Possession of Wild Animal: Related Regulations

Material namesort descending Citation Summary
AK - Exotic Animals - Title 5. Fish and Game. Article 3. Permits. 5 AAC 92.029 - 035 These Alaska regulation provides that, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person may possess, import, release, export, or assist in those actions, live game, unless the person holds a possession permit issued by the department. The regulations also list species that may be possessed without a permit, but may not be released into the wild which includes dogs,cats, chimpanzees, white rats, and many others. The department may not issue a permit for the capture, possession, import, or export of any game animal, including a hybrid species of a game animal, for use as a pet. Any of the listed species of bird, mammal, or reptile that is endangered may not be held in private ownership without a permit from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
AK - Exotic Pets - 5 AAC 92.030. Possession of wolf and wild cat hybrids prohibited. 5 AK ADC 92.030 This Alaska regulation makes it unlawful to possess, sell, purchase, or transfer a wolf or wild cat hybrid without a permit. It is an affirmative defense to prosecution that the person possessed the animal as a pet before July 23, 2002 in the case of a wolf-dog hybrid and followed other listed actions. A wild cat hybrid is defined as the mating of a domestic cat with a wild cat or hybrid that is of four generations or less wild cat. It is an affirmative defense to illegal possession of a wild cat hybrid when the owner shows proof of the pedigree showing the previous four generations or the animal is at least four generations removed from a wild ancestor.
AL - Importation, wildlife - 220-2-.26. Restrictions On Possession, Sale, Importation AL ADC 220-2-.26 This Alabama regulation provides that no person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association shall possess, sell, offer for sale, import, or bring into the state any of the listed species including piranha, mongoose, non-native coyote, fox, black bear, and others. It is also unlawful for any person to have in possession any live, protected wild bird or wild animal or live embryo, eggs, or sperm of these protected wild birds or animals.
AL- Wildlife - 220-2-.154. Standards Of Care For Wildlife Used For Public Exhibition Purposes. AL ADC 220-2-.154 This regulation classifies all species of wildlife into three separate categories (Class I, Class II, and Class III) and creates a permit requirement for anyone wishing to exhibit those animals. It also includes various rules governing the housing, care, and display of wildlife possessed for public exhibition purposes.
AZ - Exotic Wildlife - Article 4. Live Wildlife A.A.C. R12-4-401 to 430 These Arizona regulations define “captive live wildlife” as live wildlife that is held in captivity, physically restrained, confined, impaired, or deterred to prevent it from escaping to the wild or moving freely in the wild. The regulations provides that no individual shall import or export any live wildlife into or out of the state. An individual may take wildlife from the wild alive under a valid Arizona hunting or fishing license only if there is a Commission Order that prescribes a live bag and possession limit for that wildlife and the individual possesses the appropriate license. However, no person may possess restricted live wildlife without a valid permit. The statute also provides a comprehensive list of all mammals that are considered restricted live wildlife. An individual who holds a special license listed in R12-4-409(A) shall keep all wildlife in a facility according to the captivity standards prescribed under R12-4-428 or as otherwise required under this Article. A special license holder subject to the provisions of this Section shall comply with the minimum standards for humane treatment prescribed by this Section.
CA - Exotic pets - § 671. Importation, Transportation and Possession of Live Restricted Animals 14 CA ADC s 671 California prohibits possession of enumerated species without a permit. Permits are not granted for private pet possession.
CA - Importation - Subchapter 3.2. Importation of Wild Animals Cal. Admin. Code tit. 17, § 30070 - 30086 This set of regulations establishes the import permit and quarantine requirements for wild and exotic animals.
CA - Permits - CHAPTER 3. MISCELLANEOUS. Permits for Restricted Species 14 CA ADC s 671.1 - 671.6 Permits are required for possession of restricted species, but the department does not issue permits for exotics pets.
