Volunteer/Intern Training dates for 2010:
March 27, April 3 and April 10
(All 3 dates are mandatory.)

Volunteers learn to correctly identify and determine age of many species of birds, mammals and reptiles, so that they can be reunited with parents.  Here, a volunteer becomes familiar with two mourning dove chicks of different ages.

 VOLUNTEER OR INTERN WITH
WILDLIFE AID BRIGADE!
Using everyday materials, volunteers and interns learn to make and place artificial bird and squirrel nests as well as nest relocation and repair techniques.  Other mammals such as rabbits, opossums and ground hogs can also be assisted in the field.  When wild parents lose their nests and young due to storms or human activity, these techniques are crucial in reuniting wild babies  with their parents in a nearby location, thereby keeping the wild family together in the wild.

Volunteers and interns learn field first aid, recognition of orphaned versus unorphaned young animals, and actively participate in saving wild lives and preserving the genetic properties of local wildlife populations.

Candidates for training must be physically fit and able to climb, stoop, crawl and stand still for capture or observation of animals.  Working outside in cold or hot temperatures or rain is required.

Training consists of two days of classroom training (for a total of 12 hours) and four hours of instruction in wildlife handling at a wildlife rehabilitation center.  The volunteer or intern also spends one shift with an animal control officer at the participating shelter, after which the volunteer or intern can begin responding to wildlife calls from the shelter.

A minimum commitment of three months, working one or two 4-hour shifts per week, is expected from interns in academia.  (To receive internship credit, a minimum of 120 hours must be logged.)  All volunteers/interns must own their own vehicles and cell phones.  Interns will be supervised directly by the shelter in which they work.  Wildlife Aid Brigade cannot offer monetary compensation in 2009.

If you would like to volunteer or intern with Wildlife Aid Brigade, contact us at info@wildlifeaidbrigade.org or one of the participating shelters (see "shelter participants").