This four-hour virtual workshop focuses on the major elements of wildlife rehabilitation, enabling participants to make an informed decision about whether or not involvement in wildlife care is a good fit for them. We will look at the time, space, and costs involved in caring for small mammals such as squirrels, opossums, rabbits, and raccoons. The course fee of $49 includes the four hour live virtual session, participant guide, and additional handouts. This course is approved by the Texas Dept. of State Health Services for four CE hours for Texas Animal Control officers, and by Texas Parks and Wildlife for initial wildlife rehabilitation permit qualification.
Wildlife rehabilitation is a challenging and life-changing occupation. Rehabilitators are rarely paid or recognized for their work, and bear the physical, financial, and emotional costs on their own. Despite these challenges, thousands of dedicated individuals devote their time and resources to caring for orphaned, ill, and injured native wildlife each year. While some would argue that the only benefit that society derives from this activity is a ‘feel-good’, and that from a species preservation standpoint, saving a single animal has no significant impact. In terms of the overall health of a wild population, this is undoubtedly true. However, by providing wildlife rehabilitation services to our local communities, wildlife rehabilitators have an opportunity to influence public attitudes and perceptions about wildlife and reinforce actions that protect both citizens and wildlife.
This four-hour virtual workshop introduces participants to the basic requirements for the rehabilitation of native small mammals. Particular attention is paid to housing, feeding, and enrichment as well as health and safety issues for rehabilitators. The course is structured to allow a 10-minute break between part 1 and part 2, and 40-minute lunch break between part 2 and part 3, and a final 10-minute break between part 3 and part 4. The format is lecture/discussion, and questions are encouraged throughout the session. Participants may unmute themselves to ask questions and respond to other participants, or use the chat feature to ask a question. Questions about specific legal issues may be deferred and answered by email once the instructor has an opportunity to research the issue.
