Month: April 2026

Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Think Wild has introduced two new wildlife ambassador animals, a western toad and a gopher snake, to help educate the community on wildlife and habitat conservation. These animals will participate in education and outreach programs across Central Oregon.

The ambassador animals, both native herpetofauna, will visit classrooms and community events to teach students and the public about native species and coexistence. Both animals were approved for the ambassador program by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife after being deemed non-releasable.

The western toad, named Timmy, had his name submitted and voted on by local students from Barnes Butte Elementary, Jefferson County 21st Century After School Program and Warm Springs K-eight Academy. Timmy arrived at Think Wild as a patient after being kept as a pet for about one year. He was deemed non-releasable due to habituation concerns, as wildlife accustomed to humans often lose critical survival behaviors needed in the wild. Timmy’s story serves as a reminder that keeping wild animals as pets is illegal and harmful to both animals and ecosystems.

Timmy with a cricket on his head. Credit: Think Wild / Sue Dougherty

Western toads (Anaxyrus boreas) are a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Oregon, facing threats from habitat loss, disease and changes to wetland and riparian ecosystems. Amphibians are particularly sensitive to environmental changes because they depend on both aquatic and terrestrial habitats throughout their lives. Timmy will serve as an ambassador for his species, highlighting the importance of wetlands, clean water and habitat connectivity.

The gopher snake was rescued from a construction site in Tumalo with significant trauma near the cloaca that required stitches. Isaiah Bagley Blessing, the gopher snake rescuer, brought the animal to Think Wild Wildlife Hospital. “While working in Tumalo , I stumbled upon an injured gopher snake. After a quick glance, I noticed the excavator accidentally moved concrete blankets and injured him pretty badly,” Blessing said. “After my girlfriend suggested taking him to Think Wild Wildlife Hospital, we brought the snake in with little hope, but against the odds, they survived. Seeing them pull through meant a lot to me, I’ve always had a deep love for animals, especially reptiles and I’ve always been the kind of person to rescue even the smallest creatures, from snakes to spiders.”

Gopher snake. Credit: Think Wild / Sue Dougherty

Due to the injury, the gopher snake cannot defecate independently and requires physical assistance from trained staff approximately once per week. An animal unable to perform essential biological functions on its own is not suitable for release. Blessing expressed gratitude for Think Wild’s efforts. “Thank you to all the people at Think Wild for taking him in and all the other conservation they do,” he commented.

Gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are non-venomous and native to Central Oregon, playing a role in controlling rodent populations. They are often mistaken for rattlesnakes due to defensive behaviors such as flattening their head, hissing loudly and vibrating their tail. Despite this mimicry, gopher snakes are harmless to humans and are an important part of a balanced ecosystem.

These new animals will join Wild’s existing ambassador, Shar, a red-tailed hawk, in supporting the organization’s programs. They will help students and community members learn about native wildlife, habitat conservation and how everyday actions affect local ecosystems. Becca LiPuma, education manager at Think Wild, emphasized the animals’ role. “while these animals may be small, they represent a big opportunity to connect people with wildlife conservation in a fun and meaningful way. Our education programsss are about to be hoppin’,” LiPuma said.

Think Wild is inviting the community to submit name ideas for the gopher snake until April 24. Following the submission period, voting for the snake’s name will be open to the public.

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Kelsey Merison

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A local veterinarian is encouraging dog owners to keep their pets up to date on de-worming medications following the discovery of a potentially harmful parasite in the Pacific Northwest.

The parasite, Echinococcus multilocularis, is a tiny worm that has been spreading across North America, often without people realizing it exists. It can survive in soil throughout the winter and is raising concerns about exposure.

Echinococcus multilocularis life cycle. Credit: CDC

Dr. Rex Urich, owner of Mt. Bachelor Veterinary Hospital in Bend, says the parasite is not new globally. It has long been common across Europe and Central Asia and has been present in Canada for some time. More recently, it has been detected in Washington State and parts of northern Oregon.

“It’s ubiquitous all over Europe and Central Asia. It’s really common. It’s existed in Canada for a while,” Dr. Urich said. “The organism can live through the winter in the soil. It doesn’t die out. You can’t clean fabric and materials with regular laundry soap and kill it. You have to bleach it. Probably the most vulnerable are children that are crawling around on the ground and people that are immunocompromised.”

Echinococcus multilocularis. Credit: CDC

The parasite lives in wild animals like coyotes, but it can sometimes reach pets and humans.

“All dogs. Canids, foxes, wolves, coyotes, domestic dogs. This is almost a normal parasite, and it doesn’t cause a lot of problems for them,” Dr. Urich said.

However, the situation changes when the parasite infects what experts call an “abnormal host,” such as humans or certain small animals. In those cases, the parasite cannot complete its lifecycle and instead becomes lodged in the body.

“When it gets into an abnormal host, people being one, the parasite figures out, ‘Uh oh, I’m in the wrong animal.’ And it doesn’t complete its lifecycle, and it stops where it is,” Dr. Urich said. “It gets in the liver and causes tumor-like things in the liver and also in the lungs and in the brain.”

Researchers at the University of Washington have confirmed the parasite’s presence in the Pacific Northwest. They surveyed 100 coyotes in the Puget Sound region, and found the parasite in 37 of them.

Research map. Credit: PLOS

Despite the findings, Dr. Urich emphasizes that there is no need for panic. There are things you can do to protect your pets and yourself.

“It’s not a big epidemic,” he said. “But common sense goes a long way—sanitation, limiting exposure, especially for children, and regular monthly de-worming is probably the best advice I can give.”

Dr. Rex Urich

He recommends using a monthly de-wormer that specifically targets tapeworms, noting that consistent protection is key. While some products last longer, ongoing coverage is preferred.

Pet owners are also advised to be cautious when cleaning up after their dogs. Proper disposal of pet waste and maintaining clean outdoor spaces can help reduce the risk of spreading the parasite.

“There are even services in town that help with pet waste removal,” Dr. Urich noted. “They’re aware of this disease and understand the precautions needed to limit its presence in the environment.”

A dog exploring Pine Nursery Park in Bend.

Veterinarians say that with regular care and attention, pet owners can significantly reduce the risk to both their animals and their families.

Click here to read the University of Washington’s report.

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