Proposed Regulations

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has the authority, granted by the Legislature, to create regulations called “rules” which although not state law, have the force of law. The complete set of rules under the jurisdiction of the Commission can be found here. From Proposal to Regulation describes the Commission's rule-making procedures. Below is a list of the rules the Commission is currently proposing to change, a description of each, and ways to submit your comments. We welcome your feedback.

15A NCAC 10H .1400 Wildlife Captivity and Rehabilitation

Reason for Proposed Action:

The proposed amendments to Rules within 15A NCAC 10H .1400 provide updates to the framework of the Wildlife Captivity and Rehabilitation Program in North Carolina. Proposed amendments include updates to language throughout the rules for improved clarity, additional requirements and conditions for rehabilitation Apprentices and Mentors, and the removal of language regarding the rehabilitation and holding of elk calves and non-farmed cervids. Safety and biosecurity standards for the rehabilitation and holding of rabies species are also proposed.

Proposed Rule Text and Summaries:

15A NCAC 10H .1401 Definitions And General Requirements For Captivity Licenses

Rule change summary:

  • Define “Apprentice”
  • Prohibit captivity license holders with convictions for violations of the wildlife captivity and rehabilitation rules in the previous three years from receiving a captivity License.  

15A NCAC 10H .1402 Captivity License For Rehabilitation

Rule change summary:

  • Define conditions and recordkeeping requirements for Apprentices and Mentors.
  • Prohibit elk calve rehabilitation.
  • Allow nine-banded armadillo rehabilitation.
  • Allow chipmunks to be possessed by apprentices.
  • Require individuals rehabilitating rabies species to post at their facility:
    • proof of immunization or titer checks; and
    • a written protocol for euthanasia.
  • Require positive rabies test results to be reported to the Commission within five business days of receipt from the health department.
  • Remove the requirement that rehabilitators obtain advice from a licensed veterinarian before treating or euthanizing an animal showing symptoms of a zoonotic disease.

15A NCAC 10H .1403 Captivity License For Holding

Rule change summary:

  • Require changes to an animal's enclosure after verification be reported to the Commission in writing within 10 business days.
  • Require individuals rehabilitating rabies species to post at their facility:
    • proof of immunization or titer checks; and
    • a written protocol for euthanasia.
  • Remove the holding rules for non-farmed cervids. No captivity licenses for holding will be issued for non-farmed cervids.

15A NCAC 10H .1404 Minimum Standards Captivity License For Holding

Rule change summary:

  • Remove the standards for non-farmed cervids.

15A NCAC 10H .1405 Captivity License Revocation and Enforcement

Rule change summary:

  • Remove the revocation and enforcement rules for non-farmed cervids.

15A NCAC 10H .1406 Forms For Captivity Licenses

Rule change summary:

  • Define the information required on the Wildlife Rehabilitation Mentor-Apprentice Agreement Form.
  • Define the information required on the Wildlife Rehabilitation Apprentice Upgrade Form

Fiscal Note


Public Hearing Information:

Date: August 7, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual - Zoom Online Webinar

Join from a PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or Android device:

Submit a Comment:

  • Online
  • Email (please include name, county, and state of residence)
  • Mail written comments to:  Rulemaking Coordinator, 1701 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1701

Public Comment Period Ends:  September 2, 2025

Proposed Regulation Updates

To receive updates on proposed regulations, email regulations@ncwildlife.gov.

Subjecting a Proposed Rule to Legislative Review

Written objections to proposed rules can be submitted to the Rules Review Commission. If the Rules Review Commission receives written and signed objections from 10 or more individuals clearly requesting review by the legislature and the Rules Review Commission approves the rule, the rule will become effective as provided in G.S.150B-21.3(b1). The Rules Review Commission will receive written objections until 5:00 p.m. on the day following the day the Rules Review Commission approves the rule. The Rules Review Commission will receive those objections by mail, delivery service, hand delivery, or facsimile transmission.

Rule Suggestions

As part of the Annual Cycle Rulemaking Process, the Commission considers suggestions and recommendations from NCWRC staff and the public. If you have a suggestion or recommendation you would like to be considered, please submit them here. 

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