- A. A permit, authorized in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §10-908, Annotated Code of Maryland, is required before a person may rehabilitate wildlife. Under the authority of the permit, a person may capture, receive, possess, transport, or transfer a wild animal to rehabilitate it for release in the wild.
B. To apply for a permit, an applicant shall:
- (1) Be 18 years old or older;
(2) Demonstrate reasonable experience and skill in handling and caring for wild animals by:
- (a) Holding a degree in veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, or animal science; or
- (b) Providing documentation that the person has provided physical care for animals under the authority of a permit allowing a person to rehabilitate wildlife; and
- (3) Sign an affidavit which states an agreement to abide by this chapter and all State and federal wildlife laws and regulations.
C. Expiration and Renewal.
- (1) Except as provided in §C(2) of this regulation, a permit expires on December 31 of the year following the year of its issuance.
- (2) If a permittee applies for renewal of a permit in a timely manner, and meets the requirements of §D of this regulation, the Department shall issue a renewal permit to the permit holder for a 2-year term.
D. A permittee may renew a permit if the permittee has complied with the requirements of this chapter for:
- (1) Recordkeeping;
- (2) Rehabilitation activities;
- (3) Continuing education;
- (4) Appropriate sponsorship for apprentice class permittees;
- (5) Inspection of facilities; and
- (6) Identification of a veterinary consultant.
- E. A person shall notify the Department within 24 hours of the receipt of any species listed as State or federally threatened or endangered.
- F. The permit allowing a person to rehabilitate wildlife may contain other terms and conditions considered appropriate by the Department.
Authority: Natural Resources Article, §§10-205 and 10-908, Annotated Code of Maryland
Effective date: October 29, 2001 (28:21 Md. R. 1854)