It is unlawful to take or possess from the wild any sick, injured, orphaned, or impaired native wildlife, except migratory birds, for the purpose of rehabilitation without obtaining and complying with the terms of a valid Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit issued by the Commission. A Commission Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit is not required to keep migratory birds for rehabilitation purposes, but a valid Migratory Bird Rehabilitation Permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required (Addendum F1.05).

EXCEPTION: Licensed veterinarians are not required to obtain a Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit to temporarily possess, stabilize, or euthanize sick or injured wildlife with the exception of deer and elk. However, a veterinarian without a Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit must transfer any such animal to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator within 72 hours after the animal’s condition is stabilized, unless the animal is euthanized. Licensed veterinarians may temporarily possess, provide medical care, or euthanize wildlife that has been brought to them by a permitted wildlife rehabilitator provided that animals are returned to the permitted wildlife rehabilitator prior to release.

PENALTY: Class 1