Wildlife Regulations

Federal and state regulations are in place to protect wildlife in Ohio including prohibiting ownership of native wild animals. A private citizen sheltering an injured animal must turn it over to a care facility within 24 hours. These facilities must be licensed by the state and hold specific permits, most established in the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918, for animals taken under their care.

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The Medina Raptor Center holds permits for the care of:

• Owls, hawks, falcons, eagles, ospreys and turkey vultures

• Native songbirds

• Trumpeter and Tundra swans, shorebirds and herons

 

We cannot take in:

• Mammals such as bats, deer, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, etc.

• Ducks, geese and divers

• Mute swans

  • These swans, with orange bills, are an invasive species that are displacing our native wildlife.

• European starlings or House (English) sparrows

  • These are also invasive species that are displacing our native cavity nesting songbirds.

• Domestic birds, domestic ducks or any kind of poultry

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MRC is not an animal control business. For all of the above situations, please call ODNR AT (614) 265-6565 for assistance.

 

We also do not rescue birds from inside homes or buildings. We can, however, suggest safe ways to handle this situation. Please call us at (330) 591-7300 for assistance.

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