So you want to care for that little baby raccoon, opossum, or baby robin on your own?

Get a permit first!

In Illinois, you can't just wing it (pun intended) when it comes to wildlife rehab. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) needs to know you're the real deal. Getting a permit shows you've got the knowledge and facilities to provide proper care.

To find out how to become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in Illinois you will need to contact Brian Clark with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Law Enforcement License and Permit Programs. His number is (217) 782-6431. His email is brian.clark@illinois.gov Ask for a wildlife rehabilitation packet. To see the application go to https://dnr2.illinois.gov/ScientificPermit/SciPermit Rehab permits are called scientic permits in Illinois.

Being a wildlife rehabilitator takes commitment. Baby animals need to be fed often and -- even more so than a domestic pet -- they can't be left unattended.

"It's like jumping off a building," Ann Sullivan, of Rock Island, said. "You can't stop half-way down and say, 'I don't want to do this anymore.'"

There are expenses. One must have the ability to nurture and let go and know when an animal cannot be saved.

Birds are another matter

To legally care for most injured, orphaned or abandoned birds, one not only needs a federal license issued through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service but first must have a state permit in order to get a federal permit. That's because most birds fall under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Visit the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council here.............https://theiwrc.org/

Visit the National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association here.....................https://www.nwrawildlife.org/