Possessing or rehabilitating injured wildlife in Raleigh requires a North Carolina Wildlife Rehabilitator permit issued by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission under NCGS §113-272.4. Unpermitted possession of native wildlife is unlawful even for rescue purposes.
NC Wildlife Resources Commission issues Wildlife Rehabilitator permits under NCGS §113-272.4, requiring training, facility inspection, and demonstrated competency before any person may legally possess injured native wildlife in Raleigh. Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act permits are additionally required for protected birds. Citizens encountering injured animals should contact licensed rehabilitators or NCWRC rather than taking the animal home, since unpermitted possession is unlawful even with good intent. The NC Zoo, the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, and various Triangle-area rehabilitators maintain referral lists. Federally protected species like raptors, songbirds, and bats require additional federal subpermits beyond the state license.
Unlawful possession of native wildlife violates NCGS §113-272.4 with civil penalties; federal MBTA violations add fines up to $15,000 per protected bird.
Raleigh, NC
Coyotes are present throughout Raleigh and protected as a nongame species under NC Wildlife Resources Commission rules. Residents may not relocate coyotes, b...
Raleigh, NC
Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and NC Wildlife Resources Commission rules protect most native birds in Raleigh from take, harassment, or nest disturbance....
See how Raleigh's wildlife rescue permits rules stack up against other locations.
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