Wildlife refuge takes in baby animals that were victims of Hurricane Matthew

It wasn't just people who were impacted by Hurricane Matthew. Many animals were also affected.

A wildlife refuge in Orange County, Florida, is taking care of 100 animals that were victims of Matthew.

Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge is caring for rabbits, birds, baby raccoons and squirrels.

The baby animals are in boxes covered with blankets.

WFTV was there when a baby squirrel, about a week old, was being fed.

Refuge workers said the babies need to be fed around the clock.

Strong wind blew the baby squirrel out of a tree. Residents found the squirrel and were able to keep him warm enough until they were able to take it to the refuge.

Asa said there were roughly seven others just like the baby squirrel.

Baby raccoons that were about two weeks old had to be bottle fed.

The influx of animals has put stress on the organization that mainly relies on donations.

A typical storm normally brings in about 20 animals; Matthew brought in five times that amount.

“I just brought another $900 in formulas just so that we have the different varieties of age groups of the babies that are here now,” said Debbie Helsel of the refuge.

Despite the extra work, Back to Nature workers know it could have been worse.

“Had that storm not moved just that little bit to the east, it would have been a whole different story right now,” Helsel said. “We probably would have sustained a lot of damage out here.”

Cox Media Group