Table of Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1
Prevention is the Best Wildlife Rehabilitation .......................................................... 2
If You Find a Baby Bird ........................................................................................ 2
If You Find a Baby Mammal ............................................................................... 4
Finding an Injured Animal .................................................................................. 6
Getting Involved .............................................................................................................. 7
Books of Interest for the Wildlife Enthusiast ............................................................ 8
Where to Find Wildlife Advice ..................................................................................... 9
Summary of Wildlife Laws .......................................................................................... 11
Becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitator ............................................................................ 13
Definition of Wildlife Rehabilitation ............................................................. 13
Considerations of Wildlife Rehabilitation ..................................................... 13
Five Steps to Becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitator .......................................... 15
Wildlife Rehabilitator’s Code of Ethics .......................................................... 16
VDGIF Permit Conditions ................................................................................. 17
Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
Interested in helping wildlife, but not sure where to start? The Wildlife Center of
Virginia can help! This introductory course will teach you how to help Virginia’s wild
animals, from the simplest actions to the most involved.
The Wildlife Center of Virginia’s mission is to teach the world to care about and care for
wildlife and the environment. An important part of the WCV fulfilling this mission is to
help individuals take an active and educated role in the conservation of wildlife. This
manual will help you take the first step towards becoming a wildlife advocate. You
will learn new ways to co-exist with your wild neighbors by learning how to
determine if a baby animal is really an orphan, and what to do if an animal is injured.
You’ll also find out where to get the right wildlife advice and come to understand
wildlife laws. You will discover ways to get involved, including how to become a
licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
As you will see, there are many different levels of involvement in helping wild
animals. This course will introduce you to some of the basic things you can do, as well
as the steps to more involved participation. Actual animal rehabilitation is covered in
the Wildlife Center of Virginia’s introductory classes that follow this course, which
include Wildlife Capture, Restraint, Handling and Transport, Raising Orphaned Mammals,
and Raising Orphaned Songbirds. Beyond these courses are more advanced skills
training classes.
Wildlife rehabilitation is a continually evolving field. As you get started, you will find
that there will always be new ideas, approaches, and techniques to learn. Your desire
to help your wild neighbors is merely the first step towards the great rewards the field
of wildlife rehabilitation offers.
WCV • Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
1
Prevention
Prevention is the best wildlife rehabilitation. It is important to be able to distinguish
which animals truly need our help. The most common animals that end up with
wildlife rehabilitators are orphaned animals. The apparent absence of a mother nearby
does not always indicate that an animal is truly an orphan. Unknowingly, people
often take these animals from the wild. Let’s take a look at whether or not that baby
animal is really an orphan and what our options are in aiding them.
If You Find a Baby Bird
Prevention
The best baby bird rehabilitation is prevention. Educate your friends, family,
neighbors and yourselves about the fledging process. It is normal for fledging birds to
be on the ground unable to fly! Birds need several days up to four weeks, depending
on their species, to learn how to fly and forage for food. One or more parent will feed
them during this period. Know where nesting sites are located and keep cats and dogs
indoors around the time you think the birds will fledge to avoid predation. Ask
neighbors to take responsibility for their pets as well.
Return Uninjured Birds to the Nest
Any fully feathered baby bird found on the ground, seemingly unable to fly, is
probably just fledging. If it appears to be uninjured, leave the area, and do your best
to keep pets and children away from the bird. The parent(s) will not feed the
youngster while people are around.
An uninjured bird found on the ground with little or no feathers needs to be returned
to the nest. Look around in trees and bushes to see if you can locate the nest. Correct
identification of the nestling or of the parents will help locate the nest (i.e. bluebirds
are box or cavity nesters, mourning doves build basket nests on horizontal branches or
in a tree fork). If you do locate the nest, simply put the bird back. However, make
sure the young are warm to the touch. If the baby is not, you can simply warm the bird
in your hands before returning it to the nest. Returning a young cold bird to the nest
will sometimes encourage the parent to push the baby out of the nest, as it is trying to
remove a cold object away from other warm eggs and/or young.
