Rehabbing Injured Wildlife

June 3 2021

Question: I recently came across a severely injured crow in the middle of a road. I carried it to a safe place on the sidewalk, but it died before I could get help. Would it have been legal for me to take the bird home and rehabilitate it on my own? 

Answer: No. First of all, it is illegal for a member of the general public to possess wildlife, per California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 679(a). Also note that CCR, Title 14, section 671(c) prohibits the importation, transportation or possession of crows, except under a Restricted Species Permit issued by CDFW for scientific or educational purposes. However, section 679(b) states that a person may temporarily confine injured wildlife if they notify CDFW within 48 hours. Notifications should be made to the appropriate CDFW Regional Office. That being said, we suggest trying to find a permitted wildlife rehabilitation facility that can treat the animal as soon as possible. You can also contact your local animal control agency. The rehabilitation of wildlife is only allowed by permitted wildlife rehabilitation facilities. While we appreciate your desire to help the injured bird, wildlife rehabilitation is regulated in California to ensure animals are cared for and housed properly and that their reintroduction into the wild is done carefully. It may be worth entering the CDFW Regional Office contact information and the nearest rehabilitation facility contact information into your phone ahead of time in case you are confronted by a wild bird or animal in distress like this again.