Wildlife rescue gloves arrived!

If your neck of the woods is anything like mine, your roads are increasingly dotted with the broken and distressing bodies of spring wildlife casualities. I think that the road animals are the worst part of spring, and people just do not know enough or care enough to slow the flip down to avoid these creatures. Anyway, I'm literally taking matters back into my own hands this spring, and on Friday the central part of my wildlife rescue kit was waiting on the porch when I got home from work: nonleather veterinary gloves!

These babies come up to my elbows and are made out of a synthetic sharps-resistant material. There is some good padding, but they look like they'll also allow plenty of dexterity if needed. They're made by a company called Hexarmor (the Hercules R8E 3180), and they're designed for use by veterinarians. I'm really excited!

Rounding out my kit will be an animal carrier, some old sweatshirts, and maybe one of those insto-handwarmers just in case. If I find wildlife that needs my assistance, I'll be headed straight to Cornell veterinary hospital because I do not yet have a rehabber's license, but it can be a while getting there, and having some warmth on the way may be lifesaving, especially for youngsters.

These gloves are a bit pricey (I searched around for the best price and purchased online), but it's going to be completely worth it for peace of mind and confidence in handling should the need arise. Here's hoping I'll see fewer and fewer wild animals on the roads, but if my help is needed, I'm ready to step up.