Laws and Regulations of Wildlife Medicine for DVMs in Private Practice
Module Goals
- Know the North Carolina state laws pertaining to the possession and rehabilitation of native turtles
- Be able to inform clients of the laws about native turtles
If you would like to listen to an audio recording of this module, please click here. (Duration: 3:28)
Introduction
While you are likely familiar with the state laws regarding the practice of veterinary medicine on companion animals, there are a few laws and regulations in place to protect native turtles of which you should be aware. More information about wildlife regulations can be found at the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) website, and if you have specific questions about the enforcement or interpretation of any regulations, we suggest contacting one of the NCWRC officers for clarification.
N.C. Regulations on Turtles and Rehabilitation
- Anyone is permitted to collect injured native wildlife as long as they transport the animal to a licensed veterinarian or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator within 24 hours.
- A person may be in possession of less than 5 native reptiles without needing a Captivity License.
- This is important as it means anyone is permitted to hold a turtle as a temporary rehabber as long as they have 4 or fewer native reptiles in their care. At TRT, we often transfer patients that do not need to be in the hospital but are not ready to be released to volunteers who can rehab them for a short period of time.
- This regulation does NOT apply to protected species* – these animals must be transferred to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for continued care when they leave your hospital.
- Anyone wishing to hold 5 or more reptiles for rehabilitation, or who wishes to rehabilitate protected species*, must have a Captivity License for Rehabilitation from the NCWRC.
*Protected Species:
The species below are considered to be endangered, threatened, or of special concern by the NCWRC. If you treat these species in your practice, they should be transferred to licensed wildlife rehabilitators for continued care prior to release if needed.
- Bog turtles – Threatened (NC and federally)
- Diamondback terrapins – Special Concern (NC)
- Eastern spiny softshell turtles – Special Concern (NC)
- Stripe-necked musk turtle – Special Concern (NC)
Most sea turtle species are considered either endangered or threatened both in NC and federally – please refer all sea turtle patients to licensed sea turtle rehabilitation facilities.
Additional Resources
- Regulations on Possession and Collection of Nongame Wildlife
- Information about the Wildlife Rehabilitation License
- List of Protected Species in NC
Key Concepts
- Any person can possess fewer than five native reptiles.
- Injured wildlife of any species should be transferred to a licensed veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator within 24 hours.
- Protected species must be transferred to licensed rehabilitators for continued care.