Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Test

Why is it important to avoid excessive human interaction with wildlife being rehabilitated?

1. It helps them adapt to captivity

2. It reduces the risk of zoonotic diseases

3. It can cause them to become habituated and lose survival instincts

4. It prevents them from bonding with their caregivers

The correct answer is: It can cause them to become habituated and lose survival instincts

The significance of minimizing human interaction with wildlife being rehabilitated lies in the impact such interaction can have on the animal’s adaptive behaviors essential for survival in the wild. When wildlife is excessively exposed to human contact, they may become habituated, meaning they lose their natural fear of humans and the instinctual behaviors necessary for self-sufficiency. This loss of wariness can lead to trouble when these animals are eventually released, as they may approach humans or seek food in human environments, making them vulnerable to dangers such as traffic, predators, or conflicts with people. By allowing wildlife to maintain their natural instincts during rehabilitation, wildlife rehabilitators prepare them for a successful reintroduction to their natural habitats, ensuring they recognize and respond appropriately to the risks and resources present in their environment. This approach upholds the core objective of wildlife rehabilitation: to restore autonomy and stability in the animal's original ecosystem.