Rehabilitating injured native wildlife in Wichita requires a Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks rehabilitation permit. Holding a wild bird, raccoon, opossum, or fawn without that permit is illegal even briefly under state law.
Kansas state law channels wildlife rehabilitation through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Residents who find injured or orphaned wildlife must contact a licensed rehabilitator or KDWP rather than attempting to raise the animal at home. Wichita Animal Services responds to wild animals in homes and can assist with relocation but does not provide long-term rehab. Federally protected migratory birds also require a federal permit under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Rabies vector species such as raccoons, skunks, and bats face stricter handling rules due to public health risk.
State citations under Kansas wildlife law, federal penalties for migratory bird violations, animal seizure, and required transfer to a permitted rehabilitator.
Wichita, KS
Kansas Statute 32-1049 prohibits intentionally feeding deer and other big game wildlife. Wichita discourages feeding of wild animals such as raccoons, opossu...
Wichita, KS
Coyote sightings are common along the Arkansas and Little Arkansas River corridors and in greenways. Wichita Animal Services handles aggressive or sick coyot...
See how Wichita's wildlife rescue permits rules stack up against other locations.
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