If the nest is unreachable, construct a substitute nest of a similar size and shape
(margarine tubs with drain holes punched in the bottom and filled with grass make
fine substitute nests) and securely attach it as close as possible to the original nest site.
Contrary to popular belief, the parents will not be frightened off by your “scent” and
will return to feed the baby if it calls for food. If you want to be sure the parent(s) will
continue to feed the baby, watch the baby from a safe distance, preferably indoors. Do
not be alarmed if you don’t see the parent return. Typically wild animals will not
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WCV • Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
return to the nest if you are visible and/or in the area.
If you can’t find the nest, construct a substitute nest in the place where the nestling was
found. Watch from indoors to see if a parent returns (be patient, it may not happen
immediately). If a parent does not visit the nest for more than half a day, contact a licensed
songbird rehabilitator for advice.
For Injured Birds
Any bird that has broken bones, bleeding, deformity, cat bites or other puncture wounds,
maggots or warbles, tilting head, or large bubbles under the skin needs to be taken to your
nearest wildlife veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator for diagnosis and treatment.
Never attempt to treat or raise a baby bird on your own. Despite your best efforts, most
hand-raised birds will die.
The best possible chance for survival for baby birds is to leave them in the wild where
they belong! We can help by educating ourselves about these wild neighbors!
Reasons Humans Should Not Attempt to Raise Healthy Songbirds:
1. Most small migratory birds are nocturnal (night) migrants. They orient to constellations
in a revolving night sky during the first few weeks of life (from hatchling to fledgling).
Hand-reared birds that are kept indoors will not orient and will be unable to judge
direction during migration.
2. Birds deprived of hearing songs from a male of their species during their “critical period”
will be unable to learn these songs later in their development. Critical periods for all
species vary and are for the most part unknown. Birds lacking appropriate song
development may be unable to attract a mate, breed, acquire territory, and recognize or
understand others of their species.
3. Different species have different specialized diets. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to
death. Only trained individuals should raise an orphan songbird.
4. Under the best of circumstances, birds raised in captivity have an extremely slim chance
of survival to adulthood. Even experienced wildlife rehabilitators are unable to teach
young birds the skills they need for survival, such as predator avoidance and where to
forage for food, in addition to the points listed above. If at all possible, allow baby birds
to be raised by their parents in the wild.
5. Raising a wild bird in captivity is illegal unless you have both state and federal permits.
The laws are in place to protect these animals. If you are interested in rehabilitating
songbirds, please follow the legal procedure to properly do so. The WCV or the VA
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries can help you get started.
WCV • Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
3
If You Find a Baby Mammal
Rabbits
Cottontail rabbits nest from March through September and may have as many as four
litters per year. The average litter contains four to five babies. Young rabbits disperse
from the nest at 15-20 days old. By three weeks of age, they are on their own in the wild
and no longer require a mother’s care. If you find a baby rabbit:
Is the rabbit injured (bleeding, broken bones, puncture wounds, been in a cat’s mouth,
open wounds, etc.)?
If YES, take the rabbit to your nearest wildlife veterinarian or rehabilitator.
If NO, see below.
Is the rabbit fully furred with its eyes opened?
If YES, and the rabbit is larger than a baseball and weighs more than 4 ounces
(100 grams), it is on its own and does not need human intervention.
If NO, attempt to locate the nest (a shallow depression on the ground possibly
lined with rabbit fur and/or grass, cottontail rabbits do not burrow) and put the
rabbit back. Nests that must be moved (due to construction) may be relocated up
to 20 feet away from the original site (scoop up and rebuild the nest with the
mother’s fur and place the babies inside). Check back briefly once a day for two
days. If the rabbits appear to be plump and healthy, leave them alone. Mother
rabbits feed at dusk and dawn. You are not likely to ever see the mother. If the
rabbits appear thin and weak, have wrinkled, baggy skin, contact a state licensed
small mammal rehabilitator in your area immediately. Rabbits may be
temporarily moved for mowing if they are returned to the nest before dusk. Do
not attempt to mow within 10 feet of a rabbit’s nest if there are babies present. If
you suspect the nest is abandoned, you can sprinkle the area with flour or cross
two twigs over the nest and check back in 24 hours. If there is no sign of
disturbance to the nest, you will then need to intervene.