CO - Exotic Pets and Wildlife - Chapter 11. Wildlife Parks and Unregulated Wildlife. 2 Colo. Code Regs. 406-11:1100 to 11:1116 (Per introduction to regulations). In this introduction to chapter 11 we outline possession requirements for live wildlife as found in Colorado wildlife law. There is growing interest in the private possession of live wildlife. At the same time there is considerable confusion over the laws regarding such private possession. Colorado wildlife law generally prohibits the importation, live possession, sale, barter, trade, or purchase of any species of wildlife native to Colorado (33-6-113(1), C.R.S.). In addition, these same laws restrict or prohibit the importation and possession of exotic (non-native) wildlife (33-6-109(4), C.R.S.); and non-commercial (pet) possession of regulated mammals has been prohibited by these regulations since 1983. The Wildlife Commission also maintains a prohibited species list in Chapter 0. The possession of these species is severely restricted.
CO - Rehabilitation, wildlife - Chapter 14. Wildlife Rehabilitation. 2 CO ADC 406-14 This set of Colorado rules concerns wildlife rehabilitation licensing. Requirements for wildlife holding enclosures are outlined. The care, treatment, and disposition of wildlife requirements are detailed as well as provisions for releasing wildlife.
CO - Wildlife - Rules for Possession of Terrestrial Wildlife. 2 CO ADC 406-0:006 to 0:009 This set of regulations comprises the Colorado Department of Natural Resources general rules for the importation, transportation, possession, and release of terrestrial wildlife.
CT - Exotic - Sec. 26-55-6. Importation, possession or liberation of wild birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates CT ADC § 26-55-6 This Connecticut regulation (effective March 1, 2012) places restrictions on who may import or possess certain categories of wild animals in the state. The regulation puts wild animals into one of four categories: Category One, Two, Three, or Four Wild Animals. With regard to Great Apes, a member within the family Hominidae (including, but not limited to, gorilla, chimpanzee and orangutan) is a Category One Animal. No person, except a municipal park, zoo, public nonprofit aquarium, nature center,museum, exhibitor licensed or registered with the United States Department of Agriculture, laboratory registered with the United States Department of Agriculture, or research facility registered with the United States Department of Agriculture, shall import or possess any Category One Wild Animal.
CT - Exotic Animals - Sec. 26-54-1. Wildlife pen specifications CT ADC § 26-54-1, CT ADC § 26-55-6 Connecticut regulation 26-54-1 gives the wildlife pen specifications for any bird or quadruped possessed under the provisions of section 26-54 or 26-55 of the General Statutes. In addition, Sec. 26-55-6 replaced 26-55-2 in 2012 (the rule on quadruped importation). Sec. 22-55-6 now divides animals into Categories 1 - 4 based on the dangerousness of the animal to people, whether it is an endangered or threatened species, and even the risk it poses to and the native environment. The rule then states that no person except certain entities like zoos, museums, USDA licensed exhibitors, and research facilities may possess Category One Wild Animals. Restrictions are also imposed on other categories of animals. The rule also details the grandfathering process for owning a primate that weighs less than 35 lbs.
DE - Exotic Animals - Chapter 903. Exotic Animal Regulations 3 DE ADC 903-1.0 - 14 These regulations govern the permitting process, possession, sale, rehabilitation and exhibition of exotic animals, i.e., live wild mammals, hybrids of wild mammals, and live reptiles not native to or generally found in the State of Delaware. The State Veterinarian or her or his designee shall have the authority to administer these regulations and shall be solely responsible for making the determinations required herein.
FL - Exotic Pets - 68-5.008. Amnesty for Persons Relinquishing Non-native Pets. Fla. Admin. Code r. 68-5.008 This rule provides amnesty to non-native pet owners who voluntarily relinquish their illegal animals to state or county wildlife agencies or during Commission-sponsored amnesty events.
FL - Exotic Pets - Chapter 68A-6. Wildlife as Personal Pets 68 FL ADC 68A-6.001 - 68A-6.0072 Under these Florida administrative provisions, three separate classes of captive wildlife were created. Class I, the most regulated class, includes large primates, big cats, bears, elephants, and large reptiles among others. The regulations state that Class I wildlife shall not be possessed for personal use (unless obtained before August 1, 1980 and permitted). The permit requirements to keep listed wildlife in captivity are outlined in Sec. 68A-6.0022.
