VETS 320 - Wildlife Rehabilitation

Credit Hours: 2
Lecture Hours: 2
Laboratory Hours: 0

Prerequisite(s): VETS 120 VETS 171 BIOL 218 VETS 204 With a grade of C or better.

Restriction(s): Enrolled in Veterinary Technology - BS or by advisement.

In this lecture-based course, students will learn about wildlife rehabilitation in its many aspects and applications. Students will learn about the laws and regulations that go into licensure, the different problems encountered by rehabilitators, and the importance of wildlife rehabilitation. Students will learn how to safely capture, diagnose, house, treat, and release wildlife of various species. Students will also get the opportunity to sign up for the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Licensure Exam. Prerequisites: VETS 120, VETS 171, VETS 204, C or better. (2: 2, 0)

Student Learning Outcomes of the Course:

Students will understand the importance of protecting themselves from zoonotic illnesses, how to recognize common zoonotic illnesses, and how to report instances of zoonotic illnesses to the proper governing bodies if necessary.
Students will learn about the scope of responsibilities held by the wildlife rehabilitator, what different licenses are, and what government agencies oversee each of the licenses.
Students will learn about common species of reptilian, mammalian, and avian wildlife in our region, their life cycles, habitats, and basic biology.
Students will be able to identify common life stages of each species presented and be able to identify care needed, including proper restraint techniques, nutrition requirements, safe capture, housing, and release methods and treatment protocols.