Squirrels
Gray squirrels nest twice each year, in early spring and in late summer. Gray squirrels
commonly have litters of three or four. Babies eyes open at four weeks of age and the
young are often out of the nest by six weeks. At 8-9 weeks of age they are on their own
in the wild and no longer nurse from the mother. If you find a baby squirrel:
Is the squirrel injured (bleeding, broken bones, wounds, been in a cat’s mouth, etc.)?
If YES, take the squirrel to the nearest wildlife veterinarian or rehabilitator. (For
juvenile squirrels, wear thick leather gloves when handling. Even young
squirrels can have a vicious bite!)
If NO, squirrels whose tails are fully fluffed out like a bottle brush and weigh
more than 180 grams (6.5 ounces), are on their own in the wild and do not need
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WCV • Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
human intervention. If the squirrel does not meet these criteria, see below.
Is the squirrel fully furred with its eyes opened?
If YES, and the squirrel weighs between 75 and 150 grams (2.6-5.3 ounces), his
tail is flat or not quite full, and may seem “friendly”, the squirrel still needs
nursing and care from it’s mother. Mother squirrels may “rescue” stray babies
by carrying them by the scruff back to the nest. For very small squirrels,
attempt to locate the nest (big ball of dried leaves at the top of a tree) and try to
get the baby to climb up the trunk. Check back several hours later to see if the
baby is still there. If the baby has not been fed or attended to for an entire day,
contact a state licensed small mammal rehabilitator immediately. If the squirrel
is old enough to run from you, it is old enough to be on its own and does not
need human intervention.
If NO, and the baby is not retrieved by the mother for an entire day, contact a
state licensed small mammal rehabilitator immediately. Keep predators (cats
and dogs) away from the area if the baby is on the ground.
Opossums
Opossums breed two or three times each year, from February through September. The
average litter contains six to nine babies. Opossums remain in the mother’s pouch
until they are 2 months old. Between two and four months of age, they may ride on
the mother’s back and are dependent on the mother for help in finding food and
shelter. If you find a baby opossum:
Is the animal injured (bleeding, broken bones, wounds, deformity, etc.)?
If YES, contact your nearest wildlife veterinarian or rehabilitator.
If NO, opossums that are at least 8” long from tip of nose to the base of the tail
(do not include the tail) and weigh more than 200 grams (7.25 ounces) are old
enough to survive on their own in the wild and do not need human
intervention. If the opossum does not meet these criteria, see below.
Is the opossum fully furred with its eyes opened?
If YES, but does not meet the size requirement for release, and is between two
and three and a half months old and weighs 40-190 grams (1.5-7 ounces) contact
a state licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Opossum babies are often
found crawling around next to their dead mother and will not survive at this
age without human care.
If NO, the baby needs immediate assistance. Contact a state licensed wildlife
rehabilitator or wildlife veterinarian immediately. Babies separated from their
mother at this stage have a slimmer chance of survival.
Deer
White Tail Deer fawns are born April through July, with the majority of births in June.
WCV • Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
5
Most does will have one fawn each year, but occasionally twins or triplets are seen. From
birth the fawns are left alone while their mothers go off to feed. The mothers will stay away
from the fawns to avoid leading predators to their location. Part of a fawns natural defense
is that they are born with no smell (to avoid predation) and a speckled pattern on their back
for camouflage. Mother does will return at dusk and dawn to move and/or feed their
young. If you find a deer fawn:
Is the fawn injured (bleeding, broken bones, wounds, caught on a fence, etc.)?
If YES, contact your nearest wildlife veterinarian or rehabilitator for treatment.
