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San Bernardino County, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Authority
CDFW Title 14 sec 679
Local role
SBC referral only
Charge
Misdemeanor possession
Risk species
Skunks, bats, raptors

Summary

San Bernardino County residents may not keep injured wildlife without a California Department of Fish and Wildlife rehabilitator permit. SBC Animal Care refers calls to permitted facilities such as those serving the desert and mountain corridors.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

aned wild animals may be temporarily possessed for rehabilitation by a person in California under a Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit issued by CDFW. Trained wildlife rehabilitators provide treatment and care of these animals for the purpose of their release, in a condition of good health, to suitable habitat in the wild. Wildlife rehabilitators have an important role in the conservation of native wildlife. Learn more! Important Wild animals rarely require human help. Attempts to approach or handle wildlife can cause serious injury or harm to you and/or the animal. There are certain situations where a wild animal may benefit from human intervention such as visible injury. DO NOT intervene without proper guidance from a trained professional (i.e., capture, handle, confine, feed/water). DO NOT drop off wild animals at a location, unless instructed to do so. Contact a CDFW Office or a wildlife rehabilitation facility. Wildlife rehabilitators are NOT "on call" (24/7). They often work out of their homes. Wildlife rehabilitators operate with limited resources. Be considerate when asking for help. Wildlife rehabilitators usually rely on others to transport animals to them. Wildlife rehabilitators may limit the number or species of animals they can accept.

Source: CDFW Wildlife RehabilitationView official code

Full Breakdown

California Code of Regulations Title 14 section 679 requires individual or facility rehabilitator permits for any holding of native wildlife. SBC Animal Care does not directly rehab wildlife but coordinates pickup and transport to permitted partners. Residents who find injured raptors, deer, bobcats, or fawns must call CDFW or a licensed rehabber rather than provide home care. Unauthorized possession is a misdemeanor and risks disease spread, especially rabies in skunks and bats common to the San Bernardino Mountains.

Violations & Fines

Misdemeanor wildlife possession charges, animal seizure, and CDFW administrative penalties. Compounding rabies-vector handling may add public-health misdemeanors and quarantine costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I find a baby fawn?
Leave it alone and call CDFW or a permitted rehabber. Mothers often park fawns and return; intervention is rarely needed and may be illegal.
Can I feed an injured raptor?
No. Improper feeding can cause death from aspiration or capture myopathy. Contact a permitted raptor center for transport instructions.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in San Bernardino County

All San Bernardino County rules

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