San Bernardino County, CA Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Rescue Permits (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.
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.
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?
Can I feed an injured raptor?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California animal ordinances overview
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