If you're concerned about a local animal in distress, knowing where to turn is crucial. There are many wildlife rehabilitators in Massachusetts who can help.
In Massachusetts, wildlife rehabilitators are licensed by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. These licensed professionals have the expertise and equipment to care for injured or orphaned wildlife.
If you find a baby bird on the ground, it's essential to leave it alone unless it's clearly injured. If you're unsure, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
With over 100 licensed wildlife rehabilitators in Massachusetts, you're likely to find one near you.
What They Do
Wildlife rehabilitators in Massachusetts are individuals who have obtained the necessary permits to care for injured, ill, and orphaned wildlife, with the goal of releasing them back into the wild.
They typically work out of their homes on a volunteer basis and receive no monetary assistance, paying for caging, supplies, food, and medication out of their own pockets.
It's illegal for the general public to take in, care for, and/or treat wildlife in Massachusetts without proper permits.
To become a permitted wildlife rehabilitator, one must obtain permits from both state and federal wildlife agencies, which can be a time-consuming and costly process.
Some wildlife rehabilitators specialize in caring for certain types of animals, while others handle a wider range of creatures.
In Massachusetts, it's essential to visit MassWildlife or the Wildlife Rehabilitors' Association of Massachusetts for more information on becoming a wildlife rehabilitator.
Find a Rehabilitator
If you're looking for a wildlife rehabilitator in Massachusetts, you can visit the Mass Fish and Wildlife website for a complete list of wildlife rehabilitators in the state.
Tufts Wildlife Clinic is a great resource for migratory bird rehabilitation, with a veterinarian on staff who specializes in bird care. You can reach them at 508-697-3506.
Before bringing an animal to Tufts Wildlife Clinic, be sure to call first to ensure that a permitted veterinarian is available. Not all vets at the clinic see wildlife.
The New England Wildlife Center is another option for finding a wildlife rehabilitator, but you'll need to contact them directly to get more information.
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Becoming a Rehabilitator
To become a wildlife rehabilitator in Massachusetts, start by checking out the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Massachusetts (WRAM), a statewide membership association that offers valuable resources and information on becoming licensed.
Volunteering with a local wildlife rehabilitator is a great way to gain hands-on experience and see if this career path is right for you.
You can find local wildlife rehabilitators through websites like MassWildlife, which provides information on wildlife rehabilitation in Massachusetts.
Wildlife Rehabilitator Job Description
Being a wildlife rehabilitator sounds like a dream job for many animal lovers.
Wildlife Rehabilitators are people who have obtained state and federal permits to care for injured, ill, and orphaned wildlife.
Their ultimate goal is to release these animals back into the wild.
In most cases, wildlife rehabilitators work out of their homes on a volunteer basis and receive no monetary assistance.
They pay for caging, supplies, food, and medication out of their own pockets.
It's actually illegal in the state of Massachusetts for the general public to take in, care for, and/or treat wildlife.
Permits from both state and federal wildlife agencies must be obtained to become a permitted wildlife rehabilitator.
Rehabilitators with state permits can only care for mammals and reptiles, while federal permits are needed to treat most birds.
Some wildlife rehabilitators specialize in certain types of animals, while others handle a wider range of creatures.
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How to Become a Wildlife Rehabilitator
To become a wildlife rehabilitator, start by researching local resources, such as the Wildlife Rehabilitators Association of Massachusetts (WRAM), which offers meetings, a newsletter, and licensing information.
Volunteering with a local wildlife rehabilitator is a great way to gain hands-on experience and see if this career path is right for you.
MassWildlife, the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association, and the International Wildlife Rehabilitators Council are all excellent sources of information on wildlife rehabilitation.
If you're interested in learning more about wildlife rehabilitation, consider reaching out to organizations like Wild Again Wildlife Rehabilitation or The Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory.
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Massachusetts Wildlife
If you're looking for a wildlife rehabilitator in Massachusetts, you can visit the Mass Fish and Wildlife website for a complete list of options.
The Tufts Wildlife Clinic is a great resource, with a phone number of 508-839-7918. You should call first to ensure a permitted vet is available.
Chris Walker, DVM, is another option, with a phone number of 508-697-3506. He specializes in migratory bird rehabilitation.
Sherry Himmelstein, VMD, recommends contacting the New England Wildlife Center directly, but be sure to call before bringing animals. Not all vets here see wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do wildlife rehabilitators charge?
Wildlife rehabilitators typically do not charge for their services, but they may accept donations to support their work.
What is the phone number for mass wildlife rescue?
For injured or orphaned wildlife in Massachusetts, call MassWildlife at 508-389-6300 for assistance. This phone number is for protected species like coyotes, bobcats, and beavers.
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