FL - Exotic Pets - Fish and Wildlife Code: Possession, Maintenance, and Use of Captive Wild and Exotic Animals Fla. Admin. Code r. 68A-6.001 - 6.018 This chapter of the Florida Administrative Code contain the rules of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission relating to the possession of wildlife in captivity and includes permit requirements for the possession of listed animals and sets minimum standards for the maintenance and transportation of the same.
FL - Importation - Chapter 5C-30. Enforcement and Penalties Rule 5C-30.001 - 004, F.A.C. This set of statutes establishes the procedures for the inspection and quarantine of imported animals and sets penalties for violations of the state's animal import laws.
FL - Rehabilitation, wildlife - 68A-9.006. Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit. 68 FL ADC 68A-9.006 This Florida regulation sets forth the requirements to obtain a permit for wildlife rehabilitation.
GA - Exotic Animals - 40-13-2-.16. Exotic and Pet Birds. GA ADC 40-13-2-.16, 17 This Georgia regulation provides that all exotic animals and all non-traditional livestock entering Georgia must be accompanied by an official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection identifying each animal with unique permanent individual identification.
GA - Rehabilitation, wildlife - 391-4-9-.03. Wildlife Rehabilitation Permits GA ADC 391-4-9-.03 This Georgia regulation describes the requirements to become a wildlife rehabilitator. Rehabilitation means the action or process of restoring wildlife to a condition of health and shall include maintaining a state of health in young wildlife to an age of independence. A permit is issued only when an applicant meets requirements such as training and demonstration of competency on a written exam, among other things.
HI - Exotic Wildlife - Subchapter 2. Non-Domestic Animal Introductions Haw. Admin. Rules (HAR) § 4-71-5 to § 4-71-10 This chapter addresses the introduction of feral and other non-domestic animals into Hawaii. The regulations specify certain animals prohibited for introduction into the state and the process for permitted introductions. Certain animals require a bond with the department.
IA - Dangerous Wild Animals - Chapter 77. Dangerous Wild Animals IA ADC 21-77.1 - 14 This set of rules defines a "dangerous wild animal" and prohibits the importation, possession, ownership, and breeding of those animals. Certain listed individuals and entities are exempt from the ban. Also, a person who owned or possessed a dangerous wild animal on July 1, 2007 may continue to own or possess that animal if the person complies with the legal requirements outlined in this Chapter.
ID - Exotic Animals - Chapter 27. Rules Governing Deleterious Exotic Animals IDAPA 02.04.27.100 These Idaho rules concern the possession, propagation, and exhibition of "deleterious exotic animals." No person may possess or propagate a deleterious exotic animal in the state, unless such person obtains a possession permit issued by the Administrator. Species of deleterious exotic animals include leopards, lions, non-pinioned mute swans, Russian wild boar, and all non-human primates, among others.
IN - Rehabilitation, wildlife - 312 IAC 9-10-9 Wild animal rehabilitation permit 312 IAC 9-10-9 This Indiana regulation sets for the requirements to obtain a permit to possess wild animals for rehabilitation.
IN - Exotic Pets - Article 9. Fish and Wildlife. Rule 3. Mammals. 312 IAC 9-3-18.5 Exotic mammals. 312 IN ADC 9-3-18.5 This regulation lists certain exotic mammals that may not be taken (harmed, harassed, or killed) and establishes restrictions on the possession and sale of those exotic mammals.
IN - Wild Animal - Rule 11. Wild Animal Possession Permits. Ind. Admin. Code tit. 312, r. 9-11-1 to 15 This chapter of regulations provides the rules and requirements for possession of wild animals in Indiana.
KS - Exotic Pets - 115-20-3 Exotic Wildlife; Possession, Sale and Requirements. KS ADC 115-20-3 This regulation covers the importation, possession, and sale of exotic wildlife.
KY - Exotic Wildlife - 301 KAR 2:081 Transportation and holding of live native wildlife 301 Ky. Admin. Regs. 2:081, 2:082 These regulations provide Kentucky's administrative rules for the possession of wild animals or exotic pets. Except as specified in Section 2 of this administrative regulation and subsection (2) of this section, a person shall not import or possess species such as an alligator snapping turtle, black bear, cougar, copperbelly watersnake, wild turkey, wolf, or any federally threatened or endangered species. Specific transportation and importation requirements are outlined in great detail.
