Wildlife Rehabilitation

Wildlife rehabilitation is the act of providing temporary care for injured, sick or orphaned wildlife with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. Animals released back into the wild must have the ability to recognize and find appropriate foods, socialize with members of their own species, and exhibit normal behaviors such as fear of humans and predator avoidance.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issues licenses for wildlife rehabilitation to ensure that all persons engaged in wildlife rehabilitation are qualified and provide humane care and housing for wildlife being rehabilitated. The department's responsibility is to assess all applicants, and work with those who can provide proper care.

Persons agreeing to accept this responsibility must be willing to donate their own personal time, and assume the financial obligations that come with providing quality animal care. Before applying for a license, we recommend volunteering at an established wildlife rehabilitation facility or with an individual licensed rehabilitator. Also consider becoming a member of state and national wildlife rehabilitation organizations (see Related Sites below). Read their newsletters and attend a conference or workshop to learn more about rehabilitation. This will help you decide whether you want to dedicate the time, effort, and money it takes to be a good rehabilitator.

Find out how to get a wildlife rehabilitation license in Wisconsin.

Helpful Links

• Wildlife Rehabilitation Rule [PDF 59KB]
• Wildlife Rehabilitation in Wisconsin: Introduction and Study Guide, 1st Ed. [PDF 510KB]
• Wildlife Rehabilitation Directory
• Wisconsin's Endangered and Threatened Species (Note: Wisconsin requires an additional Endangered and Threatened Species Permit for the rehabilitation of endangered and/or threatened wildlife.).
• Deer Rehabilitation Policy [PDF 36KB] and Map [PDF 332KB]
• Submit Wildlife to DNR for Necropsy [PDF 43KB]

Educational Information

• Wildlife Disease
• Zoonotic Disease Fact Sheets
• Orphan Wildlife Fact Sheet [PDF 112KB]
• Recommendations for Transporting Wildlife [PDF 31KB]

Related Sites

• National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association [Exit DNR]
• International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council [Exit DNR]
• US Fish and Wildlife Service [Exit DNR]

Questions for Wildlife Health

Questions for Wildlife Management