Flemington Online Announcements

RVCC offers wildlife rehabilitation course

December 28, 2011

Whether it’s a squirrel that the family cat has found or a tiny fawn that has fallen into the swimming pool, more and more New Jersey residents are interacting with wildlife in their daily activities. Not knowing where to turn for assistance can make the problem even more difficult.

This is where wildlife rehabilitators provide a valuable public service. Wildlife rehabilitation is the process of providing care for orphaned and injured native wild animals with the end goal of releasing these animals back to their natural habitats. Wildlife rehabilitators assist callers with wildlife issues and provide a second chance to thousands of native wild animals.

Most states, including New Jersey, require permits in order to provide wildlife rehabilitation services. Raritan Valley Community College is now offering a five day course, the Basic Training Course for Wildlife Rehabilitation, to be held Jan. 9 through 13, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Approved by the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife, this course is part of an alternative route program to meet New Jersey State licensing requirements for wildlife rehabilitators.

The Basic Training Course for Wildlife Rehabilitation focuses on the skill sets necessary to become a successful wildlife rehabilitator. This course offers information and professional training on wildlife rehabilitation provided by some of the most knowledgeable instructors in the field of wildlife rehabilitation. It includes history, licensing requirements and regulations, mammal, bird and reptile species identification and anatomy, proper handling, care and nutrition, medical procedures, and much more.

In addition to persons interested in becoming licensed wildlife rehabilitators, this course will benefit currently licensed rehabilitators wishing to add new species to their permit as well as anyone who is interested in gaining knowledge about native New Jersey wildlife.

Registration will be through Raritan Valley Community College at 908-253-6688. Enrollment is open to anyone; and, there is no requirement for prior experience or training to attend this course. Contact Career Development Institute with any additional course content or certification questions that you may have at 732-821-6997. Faculty biographies, course schedule and addition information is available at cditraining.org.