LA - Captive Wildlife - §115. Possession of Potentially Dangerous Wild Quadrupeds and Non-Human Primates 76 LA ADC Pt V, § 115 This Louisiana regulation states that the possession of certain potentially dangerous quadrupeds, big exotic cats, and non-human primates poses significant hazards to public safety and health, is detrimental to the welfare of the animals, and may have negative impacts on conservation and recovery of some threatened and endangered species. As a result, except as provided, it is unlawful to import into, possess, purchase or sell within the state of Louisiana, by any means whatsoever including but not limited to transactions conducted via the internet, any of the following species: cougar or mountain lion (Felis concolor); black bear (Ursus americanus); grizzly bear (Ursus arctos); polar bear (Ursus maritimus); red wolf (Canis rufus); gray wolf (Canis lupus); wolf dog hybrid (Canis lupus or Canis rufus x Canis familiarus); all non-human primates. While the prohibition against wolf-dog hybrids expired January 1, 1997, the regulation cautions persons that local ordinances or other state regulations may prohibit possession of these animals.
MA - Captive Wildlife - 2.12: Artificial Propagation of Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, and Amphibians 321 MA ADC 2.12 Massachusetts law prohibits possession of wild animals without a license. Licenses are only given out for limited reasons, none of which include the keeping of animals as pets. The classes for which licenses may be granted are propagator's licenses, public stocking licenses, dealer's licenses, possessor's licenses, and dog training licenses.
MA - Exotic pets - 9.01: Exemption List 321 MA ADC 9.01 This section exempts some animals from Massachusetts' exotic pet ban. The animals that have been added to this license-exemption list include boas and pythons, skinks, parrots, hedgehogs, chinchillas, and flying squirrels, among others.
ME - Fish and Wildlife - Chapter 7. Regulations for Wildlife in Captivity 09-137 CMR Ch. 7, § 7.00 - 7.18 This set of Maine regulations concerns the keeping of captive wildlife. A permit is generally required for importation, possession, propagation, rehabilitation, and exhibition of wildlife in the state. Wildlife held in captivity must be confined, contained, controlled, and sheltered in such a way as to protect it, and to protect property of others and the health and safety of the public. Section 7.11 provides the conditions and restrictions under the permit. Section 7.12 states that no primate shall be permitted unless the applicant/permit holder demonstrates a physical aide legitimate need for physical aide from a primate, and the animal in question is specifically trained for such purposes ( or the applicant must be providing foster care or training for the primate under direction or supervision of a recognized authority for same).
ME - Wildlife possession - Chapter 6. Educational & Scientific Collection Permit Rule Code Me. R. 09-137 Ch. 6, § 6.01 - 13 This section establishes the rules in Maine for educational and scientific collection permits. A scientific collection permit is required by any person who wishes to take, transport or possess wild birds or animals and their parts or products for scientific research or educational purposes at any time of the year; and/or before any person may lawfully salvage, otherwise acquire, transport or possess wild birds and animals for any purpose not specifically covered under any other permit or license.
MS - Exotic Pets - Rule 32. Public Notice No. 3523.002; Dangerous Wildlife MS ADC 40-2:8.3 The following Mississippi regulations state that it is unlawful for any person to import, transfer, sell, purchase or possess any wild animal classified as inherently dangerous by law or regulation unless that person holds a permit or is exempt from holding a permit; these regulations, therefore, also indicate the requirements that must be met in order to obtain either a permit or an exemption. A violation of this act is a Class I violation and any person who has been convicted of a Class I violation shall be fined anywhere between $2,000.00 and $5,000.00, and shall be imprisoned in the county jail for 5 days. The person must also forfeit all hunting, trapping, and fishing privileges for a period of not less than 12 consecutive months from the date of conviction. Additionally, the regulations make provisions about how a wild animal shall be seized when these provisions have been violated.
MT - Exotic Pets - Sub-chapter 22. Exotic Wildlife Mont.Admin.R. 12.6.2201 - 2230 These Montana regulations provide the requirements for care and housing of exotic wildlife. The list of noncontrolled species and prohibited species is also provided.
