AWARE – Association for Wild Animal Rehabilitation and Education, will be offering classes for those interested in preparing for the NYS DEC Wildlife Rehabilitator License exam and/or volunteering with AWARE. Included will be a binder with the information that will be covered in the classes, and some hands on practice. Part  I  : February 14, 2026, and February 21, 2026 (Saturdays) 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. This session is focused on beginning rehabilitation of wild mammals. Included willl be; NYS DEC licensing applications, testing, legal issues, safety in handling, capture techniques, and transporting, as well as dealing with the public. Mammal anatomy, care of orphaned mammals, common diseases and injuries in mammals, treatment, caging and release. Information on special licensing for rabies vector species (RVS) and deer will also be introduced. Part  II : March 7, March 14, and March 21, 2026 (Saturdays) 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. This session specifically focuses on the rehabilitation of birds. Included in this session are; applying for USF&W permits, and legal issues, species identification, handling and safety of specific species, bird anatomy and physiology. Care of orphaned birds, bandaging, treatment techniques, diseases, housing, caging, pre-release conditioning and release. There will be live birds brought in for you to meet part of our staff. The classes will be held at Starpoint Central School, 4363 Mapleton Rd., Lockport, NY. Registration will be through Starpoint Community Ed. Upon completion of the classes, you will receive a certificate that will give you 15 hours of training to be used towards your application for a NYS DEC License and USF&W Permit.