Wildlife rehabilitation uses specific terminology drawn from wildlife biology, veterinary medicine, and regulatory language. Understanding these terms helps you navigate permit applications, communicate with agencies, and make sense of training materials.
Key Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| MBTA | Migratory Bird Treaty Act — federal law protecting ~1,093 native bird species. Requires separate federal permit for rehabilitation of covered species. |
| BGEPA | Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act — additional federal protection for eagles beyond MBTA coverage, with specific injury reporting requirements. |
| RVS | Rabies Vector Species — raccoons, skunks, foxes, coyotes, and bats. Require additional state authorization for rehabilitation in most states. |
| Subpermittee | A person authorized to work under another rehabilitator's permit without holding their own independent permit. |
| NWRA | National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association — primary national professional organization, publishes Minimum Standards, offers training and member directory. |
| IWRC | International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council — offers the Foundations of Wildlife Rehabilitation course and Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator (CWR) credential. |
| Minimum Standards | The NWRA/IWRC Minimum Standards for Wildlife Rehabilitation — baseline facility document used by most state agencies as their inspection standard. |
| Imprinting | When a young animal bonds to humans instead of its own species, preventing successful wild release. Primary risk in improper hand-rearing. |
| Soft release | A gradual release providing supplemental support (food station, familiar habitat) after release rather than abrupt independence. |
| Triage | Initial condition assessment at intake to prioritize care and determine prognosis. |
| Disposition | The outcome of a rehabilitation case: released, transferred, died in care, or euthanized. Required in annual reports. |
| CWD | Chronic Wasting Disease — fatal neurological disease affecting deer and elk; primary reason deer rehabilitation is tightly restricted in most states. |
| USFWS | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — federal agency issuing migratory bird rehabilitation permits via the ePermits system. |
| Good Samaritan provision | 50 CFR 21.31(a) — allows any member of the public to transport an injured migratory bird to a licensed rehabilitator without holding a federal permit. Authorizes transport only, not care. |
For specific training requirements in your state, see the state guides. Use the permit pathway finder to get your personalized roadmap.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Requirements change — always verify with your state wildlife agency before applying. Not legal advice.