NYS Wildlife Rehabilitation Practice
Exam Questions With All Correct
Answers 2025 Latest Update
Which of the following is the only animal a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is authorized to
care for without a special federal permit?
a. a river otter
b. a baby seal
c. a sea turtle
d. a piping plover CORRECT ANSWERS a. Seals and sea turtles require special
permits. A piping plover is a federally endangered species, and while you may accept
the plover, you must call the Special License unit (518-402-8985) immediately and take
it to a federally licensed rehabilitator suggested by this unit.
A New York State wildlife rehabilitation license allows the rehabilitator to:
a. medicate an injured peregrine falcon
b. raise a fawn brought in by an animal control officer for placement in a nature center
c. keep baby animals like raccoons for 2 years to give them a better start
d. none of the above CORRECT ANSWERS d. This license does not permit the holder
to practice veterinary medicine. Animals kept for educational purposes are covered by
different regulations, not the wildlife rehabilitation license. Young animals must be
released at the very earliest, biologically appropriate opportunity. On rare occasions,
this may mean keeping an animal over one winter, but certainly not for two years.
Raccoons require an RVS (Rabies Vector Species) license. Any wildlife rehabilitator
that takes in a threatened or endangered species shall contact the NYSDEC Special
Licenses Unit within 48 hours.
Who should you always contact if you find an injured Bald Eagle? CORRECT
ANSWERS your license requires you to notify the NYSDEC Special License Unit within
48 hours (518-402-8985)
Which of the following is an unacceptable identification?
a. sea gull
b. red fox
c. American robin
d. gray squirrel CORRECT ANSWERS There are many species of gulls, some
common, some rare, but none are named sea gull.
True or False. Reptiles and amphibians have no legal protection under New York State
law. CORRECT ANSWERS False. Under Environmental Conservation Law 11-
0103.2.c., many species of reptiles and amphibians are protected as "small game"
species having closed season.
,What is required of a wildlife rehabber's annual report? CORRECT ANSWERS Annual
reports require a list of every individual animal handled, the name of the person you
received it from, the date you received it and the final disposition of the animal.
Licensed wildlife rehabbers must submit an annual report of activities for the preceding
calendar year no later than CORRECT ANSWERS December 1st
The primary intent of a wildlife rehab license is CORRECT ANSWERS to allow qualified
people to provide legal care to sick, injured, orphaned or displaced wildlife so that they
may be returned to the wild.
A NYS licensed wildlife rehabilitator does not have a federal license. Which type of birds
may they treat?
a. Bald Eagle
b. American Robin
c. European Starlings
d. Common Loon CORRECT ANSWERS c. Only birds that are not federally protected
may be treated without a federal license. These include European Starlings, House
Sparrows, Pigeons, Turkey, Pheasant and Ruffed Grouse.
Someone holding a New York State wildlife rehabilitation license, but no federal license,
can rehabilitate which of the following animal groups?
a. local reptiles and amphibians
b. migratory birds
c. marine mammals
d. sea turtles CORRECT ANSWERS a. Federal permits are required for migratory birds,
marine reptiles and mammals, and endangered species
True or False. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators may accept donations, but it is illegal to
charge a fee for rehabilitation of wildlife. CORRECT ANSWERS True. A licensed wildlife
rehabilitator must form a 501(c)3 non-for-profit tax exempt organization to be able to
legally accept tax deductible donations.
True or False. Animals that die while being cared for by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator
may be given to a museum or some other educational institution holding proper permits.
CORRECT ANSWERS True. All carcasses need to be legally disposed of according to
your town ordinance which may include giving carcasses to a museum or educational
institution that holds the proper permits.
How long do you have to notify the NYSDEC SLU of an official address change?
CORRECT ANSWERS 5 days
True or False. A wildlife rehabilitation license authorizes you to trap a Woodchuck that is
causing a nuisance in a neighbor's yard. CORRECT ANSWERS False. This is not
covered by your license. Such problems should be referred to licensed animal control
personnel such as a nuisance wildlife individual.
,Does a wildlife rehabilitation license allow the licensee to rehabilitate and release bats?
CORRECT ANSWERS No. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators in New York State are
prohibited from rehabilitating bats without the proper Rabies Vector Species license.
Does a veterinary license authorize a veterinarian to rehabilitate and release distressed
wildlife? CORRECT ANSWERS No. A licensed veterinarian may treat wildlife during the
acute care stages, but without their own wildlife rehabilitation license, they must turn the
animal over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for the animal's continued care and
release.
