Wildlife Rehabilitation

Eagle properly being rehabilitated by Beverly Grage.

Wildlife Rehabilitation, as mentioned before, is an expensive and time consuming volunteer position, but also a priceless possibility for wildlife to have a second chance at life. To be a wildlife rehabilitator requires permits from the state at minimum, the federal government as well at maximum. It is not, as many think and have done, a simple task to properly raise wildlife, and it is also illegal without permits. Clearing up some misconceptions may help illustrate why rehabilitation is highly regulated and requires experience.

1. There is often confusion as to what imprint and domestication are, and why they are not similar. A domesticated animal is one that has been bred for hundreds, and even thousands, of years to live with humans. An animal that is imprinted is NOT domestication. Imprinting is an animal who has no fear of humans, creating a danger for the person and the animal as the animal is still wild. The job of a rehabilitator is to keep a fear of humans in the animal and let them remain wild. That is how they will survive, both humans and in the wild where they belong.
2. Wild animals are wild animals. That has not been bred out of them. Always remember wild animals are unpredictable no matter how tame they seem. Adorable babies grow up to seek mates, and nothing will stand in their way to pass on their genes.
3. If the animal cannot be re-released, there are only two options: placement or death. Know that an imprinted animal cannot be released into the wild. One of the most unfortunate parts is how many animals lose their lives from careless humans. Sanctuaries are a last resort for the animal, but all sanctuaries have limited caging to house these animals, for their safety and for humans. 

A wildlife rehabilitator only releases an animal that has a chance of survival. They are trained to equip those animals with the skills necessary for survival, including a fear of humans. That is why, unless you have the proper permits and training, call a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible if you find an injured, sick, or orphaned animal. Even a day's delay can result in imprinting, and unless they can then be placed, the wait could be their death.