For Release: Wednesday, March 2, 2011
DEC Announces Wildlife Rehabilitator Exam
Exam Slated for April 22; Exam Applications Due April 1
The annual written examination for New Yorkers interested in becoming a licensed volunteer wildlife rehabilitator will be given on Friday, April 22, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional Offices across the state (the exam will be offered from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Avon Office, Region 8) DEC announced today. The deadline for registering to take the exam is Friday, April 1, 2011.
Wildlife rehabilitators provide the voluntary service of caring for injured, sick and orphaned wild animals, with the ultimate goal of preparing the animals for their return to the wild. The list of Regional Offices can be found on the DEC website. There is no charge for the exam or the license issued by DEC.
A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available to applicants for $15 a set. The study materials include the application for the examination. These 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 two character references with their application to the NYSDEC Special Licenses Unit, have no convictions for violations of the State Environmental Conservation Law, and be interviewed by a DEC regional wildlife staff person.
Applicants should understand that a degree of technical skill and a significant commitment in time, money and effort is required to be a wildlife rehabilitator. Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
To apply for the Wildlife Rehabilitator exam contact the Special Licenses Unit by calling 518-402-8985 or by writing to:
NYS DEC, Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-4752
Email: fwslu@gw.dec.state.ny.us
For more information on the Wildlife Rehabilitator License, visit the DEC website.
