Woman accused of illegally keeping wildlife

LISBON — A former wildlife rehabilitator has been accused of keeping wild birds and raccoons in her home.

Susan K. Sattler, 44, of 472 Murphy Road, was charged with misdemeanor reckless endangerment and 11 counts of unlawful possession of wildlife, a violation, a state Department of Environmental Conversation official said Wednesday.

Her state wildlife rehabilitator license was revoked in September because she allowed children to have contact with a raccoon that she wasn't allowed to rehabilitate.

A U.S. Fish and Wildlife Special agent and state Environmental Conservation officers confiscated four birds and two raccoons from her home in early June. The red-tailed hawk and great horned owl seized have since been released, and two falcons have been turned over to a federally licensed falconer.

Authorities returned to the home Monday with a search warrant and seized four birds — a Cooper's Hawk, a barn owl, a red-tailed hawk and great horned owl — and a raccoon. The four birds are being cared for by a wildlife rehabilitator in Jefferson County and were evaluated by a veterinarian.

The animals were reportedly found living in the home, which is improper for animals that are being rehabilitated to be released, DEC officials said.

Ms. Sattler will appear in Lisbon Town Court in the coming weeks.

Ms. Sattler declined comment Wednesday.