Licensed NJ Wildlife Rehabilitators
New Jersey has strict laws governing the possession of wild animals and licenses those qualified to possess and/or provide rehabilitation to injured or orphaned wildlife. Most times, what appears to be orphaned young wildlife is not and the best thing to do is leave the animal where it is found.
Handling wildlife can be harmful to the animal and possibly to the person handling it. Generally, unless it is known that the mother has been killed or injured, public is urged to leave young wildlife alone the parent will do its best to care for it. Baby birds can be placed in a shrub to help protect it from predators, but the adult(s) will protect and feed it. It is a myth that once handled the human scent will keep the parent away songbirds do not have a sense of smell!
NJ licensed veterinarians may take temporary possession of wildlife and/or provide medical treatment of wildlife while making arrangments to transfer the animals within 48 hours to a currently licensed wildlife rehabilitator licensed for that species. However, veterinarians are encouraged to discuss the payment of costs for such medical treatments prior to rendering any services.
Rehabilitation of Endangered and/or Threatened (E/T) species is strictly regulated by both State and Federal agencies and thereby limited to specific facilities and procedures. No one is authorized to treat an E/T species unless they have contacted the Endangered and Nongame Species Program and received permission from a verifiable biologist. If a rehabilitator receives an E/T species they must refer to and follow the instructions described in the E/T protocol.
The link below is to a public list of currently licensed wildlife rehabilitators by the species they are licensed for and currently willing to accept for evaluation and possible rehabilitation.
2008 Wildlife Rehabilitators List by Species (pdf, 19kb)
Note that oil spills (and unidentified spills) require Federal and State emergency response procedures due to national security, potential public health and safety concerns raised from hazardous materials (including possible carcinogens), liability legalities, evidence procedures and documentation requirements. Report these types of incidents and injuries to 877-WARN-DEP. DO NOT TAKE POSSESSION OF OR BEGIN TREATMENT OF INJURED OR DEAD OILED WILDLIFE WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL.
Notice Regarding Wildlife Impacted by Oil or Unidentified Spills in NJ (pdf, 110kb)
Wildlife rehabilitators volunteer their time and do not charge for their services. Being a licensed rehabilitator is a major responsibility and requires much time and dedication; becoming and remaining one is not a simple process and includes a 1-year minimum apprenticeship, a written test, continuing education, submission of reports and acquiring various permits. To learn more, see the Rehabilitator Information page.
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