2026 Wildlife First Responders Course
Registration for the 2026 Wildlife First Responders Course is now open!
Have you ever wished you’d known how to handle a wildlife emergency like a baby rabbit caught by a cat or a hawk hit by a car along the road?
Our 2026 Wildlife First Responders class will be an online class that you can complete at your own pace with prerecorded video segments, electronic handouts, and live Q & A sessions via Google Meet. The online class will be available starting February 1st and will incorporate over four hours of video instruction. Participants will retain access to all online materials through February 28th. Optional in-person wildlife capture practice sessions for small groups of participants at Tamarack Wildlife Center will be scheduled for those interested.
This course will teach you: when to intervene in wildlife situations and when not to, as well as how to capture, stabilize, and transport injured wildlife to a rehabilitator. In addition to learning how to respond when encountering wildlife in need, participants develop some of the skills necessary to become TWC phone helpline volunteers, transporters, and onsite volunteers. The course can be used towards state licensure as a capture/transport permittee as well.
Course information focuses on regulations, rehab centers, and wildlife in Pennsylvania, but some skills and information can be transferred to other geographic locations. Course cost is $40, and participants must be 18 years or older. Registration must be received by Friday, January 30th. Sign-up for capture practice is on a first-come, first-served basis, so register early!
Those wishing to volunteer by responding to phone calls on our helpline will receive a rebate of $20 when they begin volunteering in that capacity following the course. Previous participants are welcome to attend this online course at no cost, but need to register by contacting Melissa at melissa@tamarackwildlife.org to be given access to class materials.
- What: Learn to be a Wildlife First Responder
- Where: Online
- When: Course access begins Sunday, February 1, 2026
- Fee: $40
How To Register - 2026 Registration is now OPEN!
Register Online or Download the registration form and mail to Tamarack Wildlife Center, 21601 Stull Road, Saegertown, PA 16433 with check made payable to "Tamarack Wildlife Center." Registration deadline is Friday, January 30th.
You will be emailed a confirmation letter with additional information prior to the start of the course. If you have other questions, please email Melissa Goodwill at melissa@tamarackwildlife.org. We will be in contact with you shortly.