On Oct. 6, 7, and 8, the Arizona Game and Fish Department will hold its Southwestern Wildlife Rehabilitators Symposium 2006. Those who attend the symposium can learn how to work with bats, tortoises, raptors, squirrels, songbirds, snakes, and other types of animals. Participants can learn how to use a microscope, how to identify and treat a sick animal, and even how to do a necropsy, if they're interested. Diseases that affect wildlife, including West Nile virus, bird flu, and chronic wasting disease (CWD), will also be discussed.

"We have a variety of classes this year that should interest everyone who likes to work with wildlife," says Sandy Cate, coordinator of the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center. "We only have space for 150 participants, and we expect those to fill up fast."

The department started holding this type of symposium in 1985 and only hosts one every two years. Some participants even come from other countries to learn. Arizona licensed rehabilitators can gain educational hours required by their permits at this symposium.

The event will take place at the La Quinta Inn at 2510 W. Greenway Road in Phoenix, just off I-17. For Arizona licensed wildlife rehabilitators, the event is free. The cost for others is just $15 per day or $25 for the entire symposium. Call (623) 582-9806 for hours of the event, details on classes and a registration form. Reservations can also be made at the Web site azwildlifecenter.org. Just click on the "upcoming events" section. Meals will be available at the event for a nominal cost. Parking is limited, so carpools are encouraged.