For Release: December 31, 1997

Contact: Lori Suprock 277-1267 or 789-0281

Stephanie Powell 277-2771 ext. 4418

PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is offering the third annual International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council (IWRC) Basic Skills Course at the University of Rhode Island on March 7 and 8, 1998.

The course is a prerequisite to becoming a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in Rhode Island. Successful completion of the course is the first requirement toward becoming licensed. Among other requirements for licensing are proper facilities and certain vaccinations.

Participants must be prepared for the 15-hour class by having read the class manual and having completed the assigned homework. An exam will be held at the end of the class. The class involves both classroom and laboratory sessions.

The critical needs of wild animals require specific knowledge of diet, drug dosages, physical restraint and housing that can only be acquired by specialized study. Potential rehabilitators must have the commitment of time, energy, and money before undertaking the activity.

DEM’s Fish and Wildlife Division offers several additional manuals for those who have taken the course that provide excellent information as well as an apprentice program for new rehabilitators, so they can learn from experienced people.

Those interested in taking the course can register by calling the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council at (707) 864-1761 Pacific time, or faxing them at (707) 864-3106. The cost of the course is $85 for IWRC members and $95 for non-members.

For more information on the course, becoming a rehabilitator, or how to help, contact Lori Suprock at 277-1267 or 789-0281 weekdays.

The IWRC has been conducting the basic skills course throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and parts of Central America since 1983. The Council also serves the rehabilitation community with advanced courses, conferences, and educational material.