DEC Announces Wildlife Rehabilitator Exam

• by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

ALBANY, NY (02/24/2009)(readMedia)-- A written examination, offered only once a year, for New Yorkers interested in becoming a licensed volunteer wildlife rehabilitator, will be given on Friday, April 24th from 10 a.m. to noon at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional offices across the state, the DEC announced today.

The deadline for registering to take the exam is Friday, April 3. There is no charge for either the exam or the license issued by DEC.

Wildlife rehabilitators provide the selfless service of caring for injured, sick and orphaned wild animals. The ultimate goal of wildlife rehabilitation is to prepare the animals for their return to the wild.

A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available to applicants for $15 a set. The study materials will also include the application necessary for registration. The materials were developed by wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians and biologists to teach applicants about the practice of wildlife rehabilitation, including technical requirements for licensed volunteers.

Applicants must be at least 16 years old, submit two character references along with their application, have no convictions for violations of the State Environmental Conservation Law and be interviewed by a DEC regional wildlife staff person.

Applicants should understand that a degree of technical skill and a significant commitment in time, money and effort is required to be a wildlife rehabilitator. Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Additional information is available by telephoning (518) 402-8985, or by writing to:

NYS DEC; Special Licenses Unit

625 Broadway

Albany, NY 12233-4752

Website: www.dec.ny.gov

Email: fwslu@gw.dec.state.ny.us