Until it can be released into the wild, Erika Yates nurses an injured squirrel back to health.
When it comes to living out the FFA motto of “Living to Serve,” few people embody this as passionately as Erika Yates does.
Running off caffeine and donations, the Clear Creek FFA Alumna turned her lifelong love of animals into a mission that changes the lives of both humans and wildlife. As the founder of “The Drunk Opossum,” a nonprofit wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization, Yates and her team have dedicated themselves to saving, caring for and educating others about Texas’s native wildlife.
Founded just two years ago, The Drunk Opossum has made a remarkable impact. In 2025, the organization rescued more than 300 animals, including opossums, squirrels, raccoons, rabbits and skunks. Each animal receives individualized care until it can safely be released back into the wild. This is made possible through the dedication of Yates and her team of 18 volunteers, who share her passion for wildlife conservation and community service.
Yates’s journey began long before The Drunk Opossum became a reality, though. She has been rehabbing wildlife for seven years, gaining experience and learning how to properly care for injured and orphaned animals. With state permits to rehabilitate small wildlife, Yates ensures that her work is done both legally and ethically. Her attention to detail and compassion for every creature reflects her deep understanding of what it means to serve not just people, but the environment as well.
What sets The Drunk Opossum apart is its dual focus: rescuing wildlife and educating the public. Yates and her volunteers engage with the community to teach people how to coexist with local wildlife safely and responsibly. They explain how animals, such as opossums and raccoons, play vital roles in the ecosystem with helping control pests, spread seeds and maintain natural balance. By sharing this knowledge, Yates is helping people replace fear with understanding and respect for the animals around them.
According to Yates, education is just as important as rescue work. “So many people don’t realize how much wildlife lives right in their backyard,” she says. “When we teach them that these animals aren’t pests, but part of our environment, we create compassion.” Her message reflects the heart of the FFA motto, encouraging members to give back and serve their communities through leadership and education.
Through The Drunk Opossum, Yates has built more than a rescue organization; she’s built a community of people committed to making a difference. Each rescued animal represents not only a life saved, but also an opportunity to inspire others to care. Whether it’s a squirrel recovering from injury or a family of opossums returning to the wild, every success story is a reminder of what true dedication looks like.
Yates’s dedication to wildlife and her community continues to shine as an example of the FFA spirit in action. Her work through The Drunk Opossum shows that “Living to Serve” isn’t just a motto; it’s a way of life. Through compassion, education and hard work, Yates and her team are proving that small acts of service can create a lasting impact.
