Occasionally I recieve calls about wildlife rehabilitation, and people also request permission to release at the preserve a groundhog (or other critter) they trapped in their yard. (And sometimes they don't ask and I find them just doing it!)
We aren't licensed or equipped to do wildlife rehabilitation here, and though we have varied wildlife habitats at Crow's Nest Preserve, we don't want you to release any wildlife here. Moving animals could spread disease, and many animals do not adapt to a new habitat successfully. And in some cases they could alter the web of relationships among wildlife, for example the release of non-native pet fish that consume the food sources of a host of native fish and amphibians.
For questions about mammals or birds you can call the Pennsylvania Game Commission Southeast Region office, 877-877-9470. For amphibians and fish: the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, 717-705-7800.
In many cases it is best to leave injured wildlife alone. Animals are part of a complex community and people's intervention could have unanticipated consequences for the individual or the other species that are also part of that community.
There are a few rehabilitators in our area: Tri-State Bird Rescue, 302-737-9543; Wild Wings Rehabilitation Center, 610-486-6067; and Reynarden Farm Wildlife Rescue, 610-584-5686. These are nonprofit, often volunteer organizations that need the support of the people who contact them.
