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Injured or Orphaned Animals

Call the Wildlife Conservation Center at 330.477.0448 before handling any wild animal that you believe needs help. We will advise you on safety measures, proper containment, and transportation. If the center is not open, follow the voicemail instructions.

Turtle

Wild animals are protected by federal and state laws, making it illegal for anyone to possess them without proper permits. The Wildlife Conservation Center maintains all necessary permits to care for most native species of wildlife.

In accordance with state regulations, all wild animals accepted for rehabilitation become the property of the State of Ohio.

Does a wild animal need our help?

If you find a wild animal that appears to be sick or injured, look for these signs that it needs help:

bleeding
shivering
broken limb
attacked by predator
unable to move
impact with a vehicle

Parent animals often leave their young for a few hours while they gather food. If you see baby wildlife alone, look for these signs that they need help:

Featherless baby birds on the ground
Parent animal is confirmed dead or hasn't been seen for an extended period of time

If you see any of the above signs, call the Wildlife Conservation Center at 330.477.0448.

IMPORTANT:

Do not touch or move the wild animal until you have confirmed it needs help and called us for instructions.
Never give food, water, or milk to a wild animal.
If the Center is closed, keep the wild animal in a warm, dark, quiet place. Limit all contact with it, and contact us as soon as we reopen.
Never drop off an animal outside the center unattended when the Center is closed.

We do not rehabilitate the following species:

Birds

European Starlings
House Sparrows
Pigeons

Reptiles

Venomous snakes

Mammals

White tailed deer
Adult Skunks
Coyote
Raccoons (Rabies Ban Effective March 17, 2017)
Adult Beaver
Bobcats
Bear
Farm Animals
Exotics and Pets

Endangered Species

Call us for information on what to do if you find an endangered species.
For mammals listed above and endangered species, you may also call your local wildlife officer. The Stark County number is 330-245-3041
More information about Ohio’s endangered and threatened species

Recent Posts

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Feb 20

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Feb 1

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Towpath Trail Closed in Areas

We expect water to recede over the weekend. As of 6/21/19, we cannot access trail damage or downed trees in many areas. These areas will be closed to trail users until a full inspection is complete. Please follow all trail closing barricades and signs.

View All Park and Trail Alerts

Hi There! We hope you are looking to Opt Outside today or any day. Take a break from buying presents and be present. Your body and mind thank you!

Start Exploring!

Feedback Requested!

We are now accepting public comment on the Phase 4 Iron Horse Trail proposal through January 29, 2019.

E-bike Pilot Program

Class 1 e-bikes are permitted to ride on multi-purpose trails (crushed limestone or asphalt). E-bikes are not permitted on natural surface, equestrian, or mountain bike trails. A class 1 e-bike is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

Trail Closed

We expect water to recede over the weekend. As of 6/21/19, we cannot access trail damage or downed trees in many places. These areas will be closed to trail users until a full inspection is complete. Please follow all trail closing barricades and signs.

View All Park and Trail Alerts

Marinas Open for Season May 1

Registration Reminder!

1. Make sure you register and pay (if applicable) for the camp. 2. Print your waiver and bring it with you to camp. 3. Read over special instructions and welcome letter. 4. Call us at 330.477.3552 with any questions.

Serenades in the Park Concert Cancelled-Petros Lake Park

The concert has been cancelled as of 12 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2019 due to inclement weather in the forecast at the performance time. The exact same performance will be held tomorrow, Monday Sept. 2 at 5 p.m. on the steps of North Canton City Hall, 145 N. Main St., North Canton, 44720.

Deadline Approaching: Order Club Apparel by Feb. 9!

Use the Shop Apparel Button on the main page or the button below!

New Date and Time for March 2020 Board Meeting

New Meeting Date: Thursday March 5, at 6 p.m.

Location: Exploration Gateway-Sippo Lake Park North 5712 12th St. NW, Canton 44708

COVID-19 Updates

Parks and trails continue to remain open for people (and pets) to use and enjoy. Rangers will continue patrols and operations crews are cleaning and removing trash. Select restrooms will open on May 22. Facility closures include: • Public Buildings • Shelters • Playgrounds • Eagle Observation Deck at Walborn Reservoir (observation is allowed with personal equipment and no more than 2 people on the deck at a time)

Be courteous and safe. Continue physical distancing. Stay home if you don’t feel well and continue to wash hands frequently and thoroughly.

More Information

COVID-19 UPDATES

All parks and trails remain open at this time. Playgrounds remain closed. Beginning May 22, select restrooms, including permanent and temporary port-a-johns, will be available at most Stark Parks and trails. Park Rangers continue standard patrols and can be reached at 330-353-2377. Stark Parks will continue to follow guidance provided by all federal, state and local health authorities.

Public programs are cancelled through June 30.

All public buildings and facilities are closed including Administration Offices, Exploration Gateway, Quail Hollow Park (Manor House and Nature Center), and all reservable shelters. Injured and orphaned wildlife are accepted on a limited basis at the Wildlife Conservation Center. Please call 330-477-0448 for details on how to bring your animal in. Do not take animals to the center without calling first. Masks are required while in the wildlife viewing area outside the Center for the protection of the staff and wildlife.

Rentals and facility reservations will be offered an opportunity to reschedule or receive a refund. No fees will be taken for new reservations.

For general information, please call (330) 477-3552. Continue to check this page for the most up-to-date information, or follow us at Facebook.com/starkparks.

Eagle Observation Open with Restrictions

No group viewing at this time, but you are permitted to view with your OWN equipment.

A maximum of 2 people on the deck at any time.