WAYNESBORO -- An animal rights group is using some of its donated fur to help the Wildlife Center of Virginia comfort injured and orphaned wild animals.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has sent 21 boxes of fur trim and pieces to the center in Waynesboro. The donated fur will be distributed by the center to wildlife rehabilitators to use as bedding for animals they treat.

"The rehabbers work on a wide variety of animals from orphaned squirrels, to rabbits and foxes,"' said Amanda Nicholson, outreach coordinator for the center.

Nicholson said the fur provides a "natural snuggly material" for the animals.

A PETA spokeswoman said the Hampton Roads-based group has acquired thousands of pieces of donated fur, including donations from such celebrities as Martha Stewart and Mariah Carey.

-- Media General News Service