NOTE: See state page for exceptions

ALABAMA

BANS

• “Any canidae or felidae for which there is no USDA licensed rabies vaccine” *
  
• Nonindigenous venomous reptiles (those that have never naturally existed in the state including families Viperidae, Atractaspididae, Elapidae, Hydrophiidae and Collubridae but excluding hognose snakes), walking catfish, black carp, piranha, mongoose, San Juan rabbits or wild hares, tegus, and US injurious birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Excludes blue black herring.
  
• Any of the following from outside the state: cervidae, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, skunks, wild rodents, wild turkeys, black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, Pronghorn antelope, nondomestic pigs, or bovidae, piranha, Nile perch, Asian seabass, barramundi, lates, macquaria perches, and giant African snail  
  
• Black bears as protected species*
  
• Protected Nongame
  
• Migratory Game Birds, game and furbearers (after 2003)
  
• Native protected invertebrates
  
• Cervid import by public zoo or wildlife exhibit or privately owned traveling zoo, circus, pet shop
  

PERMIT/LICENSE

•  Native turtles (commercial) - turtle farmer’s permit or turtle dealer’s permit 
  
•  Public exhibition of wildlife permit*
  
• Game breeders (Game birds, game animals, furbearers, and exotic animal propagation)
  
  

 REGULATIONS

• Import regulated except for displays for carnivals, circuses, zoos, and shows 
  
• Game Breeders must report escapes within 24 hours
  
• Endangered Species Act species must be in compliance with ESA
  

LEGAL

• Unprotected native species
  

ALASKA
         

BANS

• Live game or hybrids as pets
  
• Venomous reptiles or insects*
  
• Invasive species
  
• Native species
  

PERMIT

• Wolves and wolf dogs
  
• Temporary commercial use of exotic game
  
• Commercial exhibition of elephants
  
• Aviculture birds
  
• Scientific, Educational, Propagation or Public Safety
  
• Falconry
  

LEGAL

• Feline hybrids F4 or later
  
• Exempt live game
  
• Ornamental fish
  

ARIZONA

BANS

• Restricted live wildlife as pets. NEW: Adds European hedgehogs, jumping mice (Dipodidae), chukar, and South Mexican, Rio Grande, Merriam’s, Gould’s, Osceola, Eastern, and ocellated wild turkeys AND removes African and Somali hedgehogs (genus Atelerix) with specific species listed along with bobwhite quail in game unit 34A AND makes several other changes to the Live Wildlife Rules (Adopted 12/4/2020 – Effective 7/1/21)
  
• Import of zoo animals except circus, show or zoo
  

PERMIT

•  Game Bird Hobby
  
• Game farms
  
• Scientific collecting
  
• Sports falconry
  
• Wildlife holding
  
• Wildlife rehabilitation
  
• Zoos 
  

REGULATIONS

• Import of petting zoo animals and macaques
  
• Federal agencies/employees must comply with state permit requirements
  

LEGAL

• Various native reptiles and amphibians
  
• Species listed as exempt from restricted live wildlife species
  
• Native nongame rodents (various) 
  

ARKANSAS

BANS

• Cougars
  
• Large Carnivores (tigers, African lions, hybrids, and bears)
  
• Apes, baboons, macaques*
  
• Commercial primate facility except AZA, ZAA, research
  
• Import Terrapene turtle, cervid, raccoon, bat, skunk, coyote, gray and red, wild-caught rodents, African lion, tiger, bear, mountain lion, waterfowl, Injurious Wildlife*
  
• Wild caught white-tailed deer as pets (except 6 before 6/30/2012)
  
• Captive born white-tailed deer and elk as pets after 6/30/05 and breeding, purchasing or selling*
  
• Moving cervid if CWD found within 25 miles
  
• Birds not kept in buildings or covered pens (considered escaped)
  
• Take of wild birds or eggs unless exempt
  
• Prohibited Wildlife Species
  

PERMIT

• Wildlife rehabilitation
  
• Falconry
  
• Red/grey fox and coyote sales (Live Fox and Coyote Permit) – required for Wildlife Breeder/Dealers - limited to holding for 30 days and sale limited to foxpens for Commercial Wildlife Hunting Resort Permit holders
  
• Breeding/dealing wildlife and exotics (Wildlife Breeder/Dealer Permit)
  
• Import permit for wildlife not exempted
  
• Entry permit for zoo, furbearing, wild and exotic animals, ratites, camels, cerivds and birds
  
• Venomous reptile possession - Started 7/1/21
  
• Conservation Education
  
• Import aquatic turtles for commercial sale or propagation – requires Commercial Fisherman Permit and Sportfishing License, Aquatic Turtle Dealer Permit and Wildlife Import Permit
  
• Permitted Wildlife Species
  

REGISTRATION/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• All primates
  
• Wolf Hybrids
  

 
LEGAL

•  Unlisted exotics as pets (if free from diseases)
  
• Unrestricted captive wildlife
  
• Coyotes, gray foxes, red foxes, opossums, rabbits, raccoons and squirrels or native nongame wildlife - 6 hand wild-caught and 6 captive born as pets - Captive must be from Wildlife Breeder/Dealer, from 20 animals allowed without permit or from import
  
