your good deed for the day. Mother Nature thanks you.
Asked
You find a baby animal that appears abandoned. What should you do first?
A) Pick it up and take it home.
B) Call Carolina Wildlife Center immediately.
C) Observe from a distance to see if it’s truly in distress.
D) Feed it some human food.
Nashville Nights Concert Series | Friday, June 7 | 6 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce | Free | See talented singer/songwriters traveling from Nashville, TN for special live music performances.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers | Friday, June 7 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $6-$18 | The first 1,000 fans will receive a Tyler Tolbert Bobblehead, courtesy of SAFE Federal Credit Union.*
Saturday, June 8
Tropic Like It’s Hot Party | Saturday, June 8 | 12-6 p.m. | Publico, 2013 Greene St., Columbia | $10-$35| Enjoy an all-you-can-eat crawfish boil, a DJ, a slip + slide, watermelon mojito kegs, pineapple margaritas, and Publico Passion fruit guava seltzer bucket specials.
80th Anniversary D-Day Salute | Saturday, June 8 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $0-$13 | The SC State Museum is hosting a special event to honor the victory of D-Day 80 years ago.
Richland County Ag + Art Tour| Saturday, June 8-Sunday, June 9 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Locations vary | Free | Support local farms, meet artisans, enjoy live music, and learn more about rural life at this free, self-guided event.*
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers | Saturday, June 8 | 6:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $6-$18 | Scooby-Doo, where are you? Join the Fireflies as they celebrate the Mystery Machine Gang at Segra Park with a post-game fireworks show.*
Sunday, June 9
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fayetteville Woodpeckers | Sunday, June 9 | 5:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $6-$18 | It’s Mason’s Birthday: Join Mason + some of his mascot friends as he celebrates his big day at Segra Park.*
Match your mini-me this Father’s Day. | Photos provided by Harlestons
Parents, is there anything cuter than matching your mini?
Harlestons is now offering matching polos and swimwear for dads and sons to share the same swag — just in time for Father’s Day. (Nope, it’s not too late to order his gift.)
USC has renamed its engineering college the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, thanks to a $30 million donation from Alex Molinaroli, former Johnson Controls CEO. The gift will fund new programs, research, and faculty recruitment.
Biz
EPC Inc. has opened a new 205,000-sqft facility at 1326 Bush River Rd. in Columbia, previously a Walmart location. The company offers services like secure data destruction and recycling old IT equipment, creating 133 new local jobs. (Columbia Business Report)
Eat
The City of Columbia’s Food Truck Fridays continue throughout June in the REI parking lot in the BullStreet District. Try a rotating cast of food trucks every Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This month, Toms Creek Family Farms Mobile Market will be a special addition.
Arts
Richland Library is hosting the LOOK! Photography Exhibit in partnership with Family Connection of South Carolina. The exhibit at Richland Library Main showcases the lives of children and youth with disabilities or chronic health conditions. Each photo features a scannable code linking to a story about the individual.
Shop
The City of West Columbia’s Meeting Street Artisan Market returns for summer every Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Interactive Art Park, 425 Meeting St. Shop for handmade crafts, artwork, and jewelry from local artisans. The market runs through June, July (except July 4), and August.
Sports
Which Carolina Panthers offseason addition needs to make the biggest impact? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Try This
Treat your pup to something special with these low-effort sweet potato dog chews. These one-ingredient, homemade treats are easy to make and prettypawsome.*
Pets
Bowl goals for dogs = Premium proteins. Vibrant veggies. Tantalizing textures. Be the dog parent who keeps mealtime exciting with 50% off Nom Nom’s pre-portioned, freshly-made meals.*
The Buy
The Buy 6.07.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
The clear bag you need to go hands-free at any concerts, games, or events this summer (it’s stadium-approved).
Answered
Formed in 1892, this was the name of Columbia’s first professional baseball team.
Fireflies, Skyscrapers, Bombers, and Senators. What do they all have in common? They’ve all been the name of a Columbia minor league baseball team at some point, but the Senators came first. Keep your eyes on the ball and take a swing at these upcoming Columbia Fireflies home games, where they honor everything from the history of the game to Mason the Firefly’s birthday.
Can you even imagine what SC transportation will look like in 2050? SCDOT is looking ahead 25 years with its Momentum 2050 Plan and is seeking public input. I can’t get that scene from “Back to the Future” out of my head since I shared my input. “Roads?! Where we’re going, we don’t need roads!”
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