For Release: Friday, March 7, 2008

Spring 2008 Wildlife Rehabilitator Examination Scheduled

A written examination for New Yorkers interested in becoming licensed volunteer wildlife rehabilitators will be given on Friday, April 11, 2008, Patricia Riexinger, Director of Fish, Wildlife, and Marine Resources for the State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), announced today.

"Wildlife rehabilitators provide the selfless service of caring for injured, sick and orphaned wild animals," Director Riexinger said. "The ultimate goal of wildlife rehabilitators is to prepare the animals for their return to the wild."

The exam is offered twice a year. The spring exam will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, April 11 at designated locations around the state. The deadline for registering to take the exam is Friday March 28, 2008. There is no charge for either the exam or the license issued by the DEC.

Applicants should understand that a great deal of technical skill and a significant commitment of time, money and effort are required to be a wildlife rehabilitator. Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available to applicants for $15 a set. The materials were developed by wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians and biologists to teach applicants about the practice of wildlife rehabilitation, including technical requirements for licensed volunteers.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age, submit an application along with two character references, have no convictions for violations of the State Environmental Conservation Law and be interviewed by a regional staff person after taking the examination.

For applications, study materials and additional information you can contact the Special Licenses Unit at (518) 402-8985, or by writing to: NYSDEC Special Licenses Unit 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752.