• Sale or transfer of up to 20 animals on permitted list for residents legal without wildlife breeder/dealer permit excluding large carnivores, mountain lions, primates, Cervidae, blackbuck antelope and black-tailed prairie dogs
  
• Aquatic Wildlife Pets – 6 total native fish, snails and crayfish – aquatic turtles and salamanders under Chapter 9
  

CALIFORNIA

BANS

• Restricted species as pets
  
• Protected native species except conservation or legal import
  
• Using bullhooks, ankus, baseball bat, axe handle or pitchfork for training or controlling elephants
  
• Desert tortoises after 5/7/73
  
• Nongame birds
  
• State threatened/endangered species
  
• Fully protected species
  
• Black bass take/possess (most waters)
  

PERMIT

• Exhibiting, breeding, zoos, research, brokers, and shelters of restricted species
  
• Native reptile propagation except pet shops
  
• Game Breeders (game birds and mammals)
  

LEGAL

• Unrestricted live wild animals
  
• Exempt restricted live wild animals
  
• Native game, sun, and various freshwater fish
  
  

COLORADO

BAN

• Species not listed as exempt or domestic as pets
  
• Non commercial use of felines, canines, bears, venomous reptiles
  
• Terrestrial wildlife
  
• Native and exotic mammals as pets
  
• Prohibited aquatic wildlife
  
• Native herptiles (various)
  

PERMIT

• Commercial Wildlife Park(AZA, exhibitors before 1/1/06, sell/propagate/broker/transport, non AZA zoos)
  

•  Non-Commercial Wildlife Park (birds along with exotic mammals prior to 1/1/83 & offspring)
  

• Wildlife Sanctuary
  
• Raptor Educational Exhibitors License
  

LEGAL

• Exempt species and domestic species as pets
  
• Unregulated wildlife
  
• Native - Game fish, certain native herptiles, game birds
  
• Insects/arachnids not endangered/threatened
  
• Common snapping turtles
  
• 4 each (12 total): Plains spadefoot, Woodhouse’s toad, Boreal chorus frog, painted turtle, Ornate box turtle, common sagebrush lizard, Ornate tree lizard, common side-blotched lizard, prairie lizard, plateau fence lizard, gopher snake, terrestrial garter snake, plains garter snake, common lesser earless lizard, tiger whiptail, North American racer, plains hog-nosed snake
  

CONNECTICUT

BANS

• Potentially dangerous wild animals (Category 1) as pets and certain USDA
  
• Category 2 and 3 non domestic wild animals as pets*
  
• Skunk and raccoon*
  
• Wood turtles
  
• Import/release of red sliders
  
• Possess red-eared sliders except educational or research organization and distinctive aberrant color patterns
  

 
PERMIT
 

• Category 4 non domestic wild animals
  
• Wild birds or quadrupeds as pets or for sale
  
• 2 or more duck, goose, swan, quail, partridge, certain pheasants, ruffed grouse, nondomestic turkey, sika and white tail deer, raccoon, otter, beaver, or wild rabbit/hare as pet or sales 
  

 
REGULATES

• Bog turtles
  
• Turtle sales
  
• Primates under 35 pounds before 10/1/2003
  

LEGAL
 

• Bengal cats
  
• 1 duck, goose, swan, quail, partridge, certain pheasants, ruffed grouse, nondomestic turkey, sika and white tail deer, raccoon, otter, beaver, or wild rabbit/hare as pet or sales 
  
• 3 marbled salamanders, 3 spotted salamanders, 1 Eastern bog turtle, 1 Eastern hognose snake, and 1 Eastern ribbon snake
  
• Guinea pig, chinchilla, gerbil, rat, mouse, hamster, Patagonia mara

DELAWARE

BANS

• Breeding carnivores, hybrids of wild mammals, omnivores, primates or certain herbivores or reptiles except accredited zoo
  
• Red fox possession/transfer for compensation except state owned exhibit
  
• Bullfrogs*
  
• Giving wild animals and hybrids non USDA approved rabies vaccines
  
• Nongame wildlife as pets
  
• Native endangered/threatened species
  

 PERMIT

• Non exempt exotic animals
  
• Skunk and raccoon
  
• Rehabilitators
  
• 2 or more native wildlife for commercial purposes/breeding
  
• 2 or more wild-caught herp
  

LEGAL

•  Legally taken bullfrogs
  
• Exempt exotics
  
• Game fish with no closed season
  
• Invertebrates
  

FLORIDA

BANS

• Class I wildlife and hybrids for personal use
  
• Wild-caught fox, skunk, bat, raccoon, white-tail deer for pets
  
• Venomous reptiles except USDA Class C and zoo
  
• Reptiles of concern except USDA Class C and zoo
  
• Import of injurious species
  
• Prohibited and conditional nonnative wildlife
  
• Possession, sale, breeding and import of Prohibited Reptiles except educational, research, eradication or control
  

PERMIT

• Class I wildlife/hybrids for all other uses
  
• Class II and III wildlife and hybrids
  
• Temporary possession and import of wildlife
  
• Exotic or pet bird dealers
  
• Species of special concern
  
• Falconry
  
• Wildlife rehabilitation
  
• Game farm (game birds and mammals)
  

REGULATES

• Game fish
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Domestic list species
  
• Species not requiring a permit 
  

 NOTE: Florida counties can only regulate enclosure and only through their building codes
 

