Southern OK Second Chance Wildlife Rehab

10/23/2026

Do you or someone you know have a cat tower and or a cat wheel that’s sitting around taking up
Room not being used? Let us
Know we would be happy to pick up for the raccoons.

10/19/2026

This unfortunately needs to be shared again, raccoons need to be with other raccoons for proper rehabilitation for release. Please don’t be selfish, do the right thing now before the animal has to pay the price.

🦝 NO JUDGMENT. NO SHAME. JUST HELP. 🦝

Did you find a tiny infant raccoon this spring and decide to try to raise it yourself?

Maybe you thought, “I can do this. I just need to keep this baby alive.”

And now that tiny baby has grown into a VERY busy, VERY destructive, very wild raccoon… and you’re realizing just how much work they actually are.

Maybe you’re overwhelmed.
Maybe your circumstances have changed.
Maybe you’re worried because you don’t know who you can call.
Or maybe you’re simply afraid to reach out because you don’t want to get in trouble.

Please call us.

We feel this post is necessary after recently having a conversation with a finder who was in this exact position. They had cared for a raccoon, were realizing they were in over their head, but were scared to reach out for help.

And we want to make something very clear:

YOU CAN CALL US. 🦝❤️

Our priority is the safety, proper rehabilitation, and eventual release of the animal.

We aren’t here to judge someone who tried to save a tiny orphaned baby. We understand that when a helpless animal needs you, your first instinct is often simply to keep it alive.

We may ask some general questions about the raccoon , its approximate age, health, behavior, what it’s been eating and how long you’ve had it. That’s simply so we can understand where that animal is developmentally and determine the next steps needed to properly wild it back up.

That’s it.

⚠️ And we’ll leave the lecture here… 😉

Unless you are a state-licensed wildlife rehabilitator, it is illegal in Oklahoma to possess wildlife such as a raccoon without the proper authorization.

There can be large fines and other legal consequences, and if a game warden becomes involved, there is a possibility the animal could be confiscated and potentially euthanized rather than given the opportunity for rehabilitation and release.

Please don’t let it get to that point. 💔

There is also something many people don’t realize when they decide to keep a wild baby:

🏥 You can’t simply treat it like a pet and take it to your regular veterinarian.

People often assume that if something goes wrong, they can just call a vet for treatment, vaccinations, or eventually spay/neuter the animal.

Wildlife doesn’t work that way.

Finding appropriate veterinary care for wildlife can be complicated, and not every veterinarian is able or willing to treat wildlife, legally a veterinarian in OK can’t see illegally possessed wild animals in OK. , And the longer a raccoon lives in a human environment, the harder it can become to properly rehabilitate it and prepare it for life in the wild.

That tiny baby you rescued deserves the chance to grow up knowing how to be a raccoon — not how to be someone’s pet. 🦝

So if you have a raccoon you took in this spring and you’re now thinking:

“This is WAY more than I can handle.” 😳

Please don’t be afraid to ask for help.

📞 Give Southern OK Second Chance Wildlife Rehab. A call.

No shame.
No lectures.
No judgment.

Just help.

Because sometimes the most loving thing you can do for a wild animal is recognize when it needs someone with the experience, resources and knowledge to get it back to being WILD.

We’d much rather you call us than keep struggling alone because you’re afraid to ask.

Let’s keep the focus where it belongs:

The safety of the animal.

Proper rehabilitation.

And giving it the best possible chance to return to the wild.

If you live in Oklahoma you can reach out to any Rehabber on this list, and they will help you or point you to someone that can.

https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/law/rehabilitator-list

10/17/2026

OKLAHOMA, I HAVE A CHALLENGE FOR YOU!

Southern OK Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation has officially reached 200 wildlife intakes in 2026!

That might not sound like a lot compared to larger facilities, but for ONE licensed rehabber working around the clock, that’s hundreds of hours of feedings, cleaning, medical care, and sleepless nights.

We often hear about the large wildlife rehabilitation facilities, and they absolutely deserve recognition! But let’s not forget the independent rehabbers across Oklahoma who are doing the same important work, often with little recognition and struggling to get donations.

HERE’S MY CHALLENGE!

Find ONE licensed wildlife rehabilitator near you this week and reach out!

Not because you need their help, but to ask “What can I do to help YOU?”

Maybe they need a bag of feed, old towels, blankets, cleaning supplies, or have an Amazon wish list. Even a $5 donation could make a difference!

I bet that simple phone call would absolutely make their day!

Find a rehabber near you on the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation’s official list:

👉🏻https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/law/rehabilitator-list

Remember, those big rehabilitation facilities we admire today often started exactly where these independent rehabbers are now.

Challenge accepted? Comment below and tell us what Oklahoma county you’re supporting!

Let’s see how many independent wildlife rehabilitators we can show some love to this week!

Please SHARE and challenge your friends!

ODWC does not rehabilitate wildlife. Check this list to find a wildlife rehabilitator in your county and a list of the species they accept.

