Dear NC veterinarian,

      Wildlife rehabilitators across the state need you. More importantly, wildlife needs you. As a licensed veterinarian you undoubtedly come in contact with injured, native wildlife with some frequency.
       Do any of these scenarios sound familiar? A client calls about a nest full of baby songbirds that fell down during a storm. A well-intentioned member of the general public delivers an injured squirrel to your doorstep. How about a great horned owl or a fawn, hit by a car! Many calls start with “my cat found this bird” or “my dog caught a bunny” and the client looks to you to utilize your time and resources to help these animals.
      Wildlife Rehabilitators of North Carolina (WRNC) is a nonprofit, membership organization committed to sharing information and knowledge about wildlife rehabilitation for the benefit of native wildlife. We would like to offer our assistance to the veterinary community as it responds to wildlife calls. WRNC has more than 100 members statewide and most are licensed or working on getting licensed by the state of North Carolina and/or the US Fish and Wildlife Service. WRNC offers a quarterly newsletter to its members and provides continuing education through instructional classes and an annual symposium. Our members are kept abreast of the ongoing changes and new information available in the growing field of wildlife rehabilitation.
      Please take some time to get to know your local wildlife rehabilitators – they can be a valuable asset to your clinic and to the local community. Many rehabilitators specialize in certain types of animals and have learned through years of dedication and hard work the best techniques for caring for their wild patients. They provide long term care for wildlife and keep you from breaking the law (yes, it's actually not legal to rehabilitate wildlife without a license even if you are a veterinarian). By referring wildlife cases to licensed rehabilitators you will provide assistance to your community and distressed wildlife without the personal worry about the long-term care and housing for these animals during the rehabilitation phase of care. Most licensed rehabilitators work from their homes and provide around the clock care for their patients.

There are at least two ways WRNC can help you help your clients.

1. WRNC makes available a brochure that provides information about native wildlife and wildlife rehabilitation. It lists possible solutions, advice, and referral information to help you contend with some of the common wildlife problems and frequently encountered situations. The brochure can be posted in your office or handed out to your clientele.

2. This section of WRNC’s website is dedicated to the veterinary community. You and your staff can use it to find a listing of licensed rehabilitators, upcoming continuing education classes in the area, and information about WRNC's annual symposium.

Sincerely,
The Board of WRNC