GEORGIA

BANS

• Inherently dangerous/regulated animals as pets
  
• Threatened/endangered species
  
• Native nongame other than herptiles and invertebrates
  

PERMIT

• Inherently dangerous/regulated animals (wholesale/retail, exhibit, science/education or service animal)
  
• Wild Animal Auction
  
• Exhibition permits
  
• Rehabilitation (releasable)
  
• Bird Dealer
  
• Film Production Wildlife Permit (film, video or digital projects involving wildlife)
  
• Bird import
  
• Restricted Java Rice bird and monk parakeet
  
• Game birds (game holding permit)
  

LEGAL

• Native reptiles/amphibians (various)
  
  

HAWAII

BANS

• Restricted species as pets
  
• Prohibited species 
  
• Native species other than reef fish
  
• Collecting reef fish for aquariums using small mesh nets
  
• Importing dangerous wild animals for performances
  
• Take, possession, capture of native sharks and rays in marine waters
  

PERMIT

• Conditionally Approved Species (pets, businesses, institutions)
  
• Restricted Species Part A for research and exhibition (also scientific or medical purposes)
  
• Restricted Species Part B for private and commercial use (NOT pets and primates only for Part A purposes or sanctuaries)
  
• Unlisted species (filming, show, and exhibit)    
  

IDAHO

BANS

• Breeding deleterious exotic animal except SSP
  
• Wild-caught furbearers
  
• Canada lynx
  
• Import of species not listed as approved
  
• Protected nongame
  
• Import of invasive fish
  
• Taking large predatory wildlife from the wild
  
• Import, export and sale of nondomestic cervids
  

 PERMIT

•  Deleterious exotic animal (possess, propagate, travel exhibit, import)
  
• Big game animals as pets/sale (Private Park)
  
• Possession of wildlife not listed
  

 REGULATIONS

• Native/exotic wildlife - Need 5 years of records
  
• Wolves – need tattoo and reported
  
• Taking small predatory wildlife from the wild
  
• Collect/possess up to 4 each native reptiles and amphibians
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Unlisted native wildlife not species of concern or threatened/endangered
  
• Predatory and unprotected wildlife - sale, import, export and possession of wild-caught ones legal without additional permit
  
• Ornamental and aquarium fish not listed
  
• Conventional household pets
  
• Captive game birds
  
• Import of approved wildlife species
  
• Captive-bred game fish as pets
  
• Native herptiles – up to 4/species taken under hunting or trapping laws legal without permit
  

ILLINOIS

BANS

• Dangerous animals*
  
• Primates after 1/1/2011*
  
• Sale of skunks as pets
  
• Sale of dangerous animals and servals, civets and hybrids
  
• San Juan rabbits and raccoon dogs
  
• Striped skunk, bobcat and coyote
  
• Elephants in traveling animal acts
  
• Injurious species
  
• Venomous reptiles and poisonous amphibians as pets
  
• Nongame birds
  
• Protected native species
  

PERMIT
 

• Native wildlife*
  
• Listed game birds or game animals
  
• Fur-bearing mammals
  
• Birds of prey
  
• Herptiles
  

REGULATES

•  Turtles
  
• Wild animals in captivity under Diseased Animals Act
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT
 

• Breeding mink, red fox or arctic fox (agricultural pursuit)
  
• Sales of CFA/TICA cats and UKC/CKC dogs
  
• Unprotected native wildlife
  

INDIANA

BAN
 

• Sale of Class I, II or III wildlife except AZA or USDA
  
• Breeding badger, bobcat, otter
  
• US endangered species as pets
  
• Native mussels
  
• Native and exotic birds other than ratites, nuisance species and domestic
  

PERMIT
 

• Class I, II and III wildlife*
  
• Fur-bearing and native mammals possession
  
• Fur-bearing mammal sale
  
• Native reptiles breeding
  
• Native turtle possession - allowed in education programs without special purpose educational permit
  
• Unprotected native species not exempt from permit
  
• Special purpose educational purposes – may use in commercial ventures with 6 program minimum requirement
  

 
REGULATES
 

• Sale of unlisted native mammals requires USDA
  
• Allows killing of exotic mammals that escape/damage property
  
• Take/possession of native reptiles and amphibians and fish -
  

 LEGAL/NO PERMIT

•  Domestic cat and dog hybrids
  
• Non-endangered native invertebrates
  

IOWA

BAN

• Dangerous wild animals *
  
• Nongame as pets including reptiles and amphibians
  
• Endangered species and special concern species
  

 PERMIT

• Game birds or fur-bearing animals (breed or sale) except government zoo or exhibit
  
• Scientific Collector’s
  
• Educational project (educational or zoological displays of protected species)
  
• Wildlife rehabilitation
  
• Import
  
• Non-indigenous Aquatic Organism Importation & Possession Permit (species not on approved list)
  

REGULATES

• Taking game turtles and frogs and bait salamanders
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT
 

• 2 captive-bred game birds or fur-bearing animals as pets
  
• Native invertebrates
  
• Unprotected native species
  
• Bengals/savannahs (F4+)
  
• Approved aquaculture species (fish, reptiles, amphibians, crustaceans, mollusks, gastropods)
  

KANSAS

BANS

• Dangerous regulated animals
  
• Certain exotic animals import and possession (except 2020 species owned 1/1/21)
  
