43°
The squirrels are nursed back to health by Animal Friends of Franklin Lakes (AFFL), a non-profit organization that operates out of its facility.
"If we keep getting more squirrels I don't know where we're going to put them," said Interim Practice Manager and Lead Technician Kathy De Block, who sees foxes, racoons, bunnies, ducks, fawns and more on a weekly basis.
The hospital rehabilitates wild animals for up to 72 hours before transporting them to a specialized rehab center that cares for them until they're well enough to be released.
Videos of the releases are De Block's favorite part of the job. She won't be seeing any more of the baby squirrels soon, however: All local rehab centers are full, as is the hospital.
"It still costs us extra money... and this is a whole extra piece that doesn't make any money," said De Block, who is also AFFL's treasurer. "The only funds coming in are through donations.
"It doesn't cover nearly half of what it costs to care for them. But it's something."
Any animal that comes through the hospital doors will still be cared for, despite the lack of space and funding, De Block said.
"We just want to see what's best for the animal," she said.
To DONATE or for MORE INFO: Email animalfriendsoffranklinlakes@gmail.com
Click here to follow Daily Voice Wyckoff-Franklin Lakes and receive free news updates.
