OAR 635-062-0020: Restricted Species

The following categories of wildlife may not be rehabilitated and released under these rules: (1) Nonnative wildlife classified as prohibited or noncontrolled per the wildlife integrity rules (OAR 635-056-0050 & 0060) or classified as controlled and specifically not allowed to be released in the wild (OAR 635-056-0070) shall not be rehabilitated or released into the wild. If these species are received by a permittee, the permittee must humanely euthanize the nonnative wildlife within 24 hours of receiving the animal. Nonnative wildlife listed as game animals in OAR 635 Division 045 are not affected by these rules. (2) Imported native wildlife except migratory birds as defined in 635-062-0035 (2). (3) Marine mammals (a) Unless specifically authorized by the Department and NMFS, marine mammals shall not be rehabilitated; (b) Section 109(h)(1) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act authorizes Federal, State, or local government officials or employees or designees, including members of the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network, to humanely euthanize marine mammals in severe distress. (4) Coyote (Canis latrans). Permittees must notify the local Department district wildlife biologist within 24 hours of receiving a coyote into their facility. Coyotes may be housed for up to 48 hours while the Department locates and places the animal in a pre-approved facility or other disposition as determined by the Department. (5) Cougar (Felis concolor). Wildlife rehabilitators must notify the local Department district wildlife biologist immediately upon receipt of a cougar into their facility. (a) Cougar kittens confirmed to be orphaned by the Department will not be rehabilitated for release to the wild due to public safety concerns. (b) All cougars will be immediately transferred to Department veterinary staff at the ODFW Wildlife Health Lab for health and behavior evaluations and placement in a Department-approved Association of Zoos and Aquarium (AZA) accredited facility or other disposition as determined by Department staff. (c) Non-AZA accredited zoos available for holding cougar kittens be approved by the Department veterinarian or division administrator prior to placement.