If NO, it is normal for fawns of any age to be left alone all day. Never expect to see the
mother come back to the fawn while you are in the area. The mother will return to
care for it if you leave it alone. You can check back in 24-48 hours. The mother should
have moved the fawn. Never chase a fawn to capture it.
Exception: If the mother is known to be dead (you have seen the fawn near the body
and know it to be the mother), contact a state licensed deer rehabilitator in your area.
Orphaned fawns will need to be cared for until they are old enough to be released in
early fall.
NOTE: Each animal’s nutritional, housing and handling requirements are very specific and
must be met if they have any chance of survival. Raising a wild animal in captivity is
therefore illegal unless you have a state permit. The WCV or the VA Department of Game
and Inland Fisheries can help you get started.
Finding an Injured Animal
Always remember, human safety first! Always protect yourself by wearing appropriate
protective gear like safety goggles and gloves. Although an animal may be injured, it is still
going to fight to protect itself. A towel is handy in helping to capture an animal. Simply
throw the towel over the animal, scoop towel and animal up and place in a box. Put the box
in a quite dark place away from people and pets. Get the animal to a licensed wildlife
rehabilitator or veterinarian. Do not feed the animal. The Wildlife Center can give advice on
capturing any animal type and can refer you to the closest appropriate person to help. Indepth information on wildlife handling techniques are covered in the Wildlife Center of
Virginia’s Wildlife Capture, Restraint, Handling and Transport class.
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WCV • Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
Getting Involved
There are numerous ways to get involved in helping wildlife and the environment.
Prevention and education are essential elements in aiding wildlife. Be sure to
educate yourself and then share what you have learned with your family and friends.
Help others to respect and care for wildlife. Even the simplest actions can reduce
problems for wildlife. For example, keeping cats indoors and supervising dogs can
save millions of wild animals’ lives. Recycling and picking up litter can help keep
animals and their habitats safe. Before cutting down trees or mowing your lawn,
check for active animal nests. Grant animals the time they need to raise their young.
Stop and aid an animal in distress, like moving a turtle out of the road. Learn about
the issues and become proactive!
Your commitment and level of participation is really up to you. There are a number of
consideration to take into account when it comes to actually becoming permitted in
wildlife rehabilitation (which we will review). If you find that you are unable to
become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, you may want to participate in another
capacity.
A great option is to become a volunteer! Volunteer with a local animal shelter,
veterinary office, wildlife organization, or wildlife rehabilitator. Join a local wildlife
rehab group and help transport animals, raise needed funds, answer phones, or care
for orphans. Volunteering with local wildlife rehabilitator(s) will also give you the
opportunity to experience first hand what is involved in the field of wildlife
rehabilitation, including the rewards and disappointments. Join national and
international organizations to keep updated on current information, resources, and
training opportunities.
There are endless possibilities and the animals need YOUR help in any way you can
give!
WCV • Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
7
Books of Interest for the Wildlife Enthusiast
Staying Informed and Educated
An important part of helping wildlife is to stay informed and educated. There is a lot of
information available, in many different forms. It is important to be able to properly identify an
animal and understand its natural history in order to properly care for it. A great place to start
are with appropriate field guides and wildlife literature. The following is a list of some of the
many wonderful resources that can aid you.
Peterson Field Guides, Audubon Society Field Guides, and Stokes Nature Guides are all excellent
guides to various species of animals.
Wild Neighbors: The Humane Approach to Living with Wildlife
The Humane Society of the United States. 1997. Fulcrum Publishing, Golden, CO.
Pocket Guide to The Humane Control of Wildlife in Cities and Towns
The Humane Society of the United States. 1991. Falcon Press, Washington, DC.
Living with Wildlife: How to Enjoy and Protect North America’s Wild Creatures
Around Your Home and Theirs
Landau, Diana and Stump, Shelley. 1994. The California Center for Wildlife. Sierra Club Books,
San Francisco, CA.
Outwitting Critters: A Surefire Manual for Confronting Devious Animals and Winning
Adler, Bill Jr. 1992. Harper Collins Publishers, Inc. New York, NY.