True or False. The State of New York owns all fish, game, wildlife, shellfish, crustacea
and protected insects in New York. CORRECT ANSWERS True. The 'ownership' of
wildlife is vested in the state, in its sovereign capacity, for the benefit of all the public.
True or False. A New York State wildlife rehabilitation license is all that is required to
rehabilitate migratory birds. CORRECT ANSWERS False. A federal, special purpose
rehabilitation license and a New York State wildlife rehabilitation license are required
before a person may rehabilitate migratory birds.
True or False. A licensed wildlife rehabilitator may give a distressed raptor to a licensed
falconer as part of the bird's rehabilitation program. CORRECT ANSWERS True. A
licensed wildlife rehabilitator or an assistant wildlife rehabilitator may transfer a raptor to
a licensed falconer for reconditioning purposes.
In order to keep a non-endangered mammal for education, you would need a permit
from which government agency? CORRECT ANSWERS You need a "collect and
possess" license from the STATE and a USDA exhibition license (FEDERAL). A federal
license is only applicable with endangered species crossing state lines, or for any
migratory birds.
Does your rehabilitation license gives you permission to use animals in educational
programs? CORRECT ANSWERS NO. You cannot use wildlife patients as educational
animals. They cannot be placed on view for the public. Educational animals are only
those that are non-releasable and licensed under a proper educational permit.
True or False. Wildlife that dies or is euthanized, held under the authorization of a
wildlife rehabilitation license, may be used as food for other wildlife held by the
rehabilitator. CORRECT ANSWERS True. This is true from a legal perspective, but not
advisable biologically. Using euthanized animals to feed other animals should be
avoided. If the animal is euthanized by a means other than chemicals, and is ingested
by another animal, this is a good way to transmit parasites and diseases to other
patients. Also the chemicals used to euthanize are usually toxic. Legally, these dead
animals may also be donated to an individual who possesses a valid license to possess
such specimens, or they may be properly buried or incinerated.
, True or False. Any licensed wildlife rehabilitator may rehabilitate an injured Canada lynx
CORRECT ANSWERS True. But since the Canada lynx is an Endangered Species in
New York State, the licensee must notify the NYSDEC Special Licenses unit within 48
hours of the acquisition of any endangered or threatened species. A licensed wildlife
rehabilitator is not prohibited from rehabilitating endangered or threatened species, but
must have the training and experience to handle the species.
. A caller tells you that her 6 year old just found a baby bird under a bush in the yard
and wants to bring it to you for help. You ask the caller to describe the bird and find out
that it has small wing and tail feathers. The proper response is: CORRECT ANSWERS
The young of many bird species leave the nest before they can fly and spend at least a
few days up in the branches of trees (owls), hiding under bushes (many songbirds), or
following the parents about on the ground (killdeer). Birds at this stage are called
fledglings and should be left right where they are. The parents often are not seen,
because they are frightened by the presence of people. Rest assured, they are
observing close by. Unless the adult birds are known to be dead, resist the urge to have
the baby bird raised by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
When a healthy fledgling bird is reported to be 'orphaned,' the best advice is to:
CORRECT ANSWERS place the bird in a nearby bush and leave the scene so the
parents will return to their young. Check in a few hours to see whether the parent has
returned for the bird, or watch from inside the house to ensure the fledgling remains
safe from predators (cats, crows, dogs).
Should a fledling bird just out of the nest, but uninjured, be given immediate human
assistance? CORRECT ANSWERS NO. The young of many bird species leave the nest
before they can fly and spend at least a few days up in the branches of trees (owls),
hiding under bushes (many songbirds), or following the parents about on the ground
(killdeer). Birds at this stage are called fledglings and should be left right where they
are. The parents often are not seen, because they are frightened by the presence of
people. Rest assured, they are observing close by
True or False. A fledgling bird should be returned to its nest as soon as possible.
CORRECT ANSWERS False. Place the fledgling close to where it was found and in a
protected area, like under a bush or on a nearby tree branch.
Should people be advised to feed weak animals as soon as possible before taking them
to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator? CORRECT ANSWERS NO. The public should never
be encouraged to give food or water to an animal because it can compromise its
recovery or be fatal. The animal should be captured and transported to a licensed
wildlife rehabilitator if it needs care.
