This summer, Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center reported a spike in orphaned animals it has taken in. Officials at the nonprofit wildlife refuge in Scottsdale say the number of orphaned baby bears, coyotes, raccoons and other native animals increased by 50 percent in June. SWCC founder and executive director Linda Searles chalks it up to hotter temperatures, nearby fires and an increase in real estate development. “We have a lot going on in our state right now… We are seeing dozens more babies than what we normally see this time of year,” Searles said in a press release. “It’s important that we work to get these young animals rehabilitated quickly so they can be re-released back into the wild when possible and the cycle of life can continue for these animals.”
