VERONA, Pa. \u2014 Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh said this year they\u2019ve taken in a record number of wildlife animals into their rehabilitation center in Verona. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt has been a high influx year for sure,\u201d said Wildlife Rehabilitation Center Director Katie Kefalos. \u201cIt has certainly been the year of the possum\u2026 we\u2019ve been seeing a comical amount this year\u201d <\/p>\n
Between possums, rabbits, turtles, and turkey vultures, it can be a strain on resources. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt does take a toll. We did have to close our doors a few times due to sheer capacity and being able to care properly for all of the patients,\u201d said Kefalos. <\/p>\n
With still two months left in the year, they\u2019ve treated over 4,600 animals, surpassing their record in 2021. As for why — that part isn\u2019t super clear. <\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe people learning a little bit about us, more people noticing that animals are in need of help, and maybe some environmental factors as well?,\u201d Kefalos guessed. <\/p>\n
Right now, the Verona facility is temporarily closed to new patients as it undergoes construction.<\/p>\n
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