Austin Area Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. |
info@austinareawildliferehab.org |
State and Federal Protections
Both the State and Federal governments have strict guidelines that we must abide by. State and federal laws protect nearly all wild mammals and birds. It is against the law to keep, which the government refers to as 'kidnap', a baby or adult bird or animal as a pet. It is against the law to possess the animal or bird or the nests, feathers, or eggs of protected species without special permits. While the following list generally includes animals that we receive, it is not all-inclusive. All threatened or endangered species of animals are protected, and require special permissions for extended rehabilitative care.
UNPROTECTED PROTECTED
State and/or federal permits are required to care for these animals and birds.Birds:
- House sparrows
- European starlings
- Rock doves (Pigeons)
- Other exotic, non-native species
- Domestic animals, including chickens, certain species of quail, and domestic ducks
Birds:
- All other native species of birds
Rabbits:
- Cottontail rabbits
- Swamp rabbits
- Jackrabbits
Raccoons (rabies vectors / pre-exposure rabies shots required) Rats/Mice/Other small rodents Opossums Amphibians:
- Frogs
- Toads
Houston Toad Squirrels:
- Flying squirrel
Squirrels:
- Gray squirrels
- Fox squirrels
- Ground squirrels
Turtles and Tortoises:
- Water turtles
- Box turtles
Texas Tortoises:
- Alligator Snapping Turtle (endangered/heavily protected)
Snakes and Lizards Reptiles::
- Texas horned lizard (endangered/heavily protected)
Bats (rabies vectors / pre-exposure rabies shots required); however common species are not protected Armadillos
