If you do not report a raptor that's transferred to you within the required days, what might happen?

Failing to report a raptor that has been transferred to you within the required timeframe can lead to significant consequences, as outlined in California falconry regulations. If the transfer is not reported properly, the Department will ultimately have the authority to decide what will happen to the raptor in question. This means they could potentially take action such as revoking permits or imposing fines, as well as addressing concerns regarding the welfare of the bird and compliance with regulatory standards.

Reporting transfers in a timely manner is crucial for the management and conservation of raptor populations. This process helps ensure that all birds are accounted for within the system, facilitating monitoring and regulation of their use in falconry, which helps protect both the birds and the falconry practice itself.

Other potential outcomes mentioned in the choices, such as fines or not counting against your quota, may be relevant but do not capture the regulatory authority that the Department has in situations where reporting protocols are not followed. Similarly, the return of the raptor to the original owner is more a matter of personal agreements rather than a mechanism enforced by the Department in the context of an unreported transfer.