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Volume 33, Number 3, Fall 2013 THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE NEW YORK STATE WILDLIFE REHABILITATION COUNCIL, INC. NYSWRC Board of Directors Kelly Martin, President [email protected] Barb Hollands,Vice Pres. [email protected] Cheryl Hoople, Secretary [email protected] Amy Freiman, Treasurer & Release [email protected] Jean Alden, Membership [email protected] Lainie Angel [email protected] Barb Cole [email protected] Maggie Ciarcia [email protected] Virginia Frati [email protected] Sue Heighling [email protected] Beverly Jones [email protected] Ellen Kalish [email protected] Terri Murphy [email protected] Veronica Serwacki [email protected] Matt Zymanek [email protected] Advisory Board: Andrea Sammarco, Attorney at Law George Kollias, DVM, PhD Noha Abou-Madi, DVM, Msc. Dr. Karen Moran, DVM Webmaster: Molly Gallagher [email protected] www.NYSWRC.org Back issues of Release are available online. NYSWRC Board Meetings are open to everyone. E-mail Kelly Martin, President ([email protected]) Save the Dates: Annual Member’s Meeting: Oct. 26, 2013 at the conference NYSWRC Conference 2013: Oct. 25-27 in Grand Island, Buffalo/Niagara Falls, NY Registration forms are found on line at: NYSWRC.org It is not too late to join our group at conference. Registrations accepted at the door. Editor’s note: I welcome your articles, poems, information, questions and artwork. We are pleased to print articles from our members, but caution each reader that NYSWRC is not responsible for the accuracy of the content or information provided, and does not necessarily endorse the policies proposed. Submissions should be sent to: [email protected], or to NYSWRC, PO Box 62, Newcomb, NY 12852. 2013 Conference News: This year’s program features many new speakers as well as a special session just for veterinarians. Are you sending your vet(s)? This is your chance to say thank you to them. As usual, the program committee has created a terrific lineup. There are four concurrent tracks which provide everyone with a class that meets their interests. Meet new friends, find new resources, and enjoy the location in Grand Island. Oh, and don’t forget the member’s meeting, award presentations and our fun filled evening with extravagant raffle and auction items. You can find the registration forms and the program on line at our website: NYSWRC.org. See you soon in Grand Island. Be sure to join us at conference! Our NYSWRC Mission NYSWRC, Inc. is a not for profit membership organization dedicated to the education of wildlife rehabilitators, improvement of the field of wildlife rehabilitation, and the protection and preservation of the environment.

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Page 1: THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE NEW YORK STATE WILDLIFE … · Wildlife Care and Conflict: Responsibilities, Laws and Regulations of Select Wildlife Professionals in New York State,

Volume 33, Number 3, Fall 2013 THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE NEW YORK

STATE WILDLIFE REHABILITATION COUNCIL, INC.

NYSWRC Board of Directors

Kelly Martin, President [email protected]

Barb Hollands,Vice Pres. [email protected]

Cheryl Hoople, Secretary [email protected]

Amy Freiman, Treasurer & Release [email protected]

Jean Alden, Membership [email protected]

Lainie Angel [email protected]

Barb Cole [email protected]

Maggie Ciarcia [email protected]

Virginia Frati [email protected]

Sue Heighling [email protected]

Beverly Jones [email protected]

Ellen Kalish [email protected]

Terri Murphy [email protected]

Veronica Serwacki [email protected]

Matt Zymanek [email protected] Advisory Board: Andrea Sammarco, Attorney at Law

George Kollias, DVM, PhD

Noha Abou-Madi, DVM, Msc.

Dr. Karen Moran, DVM Webmaster: Molly Gallagher [email protected]

www.NYSWRC.org

Back issues of Release are available online.

NYSWRC Board Meetings are open to everyone. E-mail Kelly Martin, President ([email protected]) Save the Dates: Annual Member’s Meeting: Oct. 26, 2013 at the conference NYSWRC Conference 2013: Oct. 25-27 in Grand Island, Buffalo/Niagara Falls, NY Registration forms are found on line at: NYSWRC.org It is not too late to join our group at conference. Registrations accepted at the door.

