SAFE HAVEN'S LATEST NEWS—Preparing for Black Bear Rehab
Since moving to Nevada in November 2006, Safe Haven has been contacted many times by wildlife agencies seeking assistance with black bear rehab. In response to this growing need, we have developed plans for a new black bear rehab program. Since February we have been awarded grants of nearly $12,000 for this project, and we continue to seek additional funds.
The bear population has suffered in recent years due to excessive drought and wildfires. As communities expand into former wilderness areas, an increasing number of “problem” bears are destroyed after becoming attracted to garbage and other food sources, resulting in orphans unable to fend for themselves and in danger of becoming attracted to residences.
Safe Haven's location in the Humboldt Range is also close enough to transport bears to and from the Tahoe area, and at the same time remote enough for privacy and space needed for their interim care. Nevada Fish & Game will be responsible for selection of remote release sites, as well as the actual releases.
New construction will include a 100 x 40 ft. main enclosure, with sufficient space to house as many as 10-15 bears at once. A special cub enclosure will be added in a later phase of construction. The project also requires new water lines and perimeter fencing.
In developing our program, we are consulting with staff of the highly successful Idaho Black Bear Rehabilitation Center. We look forward to offering the citizens of our region a safe and humane alternative for the management of orphaned and problem bears.
Our deepest thanks to the Nevada Community Foundation (grant of $6,725) and the Robert Z. Hawkins Foundation (grant of $5,000, pending further project funding).
NEVADA'S FIRST LADY VISITS SAFE HAVEN
On April 21, Safe Haven hosted an exciting visit from Nevada's First Lady, Dawn Gibbons. As her photo gallery shows, she enjoyed getting acquainted with our animal residents. She was particularly interested to meet Tigger, our newest permanent-placement resident. Mrs. Gibbons watched our latest video, and observed Savannah and the foxes taking part in enrichment activities. She hopes to visit again with her grandchildren. Mrs. Gibbons is is a national board member for AmeriCorps, Safe Haven's partner in our internship program.
THANKS TO SAFE HAVEN'S SUPPORTERS!
Our Sponsors page acknowledges the many granting organizations, business, and individuals that have assisted us with funding that is critical to the continued success of our sanctuary.
Many thanks to all who attended the Spring Dinner & Auction at the Winnemucca Convention Center on April 12! Please patronize the many sponsors and prize donors who helped make this event into our most successful fundraiser ever.
Pictured: AmeriCorps member Catreena McCarthy receives an award at the Spring Dinner, in gratitude for her outstanding year of service as Safe Haven's first Wildlife Care Intern. (Photo: Judy Mosby)
PLEASE SUPPORT THE W.O.L.F. SANCTUARY
WOLF (Wolves Offered Life & Friendship), a sanctuary for wolves and wolf-dogs in Colorado, has enountered one obstacle after another in their efforts to win zoning approval to expand their facility. We encourage you to visit the WOLF Web site and lend them your support in any way that you can.
SAFE HAVEN TOURS & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Safe Haven conducts tours and on-site and off-site educational programs by appointment. Please contact Lynda Sugasa, Executive Director (Ph: 775-538-7093), or Catreena McCarthy, Assistant Director (Ph: 309-339-2069), for scheduling and additional information.
The bear population has suffered in recent years due to excessive drought and wildfires. As communities expand into former wilderness areas, an increasing number of “problem” bears are destroyed after becoming attracted to garbage and other food sources, resulting in orphans unable to fend for themselves and in danger of becoming attracted to residences. 
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