Construction about to start for new wildlife enclosure

Upper Peninsula Wildlife Rehabilitation is the beneficiary of a $40,000 gift from Edward “Bud” Cole of Eagle River [Correction: The article originally said Houghton.] Beth Maatta, who runs the facility, is soon to be the only certified raptor rehabber in the entire Upper Peninsula, and the current facility has only a small flight enclosure that is not big enough to handle the responsibility.

Maata says the new space will be more appropriate for owls, hawks, falcons, and more.

Maata says that the length of time a bird needs to stay at her facility can range from days if it is a case of being stunned after flying into a window to months if there are broken bones involved. Raptors are sometimes shot by people, either for poaching or in an attempt to protect their pets and property.

Maata says the job requires precautions. Even with training and experience, she is still dealing with wild animals.

Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-July.