I have been privileged to nurture, rescue, etc many of God's creatures...and I've never been bitten, scratched, or hurt in any way by any of the wild ones. From a vulture caught in a leg trap to deer caught in barbed wire...they all were in pain yet not a one fought me when I freed them. The vulture even circled us 3 times before flying off as if to say thanks.

Yes, I COULD have been hurt badly by most of them but between being in shock and recognizing/sensing intent to help, nothing adverse happened. I would NOT recommend this to just anyone because an animal in pain CAN be unpredictable and caution is good advice.

Even with all the good intentions in the world, there are some whose nature will not admit defeat even enough to get their freedom. Such was the sad case of a badger who dug a 6 foot deep ditch around a salt cedar, was exhausted but still caught in a leg trap. I was peaceful, sat (for over an hour) and tried to communicate but, every time I moved, he was spit and fire. Finally he just flattened out and stared at me with his eyes seeking release from the pain. I gave him the only gift I could.

When you work with animals in their setting, it is entirely different than what one experiences in our usual domestic environments. You are just another part of their element and they treat you accordingly. It's awe-inspiring.

Callie