What is a permittee required to do upon acquiring a raptor?

When a permittee acquires a raptor, the requirement to notify the department is crucial as it ensures proper tracking and management of the raptor population. This process allows wildlife authorities to monitor how many raptors are being held under permits, which is important for conservation efforts and the enforcement of regulations. By informing the department of the acquisition, the permittee contributes to the regulatory framework that helps protect raptor species and ensures that all raptors are accounted for in accordance with state and federal laws.

The other options do not align with established protocol. For instance, notifying local police is not a standard requirement in the context of acquiring a raptor. Transferring ownership to another permittee is unnecessary when a raptor is acquired; instead, the focus is on proper registration. Rebanding is also not typically required upon acquisition, as each raptor may already have identification bands that follow regulations. Thus, the correct action is to notify the department to maintain compliance with conservation laws.