• Nongame not in 115-20-2
  
• Foxes, coyotes, raccoons, civets and striped skunks due to rabies concerns
  
• Threatened and endangered species/species in need of conservation
  
• Taking baitfish and sportfish from ANS waters
  

 
PERMIT
 

• Certain exotic animal experiments, science, and displays
  
• Cougar, wolf, black bear, grizzly bear* possession and sale
  
• Native herp sales
  
• Wolves
  

 
REGISTRATION

• Dangerous regulated animal designated handler
  

 REGULATES

• Native fish from non-ANS waters or captive-bred
  
• Take/possess native herp in 115-20-2 (limit 5)
  
• Take game turtles
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

•  Unlisted exotic wildlife under control
  
• Unlimited take/possess of native 115-20-2 species except 5 each herp and mussels
  
• Captive-born waterfowl and game birds
  
• Captive-born furbearers and game (unlisted)
  

KENTUCKY

BANS

• Inherently dangerous wildlife*
  
• Prohibited exotics*
  
• Prohibited native wildlife*
  
• Coyote, fox, raccoon, skunk import*
  
• Non commercial keeping of captive cervids 
  
• Threatened/endangered species - Bans import and transport of exotic endangered species for entertainment purposes
  
• Import and transport of native and exotic wild rabbits, hares and pikas (Lagomorpha)
  

 
PERMIT

• Wild-caught ferrets as pets or not for hunting
  
• Unlisted native wildlife
  
• Import
  
• Conservation organizations
  
• Scientific and Educational Collecting
  
• Wildlife Rehabilitation
  
• Fish transport
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Unlisted exotics possession
  
• Up to 5 each native reptile/amphibian for noncommercial use
  

LOUISIANA

BANS

•  Dangerous wild quadrupeds, big exotic cats and nonhuman primates*
  
• Wild-caught box turtles for commercial purposes
  
• Cervid import
  
• All vertebrates native to North America (except herptiles)*
  

PERMIT

• Dangerous wild quadrupeds, big exotic cats and nonhuman primates – non AZA zoo, non LA college educational institution, AZA sanctuary
  
• Game quadrupeds and birds (commercial use)
  
• Nongame quadrupeds
  
• Unlisted native herp
  
• Turtle Farm
  
• Restricted snakes
  

 
REGULATES

• Wolf hybrids legal with proof 
  
• Feral swine transporter registration
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Box turtles – captive-bred pets or 2 wild-caught ones a day (limit 4) for recreational purposes
  
• Unlisted exotics
  

MAINE

Maine completely repealed and replaced its rules regarding wildlife.

BANS

• Prohibited wildlife except research
  
• Unclassified wildlife
  
• Restricted Category 1 as pets
  
• Native species except exhibit or game birds
  
• Pet shops from selling wildlife
  
• Wild-caught turtles and snakes for commercial purposes  
  
• Primates (except service monkey), deer, bear, moose, wild turkeys for possession or propagation permits
  
• Allowing exotics to escape (Class E crime)
  

PERMIT

• Restricted Category 1 for exhibitor, rehabilitator, lab, research
  
• Restricted Category 2 for pets or other purposes
  
• Snapping turtles for commercial purposes 
  

 REGISTRATION

•  Wolf dog kennels
  

 REGULATES

•  Elephants
  
• Ferret sales and import
  
• Wolf hybrids licensed as domestic dogs but need ID
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

•  F4 and higher savannah cats
  
• Native non-endangered/not of concern amphibians (5 per species), reptiles (2 per species), invertebrates (unlimited)
  
• Unrestricted species
  

MARYLAND

BANS

•  Dangerous animals*
  
• Venomous reptiles as pets
  
• Native herp competitions
  
• Import of mammalian wildlife/hybrids with no USDA approved rabies vaccine*
  
• Native game and nongame mammals as pets
  
• Nongame birds as pets
  
• Endangered/threatened species
  
• Native fish during closed season
  

 
PERMIT

• Game mammals (include furbearers) and game birds
  
• Game birds (breed or sell)
  
• Game birds (pets)
  
• Wildlife Rehabilitator
  
• Falconry
  
• Scientific Collection
  
• Native herps (Captive Reptile & Amphibian Permit) for more than 1 turtle, more than 4 each amphibian or over 25 eggs or tadpoles, and either more than 1 or more than 4 for all other reptiles
  
• Transportation*  
  

REGULATES

• Turtles require a caution notice
  
• Native fish with no closed season
  

 
LEGAL

• Import of certain pocket pets and primates (Cebidae, Cercopithecidae, and Pongidae), wild and semi wild animals under domestication
  
• Unlisted exotic animals
  

MASSACHUSETTS

BANS

• Wildlife and hybrids as pets except vets and USDA zoos for certain parts
  
• Rehabilitating threatened/endangered species, black bear, moose, venomous snakes, white-tail deer
  
• IUCN Red List species in rarity category*
  
• US Endangered/threatened species*
  
• Special concern species*
  

PERMIT

• Wildlife/hybrids for propagation, dealer, possession of birds, quail, falconry, raptors, temporary possession and rehabilitation
  
• Certain native herp
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• TICA/CFA feline hybrids at least 4 generations
  
