Wildlife Rescue League seeks permit for rehabilitation facility in Caroline County

The Caroline County Board of Supervisors has taken a significant step towards enhancing wildlife rehabilitation services in the area by approving a special exception permit for the Wildlife Rescue League. During the meeting on June 10, 2025, the board discussed the application for a wildlife rehabilitation facility on a newly donated 94.5-acre property located on Edge Hill Academy Road.

The Wildlife Rescue League plans to utilize an existing residential structure on the property, which will be renovated to accommodate the rehabilitation of small wild animals, including squirrels, raccoons, and rabbits. The facility aims to care for approximately 300 to 500 animals annually, with a goal of releasing them back into the wild as quickly as possible to minimize stress on the animals.

The proposed project includes a second phase that will introduce a 2,500 square foot education center designed to provide community education on wildlife care and rehabilitation. This center will be built outside of the FEMA floodplain, addressing concerns about flooding that have previously affected the area.

The board's decision comes after a public hearing where community members expressed concerns regarding potential flooding, the number of animals to be rehabilitated, and the safety of outdoor enclosures. The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has indicated that the facility will operate under strict regulations, ensuring that animals are rehabilitated and released in compliance with state laws.

The Wildlife Rescue League's initiative not only aims to provide essential care for injured wildlife but also seeks to educate the community about local wildlife and conservation efforts. The board's approval marks a pivotal moment for wildlife rehabilitation in Caroline County, promising to enhance both animal welfare and community engagement in environmental stewardship.