.24 Disposition of Trapped Wildlife.

A. Any live wildlife taken into possession under the authority of this permit, except as provided in §§B—G of this regulation, shall be:

(1) Released on site;

(2) Transported and released on a wildlife management area or other areas with written permission from the landowner or managing authority, within the same or an adjacent county; or

(3) Killed.

B. Coyote, bobcat, muskrat, mink, and otter shall be:

(1) Released on site; or

(2) Killed.

C. Raccoon, skunk, and fox shall be:

(1) Released on site;

(2) Killed; or

(3) Transported to a person licensed to rehabilitate rabies vector species if they are orphaned, healthy, and dependent young.

D. Nutria and mute swans shall be killed.

E. Reptiles and amphibians shall be:

(1) Released on site; or

(2) Transported and released on a wildlife management area or on other areas with written permission from the landowner or managing authority, within 2 miles of the location of capture.

F. Sick or injured wildlife shall be:

(1) Transported to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator authorized to handle that wildlife; or

(2) Killed.

G. Any captured nontarget species shall be released on site.

H. Unless specifically authorized by the Service, a wildlife damage control operator may not possess in captivity for longer than 24 hours any wildlife captured under authority of this permit.

I. Transportation.

(1) Captured wildlife shall be transported in covered, secure containers to minimize stress to the animal and potential hazards to the general public.

(2) While transporting wildlife in a cage trap, the wildlife damage control operator shall:

(a) Minimize stress to the animal and its exposure to the elements by covering the trap or vehicle with appropriate material; and

(b) Ensure that the covering is of such material that the animal has an adequate supply of air to prevent overheating.

J. The permission of the landowner or client is required to release wildlife on site as allowed in §§A—C and E of this regulation.