So you want to be a rehabber?
Jack Hubley
Sunday News Lancaster
http://www.lancnews.com
05/24/98
(Copyright 1998 Lancaster Newspapers)

Wendy Looker smiles when people call her about a "career" in wildlife rehabilitation. Rehab - the care and release of orphaned and injured wildlife - is, indeed, an official program, overseen by the state Rehabilitation and Education Council and regulated by the Pa. Game Commission.

But PGC does not pay its licensed rehabbers, and any experienced rehabilitator will quickly point out that rescuing wildlife is no way to make a living. In fact, all things considered - food, housing, veterinarian supplies and care, hours invested - rehab can be very expensive.

If you're still not discouraged, don't think you'll simply be filling out an application and getting your license. Your first step is to contact your region office of the game commission (ours is in Reading) and request a copy of the rehab regulations. If you stick with it, you'll eventually be taking a written test and an oral interview with the state council. If you make the grade - in your choice of three areas: mammals, raptors or songbirds - you'll be classified as a novice rehabber. But don't go trotting your assemblage of "lecture animals" to the local elementary school just yet. You won't be eligible for your education permit until you qualify for your general permit after two years as a novice.

If all this sounds a bit daunting, it should. Your best bet is to begin swapping your time and talents for hands-on experience by working under the tutelage of a licensed rehabilitator. Lord knows, the handful of rehabbers within driving distance can use your help. In return, you'll obtain the knowledge you'll need to pass the test and gain some unvarnished insight into what this demanding avocation is all about.

If you're interested in volunteering here's a few names and numbers of the most active rehab organizations in our area: Dauphin County Wildlife Rescue, Beth Carricato, Harrisburg, 566-2613; Rehabitat, Wendy Looker, Dillsburg, 432-9483; York Wildcare, Michelle Eaton, York, 757-4420; Bird Rescue, Teresa Deckard, York, 843-5695.