Editor’s note: I welcome your articles, poems, information, questions and artwork. We are pleased to print articles from our members, but caution each reader that NYSWRC is not responsible for the accuracy of the content or information provided, and does not necessarily endorse the policies proposed. Submissions should be sent to: [email protected], or to NYSWRC, PO Box 62, Newcomb, NY 12852.

2013 Conference News: This year’s program features many new speakers as well as a special session just for veterinarians. Are you sending your vet(s)? This is your chance to say thank you to them. As usual, the program committee has created a terrific lineup. There are four concurrent tracks which provide everyone with a class that meets their interests. Meet new friends, find new resources, and enjoy the location in Grand Island. Oh, and don’t forget the member’s meeting, award presentations and our fun filled evening with extravagant raffle and auction items. You can find the registration forms and the program on line at our website: NYSWRC.org. See you soon in Grand Island.

Be sure to join us at conference!

Our NYSWRC Mission NYSWRC, Inc. is a not for profit membership

organization dedicated to the education of wildlife rehabilitators, improvement of the field of wildlife rehabilitation, and the protection and preservation

of the environment.

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Page 2

From Cornell’s Animal Health, on-line resource, at www.Cornell.box.com

Antibiotics are powerful tools that are often necessary to treat bacterial infections. Unfortunately the misuse of them can contribute to the growing issue of antibiotic resistance or lead to additional health issues in the animal. Along with proper use, rehabilitators should be aware of species specific effects, know how to measure proper doses and understand the concept of drug withdrawal times.

Types of antibiotics The huge range of species of bacteria makes it near impossible to have a single antibiotic that works universally. Instead we have developed antibiotics that are either broad spectrum or narrow spectrum. Broad spectrum antibiotics are useful because they are able to work against a wide variety of bacteria. Included are gram positive and gram negative bacteria (a characteristic based on how thick their peptidoglycan layer is, which can be tested on a gram-stain), anaerobes (bacteria not requiring oxygen) and aerobes (bacteria that need oxygen). Narrow spectrum antibiotics are usually very powerful but work against fewer species. Just remember that regardless of the type used, antibiotics are ineffective against a viral infection.

As a rehabilitator it may be tempting to just give a broad spectrum antibiotic to any animal that appears sick. This indiscriminate use of broad spectrum antibiotics in a patient is sometimes referred to as the “shotgun approach”. It contributes immensely to the growing issue of antibiotic resistant bacteria and should be avoided. Additionally, broad spectrum antibiotics have potential to harm the normal bacteria found on/in the animal which can lead to further complications.

It is necessary to discuss with your veterinarian the proper use of antibiotics. Tests may need to be done to determine the strain of bacteria present and what antibiotics it is susceptible to. Developing a relationship with a vet is necessary to effectively treat wildlife and to be a successful rehabilitator. A veterinarian can help make an educated guess about the appropriate treatment before the culture results come back. They often know the common species of bacteria that can be found in each species animal and recognize the patterns and signs associated with a type of infection. For example, reptiles tend to have gram negative bacterial infections like salmonella or pseudomonas which don’t respond to many common antibiotics.

Calculating the Needed Dose of a Drug Calculating drug dosages is an extremely important skill that every rehabber must know. The following is adapted from the new version of the NYSDEC Rehabilitation Study Guide.

In order to calculate dosages, you need three pieces of information: 1) Weight of the animal in kilograms or grams 2) A drug dosage for the species you are working with (often written as mg/kg) which is usually provided to you by your veterinarian. 3) The concentration of the medication you have (often written as mg/mL)

To calculate: Animal Weight in kg = Animal Weight in pounds / 2.2

Grams of drug needed for the animal = (Weight of animal in kilograms) x (drug dose in mg/kg)

Drugs generally come as a liquid, not as a powder. Thus

you need to calculate how much liquid you need to give the

animal. This is where the concentration comes in: (grams

of drug needed) ÷ (concentration of the medication in g/

mL) = mL of liquid you need to give the animal so it gets

the proper amount of medication. If you want to combine

the two steps you can use the equation:

(animal WEIGHT in kg) X (drug DOSE in mg/kg)

VOLUME of drug to be given (ML) =_______________________________

(CONCENTRATION of the drug in mg/mL)

Be sure to practice these calculations and be able to fully comprehend the equations. You can download an excel file at https:cornell.box.comqghdgyp3a6z89rey826k that can be used to easily double-check your calculations.

