Dry weather fuels wildlife rescue surge

The big picture: Officials at Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center say they're bracing for what could be a record spring and summer intake if drought conditions persist.

• Greenwood treated more than 5,000 animals in 2025 for the first time in its history, driven largely by increased capacity.

Threat level: Already, the center has seen a 400% increase in squirrel mange cases this spring, community relations manager Mysti Tatro told us, citing warmer winter temperatures that allow mites to thrive.

• Dry conditions can also force birds to gather around limited water sources, making diseases like avian influenza easier to spread.
• Scarce food and water can push wildlife deeper into more urban areas, increasing the number of injured, displaced or abandoned creatures.

Between the lines: The dry weather is also creating operational challenges.

• Potential summer water restrictions could make it harder to clean animal enclosures.

• The facility is also stockpiling more emergency supplies ahead of possible power outages tied to wildfire risk this summer.

What you can do: People who want to help can donate through Greenwood Wildlife's spring fundraising page.

Fun fact: Remember the orphaned fox we told you about that got a stuffed animal from donors?

• Well, Greenwood shared video of the fox playing with its new friend. You're welcome.

The bottom line: Boulder County's unprecedented heat and dry conditions could bring severe consequences this summer for both humans and wildlife.