• Domesticated list
  
• Exempt list species
  
• Ferret
  
• Aquarium trade fish
  

MICHIGAN

BANS

• Large carnivores as pets
  
• Direct contact and close contact with large carnivores over 20 weeks and bears over 36 weeks or 90 pounds
  
• Wolves and wolf-dogs
  
• Wild-caught game or protected animals
  
• Live bats
  
• Wild-caught VHS fish unless scientific permit granted
  
• Captive breeding of native reptiles and amphibians
  
• Threatened/endangered species as pets
  
• Nongame mammals and birds*
  

PERMIT
 

• Game or protected animals
  
• Threatened/endangered species for other purposes
  
• Falconry
  

REGULATES

• Ferrets
  
• Turtle sales
  
• Import 
  
• US Threatened/Endangered Species must be allowed by federal laws
  
• Captive-born VHS fish must be certified free
  
• Allows certain limit of native reptiles and amphibians
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

•  Unlisted exotics except import
  

MINNESOTA

BAN

• Regulated animals as pets plus USDA facilities after enactment date except to keep current numbers*
  
• Prohibited invasive species except research or education
  
• Unlisted Non native species import
  
• Protected wild animals  
  
• Skunks*
  
• Game as pets
  
• Wild-caught fish except kids for certain species
  
• Sale of mud and musk turtles as pets
  
• Sale of crayfish capable of surviving in-state
  
• Threatened/endangered species as pets
  
• Feral pig possession and import
  

PERMIT
 

• Prohibited invasive species for research or education
  
• Restricted species for Eurasian wild hogs
  
• Regulated invasive species for university research
  
• Protected wild animals not as pets
  
• Western painted, snapping or spiny softshell turtles sales or recreational use
  
• Game for other purposes
  
• Resident License to Purchase, Possess and Transport Frogs (native)
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Regulated invasive species except university research
  
• Unregulated non native species
  
• Unprotected native species
  

REGULATES

• Domesticated wild animal bites
  
• Bird basic care rules
  
• Taking native herp from the wild
  

MISSISSIPPI

 BANS

• Game animals, birds or fish or nongame wildlife buy or sale
  
• Game fish, frogs and birds
  
• Furbearing animals as pets
  
• ESA and state Endangered species*
  
• Skunk import
  
• Wild-tailed deer import except research
  
• Wild swine and boars   
  

PERMIT

• Inherently dangerous animals except with exemption certificate
  
• Alligator snapping turtle propagation 
  
• Wild animal import
  
• Exotic livestock movement
  
• Import of exotic livestock
  

REGULATES
 

• Primate import
  
• Exotic livestock escapes must be reported within 24 hours 
  
• Nongame
  
• Deer caging
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT
 

• Unlisted exotics except import
  
• Genetic color mutants of native reptiles/amphibians
  
• Unprotected native species
  
• Nongame up to limits listed
  
• Domestic species including domestic camelids
  

MISSOURI

BANS

• Releasing large carnivores
  
• Skunks
  
• Import of skunks, coyotes, raccoons
  
• Native wildlife for personal use except certain game birds and mammals
  
• Release, stealing or injuring animals from facilities, damaging property, obtaining access under false pretenses or performing unauthorized acts
  
• State native mammals and herps and US native birds*
  

PERMIT

• Large carnivores (own, breed, transport, transfer)*
  
• Unlisted native wildlife (Class I and II)* 
  
• Wildlife Rehabilitation
  
• Falconry
  
• Raptor Permit – permit for wildlife abatement
  
• Wildlife Collector’s
  

REGISTRATION  

• Dangerous Animals - local law enforcement agency*  
  

 REGULATES

• Import, intrastate transport or exhibit requires CVI
  

LEGAL

• 50 total ring-necked pheasants and bobwhite quail for personal use
  
• 1 game mammal for personal use
  
• Up to 5 total native species, including nonvenomous snakes and other herp and mammals other than bats, game, furbearers or endangered species, but excluding fish, birds, crayfish or mussels
  
• Non-state native mammals and herp and non-US native birds (not US endangered or prohibited species)
  

MONTANA

BANS

• Prohibited exotic wildlife*
  
• Skunk, fox, raccoon and bat except furbearing enterprise, zoo, and education institution
  
• Live game fish for personal use
  
• Unlisted furbearers as pets
  
• Unlisted exotic wildlife
  

PERMIT

• Bear and large cat exhibition
  
• Controlled exotic wildlife
  
• Import of game, furbearing and wild animals
  
• Furbearers that are sold
  
• Game animals
  
• Falconry
  
• Upland game birds (commercial or noncommercial)
  

 
REGULATES

• Bear, tiger, lion, coyote and 50%+ hybrids, wolf and 50%+ hybrids need tattooed ID
  
• Nongame and endangered species
  

 
LEGAL/NO PERMIT
 

• Noncontrolled exotic wildlife
  
• Unlisted furbearers not sold
  
• Unprotected native species
  

NEBRASKA

BANS
 

• Wolves, skunks, all felines, and all bears*
  
• Bobcats and Canada lynx for noncommercial purposes
  
• Asian raccoon dogs, San Juan rabbits, white-tailed deer, red deer, mule deer owned after 7/24/02, hybrids and wild pigs
  
• US and state endangered/threatened species and nongame in need of conservation
  Category 1 potential, Category 2 priority and Category 3 established aquatic invasive species for personal use
  