The Field Guide to Wildlife Habitats of the Eastern United States
Benyus, Janine M. 1989. Simon & Schuster, Inc., New York, NY.
The Mammals of Virginia
Linzey, Donald W. 1998. The McDonald & Woodward Publishing Co., Blacksburg, VA.
Mammals of the Carolinas, Virginia, and Maryland
Webster, W.D., Parnell J.E., and Biggs, W. 1985. The University of North Carolina Press, Chapel
Hill, NC.
A Field Guide to the Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of North American Birds
Harrison, Colin. 1978. William Collins Sons & Co., Cleveland, Ohio.
The Birder’s Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds
Ehrlich, P.R., Dobkin, D.S., & Wheye, D. 1988. Simon & Schuster, Inc. New York, NY.
The Reptiles of Virginia
Mitchell, Joseph C. 1994. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC.
American Wildlife & Plants: A Guide to Wildlife Food Habits
Martin, A., Zim, H., Nelson, A. 1951. Dover Publications, Inc., New York, NY.
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WCV • Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
Where to Find Wildlife Advice
In dealing with wildlife, many different situations may arise. It is important to be
prepared and to know where to get proper information. The following is a list of names
and numbers to help in most situations. In addition to these contacts, it is important to
know the local names and numbers of: veterinarians willing to work on wildlife, area
wildlife rehabilitators and their specialty, animal shelters, animal control agencies,
County Department of Health, county game warden, etc. The Wildlife Center of Virginia
can be contacted at anytime with wildlife questions or concerns.
The Wildlife Center of Virginia
540-942-9453
www.wildlifecenter.org
VA Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF)
Main #: 804-367-1000
Permits: Diane Waller 804-367-9588
Poaching: 1-800-237-5712
www.dgif.state.va.us
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS)
Federal permits: 413-253-8643
Endangered Species: 804-771-2883 / 804-771-2280
www.fws.gov
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Wildlife Damage Issues: 804-739-7739
Bird Banding Lab: 301-497-5792
www.usda.gov
International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC)
408-271-2685
E-mail: [email protected]
www.iwrc-online.org
www.wildlife-international.org
National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association (NWRA)
320-230-9920
E-mail: [email protected]
www.nwrawildlife.org
The Wildlife Rescue League (Northern Virginia)
Hotline: 703-440-0800
www.wildliferescueleague.org
Wildlife Care Alliance (Lynchburg and surrounding areas)
Hotline: 540-587-4007
www.wildlifecarealliance.org
Area Rehabbers Klub (A.R.K.) (Richmond)
Hotline: 804-598-8380
www.arkofva.com
WCV • Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
9
National Wildlife Federation
Offering information on wildlife conservation and habitat issues.
www.nwf.org
www.enature.org
American Bird Conservancy, Cats Indoors! Campaign
www.abcbirds.org
Rabies Suspect/ Exposure
Call county health department. On weekends call the sheriff’s department. Call family physician in case of
wild animal exposure. Call veterinarian for domestic pets.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
www.cdc.gov
Bats
Bat Conservation International: www.batcon.org
Bears
State Bear Biologist: Jaimie Sajecki 804 367- 8001
Beavers
Game Biologist: 540-248-9360
Deer
Call local Game Warden through county sheriff’s office.
Nuisance Birds
VA Dept. of Agriculture, Harrisonburg: 540-433-1006
Pigeons
National Pigeon Association (Utah): www.npa.usa.com
American Racing Pigeon Union (OK): 1-800-755-2778, www.pigeon.org
International Federation of American Homing Pigeons: www.americanhoming.org
Reptiles
Caroline Seitz, Reptiles Alive! (Fairfax): 703-560-0257
Virginia Reptile Rescue Network: 804-272-5324
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WCV • Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
Summary of Wildlife Laws
Birds
Migratory Birds - Any species of bird which crosses a state line. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act
is the federal law that protects these birds.
