Cost of Rehab
It costs approximately $40 to feed and provide medical
care for each injured and orphaned animal that FVWC cares for. Those
who require a long stay cost even more.
What is wildlife rehabilitation?
Wildlife rehabilitation
is caring for sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife with
the goal being to release healthy animals and birds back into the wild.
Why is
wildlife rehabilitation necessary?
Because wild animals and birds are in
trouble. More and more people are moving into wildlife habitats. When
land is developed for homes, businesses, or farming, wildlife becomes
displaced, injured, orphaned, or even killed. Rehabilitators estimate
that at least 90% of the wild animals they treat are injured because of
human activies.
What are the most common causes of wildlife injuries?
• Collisions with man-made objects (cars, boats, airplanes,
windows),
• Cat and dog attacks
• Shooting and trapping
• Poisoning
• Litter/Pollution
What if I found an animal and want to care for it myself?
It is against
the law in most states to keep wild animals and birds
without permits, even if you plan to release them. These laws were
created to protect
the wildlife from people who steal them, sell them, or
who harm them by taking them home. The laws were also created to protect
public health.
Wild animals carry diseases and parasites. Wild animals
also have very specific nutritional needs, and can easily be harmed
by being fed the wrong types of foods. Veterinary care is also usually
needed.
What if I want to become
a rehabilitator?
In most states, people must become licensed before
they can rehabilitate wild animals on their own. This system ensures
that people have the proper knowledge, skills, and facilities to care
for wildlife. Volunteers, however, don’t need permits, as long
as they work at centers that are licensed. The Illinois Department of
Natural Resources issues the mammal rehabilitation permit. The U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service issues the permits for bird rehabilitation.
from "Healers of the Wild" by Shannon K. Jacobs
used by permission of the author
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