What causes Hair Loss Syndrome (HLS) in Black-tailed deer? This syndrome is caused by a heavy infestation of the Eurasian louse. In the spring, black-tailed deer show signs of hair loss syndrome (HLS) which is caused by a heavy infestation of the Eurasian louse. Normally affecting the European and Asian deer, the black-tailed deer have become infested and tend to develop a hypersensitivity reaction to the lice. This causes yellow or white patches along their sides. The lice cause an irritation of the skin and excessive grooming by the deer leads to loss of the guard hairs. Deer become heavily infested during winter and early spring and many die during this time, especially fawns. Deer that do survive will re-grow their hair and gain weight again during the summer. Another study concluded that Deer Hair Loss Syndrome (DHLS) is called a syndrome, not a disease, because the cause and method of transmission are not completely understood. The syndrome is most common in black-tailed and Columbian white-tailed deer. Common symptoms include yellow or white appearing hair or bare patches of skin. At first, some deer have darkening or almost black patches of fur. Later, deer may appear emaciated and lethargic, and exhibit excessive loss of hair. These deer often have a heavy infestation of muscle worms that contribute to their sickness. Poor immune function also may be a contributing factor (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife). Normally moulting of hair of a healthy deer happens twice per year in the spring and late summer. The distribution of hair loss is usually patchy and the deer tends to look scruffy until the moult is complete. A normal moult can be distinguished from disease conditions of the skin by the presence of a normal appearing coat beneath the moulting hair. Captive deer have been treated with medication for DHLS but there is not practical method of treating deer in the wild. There are no known cases of humans, pets or livestock contracting DHLS from affected deer. You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!

~Wildlife education: preventing cat attacks.~ This poor bird didn't have a chance. Even well fed, pampered cats will hunt and kill. Every year, domestic and feral cats kill between 100 million and 350 million birds in Canada. Cat attacks are the primary reason for bird admittances to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRA). Bacteria found in the saliva and mouth of a cat can cause swift and fatal septicemia (infection in the bloodstream) in birds and small animals. Nesting birds are particularly vulnerable to cat attacks. How can you help? · Keep your pet inside or have someone handy build an outdoor enclosure fit for a feline king or queen. · Get your cat a cat bib to help prevent bird attacks. Sold under names like "Birdsbesafe", cat bibs are brightly colored to alert potential prey to a cat's presence before it can pounce. A contented cat enjoys the outdoors without causing harm. You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!

~Update on our resident Peregrine falcon~ Patrick, our resident Peregrine falcon, was brought into NIWRA by a falconer because the bird experienced seizures when working, so he had to retire. Since he was born in captivity, he cannot be released. Patrick is a shy but handsome fellow. Peregrine falcons were very close to extinction at one time because of the contamination of their prey animals by DDT, a pesticide that was sprayed on crops. The DDT entered the falcon through their food chain and resulted in infertile eggs or thin-shelled eggs that were easily crushed. After DDT was banned in Canada, falcon populations started to increase. Peregrine falcons capture their prey by “dive-bombing” from great heights, often at speeds over 300 km per hour! They are the fastest of all birds and animals (yes, even faster than a cheetah). This diving is called “stooping”. Their eyes are protected by a third eyelid called a nictitating membrane and their lungs are protected from the air pressure by structures in their nostrils called tubercles which act as a baffle for air entering their lungs at high speeds. Come and visit Patrick the next time you are at NIWRA, but know he is a bit shy. You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!