Colorado Parks and Wildlife on Friday announced the nine recipients of its wildlife rehabilitation grant program, totaling $19,500 in awards.

“Rehabilitators licensed through Colorado Parks and Wildlife provide a significant service to the public,” said area wildlife manager Kristin Cannon. “They commit an enormous amount of their own time, space and financial resources.”

She added that rehabilitation groups educate the public on what to do when encountering sick, injured or orphaned wildlife.

House Bill 17-1250 created the grant program, and it is in its second year of providing awards. Funding comes through voluntary contributions through Coloradans’ income taxes, and also fines. The first 10% of the money raised up to $250,000 goes to the rehabilitation grant program.

CPW reported that it was able to fund less than half of the $59,000 in requested funds for 2019.

The highest award of $4,000 went to SonFlower Ranch for a new rehabilitation building in Brighton. The facility will provide medical space and room for animals to recover.

The grant board consists of seven members, including from wildlife rehabilitation and conservation programs, plus a wildlife biologist. Food for the animals, space upgrades and veterinary care are some of the activities covered by the money.

Other recipients of the 2019 grant money are:

1. Rocky Mountain Wildlife Alliance: $1,500 for a mobile flight enclosure.
2. Bill Main – Colorado Springs: $1,000 for raccoon enclosure, food and supplies.
3. Rocky Mountain WildHeart – Colorado Springs: $1,500 for food, medical supplies and cages.
4. Wild Bird Rescue – Watkins: $2,000 for food, medical supplies, and operational expenses.
5. North Park Wildlife Rehabilitation: $3,000 for food, caging, medical supplies, vet services and travel.
6. Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center – Divide: $3,5000 for new outdoor enclosures.
7. Rocky Mountain Raptor – Fort Collins: $1,500 for food, vet services and facility repair.
8. Colorado Wild Rabbit Foundation – Lafayette: $1,500 for vet services and testing.