True or False. If the caller has requested to have a migratory bird's nest removed from
his yard, the licensed wildlife rehabilitator may obtain special permission to have the
nest relocated. CORRECT ANSWERS True. The Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act
makes it illegal to possess any portion of a wild migratory bird, its eggs or nest. Under
Exam Questions With All Correct
Answers 2025 Latest Update
Which of the following is the only animal a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is authorized to
care for without a special federal permit?
a. a river otter
b. a baby seal
c. a sea turtle
d. a piping plover CORRECT ANSWERS a. Seals and sea turtles require special
permits. A piping plover is a federally endangered species, and while you may accept
the plover, you must call the Special License unit (518-402-8985) immediately and take
it to a federally licensed rehabilitator suggested by this unit.
A New York State wildlife rehabilitation license allows the rehabilitator to:
a. medicate an injured peregrine falcon
b. raise a fawn brought in by an animal control officer for placement in a nature center
c. keep baby animals like raccoons for 2 years to give them a better start
d. none of the above CORRECT ANSWERS d. This license does not permit the holder
to practice veterinary medicine. Animals kept for educational purposes are covered by
different regulations, not the wildlife rehabilitation license. Young animals must be
released at the very earliest, biologically appropriate opportunity. On rare occasions,
this may mean keeping an animal over one winter, but certainly not for two years.
Raccoons require an RVS (Rabies Vector Species) license. Any wildlife rehabilitator
that takes in a threatened or endangered species shall contact the NYSDEC Special
Licenses Unit within 48 hours.
Who should you always contact if you find an injured Bald Eagle? CORRECT
ANSWERS your license requires you to notify the NYSDEC Special License Unit within
48 hours (518-402-8985)
Which of the following is an unacceptable identification?
a. sea gull
b. red fox
c. American robin
d. gray squirrel CORRECT ANSWERS There are many species of gulls, some
common, some rare, but none are named sea gull.
True or False. Reptiles and amphibians have no legal protection under New York State
law. CORRECT ANSWERS False. Under Environmental Conservation Law 11-
0103.2.c., many species of reptiles and amphibians are protected as "small game"
species having closed season.
,What is required of a wildlife rehabber's annual report? CORRECT ANSWERS Annual
reports require a list of every individual animal handled, the name of the person you
received it from, the date you received it and the final disposition of the animal.
Licensed wildlife rehabbers must submit an annual report of activities for the preceding
calendar year no later than CORRECT ANSWERS December 1st
The primary intent of a wildlife rehab license is CORRECT ANSWERS to allow qualified
people to provide legal care to sick, injured, orphaned or displaced wildlife so that they
may be returned to the wild.
A NYS licensed wildlife rehabilitator does not have a federal license. Which type of birds
may they treat?
a. Bald Eagle
b. American Robin
c. European Starlings
d. Common Loon CORRECT ANSWERS c. Only birds that are not federally protected
may be treated without a federal license. These include European Starlings, House
Sparrows, Pigeons, Turkey, Pheasant and Ruffed Grouse.
Someone holding a New York State wildlife rehabilitation license, but no federal license,
can rehabilitate which of the following animal groups?
a. local reptiles and amphibians
b. migratory birds
c. marine mammals
d. sea turtles CORRECT ANSWERS a. Federal permits are required for migratory birds,
marine reptiles and mammals, and endangered species
True or False. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators may accept donations, but it is illegal to
charge a fee for rehabilitation of wildlife. CORRECT ANSWERS True. A licensed wildlife
rehabilitator must form a 501(c)3 non-for-profit tax exempt organization to be able to
legally accept tax deductible donations.
True or False. Animals that die while being cared for by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator
may be given to a museum or some other educational institution holding proper permits.
CORRECT ANSWERS True. All carcasses need to be legally disposed of according to
your town ordinance which may include giving carcasses to a museum or educational
institution that holds the proper permits.
How long do you have to notify the NYSDEC SLU of an official address change?
CORRECT ANSWERS 5 days
True or False. A wildlife rehabilitation license authorizes you to trap a Woodchuck that is
causing a nuisance in a neighbor's yard. CORRECT ANSWERS False. This is not
covered by your license. Such problems should be referred to licensed animal control
personnel such as a nuisance wildlife individual.
,Does a wildlife rehabilitation license allow the licensee to rehabilitate and release bats?
CORRECT ANSWERS No. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators in New York State are
prohibited from rehabilitating bats without the proper Rabies Vector Species license.
Does a veterinary license authorize a veterinarian to rehabilitate and release distressed
wildlife? CORRECT ANSWERS No. A licensed veterinarian may treat wildlife during the
acute care stages, but without their own wildlife rehabilitation license, they must turn the
animal over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for the animal's continued care and
release.