NC - Exotic Pets - .0212 Importation Requirements: WIild Animals 2 NC ADC 52B.0212 This North Carolina regulation states that person must obtain a permit from the State Veterinarian before importing any of the following animals into this State: skunk; fox; raccoon; ringtail; bobcat (includes lynx and other North and South American felines as cougars, jaguars, etc.); coyote; marten; brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). Permits for the importation into this State of any of these animals shall be issued only if the animal(s) will be used in a research institute, or for exhibition by a USDA licensed exhibitor, or organized entertainment as in zoos or circuses. Any species or hybrid of a mammal not otherwise covered in the Administrative Code that is found to exist in the wild or naturally occurs in the wild must be accompanied by a valid certificate of veterinary inspection.
ND - Exotic Pets - Category 3 Species. 48.1-09-06-01. Housing, handling, health, and importation ND ADC 48.1-09-06-01 This North Dakota regulation provides specific rules for Category 3 species of non-traditional livestock. These species include: wild suidae (hogs and pigs); large felids (cats) and hybrids; bears; wolves and wolf-hybrids; venomous reptiles; primates, and nondomestic sheep/goats and their hybrids. Among the provisions include regulations for housing and confinement, importation requirements, and vaccinations.
ND - Wildlife, possession/rehabilitation - Article 48.1-09. Nontraditional Livestock. N.D. Admin. Code § 48.1-09-01-01 - 48.1-09-06-01 This section of North Dakota regulations concerns non-traditional livestock: any nondomestic species held in confinement or which is physically altered to limit movement and facilitate capture. The regulations describe three categories of animals: category 1 - those species generally considered domestic, or not inherently dangerous (such as turkeys, geese, ranch mink, and ducks); category 2 - certain protected species or those species that may pose health risks to humans or animals or may be environmentally hazardous (such as all deer, zebras, and nondomestic cats not listed in category 3); and category 3 - those species determined by the board to pose special concerns, including species which are inherently dangerous or environmentally hazardous (such as nondomestic swine, big cats, bears, wolves, venomous reptiles, primates, and non-domestic sheep and goats). Additionally, a person may not keep a skunk or raccoon in captivity. There are specific licensing requirements for category 2 and 3 species. The owner shall obtain a license from the board before acquiring animals classified as nontraditional livestock category 2 and category 3 species. A license or permit may not be granted by the board until it is satisfied that the provisions for housing and caring for such nontraditional livestock and for protecting the public are proper and adequate and in accordance with the standards prescribed by the board.
NE - Exotic Wildlife - 008 Keeping Wildlife in Captivity 163 NE ADC Ch. 4, § 008 This Nebraska regulation lists species that are unlawful to keep unless a person is issued a Captive Wildlife Permit, a Controlled Shooting Area Permit, a Rehabilitation Permit or a Scientific Collectors Permit, issued by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission or under a captive cervine permit issued by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. Captive Wildlife Permits shall not be issued for wild birds or wild mammals which have been taken or removed from the wild. Provisions for public auctions that deal in captive wild bird or mammals are described in 008.004. Importation and exportation of wildlife are also detailed in this rule.
NH - Exotic Pets - Chapter Fis 800. The Importation, Possession and Use of All Wildlife. NH ADC FIS 802.01 - .05 These New Hampshire regulations state the different permitee categories under Chapter 800 of the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Regulations. These regulations also indicate the penalties for making false statements, when annual permits expire, and who is exempt from the requirements of this chapter.
NH - Exotic Pets - Chapter Fis 800 Definitions (for importation and possession of wildlife) NH ADC FIS 801.01 - 26 These following regulations provide the definitions for the terms used in Chapter Fis 800: The Importation, Possession and Use of All Wildlife of the New Hampshire Code of Administrative Regulations.
NH - Exotic Pets - Part FIS 804. Possession of Wildlife NH ADC FIS 804.01 - .07 Under these New Hampshire regulations, a permit to possess wildlife shall not be required for any person to possess wildlife designated as non-controlled (species such as aquarium fish, amphibians, reptiles except for alligators, crocodiles, and venomous species, many pet birds, small pet mammals like gerbils and hamsters, and certain ungulates). However, no person shall be issued a permit to possess wildlife that has been designated as prohibited. These prohibited species include, among others, zebra mussels, non-indigenous crayfish, walking catfish, and the white amur. A person must possess a permit to possess any live wildlife, or their hybrids, designated as controlled. Table 800.2 lists the controlled species which include many wild turtles and salamanders, alligators, crocodiles, badgers, bears, cougars, coyotes, elephants, kangaroos, big cats, and large primates such as chimpanzees and gorillas. Any person who has legally acquired and possesses wildlife under a valid permit in 1992, and continuously since, and such wildlife is now designated as prohibited or controlled, shall be issued a permit to possess such wildlife.
