Fox Run Environmental Education Center

Wildlife rehabilitation is the rescue and care of injured and orphaned wildlife. Wildlife rehabilitators play an important role as conservationists and humanitarians.

Are you interested in becoming a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator? Keep reading as I am going to give you first-hand knowledge based on twelve years of personal experience on what it takes to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

The red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans)is one of the most familiar turtles in North America. Many people recognize it from backyard ponds, city parks, and pet stores. This species is hardy, adaptable, and long-lived, which explains both its success in the wild and the serious problems it causes when released outside its native range. They inhabit freshwater on all continents across the world, except for Antarctica.

Removing them from their territory can cause confusion and even death. Turtles who are unable to find their way home often die of starvation. One study done on Eastern Box Turtles found that only 47% of translocated turtles survived and established a new home range.