Ok, I don't know who all knows about Mr. Jay Cheeter. If you need more info, you can read about him here.

There isn't a wildlife rescue organization for our area. There is, however, a lady who takes in wild birds (and, as we later found out, snakes, and all other types of animals). We also found out that her place isn't fit to be living in (again, see the above link for more info).

Unfortunately, Mr. Jay Cheeter is not fit to be reintro'd into the wild (too tame -- possibly imprinted).

After finding out the birdy lady's living conditions/animal population, Dad pretty much decided we were keeping Mr. Jay Cheeter. Today, I find out that it's a federal offense under the Migratory Bird sumpin'-sumpin' law. The fish and game dept.'s contact is the lady described above. The next in-state "drop-off" is about a 6 hr drive. We are closer to TX (live less than 10 min from the border) but someone told me I can't take him across the stateline...it's considered smuggling? (Dunno how credible that source is.)

So now what?

I know that some wildlife rehabilitators keep animals (that are unfit for reintroduction) for "educational purposes." I could do that... Mom's got a classroom I can borrow. Anyone know what you have to do to become a wildlife rehabilitator?