Compounding Drugs Many of the drugs that can be used on wild or exotic species have not been thoroughly tested or approved for use on them. However, due to the American Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA) these human or animal drugs may be used “off-label” at the discretion of a veterinarian. One of the biggest issues though is that the effects of a drug vary greatly between species. A proper dosage in one bird species may be too low or too high in another (even if they are closely related). There is even potential to cause death if an improper antibiotic is used (Ex. Amoxicillin in rabbits). It is important to discuss species specific reactions with your vet and to help them with research on the drug if needed.(webofknowledge.com, Google Scholar, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists and PubMed are useful webpages to search for scientific papers).

Another issue to consider is that compounding a drug may alter its effectiveness. Crushing up drugs with a capsule, diluting the drug in a liquid or altering them in any way may lead to an ineffective dose. This is yet another topic that should be discussed with your vet when a drug is prescribed for use in wildlife.

The following are some steps you can take to reduce the chance of giving a drug improperly:

1) Research, Research, Research – Find out as much information about the drug as possible. Talk to your vet, look up papers online and discuss with other rehabilitators. If you can’t find any information, look it up again using a closely related species as a substitute. 2) Alter drugs as little as possible. 3) Maintain accurate concentrations: weigh, measure and shake well every time you use a suspended drug. 4) Make only small amounts and use compounded drugs for a short time (days to weeks). 5) Refrigerate what you use to prevent bacterial growth. Article continues on page 3

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Page 3

Drug Withdrawal Times After administering drugs to an animal, a certain period of time must pass before it is considered safe to consume. This is known as the drug withdrawal time and is needed to allow the animal to sufficiently remove antibiotics or other drugs from its body. Although it may be difficult to think about, a released rehabilitated animal may become food for a predator (and possibly even a human). Thus it is important to consider the drug withdrawal time after giving medications to any animal that is planned to be released. Once again it is important to discuss this topic with your veterinarian and explore all possible options.

Wildlife Care and Conflict: Responsibilities, Laws and Regulations of Select Wildlife Professionals in New York State, By Elena Rizzo, President, Into the Wild, Inc. Katherine McGill, 411 Raccoon Solutions, Jonas Borkholder, Adirondack Wildlife Refuge, Val Nassetta, Class II RVS Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator, Paul Stringer, NYSDEC Special Licenses Unit, Ned Bruha, Total Wildlife Control There is often confusion or misunderstanding about who, what, when, where and how wildlife situations are, and can be, handled according to New York State (NYS) laws. While each situation is unique, we hope that this document helps to clarify the roles of the most commonly called upon professionals. The majority of information presented here is specific to NY. We recommend checking your state and local laws and consulting with professionals before taking action. It is important to note that there

are no public agencies to provide wildlife rescue and care or nuisance control services.

Wildlife Rehabilitators (WRs)

BY LAW, can only take in injured, ill or orphaned wildlife

Volunteers (unpaid); Prohibited from charging a fee for services; however, are permitted to accept donations (rare and greatly appreciated)

Licensed by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), with license conditions varied by class of NYSDEC license:

Class I and Class II Wildlife Rehabilitator

Class I Rabies Vector Species (RVS) and RVS Class II

WRLA and WLRA RVS - Assistant Wildlife Rehabilitator licensees sponsored by a Class II Wildlife Rehabilitator

U.S. Fish and Game Migratory Bird License in addition to state WR license, for migratory bird care

Federal and RVS licenses are often cost-prohibitive

Most specialize in one or two species; Expertise varies

Majority of WRs are home-based; Few “facilities” exist

Often incorporate, or are members of a non-profit organization or network

Serve as educational and informational resources concerning many aspects of native wildlife

License does not permit the rescue and rehabilitation of domestic animals

Most WRs are able to rescue wildlife in need, depending on circumstances and equipment available

Enhance public health and safety by removing wildlife from the hands of the untrained public

Are often the first to identify local emerging infectious disease outbreaks that threaten public health and wildlife/domestic pet health

By law, cannot keep wildlife that is not able to be released without an additional License to Collect and Possess (for educational purposes)

Regulations restrict wildlife rehabilitators from nuisance wildlife control activities, including trapping and relocation, without a nuisance control or trapper license.

