Salt Lake City does not issue wildlife rehabilitation permits; residents who find injured wildlife must contact a Utah Division of Wildlife Resources licensed rehabilitator, since possession of native wildlife without a state permit is unlawful under Utah Code 23A.
Under Utah Code 23A-5, only DWR-licensed rehabilitators may legally possess injured native wildlife such as raptors, songbirds, or mammals for treatment. SLC Animal Services responds to wildlife calls inside the city, transporting animals to partners like the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah or Tracy Aviary raptor program. Residents who keep an injured animal at home, even temporarily with good intent, technically violate state law and risk citation. The proper response is to call SLC Animal Services or DWR, who arrange transport. Domestic pet rescue is separately governed by Title 6.
Possessing native wildlife without a DWR rehabilitation permit can trigger class B misdemeanor citation and confiscation. Repeat or commercial violations escalate to higher charges and permanent ban.
Salt Lake City, UT
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Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City defers to the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Utah wildlife code to protect native birds, prohibiting take or nest disturbance, while lo...
See how Salt Lake City's wildlife rescue permits rules stack up against other locations.
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