Conservation; right to care for injured wildlife under certain conditions established

HB 476, the Alabama Good Samaritan Wildlife Rehabilitation Act, allows Alabama residents to provide temporary care for injured, orphaned, or debilitated wild birds or animals that are *not* federally protected or endangered, without needing a state permit. It requires care to last no more than six months (three years for beavers), mandates returning animals to their original location, and requires rabies vaccination for certain species (like raccoons or bats) before release if a vet is within five miles. The bill explicitly states it does not permit practicing veterinary medicine, exempt individuals from cruelty laws, or allow keeping wildlife as pets. This policy change directly affects citizens who find non-protected wildlife needing urgent care, enabling temporary rehabilitation while maintaining safety and legal boundaries.