Since 1992
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By Carleen Cote
Wildlife Rehabilitation involves providing assistance to injured, orphaned or abandoned wild birds and animals. In order to be a wildlife rehabilitator, one must apply first for state and federal permits.
A state permit requires a multiple-choice test and interview. Forms must be signed by the warden in your area and by a veterinarian, stating that he/she has agreed to work with you in the event that an animal or bird needs treatment or needs to be euthanized.
To obtain a federal permit, one needs letters of recommendation from experienced rehabilitators and a veterinarian. You cannot care for any bird unless you have a federal permit, along with a state permit.
Rehabilitators must abide by rules and regulations developed by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, including requirements for proper nutrition and pen sizes, the number of animals in each pen dependent on the size of the animal. The pens must be large enough to allow the bird or animal to move around and exercise. Shelter from the weather must also be provided.
A permit to engage in rehabilitation cannot be used as a guise to keep a wild animal as a pet. Wild animals are exactly that. They are capable of inflicting serious bites and scratches. There have been reports of people being seriously injured or killed by the very animal they have labeled as a “pet.”
Animals are born with all the instincts they need to survive, including the mating instinct. During mating season, an animal which previously had been gentle, suddenly, with the flow of hormone, has the natural urge to mate and can become dangerous.
Rehabilitators must keep complete records on all birds and animals they receive: What did we get? Where did it come from? The date it was received and the date it was released or euthanized. Whether there are non-releasable birds or animals at the facility. We are obliged to make year-end reports to both the state and federal DIF&Ws.
Rehabilitation activities are demanding and time-consuming. From April to September we are pretty much tied to our facility. Some feedings, such as those for young birds, take place every 20 to 30 minutes. Of course, knowledge regarding the proper diets for each bird and animal, and how much to feed and how often are necessary.
We must be able to recognize disease and how to care for the afflicted. We must know where and when to release a healthy animal and when to “let go” an animal that cannot be restored to health.
The number of wildlife rehabilitators is declining. Although the work involved is demanding to say the least, my husband Donald and I have enjoyed caring for our feathered and furry “children” for more than 51 years. We deem ourselves fortunate to have been able to devote our time and energy to helping our wildlife.
We are always willing to share our knowledge and experience with anyone wishing to give Maine’s wildlife a second chance at life. It is so rewarding to raise an animal and release it back to the wild. If our work sparks an interest in a reader, we welcome you to visit.
Carleen and Donald Cote operate the Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Route 3 in Vassalboro, a nonprofit facility, supported entirely by the Cotes’ own resources and outside donations. Call them at 445-4326 or write to 1787 N. Belfast Ave., Vassalboro, ME 04989.
PHOTO: A fawn raised at the Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center.