• Native species not allowed under Captive Wildlife Permit
  
• Import of aoudad and mouflon sheep
  

PERMIT

• Certain captive born wild birds/mammals listed
  
• Import (species in 008-08A legal)
  

REGULATES

• Exotic animal auctions and swap meets
  
• Hybrid dogs
  
• Collection of native reptiles/amphibians
  

LEGAL

• Exotic animals not listed
  
  

NEVADA

BANS

• NAC 503.110 species*
  
• Import fox, skunk, raccoon
  
• Rehabilitating fox, skunk, raccoon, coyote, rat, mice, ground squirrels, bat and NAC 503.110 species
  
• Aquatic invasive species
  
• Endangered/threatened/special concern species
  
• Import of elk, moose, alternative livestock
  

PERMIT

• Unlisted wildlife for noncommercial/commercial purposes
  
• Rehabilitation
  

REGULATES

• Ungulates need ear tags
  
• Bobcat, cougar, black bear need ear tattoo
  

 
LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Species in NAC 503.140
  
• Listed birds and fish on private property not sold
  
• Unprotected reptiles and amphibians for noncommercial/personal use
  
• USDA Exhibitor license in state less than 90 days
  
• Livestock and alternative livestock
  
• Invertebrates other than mollusks and crustaceans
  

NEW HAMPSHIRE

BANS
 

• Prohibited wildlife*
  
• Controlled wildlife (Category 2-6 for possession) as pets or purposes not listed
  
• Unlisted species except Category 5 
  
• Import and sale of wolf hybrids less than 5 generations removed except temporary events
  

PERMIT

• Controlled wildlife (Category 1 legal as pets)
  
• Wildlife rehabilitation (Class I Apprentice & Class II) 
  
• Import of birds
  

REGULATES

• Wolf hybrids
  
• Ferret import
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Non-controlled wildlife
  
• TICA/CFA feline hybrids 3 or more generations removed
  
• Up to 5 native amphibians and 2 native reptiles per species
  

Venomous reptiles are now limited to those normally capable of inflicting serious or fatal injuries to humans. 

NEW JERSEY

BANS

• Potentially dangerous species as pets/hobby/unlisted purpose or by pet shops/animal dealers after 1/17/95
  
• Foxes and coyotes*
  
• Import of RVS (raccoon, skunk, woodchuck, fox, bat) 
  
• Exotic and wild animal performances
  
• US & State endangered species
  

PERMIT

• Potentially dangerous species (other purposes)
  
• Exotic and nongame mammals, birds and herp (allows as pets)
  
• Game animals/birds
  
• Game bird and mammal import
  

REGULATES

• Possession of RVS (raccoon, skunk, woodchuck, fox, bat)
  
• Exotic and native nongame birds
  
• Turtles must be certified free from Salmonellosis
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT
 

• Exempt list species
  

NEW MEXICO

BANS

• Felines, crocodiles, wolves, alligators, and primates as pets
  
• Protected furbearers except raccoons
  
• Jaguars
  
• Group IV exotic animals*
  
• Purchase or sale of covered animal species and parts (Elephant, lion, rhino or other CITES I species)
  

PERMIT

• Unlisted native species
  
• Raccoons
  
• Captive born skunks (legal as pets)
  
• Hawks, vultures and owls
  
• Predatory animals (approved uses)
  
• Group II exotic animals   
  
• Commercial collectors of native herp or those with at least the listed limits
  

REGULATES

• Group III exotic animals
  
• Subhuman primate, skunk, raccoon, fox or sylvatic carnivores as pets
  
• Requires euthanasia for wild-caught species that bite humans
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Group I exotic animals
  

NEW YORK

BANS

• Wild animals*
  
• Native game and protected nongame other than fish as pets
  
• Direct public contact with big cats except vet
  
• Lion, raccoon dog, wolfdog, animals indistinguishable from wolf/coyote
  
• Sale of leopard, snow leopard, clouded leopard, tiger, Asiatic lion, cheetah, mountain lion, jaguar, margay, ocelot, alligator, crocodile, caiman, tortoise, marine turtles, vicuna, wolf, red wolf, kangaroo, polar bear, Sumatran rhino, and black rhino
  
• Elephant entertainment acts
  
• Prohibited invasive species
  

PERMIT
 

• Wolf, wolfdog, coyote, coydog, fox, skunk, venomous reptile, raccoon, endangered species, or species in section 11-536
  
• White-tailed deer
  
• Import/possess RVS (raccoon, skunk, red or gray fox, bat)
  
• Unlisted protected native wildlife other than pets
  
• Possess/sale bobcat, mink, muskrat, fisher, beaver, otter, marten, sable  
  

REGULATES

• Must notify local clerks of presence of wild animals
  
• Must safeguard public from attack 
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT
 

• CFA/TICA feline hybrids F4 or later
  
• New World service monkeys
  
• Deer other than white-tailed deer
  
• Certain imported game for propagation
  
• Unlisted native unprotected wildlife
  
• Import of bobcat, mink, muskrat, fisher, beaver, otter, marten, sable 
  
• Nongame unprotected invertebrates
  
• Domestic poultry
  
• Fennec fox
  
• Unprotected nongame fish
  
• Small game frogs and toads
  

NORTH CAROLINA

BANS
 

• Invasive species
  
• Native wildlife other than herp as pets
  
• Native turtles and terrapins commercial take (5+/year) 
  
