More and more people are moving into wildlife habitats. When land is developed for homes, businesses, or farming, wildlife becomes displaced, injured, orphaned, or even killed. It is against the law in most states to keep wild animals and birds without permits, even if you plan to release them. These laws were created to protect the wildlife from people who steal them, sell them, or who harm them by taking them home. The laws were also created to protect public health.
Wild animals carry diseases and parasites.
In most states, people must become licensed before they can rehabilitate wild animals on their own. This system ensures that people have the proper knowledge, skills, and facilities to care for wildlife. Volunteers, however, don't need permits, as long as they work at centers that are licensed. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources issues the mammal rehabilitation permit. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues the permits for bird rehabilitation.