Section 147.309. Educational use of rehabilitation wildlife permits

(a) Wildlife native to this Commonwealth which is held under the authority of a wildlife rehabilitation permit may be utilized for educational programs or exhibits by wildlife rehabilitators or their designated assistants only when in the possession of a valid educational use of rehabilitation wildlife permit.

(b) Permit applications must be made in writing to the Bureau of Wildlife Protection and include the following:

(1) The name, address and permit number of the applicant.

(2) The name, address and telephone number of designated assistants, if any.

(3) A list of wildlife species to be utilized.

(4) The area, county or counties, in which the programs will be conducted.

(5) The educational experience or background of the applicant and the designated assistants.

(6) A general outline setting forth program goals and objectives.

(c) Permit applications will be approved by the Council and the Bureau of Wildlife Protection.

(d) Permit conditions are as follows:

(1) Only nonreleasable wildlife which visibly appears to be in good condition may be utilized.

(2) Not more than ten specimens of wildlife which are determined to be nonreleasable may be used by the permittee for educational exhibits or programs held away from the established rehabilitation facility, unless further restricted by State or Federal permits.

(3) Human contact may not be permitted with the wildlife and the wildlife shall be restrained to preclude danger to the public or injury to the specimen. Free flying of any species is prohibited.

(4) RVS may not be used for educational programs or exhibits.

(e) Records shall be maintained by the permittee and include the date, location and listing of wildlife used for each exhibit or program conducted. These records shall be retained for 2 years and be available for inspection by the wildlife conservation officer or other officers of the Commission at any reasonable hour. A copy of these records shall be made available to the Bureau of Wildlife Protection upon request.

(f) Educational use of rehabilitation wildlife permit holders may apply for salvage permits.

(g) Failure to comply with one or more conditions of the permit will be reason for suspension, denial or recall of the permit.

The provisions of this § 147.309 amended March 8, 2002, effective March 9, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 1307; amended December 19, 2008, effective December 20, 2008, 38 Pa.B. 6928. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (287505) to (287506).

Notation

Authority

The provisions of this § 147.309 amended under the Game and Wildlife Code, 34 Pa.C.S. § 2901(b).