It is illegal for persons without a wildlife rehabilitation license to possess any species of wildlife.

Majority of the public is unaware of the profession and/or how to contact a local rehabilitator

Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators (NWCOs)

“Nuisance wildlife” has be defined as “destructive or menacing wildlife,” including damaging property such as buildings, crops, pets, livestock and gardens; May pose a threat to human health or safety by spreading disease, through direct attacks, or accidentally

NWCOs are licensed by NYSDEC and must follow regulations set forth in the conditions of the license

Fee charged for services

Services provided by individual NWCO or NWCO company varies; Some will trap and relocate or euthanize or provide eviction and exclusion services; Not all permitted techniques are humane

Distinct from licensed trappers; Cannot use or sell the fur of the nuisance animals trapped—unless that species is in season and the NWCO also has a trapping license

Cannot use pesticides and most repellants without NYSDEC Pesticide Certification and Business Registration Restrictions for specific species and situations

Property owners are permitted to trap wildlife on their property; however, it is illegal for a property owner to relocate any native wildlife – the only options are to kill the animal or release it on the property

Not permitted to handle domestic species

Truly humane NWCOs are hard to find – the public should be aware that almost all wildlife conflicts can be handled using humane techniques; See Resources on p. 7 for links Article continues on p. 6

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Snakes at Teatown Our thanks to Mary Haley, Communications & Special Event

Coordinator at Teatown Lake Reservation in Ossining, NY, for

sharing this story.

“During this year's first camp session, two camp groups came across a female water snake with a plastic cup top stuck around her upper body. They immediately freed her from the cup top and brought her back to the Animal Care staff. Two licensed wildlife rehabilitators, Lisa Kelly and Elissa Schilmeister, assessed the snake and found a laceration on her side, fly eggs in between her scales and significant scale damage in the area where the cup top was. After slowly removing all the fly eggs and cleaning the wound, the snake ended up in Elissa's care. At first, the snake had trouble shedding due to the laceration and scale damage so Elissa waited until the wound was healed and she was able to shed properly before scheduling her release. On Wednesday August 21st, she shed perfectly. The next day brought a heavy rain storm so Elissa decided to wait until Friday to do the release. Little did she know that 29 little surprises were coming her way! Thursday night, Elissa went to clean the snake's cage and found, not one, but 30 heads staring back at her!! The female water snake had given birth to 29 babies!! (Water snakes do not lay eggs. Instead they are ovoviviparous, or live-bearers). Each baby was approximately 19-23 cm long and independent upon birth. On Friday, August 23rd, the new family was released back into the wild.

The lesson from this story is please do not litter, as this has a profound effect on wildlife!"

Bear and fox with mange

Photos taken at necropsy by John Fieger

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antigen in the sample, it causes a color change (caused by an enzyme attached to the antibody). The color change provides a visual confirmation that the antigen exists. An informative paper titled “Sarcoptic Mange in Wildlife” can be read at http://www.oie.int/doc/ged/d521.pdf which goes into more details of the symptoms and diagnoses of mange.

