Source: WPTV
Four baby opossums are recovering at the Animal Hospital of West Port St. Lucie after their mother was fatally injured in a dog attack and had to be euthanized. The incident occurred when local resident Lori Isenhower’s dog found and attacked the mother opossum, who was carrying her young. The orphaned babies are now being cared for by the hospital and the Treasure Coast Wildlife Center. This case highlights a growing issue: a 50% rise in wildlife injuries over the past five years, largely due to urban development displacing animals from their natural habitats.
The hospital has also treated other injured wildlife, including a baby rabbit hurt by a lawnmower. Animal experts urge pet owners to monitor their animals and keep them vaccinated, as many wildlife-related diseases are preventable. With increased wildlife encounters in suburban areas, professionals are calling for greater awareness to promote peaceful coexistence between humans, pets, and wild animals.