With few exceptions, most wild birds are protected by State and Federal laws. In general, the
possession of any wild birds, their bodies, parts, feathers, nests or eggs requires a State and/or
Federal permit. Without a permit, these animals may not be kept as pets, killed, trapped,
harassed, bought or sold, transported or held captive for any reason by private citizens. (This
includes the keeping of feathers or bodies that have been “found on the ground”.) Game birds
which may be legally hunted such as ducks, grouse, turkeys, doves, and waterfowl may be
possessed if they have been killed according to terms of State and Federal hunting laws.
Domestic waterfowl, turkeys or doves are not protected species, nor are those considered “pest
species” such as pigeons, house sparrows, and European starlings.
While it is technically illegal for a private citizen to possess migratory birds without a permit, if
a citizen is acting in good faith to rescue an injured or orphaned bird and will transport the
animal promptly for appropriate care, they are generally allowed to do so. Please call ahead to
inform the WCV, a game warden or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area before
transporting the animal.
To legally possess any migratory bird, an individual must have BOTH State and Federal
permits.
Game and Furbearing Animals
Includes any animal for which there is a trapping, hunting or fishing season such as squirrel,
rabbit, deer, bear, bobcat, raccoon, opossum, fox, skunk, beaver, otter, mink, etc. The same
restrictions mentioned above apply to game and furbearing animals as well. Wild mammals
are protected under State law. If any mammal is used for exhibit or display, an “Exhibitor’s
Permit” from both the VDGIF and the USDA is required.
Endangered or Threatened Species
The same prohibitions exist for these species as for migratory birds, except the penalties for
violation are much more severe. Possession and exhibition permits that are specific to
Threatened and Endangered species are required, in addition to State and Federal permits
required for other species.
Other Species
Native reptiles and amphibians may be kept for private use, with no more than 5 individuals of
a given species in possession. Threatened, endangered, or special concern species may not be in
possession. Native species may not be bought or sold.
Certain exotic species (those not native to VA) may also require permits if they are regulated by
USFWS or USDA. Some localities prohibit possession of dangerous animals, such as venomous
snakes or big cats.
WCV • Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
11
Permits
Permits are generally not given to people for keeping native wild animals as pets.
Classifications of permits includes the following: rehabilitation, education and scientific
research, and certain religious use by Native Americans. Federal permits are applied for
and obtained through the USFWS Regional Office. State permits are applied for and
obtained through the DGIF, Division of Wildlife Management. USDA exhibitor permits are
applied for through the USDA Regional Offices.
The Wildlife Center of Virginia strongly recommends against the keeping of any wild
animal as a pet. Most individuals are unable to adequately provide for the animals’ needs
and will find that wild animals do not live up to their expectations as a pet. Wild pets can
be aggressive and destructive. Specific questions about laws or about specific animals
should be directed to VA Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries, US Fish and Wildlife Service,
and/or the US Dept. of Agriculture.
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WCV • Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
Becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitator
Definition of Wildlife Rehabilitation
“The process of rescuing, raising, and arranging for veterinary medical care of orphaned,
sick, displaced and injured wild animals with a goal of releasing them back to their
natural habitats. For rehabilitation to be deemed successful, these released animals must
be able to truly function as wild animals. This includes being able to recognize and
obtain the appropriate foods, select mates of their own species and reproduce, and show
the appropriate fear of potential dangers (people, cars, dogs, etc.).” (National Wildlife
Rehabilitators Association’s Principles of Wildlife Rehabilitation)
Considerations of Wildlife Rehabilitation
Before you start the process of becoming a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, there are some
things you may want to consider.
Time. Most wildlife rehabilitation can be quite time consuming and demanding. You
need to decide what you can and cannot do. Consider the time spent preparing
specialized diets, feeding, and cleaning cages. Some species of animals, at different ages,
need varying degrees of care. Some baby birds need to be fed every 15 minutes, some
mammals every few hours, and then older babies less times a day. Orphaned animals,
depending on species, begin to arrive in early spring and some continue to arrive into
the fall. Rehabilitation can be seasonal. You may have a job and decide only to
rehabilitate orphans that only need two feedings a day. You can adjust wildlife
rehabilitation to fit your lifestyle, as long as you recognize your own limitations.
