BRWC reminds citizens that some wildlife is illegal to keep

The Blue Ridge Wildlife Center reminds citizens that it is illegal to keep a wild bird in captivity in the United States.

The issue arose when a well-intentioned individual couldn’t renest a nestling blue jay and tried to care for it.

Once the individual found out it was illegal, they took it to an authorized care facility.

The bird was found to be overweight with poor plumage and completely incapable of flight.

The facility is hoping to correct the situation with proper diet and rehabilitation.

Even with that the changes of the bird returning to the wild are poor.

Where it is illegal to keep wild birds in your care throughout all the United States and has been since 1918.

The regulations regarding amphibians, reptiles and mammals very state to state.

Even wildlife centers must have prior authorization from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to care for wild birds.

In all cases it is never a good idea to try to keep and care for any wild animal it is always best to contact animal control to ensure proper care.

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