Learn about the very busiest time of year for Wildlife Center staff, students, and volunteers -- baby season! Spring is a time for new life; many species of wild animals are giving birth or laying eggs and caring for young throughout much of the spring. It's also the time of year when people are more active; as the warm weather approaches, humans spend more time in their yards and gardens and in the great outdoors. This increased activity of both humans and wild animals can put us all in more direct contact with one another. There are a number of misinformation and misconceptions about young wild animals; learn from the Wildlife Center staff how to best help young animals stay in the wild with their parents. UNTAMED looks at the wild and often perilous world of wildlife, as seen through the eyes of the patients of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, a non-profit teaching and research hospital for native wildlife.

Learn about bats -- a diverse group of flying mammals that humans often associate with folklore, legends, ghost stories, and scary tales. But we have more in common with bats than we think -- these tiny mammals are socially intelligent and can have a rich social structure and means of communication with each other. Bats are not only fascinating, but they are also quite beneficial to our environment and play an important role in the habitats we share with them. These animals are in need of our help now more than ever as they face population declines and serious problems, most of which originate from humans.  

Students first collect information about the different biomes before working in small groups (2-3 students) to discuss the pros and cons for each category (climate, location, flora, and fauna). This guides them in choosing a biome to recommend to a travel agency for promotion. They present and defend their choices during a board session.

Learn about Black Bears in this episode of UNTAMED. The Wildlife Center staff members illustrate what it's like to care for Black Bear cubs, explain how we're working to understand and treat mange in wild bear populations and demonstrate what you should do if you encounter a Black Bear in need of help.

Great activity on what makes a swamp a swamp. This activity will also allow students to learn about the swamp that is located in Virginia and North Carolina. This activity is designed to have students use technology, conduct research, and create a Google Slides presentation.

Learn about diurnal birds of prey -- a diverse group of birds across the globe which includes hawks, falcons, osprey, eagles, and kites. While these different families of birds have a variety of physical and behavioral traits, they are all specially adapted for daytime hunting. Today, most of these birds of prey are widely appreciated by the public, but they still face many dangers. Learn more about these amazing raptors and how to help.UNTAMED looks at the wild and often perilous world of wildlife, as seen through the eyes of the patients of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, a non-profit teaching and research hospital for native wildlife.

Learn about the Virginia Opossum, the only marsupial found in the United States. Opossums may be common, but they are amazingly unique and adaptable creatures that can be found right in our own backyards. Host Ed Clark highlights a wide variety of special opossum adaptations and explains how simple changes in human behavior can help these animals. Meet one of the Center's education opossums, and hear outreach coordinator Alex Wehrung talk about how education ambassadors help the Center to elevate the effectiveness of our programs. UNTAMED looks at the wild and often perilous world of wildlife, as seen through the eyes of the patients of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, a non-profit teaching and research hospital for native wildlife.

Learn about a variety of owl species found around the world. The Wildlife Center team discusses the amazing adaptations of owls and what makes them so unique as patients. The team explains the common injuries in owl patients and the causes for admission that are, unfortunately, often human-caused. Dr. Karra and rehabilitator Brie explain what the wildlife medicine and rehabilitation process is like for a variety of owl species found in Virginia, and outreach coordinator Alex shares Quinn the Great Horned Owl's story.UNTAMED looks at the wild and often perilous world of wildlife, as seen through the eyes of the patients of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, a non-profit teaching and research hospital for native wildlife.

"The Prairie Preacher" follows Dr. Dwayne Estes, a botanist who earned his nickname for his passionate advocacy of grassland conservation. Once a child who found solace in nature, Estes now dedicates his life to saving America’s most endangered ecosystem—Southeastern grasslands. Through the Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI), he works tirelessly to protect and restore these vital landscapes.

This video explores the decline of southeastern U.S. grasslands over 300-400 years, focusing on the role of Native Americans and natural fires in maintaining these ecosystems. European settlers and agricultural practices disrupted this balance, converting grasslands into forests and farmlands. The result was a significant loss of these vital ecosystems, profoundly altering the landscape

Learn about snakes – a family of wild animals that invoke fear in many people. During this episode, Center staff members highlight the beauty and mystery of snakes and encourage others to foster a respect for this highly misunderstood group of animals. Common causes of admission and injury are highlighted, and host Ed Clark gives viewers several ways to help our wild snake neighbors. UNTAMED looks at the wild and often perilous world of wildlife, as seen through the eyes of the patients of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, a non-profit teaching and research hospital for native wildlife.

Learn about the diverse group of passerines which we often call "songbirds." Millions of people worldwide identify themselves as bird-watchers and love spending time outdoors watching birds, whether on intense birding expeditions, or simply watching birds in their own backyards. But birds are under pressure and are presented with many human-caused dangers in their lives. Learn how our daily behaviors impact birds all over the world and learn what you can do to help songbirds.UNTAMED looks at the wild and often perilous world of wildlife, as seen through the eyes of the patients of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, a non-profit teaching and research hospital for native wildlife.

Learn about a variety of turtle species and the challenges they face in the wild. In this episode, Wildlife Center staff members discuss the causes of admission for both terrestrial and aquatic turtles, including vehicle collisions, swallowing fish hooks, pesticides, and more. The Center's hospital director describes how these injuries are treated, and our host Ed Clark reviews how humans can change their behavior to help turtles. UNTAMED  looks at the wild and often perilous world of wildlife, as seen through the eyes of the patients of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, a non-profit teaching and research hospital for native wildlife

Learn about a variety of more "unusual species" treated at the Wildlife Center. The Center typically admits more than 150 different species each year -- while most of these animals are often the birds, mammals, and reptiles whose homes are in and around our own backyards and neighborhoods, Center staff are always prepared for any animal that might come through the door, even if we only see that species once every year or so!  When the Center admits an unusual or uncommon species of wildlife, the staff relies on their extensive knowledge of natural history, as well as creativity and resourcefulness. Some unusual species treated at the Center are rarely admitted due to their secretive lifestyle; some are uncommon admissions because, as a species, they are in trouble. 

Learn about vultures -- nature's clean-up crew. These animals are sometimes thought of as "gross" or may have a sinister reputation associated with death, but Wildlife Center staff explain how these special birds are not just an important part of our ecosystem but can be beautiful and charismatic as well. Learn more about vultures and meet Buttercup, the Center's non-releasable resident Black Vulture, who has his own cult following! UNTAMED looks at the wild and often perilous world of wildlife, as seen through the eyes of the patients of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, a non-profit teaching and research hospital for native wildlife.

Learn about the diverse group of wildlife known as water birds -- loons, herons, egrets, ducks, geese, grebes, pelicans, and more -- which makes up 30 families, and, collectively about 800 species. Water birds can be found in the mountains, rivers, marshes, and coastal plains; each adapted to their specific environment. Whether year-round residents or long-distance migrants, many water birds depend on critical wetland habitats. Learn more about this amazing avian wildlife and how we can change our behaviors to help their habitats and populations. UNTAMED looks at the wild and often perilous world of wildlife, as seen through the eyes of the patients of the Wildlife Center of Virginia, a non-profit teaching and research hospital for native wildlife.