• Import of skunk, fox, raccoon, ringtail, North and South American felines, coyote, marten, and brushtail possum*
  
• Import of gray fox into certain counties
  
• Collecting native wildlife from the wild except for scientific collection
  
• Certain prohibited fish
  

PERMIT

• Native captive wildlife for other purposes
  
• 25+ native amphibians/5+ native reptiles for personal use
  
• Import
  
• Import of skunk, fox, raccoon, ringtail, North and South American felines, coyote, marten, and brushtail possum for exhibit, research or entertainment
  
• Collect native wildlife for scientific purposes
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT
 

• Possess unlisted exotic animals
  
• Under 25 native amphibians or 5 native reptiles for personal use
  

NORTH DAKOTA

BANS

• Prohibited animals
  
• Raccoons and skunks except USDA
  
• Import of raccoons and skunks
  
• Venomous reptiles except educational use
  

PERMIT

• Nontraditional livestock auctions
  
• Import of nontraditional livestock
  
• Protected live birds/animals propagation and keeping  
  
• Category 2 and 3 nontraditional livestock
  

REGULATES

• Cougars, wolves, and wolf hybrids need ID ear tattoo
  
• Preventing rabies in wild mammals/hybrids
  
• Fur-bearing animal owners have same property rights as domestic owners
  
• Pet wolf or coyote that attacks livestock may be killed  
  
• Category 1 nontraditional livestock
  
• Take/possess native herp
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

•  Exempt animals
  
• Domestic animals
  

OHIO

BANS

• Dangerous wild animals*
  
• Asian raccoon dogs
  
• Import/Possess raccoons outside the state except pets
  
• Auctions of or defanging restricted snakes
  
• Injurious aquatic invasive species
  
• Native mussels and clams, nongame native birds and threatened/endangered species as pets
  
• Wild take other than herps and fish
  
• Interstate transport of fish away from the designated quarantine area
  

 
PERMIT

• Restricted snakes*
  
• Rescue facility
  
• Native herp, American bullfrogs and green frogs Class A Aquaculture Species - exempt from seasons and limits if acquired from facility
  
• Game birds, game quadrupeds, fur-bearing animals listed in 1531.01
  
• Import non-domestic animals
  
• Education/scientific collecting
  
• Rehabilitation
  
• White-tailed deer (special permit)
  

REGISTRATION

• Lemurs, marmosets, squirrel monkeys and capuchins
  

REGULATES

• Endangered/threatened species require permission
  
• Native snake and turtle sales require PIT tag
  
• Exhibits
  

OKLAHOMA

BANS

• Native bears and cats over 50 pounds (cougar & black bear)
  
• Direct public contact of cougars/black bears
  
• Intentionally cutting/damaging fence for livestock, exotic livestock, game animals or domestic game
  
• Wild-caught threatened/endangered species
  
• Nongame birds*
  
• Unlisted nongame for personal use
  

PERMIT

• Unlisted wildlife
  
• Import except wildlife breeders
  
• Rehabilitation  
  

REGULATES
 

• Owners liable for canines/felines running at large
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Wildlife in section 800:25-25-3
  
• Captive-born threatened/endangered species
  

OREGON

BANS

• Exotic animals*
  
• Game animals, furbearers, western spotted skunks, striped skunks, native bats and coyotes except with permission
  
• Skunk, fox or raccoon as pets
  
• Prohibited and unclassified species*
  
• Raccoons and bobcat sale or purchase
  
• Gray wolf except exhibitors
  
• Possession, sale, breeding of black bears, wolves, bobcats, cougars, skunks and raccooon
  
• Invertebrates not on approved list or for purposes not approved
  

PERMIT

• Controlled species
  
• Rehabilitation
  
• Capture/hold native squirrels/chipmunks
  
• Raccoons and bobcats at USDA facility
  
• White-tail deer
  
• Coyote as pets
  
• Game mammals/birds, tiger salamander sales
  
• Breeding domestic feline hybrids as pets    
  
• Over 2 listed nongame
  

REGULATES

• Primate import
  
• Mammals except ungulates imported as pets
  
• Wolf hybrids
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Capuchin service animal
  
• Noncontrolled and exempt species
  
• Up to 2 listed nongame
  
• Captive-bred game birds
  
• Approved invertebrates for stated purposes
  

PENNSYLVANIA

BANS

• Bears, bobcat, red and gray foxes, coyote, nutria, monk parakeet, raccoon, skunk, primates, wild-caught mammals and birds, and game and wildlife in captivity or captive-bred outside the state except as otherwise allowed under wildlife permit
  
• Bobcats, coyotes, and red and gray foxes as pets
  
• Breeding or importing most native herp
  

PERMIT

• Bobcat, coyote, red/gray fox propagators
  
• Legal exotic wildlife
  
• Native wildlife for propagation
  
• Falconry
  
• Rehabilitation
  
• Threatened/endangered species
  
• Scientific collecting
  
• Venomous snakes
  
• Common snapping turtles 
  

REGULATES

• Taking native herp and fish from the wild
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Exotic herp
  
  

RHODE ISLAND

BANS

• Bullhook, ankus, baseball bat, axe handle, pitchfork, or similar device for elephants
  
