Both the State and Federal governments have strict guidelines that we, at TWRC, must abide by. This includes how we operate the Center, and how we approach triage and rehabilitation of the animals brought to us.

State and federal laws protect nearly all wild mammals and birds. It is against the law to keep, which the government refers to as 'kidnap', a baby or adult bird or animal as a pet. It is against the law to possess the animal or bird or the nests, feathers, or eggs of protected species without special permits.

While the following list generally includes animals that we receive at TWRC, it is not all-inclusive. Any threatened or endangered species of animals are protected, and require special permissions for extended rehabilitative care.

UNPROTECTED

PROTECTED

State and/or federal permits
are required to care for these
animals and birds

Birds:

    • House sparrows
    • European starlings
    • Rock doves (Pigeons)
    • Other exotic, non-native species
    • Domestic animals, including chickens, certain species of quail, and domestic ducks

Birds:

All other native species of birds

Rabbits

  • Cottontail rabbits
  • Swamp rabbits
  • Jackrabbits

Raccoons (rabies vectors / pre-exposure rabies shots required)

Rats/Mice/Other small rodent

Opossums

Amphibians

  • Frogs
  • Toads

Houston Toad

Squirrels

Flying squirrels

Squirrels

  • Gray squirrels
  • Fox squirrels
  • Ground squirrels

Turtles and Tortoises

  • Water turtles
  • Box turtles

Texas tortoises (endangered/heavily protected)

  • Alligator Snapping Turtle

Snakes and Lizards
Armadillos

Reptiles

  • Texas horned lizard (endangered/heavily protected)

Bats (rabies vectors / pre-exposure rabies shots required)