Wildlife rehabilitators in Westchester County must hold a NY Department of Environmental Conservation license under 6 NYCRR Part 184 to legally possess and treat injured native wildlife species.
Under NY Environmental Conservation Law Article 11 and 6 NYCRR Part 184, wildlife rehabilitators must pass a DEC examination and be licensed before housing or treating native birds, mammals, reptiles, or amphibians. Federally protected migratory birds also require US Fish and Wildlife Service permits. Westchester rehabilitators often work through partnerships with veterinarians. Unlicensed possession of injured wildlife, even with good intentions, is illegal and can spread disease. WCDOH coordinates rabies vector species protocols. Licensed rehabilitators can be found through the DEC region 3 office or online directories.
Possessing protected wildlife without a rehabilitator license violates ECL Article 11 with fines up to 250 dollars per animal plus possible misdemeanor charges and animal seizure.
See how Mount Vernon's wildlife rescue permits rules stack up against other locations.
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