Squirrel Friends Wildlife Rescue

Squirrel Friends Network

Our network consists of independent rehabilitators operating under the NC Wildlife Resource Commission. We extend across North Carolina and collaborate with numerous organizations to make a greater impact in returning animals back to the wild. Our primary focus is to support licensed rehabilitators by providing resources, supplies at cost, and acquiring donated materials.

At Squirrel Friends Wildlife Rescue, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of wildlife rehabilitation, abiding by the established guidelines and code of ethics that govern our field. We encourage all members to review and adhere to the Code of Ethics from the Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation, written by the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA) and the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC). These principles guide not only how we care for wildlife but also how we interact with fellow rehabilitators, both within and outside our network.

Respect is at the core of our mission; respect for the animals we rehabilitate, for the individuals who dedicate themselves to their care, and for the broader rehabilitation community. We recognize that wildlife rehabilitation is a shared responsibility, and we believe in fostering a culture of collaboration rather than competition. We do not tolerate any kind of bullying or slander within our network, and we discourage engaging in or entertaining unproductive conflicts on social media.

Our team works together to ensure that every aspect of rehabilitation is carried out with care and dedication. This includes collaborating on transportation, medical attention, and the crucial process of release into the most optimal environment possible. We also actively participate in the apprenticeship learning process, understanding that the next generation of rehabilitators depends on mentorship and shared knowledge.

We are committed to supporting rehabilitators, mentors, and apprentices in every possible way. We assist in pairing Apprentices with Mentors. Although we provide educational resources, we are not an educational institution. We encourage our network members to continuously expand their knowledge in wildlife rehabilitation. We recommend joining the Wildlife Rehabilitators of North Carolina and attending their annual symposium as an excellent starting point. Through our network, we facilitate hands-on experience for apprentices via mentorship opportunities, when the opportunity presents itself.

We extend this collaborative approach beyond our own organization, working closely with other wildlife groups and individual rehabilitators. We do not view rehabilitation as a competitive endeavor but rather as a collective mission to serve and protect wildlife. While methods may differ among individuals and organizations, we believe in maintaining professionalism and integrity, refraining from defaming or discrediting those who may approach rehabilitation differently.

At Squirrel Friends, our focus is on doing what is best for wildlife, together. By upholding ethical standards, fostering mutual respect, and supporting one another, we create a stronger, more unified network of wildlife advocates dedicated to the same goal: giving wild animals the best chance at a successful return to their natural habitat.

We are a dedicated volunteer network striving to improve wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

We proudly operate under the following registered assumed names: Squirrel Friends Network, Squirrel Friends Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Network, and Squirrel Friends Wildlife Rehabilitator Network.