Possession of Wild Animal: Related Regulations

Material name Citationsort descending Summary
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 - 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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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 - 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 - 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.
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.
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.
NV- Rehabilitation, wildlife - Chapter 504. Wildlife Management and Propagation. NV ADC 504.492 - 498 These Nevada regulations are about permits to rehabilitate wildlife. These regulations reveal where an application for a wildlife rehabilitation permit can be obtained, what must be included on the application, where to return the application, the required documents that must also be submitted with the application, the expiration of the permit, and the roles and the responsibilities of the permit holder. Additionally, the following regulations also provide information about euthanizing wildlife that is not listed as endangered or threatened species, as well as how to euthanize a species that is listed as endangered or threatened.
OH - Exotic Pets - 901:1-17-12 Non-domestic animals Ohio Admin. Code § 901:1-17-12 Under this Ohio regulation, no non-domestic animal shall be imported into the state of Ohio unless accompanied by a permit issued prior to entry and certificate of veterinary inspection, is free of evidence of any contagious or infectious diseases or parasites harmful to humans or animals, and is in full compliance with all state and federal agencies rules and regulations. The specific disease requirements listed in the remainder of the rule concern only animals such as Cervidae (deer, moose, etc.), Bovidae (antelope, wild cattle, etc.), Suidae (sporting and feral swine), Tayassuidae (peccarie), and Psittacine birds.
OK - Importation - Subchapter 25. Wildlife Classified as Domesticated and Exempt OK ADC 800:25-25-1 - 3 The purpose of this Subchapter is to establish a list of wildlife that are to be considered domesticated and, therefore, exempt from licensing and permit requirements of the Department.
OK - Rehabilitation, wildlife - Chapter 25 Wildlife Rules OK ADC 800:25-38-1 to 12 The following Oklahoma regulations detail that a license is needed for any person who wishes to rehabilitate wildlife. A person must renew this license annually for a fee of ten (10) dollars unless that person has violated any of these provisions or was found not to be taking proper care of the animal during the animal's rehabilitation. In such a case, a person must wait a minimum of one year before that person can renew his or her license. These regulations also relieve the Department of Wildlife from liability and costs incurred by the licensee. Additionally, these regulations require a licensee to report any listed endangered or threatened species; require a record of veterinary visits; require a record of the type of species lodged at the facility; require proper facilities; and require proper release of rehabilitated animals and proper disposal of animals that cannot be rehabilitated.
OR - Exotic Pets - Division 11. Livestock Health and Sanitation. Exotic Animals OR ADC 603-011-0700 to 0725 This set of regulations includes the Oregon Department of Agriculture's rules governing the possession of non-human primates. Individuals wishing to possess a non-human primate must be qualified by experience and education, have an approved facility, and must obtain an exotic animal permit from the Department. All permittees must comply with the agency's rules for the housing and care of non-human primates and any additional permit conditions that the Department imposes.
OR - Rehabilitation, wildlife - Chapter 635. Department of Fish and Wildlife. OR ADC 635-044-0200 - 635-044-0310 [Note: repealed 2015] Under this set of Oregon regulations, any person desiring to hold any bird, mammal, amphibian or reptile for the purpose of wildlife rehabilitation must first obtain a Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The requirements and conditions to obtain a permit is also provided. In addition to an Oregon Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit, persons possessing this permit must also obtain a federal permit for species protected by federal law and provide a copy of the current valid federal permit to the Department. Other sections provide prohibited species under the permit and facility requirements.
OR - Hunting - Division 64 . Privately Held Exotic and Game Mammals. OR ADC 635-064-0000 to 0010 It is unlawful to hunt, kill, or attempt to hunt or kill, exotic mammals or game mammals held or obtained by private parties. Exceptions under the statute include the slaughter of such an animal for meat, leather, or fur production, euthanization of such an animal for scientific, health, safety or other valid husbandry concerns, or the department's Wildlife Division Director may authorize any person to hunt or kill such an animal if the Division Director determines it would be in the best interest of sound wildlife management.
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.
SC - Endangered Species - Chapter 123 Department of Natural Resources S.C. Code of Regulations R. 123-150 - 170 These South Carolina regulations list the non-game wildlife on the state's List of Endangered Wildlife Species, as well as the animals that are considered threatened and "in need of management." If an animal is listed as threatened or endangered, a permit must be obtained in certain situations to avoid penalty for "taking" a listed species. Furthermore, these regulations also set out provisions for hunting alligators and selling alligator meat and hide; for obtaining vultures, kites, hawks, eagles, ospreys, falcons, and owls for the practice of falconry; and for protecting sea turtles by regulating the nets on shrimping trawls.
TN - Wildlife - Chapter 1660-01-15 Rules and Regulations for Animal Importation. TN ADC 1660-01-15-.01, .02 These Tennessee regulations outline the guidelines for importing any live wild animal species obtained from outside the State of Tennessee.
