<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".04" citation="COMAR 08.03.12.04" title_num="08" subtitle_num="03" chapter_num="12" heading="Permit Requirements.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>A permit, authorized in accordance with Natural Resources Article, §10-908, Annotated Code of Maryland, is required before a person may rehabilitate wildlife. Under the authority of the permit, a person may capture, receive, possess, transport, or transfer a wild animal to rehabilitate it for release in the wild.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>To apply for a permit, an applicant shall:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Be 18 years old or older;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Demonstrate reasonable experience and skill in handling and caring for wild animals by:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Holding a degree in veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, or animal science; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Providing documentation that the person has provided physical care for animals under the authority of a permit allowing a person to rehabilitate wildlife; and</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Sign an affidavit which states an agreement to abide by this chapter and all State and federal wildlife laws and regulations.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Expiration and Renewal.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Except as provided in §C(2) of this regulation, a permit expires on December 31 of the year following the year of its issuance.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>If a permittee applies for renewal of a permit in a timely manner, and meets the requirements of §D of this regulation, the Department shall issue a renewal permit to the permit holder for a 2-year term.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>A permittee may renew a permit if the permittee has complied with the requirements of this chapter for:</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Recordkeeping;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Rehabilitation activities;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>Continuing education;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>Appropriate sponsorship for apprentice class permittees;</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(5)">
      <text>Inspection of facilities; and</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(6)">
      <text>Identification of a veterinary consultant.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>A person shall notify the Department within 24 hours of the receipt of any species listed as State or federally threatened or endangered.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="F.">
    <text>The permit allowing a person to rehabilitate wildlife may contain other terms and conditions considered appropriate by the Department.</text>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>