10/16/2026

🦌🍂 FALL IN OKLAHOMA MEANS MORE DEER ON THE MOVE! 🍂🦌

Those beautiful fall drives through the countryside come with something we all need to be watching for — deer!

It’s breeding season, also known as the rut, and deer are becoming much more active. Bucks are traveling in search of does, and deer may cross roads unexpectedly, even in areas where you don’t normally see them.

⚠️ A few things to remember:

🦌 One deer often means more nearby. If you see one cross, slow down and watch for others.

🌅 Be extra cautious at dawn and dusk. Deer are especially active during these hours, but they can cross at any time.

🚗 Slow down on country roads. Pay attention to wooded areas, fields, and roadsides.

💡 Use your high beams when appropriate. They can help you spot wildlife sooner, but dim them for approaching vehicles.

🛑 Brake, don’t swerve. If a deer suddenly appears, brake firmly while maintaining control of your vehicle. Swerving can lead to a much more serious accident.

❤️ And please remember, deer aren’t trying to get in your way. They’re simply following their natural instincts, completely unaware of the dangers our roads present.

As wildlife rehabilitators, we see firsthand what can happen when wildlife and vehicles collide. A few extra seconds of caution could save a life — including your own.

Let’s give our Oklahoma wildlife a little extra room this fall.

🦌 Slow down. Stay alert. Watch the roadsides.

🍁 Please share to help keep both drivers and wildlife safe!

Southern OK Second Chance Wildlife Rehab

10/13/2026

🦝🦌 HELP ME CONTINUE LEARNING SO I CAN CONTINUE SAVING LIVES!

As the founder and executive director of Southern OK Second Chance Wildlife Rehab, One thing I have quickly realized is that there is always more to learn when it comes to caring for our native wildlife.

On December 5–6, 2026, the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) will be offering its Foundations of Wildlife Rehabilitation course in Shawnee, Oklahoma, locally hosted by WildCare Oklahoma and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Eagle Aviary.

This is an incredible opportunity to receive hands-on training in wildlife intake, physical examinations, fluid therapy, nutrition, tube feeding, injections, wound care, handling, disease prevention, and so much more!

❤️ I am asking for a little help to make attending this training possible.

As many of you know, wildlife rehabilitation is largely funded out of our own pockets and through the generosity of our supporters. Between caring for the animals, purchasing formula, food, medications, and maintaining enclosures, additional training expenses can be difficult to cover.

Donations will help with registration, travel, lodging, and other expenses associated with attending.

My goal isn’t just to earn a certificate. It’s to bring home knowledge and skills that will help me provide better care for every animal that comes through our doors and allow me to share what I learn with other Oklahoma rehabilitators.

Every animal deserves the best chance possible, and continuing education is one way I can give them that chance. ❤️

If you would like to help sponsor my attendance, donations of any amount would be greatly appreciated!

💚 Cash App
$soscwildliferehab

Southern OK Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Thank you to everyone who continues to believe in what we are building here in Southern Oklahoma. Your support means more than you know!

🦝🐿️🦌 Because every wild life deserves a second chance! ❤️

Kristy

10/08/2026

BUILDING SECOND CHANCES HELP US GROW! ❤️

We have some pretty big dreams for Southern OK Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation, and we’re hoping our community can help us turn those dreams into reality!

When we started this journey, I knew there was a need for wildlife rehabilitation in Southern Oklahoma, but I don’t think I fully realized just how great that need would be. In our very first year, we’ve already cared for more than 180 animals, and with each new intake, we’ve quickly learned just how important it is to have the proper space and resources to give these animals the best possible chance.

As we look ahead to the spring 2027 baby wildlife season, we’re working hard to expand our facilities and prepare for the orphaned, injured, and sick wildlife that will need us.

HERE’S WHAT WE’RE CURRENTLY NEEDING!

❄️ DEEP FREEZER
We’re looking for a working deep freezer to help store formulas, meats, and other food for the animals in our care.

🏡 PRIVACY FENCE PANELS
We’re needing privacy fence panels for our outdoor enclosures. These help create a quieter, more natural environment while limiting human interaction with animals preparing for their return to the wild.

🏠 OUR BIGGEST GOAL, A DEDICATED WILDLIFE REHABILITATION BUILDING!

We’ve started our Building Second Chances Campaign with a fundraising goal of $15,000 to help us purchase and convert a building into a dedicated wildlife rehabilitation facility!

Our hope is to have this building ready by spring 2027, just in time for another busy baby season.

This building would allow us to have designated areas for:

🍼 Neonate Care – A safe, temperature-controlled space for our tiniest orphaned babies who require around-the-clock care.

🩺 Intake & Treatment – An area to assess and care for newly admitted, injured, or sick wildlife.

❤️ Quarantine – A separate area for animals needing isolation to help protect the others in our care.

🥣 Food Preparation & Cleaning – A dedicated space to prepare diets, clean supplies, and maintain proper sanitation.

Once healthy and ready, animals would transition into our outdoor pre-release enclosures, where they can continue developing the skills they’ll need to survive in the wild.

DO YOU HAVE A BUILDING OR KNOW SOMEONE WHO DOES?

