An American kestrel, the smallest falcon in North America, is recovering from a fractured wing at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife after an accident in Fort Myers. PHOTOS PROVIDED

The armadillo was recovered from Fort Myers Beach on Oct. 7. According to CROW, an adult female nine-banded armadillo was found rolling in the water next to a boat near the U.S. Coast Guard Station.

“Upon arrival at the clinic, veterinarians noted they could hear crackles when breathing indicating she could have inhaled salt water,” CROW stated in a release.

“Veterinarians suspect she could have been drowning in the strong current. Radiographs showed inflamed alveoli in the lungs and gas in the intestinal tract. She was given antibiotics, fluids, and supportive medications,” according to a statement from CROW.

Two days earlier, an American kestrel was admitted to CROW from Fort Myers after it was found near Page Field with a wing droop which turned out to be a fractured wing.

“Due to her condition, she was placed in an oxygen chamber for support and placed in a body wrap to stabilize her bones. Later, it was discovered she also had a left wing fracture close to the joint. She received physical therapy today and will remain under close monitoring,” stated CROW Public Relations and Marketing Director Haillie Mesics.

“It is unknown how the trauma occurred, but could have resulted from a building or car collision. She has improved remarkably,” Mesics stated. “She is still in a body wrap and splint for stabilization but she has been weaned from oxygen. She is continuing to receive physical therapy and has begun to eat on her own.”

For additional information about CROW, which is located on Sanibel, visit www.CROWClinic.org.

This armadillo was rescued off Fort Myers Beach on Oct. 7 and is being treated by the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel for inflamed alveoli in the lungs and gas in the intestinal tract. PHOTO PROVIDED