(a) The proper care of distressed wildlife requires special knowledge and facilities not possessed by the general public. The purpose of this Part is to establish a specially trained group of individuals, collectively called wildlife rehabilitators, to provide for the care of injured and debilitated wildlife so that such wildlife may be returned to the wild. Appointed by the Department of Environmental Conservation and licensed pursuant to Environmental Conservation Law, section 11-0515, the wildlife rehabilitator is authorized to possess wildlife found by other persons and provide necessary aid. By encouraging that injured or debilitated wildlife be placed in the care of specially trained wildlife rehabilitators, it is possible to achieve more humane care and greater expectation that distressed wildlife can be returned to the wild.

(b) Nothing in this Part authorizes or is intended to authorize a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to practice veterinary medicine in violation of article 135 of the Education Law. A rehabilitator rendering gratuitous services in case of emergency should not attempt diagnosis or treatment beyond his or her level of skill and training.