Treatment Administration of Ivermectin, a broad spectrum anti-parasitic, is one of the most commonly used drugs in the treatment of mange. Unfortunately the drug will only kill adult mites and leave their eggs unharmed. It takes about 10 to 14 days for an egg to hatch into an adult. Ivermectin must be given again at least two weeks later to kill the newly hatched mites and prevent reinfection of the animal (If possible a third dose two weeks later is suggested). Another option is Revolution or Stronghold (salamectin) which are antihelminthics commonly used for dogs. These drugs are placed on the skin of the animal (usually on their backs, below the neck) and may need to be reapplied depending on the severity of the infection. If you would like to pursue this option, a prescription written by your vet is required to purchase the drugs. Be aware that after giving these drugs, the animal may appear to get worse. The massive die-off of the mites may cause a severe immune reaction from the animal’s body. It is also possible that the skin damage caused by the mites and immune response may make it easier for bacteria to invade. It is suggested to also give broad-spectrum antibiotics in severe cases of mange to prevent or cure any possible secondary infections. In addition to the treatments we have suggested, online searches often bring up many other treatments for mange. These include using natural products such as lemon juice and honey or chemicals such as a lime-sulfur dip. Be aware that methods may not work and may even harm the animal. Please discuss these treatments with your vet before using them. Prognosis The prognosis of the animal greatly depends on the severity of the mite infestation. Small localized areas of hair loss can usually be cured by killing the mites (Ivermectin/Revolution/Stronghold). It is also possible that these minor cases may be taken care of by the animals own immune system. More severe cases are usually accompanied by secondary skin infections. If left untreated the animal may be unable to properly thermo-regulate leading to lethargy, weight loss and muscle atrophy. Organ damage may also develop in some animals. At this point, the animal will need supportive care in addition to removal of the mites. You should be prepared to provide heat therapy (heating pad, heating blanket), fluid therapy and nutritional support while the animal recovers. Make sure to isolate the animal to prevent spread of the mites to your other patients.

Mange Cases Originally from NYSDEC-WHP list serve On May 25th an approximately one year old male black bear was sent in by the DEC to be necropsied. It had multiple areas of hair loss, dried and scabby skin, muscle atrophy and was very emaciated. A microscopic analysis of the skin confirmed the presence of skin mites indicating that the bear had mange (Presumed to be sarcoptic). Since the beginning of the year, multiple bears have presented with similar types of mange suggesting the possibility of a new emerging disease. The mites are currently being studied to determine if they are the same ones present in the mange common to foxes or a new strain that is preferentially infecting bears. You can see pictures of the bear and its necropsy report (Along with a picture of a fox with mange) by visiting https://cornell.box.com/s/w0qldosfh14q1502deek. The Mange Mite Mange in wildlife, domestic animals and humans (called scabies) is caused by a tissue-burrowing arthropod called a mite. In the US, the three main types of mite are Sarcoptes scabiei (Sarcoptic Mange), Notoedres centrifera (Notoedric Mange) and mites from the genus Demodex (Demodectic Mange). It is thought that within an individual mite species, there are different strains that have a preference for certain groups of animals and are best suited to live off them. Regardless of the mites preference, there is still a possibility for infection to spread to humans (The mites won’t reproduce but can cause a reaction and painful itching). The mites will burrow into the skin of the animal (where they feed and reproduce) and cause a buildup of antigenic material. This includes molted exoskeletons, eggs, feces and dead mites. Antigenic materials stimulate the production of antibodies and cause an immune reaction. The end result is extreme itchiness, loss of hair/fur, the appearance of scaly skin and scabs and blisters. Prolonged infection can lead to weight loss, inability to thermo-regulate and possibly death (usually caused by a secondary infection). Visit www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/document/1208918/mange_pdf to read a guide on mange by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Diagnosis Due to their microscopic size, detection of the mites

sometimes can be difficult. Performing a deep skin

scraping and analyzing it under a microscope may allow

you to see them. However, the signs of mange can be

present after the mites are gone so a skin scrape may not

always be accurate. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent

assay (ELISA) may also be performed to confirm the

presence of the mites (Unfortunately it is not very

effective). ELISA’s check for the presence of antigenic

material by testing samples from the animal and seeing if

they can bind with laboratory generated antibodies

(antigens bind to antibodies). If the antibody finds the

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Page 6

Animal Control Officers (ACOs) Employees of local municipalities

Generally not permitted to handle wildlife calls; Varies by municipality

Primarily responsible for domestic animal issues

May have cooperative relationship with local wildlife rehabilitators

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs)

