.04 Permit Requirements.

A. 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.

B. To apply for a permit, an applicant shall:

(1) Be 18 years old or older;

(2) Demonstrate reasonable experience and skill in handling and caring for wild animals by:

(a) Holding a degree in veterinary medicine, veterinary technology, or animal science; or

(b) Providing documentation that the person has provided physical care for animals under the authority of a permit allowing a person to rehabilitate wildlife; and

(3) Sign an affidavit which states an agreement to abide by this chapter and all State and federal wildlife laws and regulations.

C. Expiration and Renewal.

(1) Except as provided in §C(2) of this regulation, a permit expires on December 31 of the year following the year of its issuance.

(2) 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.

D. A permittee may renew a permit if the permittee has complied with the requirements of this chapter for:

(1) Recordkeeping;

(2) Rehabilitation activities;

(3) Continuing education;

(4) Appropriate sponsorship for apprentice class permittees;

(5) Inspection of facilities; and

(6) Identification of a veterinary consultant.

E. A person shall notify the Department within 24 hours of the receipt of any species listed as State or federally threatened or endangered.

F. The permit allowing a person to rehabilitate wildlife may contain other terms and conditions considered appropriate by the Department.