For more than 40 years, the staff and volunteers of Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (PWRC), based in Stroudsburg, PA, worked tirelessly to meet the needs of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians in nine Northeast PA counties. Founded in 1983, and managed by Kathy and Eric Uhler, the PWRC provided care for more than 2,500 animals annually.

Since welcoming a new team in 2022, that number has increased to over 3,000 animals taken in annually. The operation of this vital nonprofit organization is now overseen by Janine Tancredi and Susan Downing, Pennsylvania-licensed wildlife rehabilitators and the executive directors of The Wilderz at Pocono Wildlife. 

As part of their efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and release the animals that arrive at the busy facility, The Wilderz aspires to educate and guide the public towards a symbiotic relationship with wildlife. 

Two of the latest (and arguably cutest) critters to come under care are baby beavers Darla and Diver. (Follow their adventures on Facebook @PoconoWildlife as they carve out their future return to the wild).

Beavers are very family-oriented animals and as such, do much better in a rehabilitation setting when they have another beaver with which to interact. According to a recent Facebook post, the baby beavers immediately took to one another, which is not always the case, as aggression or rejection can occur. 

In addition, baby beavers require a two-year rehabilitation and a specialized enclosure (carefully crafted by property manager Frank Menyhart). Demanding care routines include cleaning their enclosure four times a day and providing an ample variety of foods, along with draining, scrubbing and refilling their pool three times weekly. 

The cost to house and feed the fetching pair is approximately $200 per week.

As with any of the animals cared for by the dedicated staff and volunteers, it will all be worth the effort when the day comes for their return to the wild. 

Although The Wilderz works with state and federal agencies, this important nonprofit doesn’t receive any funding from them and operates solely on donations to provide medical care, food and shelter. The organization intends to build on the long-term success of PWRC and to deliver state-of-the-art care along with exceptional educational programs. 

Here’s how you can help: Visit poconowildlife.com to donate or select items from their wish list. Get involved as a volunteer or intern and spread the word of their good work via Facebook.

The Wilderz at Pocono Wildlife can be reached at poconowildlife@gmail.com or 570/402-0223. You can also write to 1161 Cherry Dr., Stroudsburg, PA 18360.