Wildlife Education
What's involved
Being a Rehabilitator
MWRA endeavors to provide quality continuing education to assist Maryland wildlife rehabilitators in their efforts to keep abreast of the latest wildlife rehabilitation research, thus providing the best treatment to the animals in their care.
Continuing education also allows them to meet their requirements for permit renewals.
MWRA encourages potential wildlife rehabilitators to become involved in the Maryland wildlife rehabilitation community through membership and connecting with licensed wildlife rehabilitators.
MWRA also aims to educate the public at large about native Maryland wildlife and provide a network for the public to contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator in the event they find a wild animal in distress.
If you are not a member but would like further information on future workshops or how to become a member, please contact us via email: kathy.wren@gmail.com
The Nitty Gritty
More Info About Classes & Events
MWRA offers classes and other types of Continuing Education (CE) to members free of charge and to non-members at a minimal fee. They are a great opportunity to obtain CE’s to fulfill the requirements of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources; a chance to network with other Maryland rehabilitators; to find a master rehabilitator to apprentice with and, otherwise, share experiences and find advice for problems. We urge you to participate in these Continuing Education classes, whether you are an experienced wildlife rehabilitator or are looking to become a wildlife rehabilitator.
When the MWRA Annual Membership Meeting and Conference is scheduled, information will be posted here. Information about scholarships will be posted here as well.
Permits & Licenses
How do I become a wildlife rehabilitator?
If you are interested in training to become a wildlife rehabilitator, the best way is to volunteer at a local wildlife rehabilitation center and obtain the necessary experience and appropriate applications. Most states regulate the rehabilitation of wild animals by requiring people who handle wild animals to hold a permit or license. The State of Maryland restricts this permit to temporary housing and treatment necessary to prepare an animal for release.
For detailed information on Wildlife Rehabiliator Permits, go to:
Wildlife Rehabilitator Permit/License
IMPORTANT!
Handling endangered animals, such as eagles or peregrine falcons, requires special permits which are required from these agencies – DNR (Dept. of Natural Resources) and USFWS (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).
The State of Maryland does not allow wildlife rehabilitators to keep any wildlife on a permanent basis.