Wildlife rehabilitators across Texas are divided after the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission unanimously approved sweeping changes to the state's wildlife rehabilitation program on May 29, despite overwhelming opposition during the public comment process.
The new rules, which won't take effect until Sept. 1, 2027, are intended to professionalize wildlife rehabilitation, strengthen oversight and create a clearer pathway for training future rehabilitators. But critics warn the changes could reduce capacity at a time when Texas already struggles to meet the public's wildlife rescue needs.
Texas Parks and Wildlife officials said the current system allows someone to become a permitted wildlife rehabilitator by watching a two-hour training video and passing a 10-question exam.
"Wildlife rehabilitation has evolved into a highly complex and technical field," Richard Heilbrun, deputy director of TPWD's Wildlife Division, told commissioners. "We have many experienced rehabbers that are talented and knowledgeable, but in thinking about the future, there is very little way for us to transfer that knowledge to new rehabilitators."
The adopted rules require future permit applicants to gain hands-on experience before receiving their own permit, create new permit tiers based on experience, require a veterinary consultation relationship and increase continuing education requirements...
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