Why Wildlife Should Be Taken to a Certified Rehabilitator
(And Not Cared for at Home)
When you find an injured, ill, or orphaned wild animal, it’s natural to want to help however you can. Many people consider caring for the animal themselves—but even with the best intentions, home care can cause serious harm.
Wildlife rehabilitation requires specialized training, permits, and resources that go far beyond basic animal care.
Here’s Why Getting Wildlife to a Certified Rehabilitator Is So Important.
1. It’s the Law
In California, it is illegal to keep or treat wild animals without the proper state and federal permits. Certified wildlife rehabilitators are trained, permitted, and regularly inspected to ensure animals receive humane and appropriate care. Temporary containment for transport is allowed—but ongoing care is not.
2. Wild Animals Have Specialized Needs
Each species has unique requirements, including:
3. Stress Can Be Deadly
Wild animals experience extreme stress in human environments. Excessive handling, noise, light, or interaction can:
4. Medical Care Requires Expertise
Many injuries and illnesses are not visible. Certified rehabilitators work with wildlife veterinarians and know how to:
5. Improper Care Can Prevent Release
Wildlife raised or handled by people can become:
6. Public Health and Safety Matter
Some species carry diseases that can be transmitted to people or pets. Certified rehabilitators are vaccinated, trained, and equipped to handle animals safely—protecting both the public and the wildlife.
7. The Goal Is Freedom, Not Captivity
Rehabilitators follow strict protocols with one goal in mind: returning healthy, wild animals back to the wild.
Keeping an animal at home—even lovingly—can unintentionally take that chance away.
What You Can Do to Help
If you are interested in becoming a wildlife rehabilitator sign up to volunteer with us! We can ensure that you get trained in properly.
Helping the Right Way Saves Lives
Choosing professional care gives wildlife the best chance at recovery and release. Your compassion, paired with the right action, truly makes a difference.
Thank you for helping wildlife responsibly.
Wildlife rehabilitation requires specialized training, permits, and resources that go far beyond basic animal care.
Here’s Why Getting Wildlife to a Certified Rehabilitator Is So Important.
1. It’s the Law
In California, it is illegal to keep or treat wild animals without the proper state and federal permits. Certified wildlife rehabilitators are trained, permitted, and regularly inspected to ensure animals receive humane and appropriate care. Temporary containment for transport is allowed—but ongoing care is not.
2. Wild Animals Have Specialized Needs
Each species has unique requirements, including:
- Specific diets and feeding schedules
- Proper housing and environmental conditions
- Species-appropriate medical treatment
3. Stress Can Be Deadly
Wild animals experience extreme stress in human environments. Excessive handling, noise, light, or interaction can:
- Lead to shock or cardiac failure
- Suppress immune function
- Cause long-term behavioral damage
4. Medical Care Requires Expertise
Many injuries and illnesses are not visible. Certified rehabilitators work with wildlife veterinarians and know how to:
- Identify internal injuries
- Treat infections and parasites
- Provide pain management safely
5. Improper Care Can Prevent Release
Wildlife raised or handled by people can become:
- Imprinted on humans
- Unable to forage or hunt
- Too tame to survive in the wild
6. Public Health and Safety Matter
Some species carry diseases that can be transmitted to people or pets. Certified rehabilitators are vaccinated, trained, and equipped to handle animals safely—protecting both the public and the wildlife.
7. The Goal Is Freedom, Not Captivity
Rehabilitators follow strict protocols with one goal in mind: returning healthy, wild animals back to the wild.
Keeping an animal at home—even lovingly—can unintentionally take that chance away.
What You Can Do to Help
- Keep the animal warm, dark, and quiet
- Do not feed or handle unnecessarily
- Get in touch with BWR by filling out our bird or mammal form
- Transport the animal as soon as possible
If you are interested in becoming a wildlife rehabilitator sign up to volunteer with us! We can ensure that you get trained in properly.
Helping the Right Way Saves Lives
Choosing professional care gives wildlife the best chance at recovery and release. Your compassion, paired with the right action, truly makes a difference.
Thank you for helping wildlife responsibly.
Bidwell Wildlife Rehabilitation serves Butte, Colusa & Glenn counties in Northern CA. Here is a list of all licensed rehab facilities in California.
