Second Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I care for an animal I found?
In Colorado, it is illegal for anyone without special licenses from both the State and Federal government to possess wildlife for any reason. Wildlife can carry diseases that are communicable to people and pets. As a form of natural protection, wildlife very often does not show noticeable symptoms of these diseases even when they are sick. Once mature, wild animals do not make good pets. Without the appropriate diets, wild animals and birds develop metabolic disorders that will lead to a slow miserable death. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are trained to identify diseases and trained in the appropriate nutrition of different species. Please take the bird or animal to a rehabilitator.
To find a wildlife rehabilitator, click on your area.
Can I keep it?
For Colorado laws regarding wildlife as pets, click here
Why are they doing that?
Many behaviors you see in wildlife that seem bizarre to you are perfectly normal behaviors that may indicate attracting a mate, protecting a territory, begging a parent for food, etc. For good information on animal behavior and a whole lot more, check out our Other Great Sites link at the left.
How do I become a wildlife rehabilitator?
How much will I get paid?
While you must be licensed by your State Wildlife Department and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, wildlife rehabilitation is considered a volunteer position. In most cases, rehabilitators are not paid. In a few cases where a rehabilitator works at a large center, they may be paid. Pay rates in those few cases vary by state.
For information on becoming a rehabilitator, click here.
MORE QUESTIONS
In Colorado, it is illegal for anyone without special licenses from both the State and Federal government to possess wildlife for any reason. Wildlife can carry diseases that are communicable to people and pets. As a form of natural protection, wildlife very often does not show noticeable symptoms of these diseases even when they are sick. Once mature, wild animals do not make good pets. Without the appropriate diets, wild animals and birds develop metabolic disorders that will lead to a slow miserable death. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are trained to identify diseases and trained in the appropriate nutrition of different species. Please take the bird or animal to a rehabilitator.
To find a wildlife rehabilitator, click on your area.
Can I keep it?
For Colorado laws regarding wildlife as pets, click here
Why are they doing that?
Many behaviors you see in wildlife that seem bizarre to you are perfectly normal behaviors that may indicate attracting a mate, protecting a territory, begging a parent for food, etc. For good information on animal behavior and a whole lot more, check out our Other Great Sites link at the left.
How do I become a wildlife rehabilitator?
How much will I get paid?
While you must be licensed by your State Wildlife Department and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, wildlife rehabilitation is considered a volunteer position. In most cases, rehabilitators are not paid. In a few cases where a rehabilitator works at a large center, they may be paid. Pay rates in those few cases vary by state.
For information on becoming a rehabilitator, click here.
MORE QUESTIONS
In Colorado
Outside Colorado