We are also looking for a large storage building, portable building, or similar structure that could be converted into a rehabilitation facility!

Maybe you know someone with a building they no longer use, a business replacing an older structure, or a company willing to help a local nonprofit. We would love to hear about it!

LOCAL BUSINESSES, CONTRACTORS & COMMUNITY MEMBERS!

We would also love to connect with businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring part of our new facility, donating building materials, or helping with construction.

Whether it’s sponsoring a room, donating a freezer, providing fence panels, or helping us get a building in place, every contribution brings us closer to our goal.

And if you have any of the items we’re looking for, please message us! We will gladly coordinate pickup of donated items.

We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and eligible charitable donations may be tax-deductible.

I know $15,000 is a big goal, but I also know what can happen when a community comes together for something that matters.

We started this rescue out of our home with a love for wildlife and a desire to make a difference. We may not have a fancy facility or years of experience behind us, but we have the determination, the heart, and a whole lot of little lives depending on us.

Our hope is that by spring 2027, we’ll be opening the doors to a place dedicated to giving Southern Oklahoma’s wildlife the second chances they deserve.

Even if you’re unable to donate, please share this post! You never know who might have exactly what we’re looking for.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us, encouraged us, donated supplies, or simply followed along on this journey. We truly couldn’t do this without you!

Southern OK Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation Foundation

501(c)(3) Nonprofit | Carter County, Oklahoma

❤️ Because wild lives deserve second chances!

Cash App
https://cash.app/$soscwildliferehab

Mailing address
Southern OK Second Chance
PO Box 608
Lone Grove OK 73443

10/05/2026

Feel this song to my core ❤️ thank you for sharing Annette King at Wild Heart Ranch what an inspiration you are to so many rehabbers. 🫂

10/04/2026

🦡🐍 What’s on the menu for our opossums in rehab? Copperhead and Texas Tripe and much more!

It may look a little shocking, but this is actually a great example of why we try to provide our wildlife with foods that resemble what they would naturally encounter after release.

Opossums are opportunistic omnivores. In the wild they eat a HUGE variety of foods— insects, small rodents, carrion, eggs, fruits, vegetation and even snakes, including venomous species like copperheads.

Opossums also have an amazing natural resistance to the venom of several pit vipers. So yes…that copperhead you see them eating in the video is something an opossum may actually take advantage of as a food source in the wild.

Along with the copperhead, they’re eating Texas Tripe, which is a raw whole-food blend made from animal proteins, organs, bone and other components depending on the specific blend. We use it as part of a varied diet to provide protein, fats, minerals and other nutrients important for growing, active animals.

For wildlife in rehabilitation, nutrition is about so much more than simply filling their bellies.

Our goal is to give them variety and expose them to appropriate natural foods so they aren’t dependent on the same easy meal every day. Foods they have to tear, chew, manipulate and investigate also encourage natural feeding behaviors they will need once they’re back where they belong.

These guys aren’t being raised to be pets. ❤️ Everything we do is preparing them for RELEASE.

And this is another reason we love having opossums around, especially out here in the country! They are such misunderstood little animals. While we’re sleeping, they’re out doing what opossums do, scavenging, hunting and taking advantage of whatever food nature puts in their path.

So when you see an opossum wandering through your property at night, maybe give that funny little face some appreciation. You never know…there could be a copperhead on his dinner menu. 🦡🐍

Wild diets. Wild behaviors. Wild animals. That’s the goal.

10/03/2026

🐿️ October is National Squirrel Month! 🐿️

Since squirrels were some of the very first little lives that started our wildlife rehabilitation journey, they will always have a special place in my heart. ❤️

Squirrels may be something we see almost every day, but they are actually pretty amazing little animals!

🐿️ Squirrels are nature’s tree planters. They bury nuts and seeds to save for later, but they don’t always remember where they put them. The ones left behind can eventually grow into new trees.

🐿️ Their front teeth never stop growing. Squirrels have to constantly gnaw to keep their incisors worn down and healthy.

🐿️ That big fluffy tail has a purpose. It helps with balance while climbing and jumping, provides warmth, and can even be used to communicate with other squirrels.

🐿️ Baby squirrels are called kits or kittens. They are born pink, blind, deaf and completely dependent on their mother.

🐿️ Mom is usually the best rehabber. If a baby squirrel falls from a nest and is healthy and uninjured, there is often a chance to reunite it with mom. Never assume a baby is orphaned just because you find it alone.

🐿️ Never feed a found baby squirrel. Giving the wrong formula—or feeding a cold or dehydrated baby—can cause serious problems and can even be fatal. Keep the baby warm and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator first.

And one more reminder as we head further into fall: squirrels can still have babies in nests, so please check carefully before trimming or removing trees. 🌳

These little guys do so much more for our ecosystem than most people realize. National Squirrel Month is a perfect reminder to appreciate the wildlife living right alongside us and the important role even the smallest animals play. 🐿️❤️

Have you ever had a squirrel that you recognized and watched around your yard? Tell me about them in the comments!