Injured Wildlife

What is the law on assisting wildlife?

Other than a few species which are allowed to be possessed without a license, no person may possess live native wild animals without a license or permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). A permit from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is also required to possess all native birds protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. If it is absolutely necessary to help a young animal that is injured or its mother has been killed, a person may legally have the animal in their possession for up to twenty-four hours for the purpose of transporting the animal to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or for release in a more appropriate location. To get the name of a wildlife rehabilitator in your area, contact the WDNR’s Call Center (1-888-WDNRINFo / 936-7463) or Bureau of Wildlife Management (608-266-8204). You can also visit the WDNR’s online directory of licensed wildlife rehabilitators.

**POTENTIAL SPACE LIMITATIONS AND TEMPORARY CHANGES AT WILDLIFE REHABILITATION FACILITIES**

https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/WildlifeHabitat/directory.html