There are federal, state and local laws that apply to wildlife in California. Proposed laws go through a bill process, and must be sponsored and passed, before being signed into law. Regulations are adopted to help implement laws. Title 14 California Code of Regulations (CCR) are set by the Fish and Game Commission (FGC) and the Department enforces regulations set by the FGC. Department policies, such as rehabilitation criteria for black bears, have been developed to guide decision-making and address regulatory or departmental needs.
The temporary possession of wildlife for the purpose of rehabilitation and release to the wild is allowed under a Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit issued by the Department pursuant to Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) §679. A Restricted Species Permit (CCR §671) is required for any person who imports, exports, transports, or possesses a restricted species in California such as an exotic animal (e.g., ferret, monkey) or non-releasable native wildlife.
FGC Rulemaking Process
A complex rulemaking process to update CCR §679 Possession of Wildlife and Wildlife Rehabilitation is currently underway. These regulations were first adopted in 1994 with a minor update in 2007. The state is looking to modernize the program by creating new regulations that address these issues and better support both wildlife rehabilitators and the sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals they care for. The proposed changes to the regulations would repeal Section 679 and add sections 679.1 through 679.9 and incorporate by reference chapters 2 and 3 of a new Wildlife Rehabilitation 679 Regulations Manual.
Public comment period open
Written comments must be received before 12:00 noon (PST) on December 6, 2024. It is requested, but not required, that written comments via mail are submitted on or before November 27, 2024. Interested parties may convey comments on proposed regulations:
- via e-mail to CDFW (Attn: Vicky Monroe) at Rehabwildlife@wildlife.ca.gov
- via e-mail to FGC at
- via mail to the FGC, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
- in-person at the FGC, 715 P Street, 16th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814
- in-person at an FGC Meeting