Scientific Wildlife Collection License

A Scientific Wildlife Collection License is required for the taking or collecting of any species of wildlife in North Carolina except species listed as Federally or State endangered, threatened, or special concern, which require an Endangered Species Permit.

Research/Survey Projects - License Restrictions, Rules and Conditions

Applicants seeking to obtain a Scientific Wildlife Collection License for Research/Survey projects must submit a completed Scientific Wildlife Collection License application, full documentation of research or educational proposal(s), and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval, if applicable. Research proposals must include evidence to support why the proposed collection activities will NOT negatively impact and its conservation valve the requested species population.

Applications must be submitted at least three months prior to the requested start date of collection.

Applicants must submit a separate Scientific Wildlife Collection License application, research proposal, and license fee for each research/survey project.

Wildlife Collection License applications will be reviewed by the Wildlife Diversity Team.

Wildlife Collection License will be issued to an individual, only if the project is deemed unharmful to the efficient conservation of the species to be collected or to other wildlife species that may be dependent thereon.

Bats: Applicants seeking to conduct bat surveys which include requests to enter hibernacula will need to submit hibernacula requests in writing as part of their application. All hibernacula surveys will require coordination with the agency's bat projects manager. Surveyors and researchers are not authorized to enter hibernacula without authorization on their license.

Scientific Wildlife Collection License Holders conducting Research/Survey related projects will be required to submit an updated Scientific Wildlife Collection License application and research proposal every year as part of the annual renewal process.

Unless indicated differently on the license form, Scientific Wildlife Collection Licenses expire on December 31st of each year.

Download the current Scientific Wildlife Collection Rules from the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings and North Carolina General Assembly:

• 15A NCAC 10B .0119
• G.S. 113–272.4

Snapping Turtles - License Restrictions, Rules and Conditions

Wildlife Collection License for snapping turtle collection is only available to North Carolina residents.

Applicants seeking to obtain a Wildlife Collection License must submit a Snapping Turtle Collection License application for snapping turtles only.

The Wildlife Collection License does not allow for the collection of snapping turtles on Game Lands unless separately approved by the Wildlife Resources Commission.

Individuals collecting snapping turtles are allowed up to 15 trapping devices per license.

Trapping devices shall be: 

• Hoop traps or other traps style that allows for the unharmed release of any non-target species or snapping turtles less than 13 inches.
• All traps must be labeled with a waterproof tag that shows the licensee's name, WRC Customer Number, or Wildlife Collection Number.
• All traps must be checked daily per 15A NCAC 10B .0110

Each individual who obtains a Wildlife Collection License for Snapping Turtles is required to submit an annual report within 15 days following the expiration of the license as instructed in 15A NCAC 10B .0119 (f).  All annual reports must be submitted online through the Reporting and Survey System.

Unless indicated differently on the license form, Wildlife Collection Licenses expire on December 31st of each year.

Unless indicated differently on the license form, Scientific Wildlife Collection Licenses expire on December 31st of each year.

Download the current Wildlife Collection Rules from the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings and North Carolina General Assembly:

• 15A NCAC 10B .0119
• G.S. 113–272.4

How to Obtain a License

Complete an online application at Go Outdoors North Carolina. Once your online application has been submitted, the appropriate staff will review the application. If your application is approved, you will receive an approval email with a link to purchase the license. You must purchase the approved license within 30 days of approval. This license has a $12 license fee plus a $5.00 transaction fee payable by a Visa, MasterCard or Discover credit card. All license fees are non-refundable..

Other Information

Wildlife Collection Online Reporting Login (RSS)

Scientific Wildlife Collection Report Form (PDF)

Scientific Fish Collection Report Form (Excel)

Snapping Turtle Collection Report Form (PDF)

2022 NCWRC Protocols for Bats Handling Surveys During COVID-19 Pandemic

Recommendations on activities involving bats for researchers, wildlife rehabilitators, wildlife damage control agents, and the public. (PDF)

FAQs about COVID-19 & Wildlife for Wildlife Handlers (PDF)

Contact Information