MENASHA, Wis. (WFRV) – On Friday morning, two domesticated rats were found at Heckrodt Wetland Reserve in Menasha, and those helping are actively looking for their owners.
When reserve staff found the rats on the morning of June 27, they contacted J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue (JRAAR), who are now trying to find the owners in the chance that they were lost and not abandoned.
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“We’re committed to giving these rats every chance at being reunited with their family,” said John Moyles, founder of J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue. “If they were lost or escaped, we want their humans to know they’re safe. We’ll hold onto them, give them vet care, and make sure they’re looked after while we try to find out what happened.”
Officials with JRAAR say the rats are scheduled for a full veterinary checkup next week and are currently safe and being cared for.
Andrea Bierbrauer with the Heckrodt Wetland Reserve also touched on the dangers that releasing domesticated animals into the wild may cause.
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“Releasing domesticated or non-native animals into the wild is detrimental to their health and our habitat,” said Bierbrauer, Naturalist and Early Childhood Program Manager at Heckrodt Wetland Reserve. “Unlike wild animals, pets depend on people for food and care. They don’t have the instincts to protect themselves from predators, and they cannot survive harsh weather conditions like our Wisconsin winters.”
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact J&R Aquatic Animal Rescue. Those wishing to support the rescue’s work can do so here.
