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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where is Ellicott Wildlife Rehabilitation Center located?
A. It is a home-based facility located in Ellicott, Colorado, on the eastern plains. Most wildlife rehab facilities in our state are home-based, but are still inspected regularly by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. Although we do work from our homes, there are rules and standards we follow. This center is located in El Paso County and provides information, services, and animal intake throughout Colorado.
Q. What is wildlife rehabilitation?
A. It is rescuing orphaned and injured wild animals, caring for them and then releasing them back into the wild. Occasionally, a bird of prey does not recover well enough to be released and may be kept in captivity as an educational animal. According to Colorado law, mammals cannot be used for educational purposes.
Q. What is a rehabilitator?
A. EWRC rehabbers are volunteers that provide supportive care for wild birds and small mammals after they have been treated by the veterinarian. We are state licensed for all mammals, and state and federally licensed for birds. This is work that requires a strong commitment and work ethic, as during peak season there are no days off. This is physically demanding work as well, not to mention stressful at times. And financially draining. Rehab dropout and burnout is high. But one of the greatest rewards is the successful rehab and release of the animals you've spent all that time and energy caring for.
Q. How do I become a wildlife rehabilitator?
A. wildlife rehabilitator is licensed by the state to rehabilitate mammals and birds. A license issued by the Federal government is also required to rehabilitate migratory birds. To obtain these licenses, you must first become sponsored by a licensed rehabilitator. Pleas contact us for additional information.
Q. What medical services does EWRC provide?
A. We are not veterinarians and do not perform surgeries, radiology, chemical, or other such services. These are performed by the veterinarians. We provide supportive care at our facility after the vets have surgically and medically treated the animals.
Q. Who pays the rehabbers?
A. Nobody. We are all unpaid volunteers at EWRC. No paid staff.
Q. What animals does EWRC care for?
A. EWRC is licensed for ALL birds and small mammals, coyote-sized on down (including bats and some skunk species). We are not, however, licensed to take deer. We provide services to wildlife only-no dogs, cats, chickens, or the like. Please contact local animal rescue agencies.
Q. How are they housed?
A. Initially, in comfortable indoor quarters, away from the sounds, sights and smells of humans and other animals. When physically ready and eating on their own, moved to spacious outdoor enclosures, predator-proof and escape-proof, so they can exercise, hunt for food, enjoy the sun and the rain (when we're lucky enough to get rain) and see the stars. This is very important for birds. This is their physical therapy; once the animal is moved out, the only handling is health checks. Minimal handling is key. Cage decorations are easily portable, to respect animals' ages, sizes, and degree of disability.
Q. Who pays for all this?
A. Oftentimes the rehabbers, who also work regular jobs to be able to afford to do this! We get some help via donations and grants.
Q. Who does all the work?
A. Mostly rehabbers do the day-to-day cleaning, feeding, phones, paperwork, and such. We simply couldn't be as effective without all of the volunteer help.
Q. What happens to the animals on rehabber days off?
A. There are NO rehabber days off during busy season; this is 24-7. In the winter, if we don't have too many animals still in rehab, we may be lucky enough to find another rehabber to take over so we can get away for a day or two. Some of us haven't had a day off in several years, and it shows!
Q. What happens to animals that can't be released?
A. Per Colorado and federal law, any mammal that cannot be released must be euthanized. Raptors are sometimes permitted, both state and federally, to be maintained for educational programs. See DOW and USFWS for details. IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO HOLD ANY WILD BIRD OR MAMMAL WITHOUT PROPER PERMITS. Penalties can be severe otherwise. It is also illegal for people and/or pets to harass, shoot, or poison wildlife. If you see this, contact the CDOW immediately.
Q. Where does EWRC release the wild animals?
A. Almost always, exactly where they were picked up from, if it's a good situation for the animal. This is one of the reasons we need your contact information, as when the animal is ready for release, we invite you to do the release with us.
Q. Can we come to the facility to look at the animals?
A. Sorry, our facility is not open to the public because it is a violation of our permits, and also because wild animals benefit from a low-stress environment & minimal human contact. However, we look forward to visiting your school, church, daycare, or other place to discuss wildlife with the help of our wildlife ambassadors, Hootie and Handsome*.
*Programs with live birds will be conducted within a 60-mile radius of Ellicott, out of consideration of the birds' comfort during traveling.
Q. How can I help?
A. Donate materials, money, time or services-see volunteer page. Become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. We offer a sponsorship program. Be a good caretaker of all animals, not just wildlife. Be a good caretaker of your environment as well.
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