Brevardian of the Week: White squirrel rehabilitator Jennifer Burgin!

Jennifer Burgin feeding a rescued squirrel

Jennifer Burgin feeding a rescued squirrel

Spouse & children: Kelly Burgin, and children James (age 29) and Jordan (age 27)

Place of employment (what do you do & where?): I’m an RN at Care Partners Home Hospice, I am one of the weekend on-call nurses

How did you come to be a wildlife rehabilitator?
I had always loved animals and ‘rehabbed’ long before I knew that was what it was called or that you had to be licensed.

What are some typical things you do (and see) in your work with animals?
I now work almost exclusively with squirrels. In the past, I rehabilitated many different types of animals. Most of the squirrels I get are orphans. They usually also have some type of injury, either from a fall from the nest, or when a tree fell or was cut down. Also, many have bites and scratches from the cat or dog that found them. I also get a lot of squirrels that have head or spinal cord injuries, most often from being hit by a car. Because of my experience and training, I specialize in critical care, the ones that come in with severe injuries and wounds. I usually send the healthy orphans to other rehabilitators once they are stabilized.

"Monkey"

“Monkey”

What’s the craziest call you’ve ever gotten related animals?
There are so many crazy stories. Someone called about a nest that came crashing down out of a tree and they said the squirrels were almost full grown but their tails were tied together. I thought they were exaggerating, but when the family arrived with a big cardboard box inside were four squirrels and their tails were actually knotted together with pine tar and twigs. Then there was the squirrel that I had to give CPR.

Jennifer holding a squirrel she rescued

Jennifer holding a squirrel she rescued

Do you have a favorite animal you’ve worked with?
The squirrel, of course.

Do you think animals have feelings?
Yes, but not in the way humans understand feelings.

... baby white squirrels

… some baby white squirrels Jennifer saved

Have you ever been in a life-threatening situation with animals?
Not my life, but many of the animals are very close to death when I get them.

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How many white squirrels have you rescued in all (in addition to the one at my house… do you remember that??)
Of course I remember the one at your house. I can’t say for sure, but I’m sure at least a hundred.

Jennifer will explain this photo on-air today!

Jennifer will explain this photo on-air today, I’m sure!

Any funny stories to share re white squirrels?
There was a lady that called me who regularly fed and watched the white squirrels in her neighborhood. She noticed one lying very still at the bottom of a tree at the edge of her property and began to worry when she saw it hadn’t moved all morning. Then she noticed another that also appeared lifeless and was worried that someone may be poisoning the neighborhood squirrels. She had a very steep hill in the back yard and couldn’t safely get down there herself to check on them. I agreed to come to her home and investigate. When I finally got there and climbed down I discovered the two white squirrels were really a couple of discarded plastic grocery bags. Of course she was so embarrassed; we had a good laugh about it. I meet the nicest most caring people in the world through these animals. It says a lot about someone’s character if they willing to take the time out of their busy day to try to find help for an orphaned or injured animal.

whiteboyPT2

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A vet

1 Comment

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One Response to Brevardian of the Week: White squirrel rehabilitator Jennifer Burgin!

  1. Diane

    I live in Biltmore Park in South Asheville and have 7 squirrel houses in my backyard. The squirrels love them! I would love to add a white squirrel to the group. Can I adopt one of yours???

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