Wildlife rehabilitation in Bexar County requires a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department rehabilitator permit under 31 TAC 69.45 plus federal U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service migratory-bird permits where applicable, with no separate county permit but mandatory facility inspections and species-specific authorization.
Texas 31 TAC 69.45 requires anyone holding native wildlife for rehabilitation to obtain a TPWD rehabilitator permit, pass a written exam, complete annual reporting, and maintain inspectable facilities. Federal permits from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are required for migratory birds (Migratory Bird Treaty Act) and threatened or endangered species. Bexar County Animal Care Services refers injured wildlife to permitted rehabilitators including Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Inc. and the Texas Wildlife Rescue. Unpermitted possession of native wildlife is illegal under Texas Parks and Wildlife Code 43.022, even with rescue intent. Rabies vector species require additional special-purpose permits.
Unpermitted wildlife possession: Class C parks-and-wildlife misdemeanor up to $500; rabies vector violation up to $4,000; federal MBTA violation: up to $15,000 and 6 months jail; permit revocation for facility deficiencies under 31 TAC 69.45.
See how Universal City's wildlife rescue permits rules stack up against other locations.
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