What is a Wildlife Rehabilitator?
 Person who takes in orphaned and
injured wildlife
 Cares for them until healthy
enough to release back into the
wild
 Is regulated by state and federal
wildlife agencies
 Educate others on wildlife and how
to protect them
 Nonprofit
Is wildlife rehabilitation needed?
 A proper place to send
wildlife hurt or orphaned
 Wildlife a second chance
 Help with endangered and
threatened species
 Assist in the monitoring of
disease
 Teaches people to co-exist
with wildlife
To become a wildlife rehabilitator
 Written application
 Take an exam with score at least
an 80%
 Verbal interview
 Inspection of facility
 Getting all required permits and
licenses
 Letter from sponsoring
veterinarian and wildlife
rehabilitator
Facilities
 Must be separate from humans and
domestic animals
 Indoor and outdoor cages
 Lockable doors
 Food preparation space
 Storage space
 Running water, electric, and
telephone
 Enclosures must be appropriate for
animals at the facility
Enclosures
 Buildings depend on what will
be living in the enclosure
 Birds: flight pens
 Rabies Vector Species: unable
to dig out, double wire, signs
 Water for swimming
 Adults or juvenile animal
Permits and Licenses
 Vary depending on state
 In Pennsylvania
Rehabilitation permit
 Capture and transport permit
 Educational use of rehabilitation
wildlife permit
 Endangered, threatened, or
Rabies Vector Species
certification
 Migratory birds-must have a US
Fish and Wildlife Service Permit
Is wildlife rehab
worth it?
 Gives wildlife a second chance
to live
 Watch health of animal
populations in their area
 Education of their communities
on wildlife
 Shows others that people are
concerned with wildlife health
and welfare
Do the released wildlife survive?
Hard to know- can’t tag or radio collar
when releasing
 Advantages
 Vaccinations-build an immunity
 Proper diet and worming-fat
storage
 Disadvantages
 Lacking survival skills
“We have seen many animals
released here that have gone on to
produce young and live normal lives
for many years.” – Angie Colarusso
Questions?
“If
done correctly,
wildlife rehab can
actually produce a
healthier start than
most would receive
in the wild”- Angie
Colarusso
*All Pictures provided by Angie Colarusso.