Invasive animals and other pests have been introduced into the United States, including the state or Ohio, and have become a threat to native wildlife. These animals, plants, fish and invertebrates generally have no natural enemies, which can lead to rapid spread and population growth. This, in turn, can severely damage state lands and waters, negatively affecting the health and populations of a variety of plants and animals native to the state. Common invasive species in Ohio include the emerald ash borer and the Asian longhorned beetle. There are two categories of wildlife rehabilitation permits in Ohio. Full details can be found in Ohio Administrative Code 1501:31-25-03v1. Complaints about a person who possesses a « dangerous wildlife » should be made by phone at (614) 728-6220 or by email at dwa.cdb@agri.ohio.gov the Ministry of Agriculture. The Ohio Wildlife Center holds permits that allow us to temporarily keep native wildlife in our care, provide wildlife rehabilitation services for the purpose of release, and keep certain individual native animals in wildlife care as long-term educational ambassadors. Without these permissions, we would not be eligible to participate in any of these activities.

1. The Head of the Wildlife Division or his representative shall grant a licence for commercial harassment of wild animals to any person who applies therefor in writing under the following conditions: (a) The application shall be made in the form and manner prescribed by the Head of the Wildlife Division: (a) Without prejudice to any other provision of this article: Any person is authorized to: take crows that commit or intend to plunder ornamental or shady trees, agricultural crops, livestock or wild animals, or if they concentrate in such numbers as to present a danger to health or other nuisances. (a) White-tailed deer that cause damage or have become pests shall not be captured or killed by licensed commercial wildlife control enterprises or other persons unless the landowner or his representative, if the damage or nuisance occurs, has obtained permission from the chief of the Department of Wildlife or his agent. 2. The head of the Wildlife Division or his or her representative may refuse an application for a commercial nuisance operator permit for wildlife control if the application does not meet the specified requirements or if payment has not been received, or if a cheque, money order or other payment instrument is insufficient. (9) Recertification shall be effected upon successful completion of a knowledge test of training materials submitted online or in person by the Wildlife Department. (a) It is unlawful not to report wild animals, except migratory birds caught or killed in accordance with paragraph (K)(1) of these Regulations, to the Department of Wildlife within twenty-four hours of the capture or killing of the animal. (8) Completion of the course includes passing an examination and obtaining a certificate required by the superintendent of the wildlife department. (4) Instructors shall receive from the Department of Wildlife student manuals and other training materials for their courses. Some of Ohio`s best hunts can be found on state public lands in many of the state`s wildlife areas. Hunters can also find opportunities in one of the state`s many state parks and forests.

The purpose of Crown lands is to manage wildlife and habitat, and to provide hunting and trapping opportunities for hunters. (3) Certification courses may be conducted by qualified instructors of the Department of Wildlife. Course materials can be presented online and presented as home or in-person study. (b) It is unlawful not to transfer threatened or endangered species caught or killed in accordance with point K(1) of this Regulation to the wildlife section. Federal and state regulations protect most of Ohio`s wildlife and prohibit private ownership of native wildlife. An individual who harbours an injured wildlife must return it to a health care facility within 24 hours. These facilities must be approved by the State and have special permits for the animals in their care. (M) It is illegal for a person working under the supervision of a commercial harassment operator for wildlife control officers not to have a copy of the valid wildlife control permit under which he or she operates. The permit must be produced on application to any wildlife officer or other person having similar authority.