Code of Colorado Regulations
400 - Department of Natural Resources
406 - Colorado Parks and Wildlife (406 Series, Wildlife)
2 CCR 406-14 - CHAPTER W-14 - WILDLIFE REHABILITATION
Article II - POSSESSION AND REHABILITATION OF SICK, INJURED, OR ORPHANED WILDLIFE
Section 1405 - CARE, TREATMENT AND DISPOSITION OF WILDLIFE

A. A DVM must approve all medications, medical treatments, diagnostic and prognostic procedures. Anesthesia and surgery will be conducted only by a DVM or under direct DVM supervision.

B. If the rehabilitator or DVM determines that any wildlife is not likely to survive, it must be euthanized immediately by the DVM or rehabilitator.

C. As soon as it can be determined that sick or injured wildlife is not likely to recover within 180 days, it must be euthanized, unless prior Division approval is given for extended care, provided further, however, that the Division may authorize the transfer of any raptor determined by the Division to be recovered, but non-releasable, to any person in possession of a valid federal permit issued for the express purpose of conducting conservation education.

D. It shall be unlawful to provide wildlife care that seriously impairs the potential success of release, such as but not limited to wing amputation, without approval of the Division.

E. A DVM may render emergency care and treatment to sick or injured wildlife without a wildlife rehabilitation license. Whenever a DVM renders such care or treatment he or she shall transfer responsibility for such wildlife either to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or notify the Division within 24 hours of initial contact with the wildlife. Any care and treatment rendered shall not create a financial obligation to the Division or licensed wildlife rehabilitator without prior approval.

F. Any DVM, licensed wildlife rehabilitator, full time employee of the Division, Peace Officer as defined in 33-1-102(32) C.R.S., Animal Control Officer or anyone else authorized by the Division may euthanize injured wildlife when such person determines that no other reasonable action would be practical, humane or effective for the rehabilitation of the wildlife.

G. Factors that shall be considered in determining what action should be taken relative to injured wildlife include:

H. Any person euthanizing wildlife using chemical agents which have the potential to cause secondary poisoning must provide for appropriate burial, incineration, or other lawful disposition of such wildlife.

I. Except as provided below, it shall be unlawful to use leashes and tethers in the rehabilitation of wildlife. Creances for flying raptors in rehabilitation may be used only for sound biological reasons under the supervision of a veterinarian approved by the Division. Creances shall not be used as a substitute for flight cages for pre-release training and exercise.