Knowing your own limitations. Recognize the type of commitment you can make to
wildlife rehabilitation. This will help you avoid burnout early on. Consider what
species you’ll want to rehabilitate, what time commitment you are willing to make, and
how many animals you can handle at one time. Understand that you will need to be able
to say “no” to certain situations. You alone will not be able to save everything by
yourself. Know when to seek an expert’s advice. Use common sense in every situation
and continually reevaluate your own expectations and limitations.
Money. You will not be paid for the wildlife rehabilitation services that you provide.
All expenses come out of your own pocket. By networking with other rehabilitators and
joining a local rehab group that is incorporated, you will be able to share supplies and
creative ideas that save money.
Public Education. When involved in wildlife rehabilitation, you will inadvertently
become involved in the education of the public. As you learn more about the animals in
your care and as you begin to take injured or orphaned animals from the public, you will
become responsible for dispensing accurate information and holding the respect of the
WCV • Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
13
public. You will need patience in dealing with emotional situations and an
understanding that what you say will have a lasting impact.
Human safety. Your own safety, as well as public safety, should always come before an
animal’s safety. Proper training in handling an animal will be essential to ensure the
safety of yourself and those around you. This is a principle you must always respect.
Ethics. The ethical choices that you make in wildlife rehabilitation are critical to the wild
survival of the animals in your care and your professionalism in the field. Wildlife
rehabilitation’s main goal is returning animals to the wild. Included in this manual is
the Wildlife Rehabilitator's Code of Ethics. One of the most important ethical
statements is that a wildlife rehabilitator should place optimum animal care above
personal gain. This includes respecting the wild nature of the animal and maintaining
the dignity of each animal in life and death.
Dealing with death and euthanasia. Wildlife rehabilitation can carry with it high
emotional stress. Death and euthanasia (humanely killing) are a common occurrence.
You will put a lot of time, energy, and emotions into helping these animals, and
sometimes the animals will not make it. A wildlife rehabilitator cannot save every
animal. Sometimes you will be faced with the decision of ending an animal’s life with
euthanasia. Sometimes this is to alleviate suffering, other times it may be due to the fact
that the animal will face a poor quality of life. Quality of life for the animal and what is
best for the animal should always come before what is best for the rehabilitator.
Understanding biology. It will be important to understand the biology of wildlife and
the environment. You will need to learn how to identify animals so to be able to
provide proper care for them. Determining the best release sites and the carrying
capacity of a release site will be essential. You will not be able to release all your
patients in your backyard. You should be familiar with the endangered species
protected in your state.
You should also learn about the zoonotic (diseases
transmittable from animal to human) and epizootic (an animal version of an epidemic)
diseases that exist.
State and Federal Regulations. Working with the government agencies and following
their rules and regulations will be an essential part of practicing wildlife rehabilitation
in a professional manner.
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WCV • Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
Five Steps to Becoming a Wildlife Rehabilitator
STEP 1:
•
•
Attend six hours of approved education related to wildlife rehabilitation. (i.e. The Wildlife
Center of Virginia (WCV) wildlife rehabilitation courses or fall conference, The Wildlife Rescue
League raising orphan wildlife courses, NWRA and IWRC annual conferences, basic and advance
skills workshops).
Please note that six hours of continuing education are required to renew your license each
year.
STEP 2:
•
•
•
Locate/Obtain a sponsor – if you are applying for a wildlife rehabilitators permit for the first
time you must establish a relationship with another licensed rehabilitator that currently holds
a valid Category II permit. A sponsor is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who will provide
education, training and support for you for the first two years of your wildlife rehabilitation
experience (i.e., apprenticeship). This step is necessary in obtaining your permit.
Ask how the WCV can help with locating a sponsor.
It is essential to take your time in finding a sponsor. This person should be someone you are
compatible with. Find out your potential sponsor’s goals. Volunteer with them first and ask
plenty of questions. The WCV can help you prepare for your search.