Sworn police officers empowered to enforce all laws of the state

Stationed at Regional Offices; Each ECO generally covers two or more counties

Main areas of enforcement include fish and wildlife and environmental quality laws; Fish and wildlife enforcement includes investigate alleged poaching, sale of endangered species and compliance with hunting, fishing, trapping and commercial fishing licenses

NYSDEC does not remove wild animals –callers are referred to a nuisance wildlife control operators or provided species specific and other regulatory information to property owners who wish to trap and kill nuisance wildlife themselves

If the circumstance presents a perceived public safety threat, ECOs may “dispatch” (shoot and kill) wildlife on private property with or without the permission of the property owner

Regional protocols may differ Police Officers

Primarily responsibility is public safety

Generally not trained to handle wildlife conflicts

May “dispatch” (shoot and kill) wildlife that is a perceived public safety threat; Perception of threat may be unrealistic due to

a lack of training

May not be aware of local wildlife rehabilitators

Local Police may or may not cooperate with local wildlife rehabilitators; Some municipalities have determined that home-

based wildlife rehabilitators are not permitted based on interpretation of local zoning laws and misconceptions of wildlife

rehabilitation services

May not be knowledgeable about wildlife behavior (e.g., wildlife such as skunks and raccoons out during the day are

often assumed to be rabid and may be killed without just cause)

Local and Regional differences in training, knowledge, availability and protocols

Local or Regional protocols may prohibit responding to wildlife issues

Local Fire Departments

Generally cannot or will not respond to calls for assistance with wildlife issues

Untrained to handle wildlife issues; Generally not knowledgeable about wildlife laws, behaviors, biology, etc.

Local variation in ability to respond; Some have collaborative relationship with local wildlife rehabilitators

Trappers

“Trapper” and “NWCO” are terms often used interchangeably to refer to NWCOs; however, in NYS they are distinct

licenses with different purposes

Fur-bearer trappers can legally sell the fur of trapped animals for profit although restrictions apply, NWCOs cannot

legally sell the fur of trapped animals without a Trapping License

Several types of Trapping Licenses offered by NYSDEC; See Resources Section below

Generally do not handle wildlife issue of public concern

Additional Information Rabies Vector Species are more likely to be killed by authorities than other species out of fear and misconceptions of both the public and authorities Many authorities, including NYSDEC, consider “injured wild animal[s] should be left alone. . .is food for other wildlife and although it may seem cruel it is part of the natural life cycle”; however, in situations where the wildlife has been unnaturally injured or orphaned, (i.e., due to human activities – both intentional and unintentional, wildlife rehabilitators are not interfering with the natural life cycle of the animal(s) Human disturbances have reduced available habitat leading to an increase in human-wildlife conflict Wildlife rehabilitators can ease the suffering of wildlife; Cooperating Veterinarians assist with humane euthanasia, reducing prolonged suffering None of the above professionals are permitted to carry prescription drugs needed to sedate wildlife, although NYSDEC has limited Regional ECOs with access to employ this method in dangerous situations

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Page 7

References and Resources± Wildlife Rehabilitation

Johnson, Angela. Detailed Discussion of Wildlife Rehabilitation Laws. Michigan State University College of Law, Animal Legal & Historical Center, 2012. (www.animallaw.info/articles/dduswildliferehab.htm)

New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (www.nyswrc.org).

National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association

(www.nwrawildlife.org).

International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council

(www.theiwrc.org).

The Wildlife Society (www.wildlife.org).