TN - Wildlife, commercial use - 1660-01-17-.01. GENERAL PROVISIONS FOR COMMERCIAL USE. TN ADC 1660-01-17-.01 This Tennessee regulation describes the commercial use of wildlife. Under the regulation, the commercial use of any State or Federally endangered species is prohibited. The commercial use of State and Federally threatened species and those species deemed in need of management are permitted only when such species are legally taken for the purpose of sale in the State of origin as provided in T.C.A. 70-8-109.
TN - Wildlife, possession - Chapter 1660-01-18. Rules and Regulations of Live Wildlife TN ADC 1660-01-18-.01 to .06 These Tennessee regulations outline the requirements for importation and possession of captive wildlife. The species of wildlife for each class of wildlife are described. Facilities for Class I wildlife are provided, which include specific requirements for Class I Felidae or Ursidae. The Class I qualification test requirements are also stated.
UT - Animal Disease Control - R58. Animal Industry. U.A.C. R58-1 These are the regulations for Utah's Control of Animal Disease Act. The regulation states, "It is the intent of these rules to eliminate or reduce the spread of diseases among animals by providing standards to be met in the movement of animals within the State of Utah (INTRASTATE) and the importation of animals into the state (INTERSTATE)." Included in the rule are all import requirements for all major livestock species as well as dogs, cats, and ferrets. The rule also covers exotic animals, zoological animals, and wildlife (section 18).
UT - Wildlife Possession - R657-3. Collection, Importation, Transportation, and Possession of Animals. UT ADC R657-3 This set of Utah rules concerns the collection, importation, and possession of zoological animals under circumstances described in the rules. Commonly kept domestic animals such as alpacas, donkeys, cats, dogs and hybrid dogs, gerbils, goats, hamsters, and many others are not governed by these rules. A person shall obtain a certificate of registration before collecting, importing, transporting, or possessing any species of animal or its parts classified as prohibited or controlled. A person may not release to the wild or release into any public or private waters any zoological animal, including fish, without first obtaining authorization from the division. Certain species are prohibited for collection, importation, and possession. These species include bighorn sheep, bears, coyotes, gray wolves, wild cats, skunks, lemurs, great apes, and those species listed in Appendix I or II of CITES, among others listed in R657-3-24.
VT - Primates - Rule 300. Animal Welfare Regulations. VT ADC 2-4-300:1.1 - .88 These Vermont regulations provide animal welfare standards for all licensees, including recordkeeping requirements, holding periods, and inspection provisions. Subpart D then outlines the specifications for the humane handling, care, treatment, and transportation of nonhuman primates. Facility requirements, feeding, watering, veterinary care, and transportation requirements are described, among other things.
WA - Importation - Chapter 16-54. Animal Importation WASH. ADMIN. CODE §16-54-030 Washington requires health certificates for the importation of most animals into the state.
WI - Importation - Wildlife, Chapter 10. Animal Diseases and Movement. Wis. Adm. Code s ATCP 10.01 - 10.09; 10.80 - 10.85 In this set of Wisconsin regulations, "wild animal" does not include a domestic animal identified in s. ATCP 10.02 (livestock, poultry, and other domestic animals). The majority of the regulations here concern disease detection, inoculation, and prevention in domestic herds. However, a person who imports an animal must comply with importing requirements including obtaining a permit under ATCP 10.07. Importation of specific species (dog, cats, exotic ruminants, camelids, elephants, etc.) are covered in 10.80 - 10.86.
WY - Scientific permits - Chapter 33. Regulation Governing Issuance of Scientific Research WY ADC GAME POSS Ch. 33 s 1 - 9 The purpose of this regulation is to govern and regulate the issuance of permits to take, capture, handle, and transport Wyoming wildlife for scientific research, educational or special purposes. Such permits may be issued to persons, educational institutions, or governmental entities when the Wyoming Game and Fish Department determines the scientific research, educational, or special purposes are beneficial to wildlife, the department or the public.
WY - Rehabilitation - Chapter 45. Wildlife Rehabilitation WY ADC GAME POSS Ch. 45 s 1 - 24 The purpose of this regulation is to provide for the care of sick, injured, debilitated or orphaned wildlife, excluding big game animals and trophy game animals, by permitted wildlife rehabilitators and to provide criteria for the issuance of permits to such wildlife rehabilitators. In accordance with this regulation, wildlife rehabilitators issued permits pursuant to this regulation may acquire sick, injured, debilitated, or orphaned wildlife and provide necessary treatment in order that the wildlife may be returned to live in the wild independent of human aid and sustenance. As soon as it can be determined that sick or injured wildlife is not likely to recover within one-hundred eighty (180) days, the wildlife shall be euthanized; unless Department approval is given for extended care.
WY - Importation - Section 3. Importation/Possession Permit Required For Live Wildlife. WY Rules and Regulations GAME POSS Ch. 10 s 3 Except as exempted in this regulation (mainly common domestic animals), a permit from the Department is required prior to importation, possession, confinement, and/or transportation of any living wildlife. Any living wildlife may be transported through the state of Wyoming if the person transporting said wildlife is in possession of a valid permit for interstate transportation of live wildlife. However, wolves (Canis lupus) and/or wolf hybrids may not be possessed, imported or sold.

Pages