Which license is required to rehabilitate migratory birds in New York?

Which license is required to rehabilitate migratory birds in New York?

• A. NY S wildlife rehabilitation license only
• B. Federal special purpose license only
• C. Both NYS wildlife rehabilitation license and a federal special purpose license
• D. Neither license is required

Answer: (C)

Migratory birds are protected at both state and federal levels, so proper licensure requires two permissions. In New York, a state wildlife rehabilitation license is needed to legally care for wildlife within the state and to meet facility, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements. Because migratory birds are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a federal special purpose license from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also required to possess, care for, and rehabilitate them. Having only one license leaves you out of legal compliance, but with both, you’re authorized to rehabilitate migratory birds in New York.

Migratory birds are protected at both state and federal levels, so proper licensure requires two permissions. In New York, a state wildlife rehabilitation license is needed to legally care for wildlife within the state and to meet facility, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements. Because migratory birds are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a federal special purpose license from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also required to possess, care for, and rehabilitate them. Having only one license leaves you out of legal compliance, but with both, you’re authorized to rehabilitate migratory birds in New York.