Wildlife Disease Control Association

(www.wildlifediseases.org)

Into the Wild, Inc. Wildlife Rehabilitation Information

(www.intothewildinc.org/wildlife-rehabilitation.html)

Nuisance Wildlife Control Cornell Cooperative Extension, and the NYS Integrated Pest

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation,

Management Program, Best practices for nuisance wildlife

control operators in New York State: A Training Manual

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, Information

on Pest Management and Pesticide)

(www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8531.html)

Humane Society of the United States, Tips for Choosing A

Humane Wildlife Control Company

(www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/

choosing_wildlife_control_company.html) Into the Wild Humane Wildlife Control Services, LLC

(www.intothewildhwcs.com)

Total Wildlife Control (A.K.A. The Skunk Whisperer)

(www.totalwildlifecontrol.com)

Humane Society of the United States, The Humane

Approach to Human-Wildlife Problems

(www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/

humane_approach_human-wildlife_problems.html)

Fur Trappers

NYSDEC Trapping Licenses (www.dec.ny.gov/

permits/6089.html)

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Law Enforcement Facts (www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/2442.html)

Wildlife Rehabilitation License (www.dec.ny.gov/permits/25027.html)

Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator License (www.dec.ny.gov/permits/28635.html)

Wildlife Health: What to do (www.dec.ny.gov/animals/261.html)

Wildlife Rehabilitators (www.dec.ny.gov/animals/83977.html)

Nuisance Species: Handling Problems with Wildlife (www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7005.html)

License to Collect or Possess (www.dec.ny.gov/permits/28633.html) Environmental Conservation Police Officers (www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/2437.html (518) 402-8924 email: [email protected]

NYSDEC Contact Information Special Licenses Unit (Wildlife Rehabilitators, Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators, License to Collect or Possess) Note RVS Certification Information is not available on the DEC website. Contact the Special Licenses Unit for information: NYSDEC Special Licenses Unit 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-4752 518-402-8985 Regional Offices To contact an Environmental Conservation Officer in your area, contact the DEC Dispatch Center at 1-877-457-5680 Additional Regional Contact information is available at www.dec.ny.gov/about/50303.html NYS DEC Wildlife Damage Management Unit (NWCO Information) 625 Broadway Albany, NY 12233-4754 (518) 402-8924

email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: Into the Wild, Inc. cannot be held liable for the use of the information provided in this document. While we have made every attempt to verify the information provided with the appropriate authorities, there may be additional relevant laws and regulations not presented here.

Additional Information, continued Wildlife rehabilitators should be consulted prior to interfering with young wildlife to assist in determining the need for human interference; “kidnapping” of wildlife is common There is a significant need for public education about wildlife behavior, diseases and safety – wildlife rehabilitators provide these public services Common myths and misunderstandings continue to threaten the well-being of wildlife populations Wildlife and human health are interconnected – wildlife health threats affect human health Tolerance for the wildlife that share our backyards is essential to the health of our environment; humane solutions for eviction and exclusion are available and should be sought in human-wildlife conflict situations

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NYSWRC-Release

P.O. Box 62

Newcomb, NY 12852

NEW YORK STATE WILDLIFE REHABILITATION COUNCIL, INC.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

_____NEW _____RENEWAL

Complete all information below and make checks payable to: NYS Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Inc. Please print clearly.

____GENERAL: $25.00 ____HOUSEHOLD: $40.00 ____ORGANIZATION: $50.00

NAME(S): _______________________________________________________________________________

AFFILIATION: __________________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP: _______________________________________________________________________

PHONE home: (___)___________ work: (___)____________ e-mail: _____________________________

Species handled: __________________________________________________________________________

Knowledge and skills willing to share: ________________________________________________________

Return form to: Jean Alden, NYSWRC Membership, 1850 N. Forest Rd, Williamsville, NY 14221

NYSWRC MEMBERS

Please check the address label on this issue of RELEASE to determine your current membership type. Your membership in the New York

State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (NYSWRC) expires on this date. To guarantee uninterrupted membership services please utilize the

application below to renew your membership. We encourage you to share your issue of RELEASE with new rehabilitators and other

interested persons. RELEASE is the quarterly newsletter of the New York State Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, Inc. and is included with membership.

Papers, photographs, illustrations and materials relating to wildlife rehabilitation are welcomed and encouraged. Please send

materials to: RELEASE, PO Box 62, Newcomb, NY 12852, Attention: Editor. All materials are copyrighted, For permission to reprint portions, contact Editor.

Young baby

rabbits are

likely the

most

commonly

kidnapped

North

American

mammal

species.