NH - Importation of Wildlife - Chapter Fis 800. The Importation, Possession and Use of All Wildlife NH ADC FIS 803.01 - .14 These New Hampshire regulations require an importation permit for any controlled species that are imported into the state; these regulations also state that a permit is not required for a non-controlled species, which are listed in the regulations, and that a prohibited species, which are also listed in the regulations, cannot be imported into the state with or without a permit. The regulations also state the requirements for obtaining an importation permit, the provisions for importing certain species, the pathological standards for inspecting imported fish, and what needs to be included in the form to obtain an importation permit.
NJ - Endangered Species - Subchapter 4. Endangered, Nongame and Exotic WIildlife N.J. Admin. Code tit. 7, § 25-4.1 - 20

This set of New Jersey regulations first defines "exotic mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian” as any nongame species or mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian not indigenous to New Jersey. Except as provided, no person shall possess any nongame species or exotic species of any mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian unless such person has first received both the appropriate permit from the Department of Environmental Protection. Some exotic species that require a permit for possession include ferrets, pythons, and monitors. Permit fees range from $10 for the individual hobby to $100 for an animal dealer. The regulations also define a "potentially dangerous species” as any exotic mammal, bird, reptile or amphibian or nongame species which is capable of inflicting serious or fatal injuries or which has the potential to become an agricultural pest or a menace to the public health or indigenous wildlife populations. Some of these species include non-domestic dogs, baboons, monkeys, bears, non-domestic cats, gila monsters, alligators, and ground squirrels.

NM - Exotic Pets - 19.35.7. Importation of Live Nondomestic Animals Birds and Fish N.M. Admin. Code 19.35.7.1 - 23 This regulation covers persons who desire to bring wildlife species into the state of New Mexico. It may include the general public, pet importers, holders of Class A park licenses, department permitees and others. The stated objective is, "[t]o provide consistent criteria for the importation of live non-domesticated animals into New Mexico and to protect native wildlife against the introduction of contagious or infectious diseases, undesirable species and address human health and safety issues."
NM - Rehabilitation, wildlife - 19.35.5. Wildlife Rehabilitation Permits 19.35.5 NMAC The stated objective of this regulation is to establish and implement a system for the issuance and use of permits for the rehabilitation of sick, injured, orphaned or otherwise incapacitated wildlife for return to the wild or other authorized disposition in New Mexico.
NM - Scientific - 19.35.6. Authorized Uses of Wildlife for Education, Law Enforcement, Research and Scientific Purposes 19.35.6.1 - 17 NMAC This New Mexico rule issued by the department of game and fish and all persons provides information on the taking and possession of protected wildlife for scientific and educational purposes.
NV - Exotic Animals - Possession, Transportation, Importation, Exportation and Release of Wildlife NV ADC 503.108 - 140 These Nevada regulations concern the restrictions on importation, transportation and possession of certain species. Under 503.110, the importation, transportation or possession of the species of live wildlife or hybrids thereof including, but not limited to, freshwater sharks, piranhas, alligators and caimans, mongooses and meerkats, coyotes, and wild dogs is prohibited. Exemptions include zoos, aquariums, limited duration entertainment or commercial photography, research or scientific use, and a tax-exempt nonprofit organization that exhibits wildlife solely for educational or scientific purposes. Some animals may be possessed, transported, imported and exported without a permit or license issued by the Department such as monkeys and other primates, elephants, all felines, except mountain lions and bobcats, and wolves, among others.
NV - Exotic Wildlife - NAC 504.471 Restrictions on shipment, transportation and exportation of wildlife NV ADC 504.471 This administrative provision restricts the shipment, transportation and exportation of wildlife subject to limited exceptions.

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