It’s important for releasable weeks animals to not think of humans as safe because it can hurt they’re chances in survival or encourage them to get into dangerous situations.
While caring for animals, they can become dependant on humans and lose their fear of us, so caregivers will disguise themselves well enough the animals will not associate their treatment with people.
Many disguises are dark netting or other very simple things to obscure the human outline, and sometimes puppets can be used, but I came across these outfits which show off some fun creativity.
From Southern Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke
These anti imprinting masks go above and beyond many efforts I’ve seen for artistic quality!
Short video at the link, but it’s Facebook and I know you guys hate that. 😤. Hence the screen caps.
Found the backstory:
Meet patient BADO 2024-0342, the nestling Barred Owl (Strix varia)!
This cute and nervous marshmallow with legs came to us after construction caused its nest to tumble, and it could not be renested with its parents. It was kept illegally for 3 days by well-meaning but misguided folks who did not have the knowledge or permit to do so, and began to imprint on humans. Thankfully, it was brought to us before it completely imprinted on humans, and we are hoping to fully rewild this young owl as it grows up with us!
They should sell those masks in the gift shop.
I’d buy whole stacks of them.
They are really good! I really like the brown one.
I’ve debated showing some of these places’ merch on here before, but there seems to be more non-US people on Lemmy vs Reddit, so I try not to do too much that doesn’t apply to the majority of people, plus I don’t want to look like I’m trying to direct anyone’s money anywhere. I give you guys the names of all these places and let you do what you want with that info.
I’ve also thought about offering some c/superbowl stuff myself, but I don’t know if I want more responsibility to any of you than just top notch owl journalism.
I did paint these for the Earth Day festivities at work and debated making more to sell or whatnot. I don’t think I shared these at the time, but they came out better than I had expected based on my usual non-existent art skills.
I don’t think I’m an owl, but that mask does not make me think the human is safe.
Agreed. I would not be reassured of an owl 20x my size walking into the room wearing a human mask. 😧
