Wildlife Rescue Permits: San Jose vs Sunnyvale
How do wildlife rescue permits rules compare between San Jose, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
California Fish and Game Code requires a CDFW permit to possess or rehabilitate native wildlife. San Jose residents who find injured animals should call the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, the area's permitted rehabilitator, rather than attempting home care. Possessing wildlife without a permit is a misdemeanor.
View full San Jose rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
No data available yet for Sunnyvale.
Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Jose | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | CDFW Title 14 §679 | - |
| Local rehabber | Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley | - |
| Public role | Contain and call, not treat | - |
| Federal permits | Required for migratory species | - |
| Penalty | Misdemeanor and confiscation | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Jose FAQ
I found an injured hawk — what should I do?
Place it in a covered, ventilated box without food or water and call the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley or San Jose Animal Care and Services. Do not feed or treat the bird; permits are required.
Can I rehab a baby squirrel in my garage?
No. California requires a CDFW Wildlife Rehabilitation MOU to possess native wildlife. Even short-term home care is illegal and often kills the animal through improper diet. Hand it to a permitted rehabber.
Sunnyvale FAQ
No FAQs available.
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