True or False. The State of New York owns all fish, game, wildlife, shellfish, crustacea
and protected insects in New York. CORRECT ANSWERS True. The 'ownership' of
wildlife is vested in the state, in its sovereign capacity, for the benefit of all the public.
True or False. A New York State wildlife rehabilitation license is all that is required to
rehabilitate migratory birds. CORRECT ANSWERS False. A federal, special purpose
rehabilitation license and a New York State wildlife rehabilitation license are required
before a person may rehabilitate migratory birds.
True or False. A licensed wildlife rehabilitator may give a distressed raptor to a licensed
falconer as part of the bird's rehabilitation program. CORRECT ANSWERS True. A
licensed wildlife rehabilitator or an assistant wildlife rehabilitator may transfer a raptor to
a licensed falconer for reconditioning purposes.
In order to keep a non-endangered mammal for education, you would need a permit
from which government agency? CORRECT ANSWERS You need a "collect and
possess" license from the STATE and a USDA exhibition license (FEDERAL). A federal
license is only applicable with endangered species crossing state lines, or for any
migratory birds.
Does your rehabilitation license gives you permission to use animals in educational
programs? CORRECT ANSWERS NO. You cannot use wildlife patients as educational
animals. They cannot be placed on view for the public. Educational animals are only
those that are non-releasable and licensed under a proper educational permit.
True or False. Wildlife that dies or is euthanized, held under the authorization of a
wildlife rehabilitation license, may be used as food for other wildlife held by the
rehabilitator. CORRECT ANSWERS True. This is true from a legal perspective, but not
advisable biologically. Using euthanized animals to feed other animals should be
avoided. If the animal is euthanized by a means other than chemicals, and is ingested
by another animal, this is a good way to transmit parasites and diseases to other
patients. Also the chemicals used to euthanize are usually toxic. Legally, these dead
animals may also be donated to an individual who possesses a valid license to possess
such specimens, or they may be properly buried or incinerated.
, True or False. Any licensed wildlife rehabilitator may rehabilitate an injured Canada lynx
CORRECT ANSWERS True. But since the Canada lynx is an Endangered Species in
New York State, the licensee must notify the NYSDEC Special Licenses unit within 48
hours of the acquisition of any endangered or threatened species. A licensed wildlife
rehabilitator is not prohibited from rehabilitating endangered or threatened species, but
must have the training and experience to handle the species.
. A caller tells you that her 6 year old just found a baby bird under a bush in the yard
and wants to bring it to you for help. You ask the caller to describe the bird and find out
that it has small wing and tail feathers. The proper response is: CORRECT ANSWERS
The young of many bird species leave the nest before they can fly and spend at least a
few days up in the branches of trees (owls), hiding under bushes (many songbirds), or
following the parents about on the ground (killdeer). Birds at this stage are called
fledglings and should be left right where they are. The parents often are not seen,
because they are frightened by the presence of people. Rest assured, they are
observing close by. Unless the adult birds are known to be dead, resist the urge to have
the baby bird raised by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
When a healthy fledgling bird is reported to be 'orphaned,' the best advice is to:
CORRECT ANSWERS place the bird in a nearby bush and leave the scene so the
parents will return to their young. Check in a few hours to see whether the parent has
returned for the bird, or watch from inside the house to ensure the fledgling remains
safe from predators (cats, crows, dogs).
Should a fledling bird just out of the nest, but uninjured, be given immediate human
assistance? CORRECT ANSWERS NO. The young of many bird species leave the nest
before they can fly and spend at least a few days up in the branches of trees (owls),
hiding under bushes (many songbirds), or following the parents about on the ground
(killdeer). Birds at this stage are called fledglings and should be left right where they
are. The parents often are not seen, because they are frightened by the presence of
people. Rest assured, they are observing close by
True or False. A fledgling bird should be returned to its nest as soon as possible.
CORRECT ANSWERS False. Place the fledgling close to where it was found and in a
protected area, like under a bush or on a nearby tree branch.
Should people be advised to feed weak animals as soon as possible before taking them
to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator? CORRECT ANSWERS NO. The public should never
be encouraged to give food or water to an animal because it can compromise its
recovery or be fatal. The animal should be captured and transported to a licensed
wildlife rehabilitator if it needs care.
True or False. If the caller has requested to have a migratory bird's nest removed from
his yard, the licensed wildlife rehabilitator may obtain special permission to have the
nest relocated. CORRECT ANSWERS True. The Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act
makes it illegal to possess any portion of a wild migratory bird, its eggs or nest. Under