STEP 3:
•
Establish a relationship with a veterinarian – Your veterinarian will not only be the person who
signs your permit, but will also help to provide medical care and support for your patients. It is
essential for successful rehabilitation that such a relationship exists.
STEP 4:
•
Set-up/Organize your facility – Purchase the necessary equipment (i.e., aquarium tank, heating
pad, scale, hygrometer, handling gloves and syringes) and food (i.e., baby formulas, Pedialyte and
solid foods) needed to care for your animals. Create medical logs/log sheets and feeding charts,
build outdoor caging (if applicable), organize and clean work areas and housing areas.
STEP 5:
•
•
•
Apply for permit – Contact Diane Davis with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland
Fisheries (VDGIF) at (804) 367-1076. Now that you have completed steps 1-4, contact Diane
Davis (who issues the Virginia State Wildlife rehabilitator permits) and inform her that you
would like to apply for a Category I Permit and that you have completed the above mentioned
steps. She will then contact the game warden within your county who will come to your home
within 15 days of being contacted, and inspect your facility. The game warden will have a permit
application when s/he arrives and if you pass the checklist you will be approved on the spot.
There is some paperwork to fill out and the permit application will be left with you to complete
and mail back to the VDGIF with a $10.00 check. The fee covers administrative costs and travel
fees for sending the game warden to your home.
Send in your permit application immediately following the Game Wardens visit!
You can accept orphaned wildlife only after you have completed all of the above steps and
have received a valid permit for the calendar year (which currently goes from 1/31-2/1).
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE GUIDELINES APPLY TO VIRGINIA RESIDENTS ONLY!
WCV • Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
15
A Wildlife Rehabilitator’s Code of Ethics
1. A wildlife rehabilitator should strive to achieve high standards of animal care through
knowledge and an understanding of the field. Continuing efforts must be made to keep informed
of current rehabilitation information, methods, and regulations.
2. A wildlife rehabilitator should be responsible, conscientious, and dedicated, and should
continuously work toward improving the quality of care given to wild animals undergoing
rehabilitation.
3. A wildlife rehabilitator must abide by local, state, provincial and federal laws concerning
wildlife, wildlife rehabilitation, and associated activities.
4. A wildlife rehabilitator should establish safe work habits and conditions, abiding by current
health and safety practices at all times.
5. A wildlife rehabilitator should acknowledge limitations and enlist the assistance of a
veterinarian or other trained professional when appropriate.
6. A wildlife rehabilitator should respect other rehabilitators and persons in related fields,
sharing skills and knowledge in the spirit of cooperation for the welfare of the animals.
7. A wildlife rehabilitator should place optimum animal care above personal gain.
8. A wildlife rehabilitator should strive to provide professional and humane care in all phases of
wildlife rehabilitation, respecting the wildness and maintaining the dignity of each animal in life
and death. Releasable animals should be maintained in a wild condition and released as soon as
appropriate. Non-releasable animals which are inappropriate for education, foster-parenting, or
captive breeding have a right to euthanasia.
9. A wildlife rehabilitator should encourage community support and involvement through
volunteer training and public education. The common goal should be to promote a responsible
concern for living beings and the welfare of the environment.
10. A wildlife rehabilitator should work on the basis of sound ecological principles, incorporating
appropriate conservation ethics and an attitude of stewardship.
11. A wildlife rehabilitator should conduct all business and activities in a professional manner,
with honesty, integrity, compassion, and commitment, realizing that an individual’s conduct
reflects on the entire field of wildlife rehabilitation.
NWRA/IWRC Wildlife Rehabilitation Minimum Standards, 1993
16
WCV • Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation
Introduction to
Wildlife Rehabilitation
An introduction to helping
Virginia’s wildlife.
The Wildlife Center of Virginia
A hospital for native wildlife, teaching the world to care about
and care for wildlife and the environment.
P.O. Box 1557 • Waynesboro, Virginia 22980
Phone: 540-942-WILD • Fax: 540-943-WILD
www.wildlifecenter.org • [email protected]