The snow did not keep Outreach Coordinator Amanda Nicholson away from the Wildlife Center of Virginia this past weekend. Employees risked their own safety to care for injured animals at the shelter.

Nicholson says, "It's been pretty challenging to get in and get around but we have had staff here and we have managed to get in and take care of the critters."

The center's typical staff of about 18 people was cut down to about five people throughout the weekend because of road conditions.

Nicholson says their outreach and rescue efforts could not rest.

"We have managed to get everything done that we need to get done. All of the animals are safe and happy. Even the ones that are outside, we have just been going about things a lot slower," adds she.

They brought in a number of animals including two hawks, a deer and a finch.

Most of the rescued animals did not survive the weekend, but veterinary intern Dr. Ariane Santamaria-Bouvier was not going to miss an opportunity to help.

Santamaria-Bouvier says, "I had to walk with snow almost covering all of my legs."

She made the two-mile trek from her house to get to the center Saturday.

While many animals could not get the help they needed, she expects the clearing conditions to bring in more in the next few days.

"We know that we have animals that rely on us and we want them to be healthy and we want them to be released ultimately," says Santamaria-Bouvier.

Nicholson adds, "Hopefully back to normal Tuesday. It's much easier to get around outside and our driveway has been plowed, thank goodness."

Nicholson also says the snow may actually help them.

She says some of the injured animals are easier to see in the snowy conditions, which can result in more rescues.