DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

• Commissioner's OfficeBureaus & Divisions
• All-Terrain Vehicles, Snowmobiles, and Watercraft
• Education
• Employment
• Fishing
• Grants
• Hunting and Trapping
• Laws and Rules
• Licenses and Permits
• News and Events
• Wildlife
  • DiseaseGroups & ProgramsManagementRehabilitationSpecies InformationSurveys & ReportsWhere to See Wildlife
  • Wildlife Management AreasWildlife Management Districts

Wildlife Rehabilitator State Regulations

Part IV. Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit*

7.40 Issuance: Pursuant to Title 12 MRSA §12152, a wildlife rehabilitation permit may be issued to possess debilitated or orphaned wild animals and wild birds for the purpose of restoring them to full health and release to the wild, or to be humanely euthanized.

1. Examination: Applicants for a rehabilitation permit must successfully complete an examination prescribed by the Commissioner, which may include a written test, to show proficiency and knowledge in the area of wildlife husbandry and rehabilitation and the pertinent laws of the State and rules of the Department.
2. Expenses: The permittee is responsible for rehabilitation, including food and shelter, veterinary care, any labor or consultation charges, transportation, and any other costs or charges associated with the rehabilitation of wildlife. Permittees may not charge any third party for such costs unless said permittee is a licensed Maine veterinarian. Voluntary contributions to rehabilitation facilities or organizations may be accepted.
3. All rehabilitation activities must meet minimum standards as published by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, and/or National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association.
4. Dependency: Every measure shall be taken to prevent wildlife dependency on humans.
5. Disposition of all Wild Animals or Birds Subject to Rehabilitation: All wildlife subject to rehabilitation must be released to the wild at the earliest appropriate time, or humanely destroyed, and may not be kept in captivity beyond 6 months. The Commissioner may, upon request, extend this time period.

*Excerpted from Chapter 7: Regulations for Wildlife in Captivity in Regulations of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 2004. 216pp. Chapter 7 may be viewed in it's entirety at http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/rules/09/137/137c007.doc (off-site)