• Native wildlife and target species as pets except unlisted invertebrates
  
• Endangered species except research or college display
  
• Exotic Carnivora without rabies vaccine
  
• Prohibited species (primates, mute swans, mudpuppies, American bullfrogs and some invasive fish)
  

PERMIT

• 
  
• Exotic animals
  
• Import for primates, carnivores, herp, and insects*
  
• Native wildlife and target species for USDA or research
  
• Sell wild birds, game quadrupeds, or domestic game
  
• Ferrets
  
• Rehabilitation
  
• Falconry - exempt from other wildlife laws
  

REGULATES

• Exotic animal breeding requires approval
  
• Turtles sold must be Salmonellosis free
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Exempt list species
  
• Domestic animals
  

SOUTH CAROLINA

BANS

• Possess Panthera cats, non native bears, and great apes as pets (Effective 1/1/18)
  
• Selling carnivores not normally domesticated as pets
  
• Import coyote and fox except exhibit
  
• Southern hognose snakes and sea turtles*
  
• Selling adult spotted turtles or catching more than 9
  
• Threatened/endangered species
  
• Nongame birds
  
• Prohibited fish species
  

 
PERMIT

• Possess and import wolves
  
• Import furbearers, cervids, nondomestic pigs, peccary, Bovids, coyote, bear, and turkey*
  
• American alligator propagation for commercial use
  
• Southern hognose snakes and sea turtles for research/education
  
• Spotted turtles
  

REGULATES

• Ferrets require special sign be given to buyers
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Import of certain birds, fish, herp as pets)
  
• Take 10 certain native turtles
  
• Other native herp (unprotected)
  
• Unregulated nongame
  

SOUTH DAKOTA

BANS

• Raccoon dogs except temporary or zoo permit
  
• Physically altering allowed furbearers except de-scenting
  
• Nongame birds
  
• possess, import, ship and transport of aquatic invasive species unless allowed by rule
  

PERMIT

• Nondomestic felines, canines, bears, weasel family, hyenas, aardwolves, nondomestic even-toed ungulates, tapirs, rhinos, Asian/African elephants, nonhuman primates, and hybrids
  
• Entry of animals
  
• Native species
  
• Game birds (commercial or noncommercial)
  
• Raptors
  
• Rehabilitation
  

REGULATES
 

• Diseased nondomestic animals 
  
• Take of bullfrog and non-endangered/threatened turtles
  
• Game fish must come from hatchery or pet store
  
• Nongame
  

LEGAL

• 1 raccoon, jackrabbit, skunk, red/gray fox, or coyote as a pet
  
• Fur-bearing animals 2 generations or more from wild or imported captive-born
  
• Invertebrates other than mollusks/crustaceans
  

.

TENNESSEE

BANS

• Class I inherently dangerous species, Class II, Class IV, and Class V wildlife*
  
• Class III by nature centers, rehab, or education
  
• Skunks*
  

PERMIT

• Commercial selling wildlife
  
• Import
  
• Falconry
  
• Peregrine Falcon Take
  

REGULATES

• Canine/feline hybrids <25% wild are domestic animals and need rabies vaccine
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Class III wildlife
  

TEXAS

BAN

• Wolves* 
  
• All bats
  
• Selling armadillos*
  
• Skunk and fox possession
  
• Fox, skunk, raccoon and coyote transport
  
• Protected wildlife not for science, research, education or zoo
  
• Catching coatimundi from the wild  
  
• Furbearers as pets
  
• Federal and state threatened/endangered species
  
• Harmful and potentially harmful fish and shellfish
  

PERMIT

• Alligators
  
• Exotic venomous snakes, African rock pythons, Asiatic rock pythons, green anacondas, reticulated pythons, and Southern African pythons*
  
• Protected wildlife for science, research, education or zoo 
  
• Rehabilitation
  
• Native species
  
• Import of furbearers
  
• Breeder deer
  

 
REGISTRATION

• Dangerous wild animals*
  

REGULATES

• Reptile sales by retail stores - need Salmonella notice
  
• Exotic fowl must be confined and separated from wild birds
  
• Dogs, coyotes and hybrids that attack animals may be killed
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• 6+ black list species or 25+ white list species kept for personal possession except coyotes, mountain lion, bobcat, rabbit, American bison, diamondback terrapin, and threatened species
  
• Unlisted exotic species
  

UTAH

BANS

• Captive bred bobcats, lynx, and marten collection and as pets
  
• Prohibited wildlife*   
  

PERMIT
 

• Coyote, raccoon
  
• Import
  
• Controlled wildlife
  
• Rehabilitation
  
• Falconry
  
• Wildlife Convention
  

REGISTRATION
 

• Captive bred bobcats, lynx, and marten import/possess/propagation
  
• Furbearers on private wildlife farm
  
• Game birds 
  

REGULATES

• Herp
  
• Taking certain nongame mammals
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Noncontrolled wildlife
  
• Invertebrates other than mollusk and crustaceans
  
• Domestic species
  

VERMONT

BANS

• Wildlife and hybrid import/possession*  
  
• Unrestricted wild animal exceptions
  
• Prohibited fish as pets
  
• Nongame as pets except certain invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and nongame fish
  

PERMIT

• Wildlife and hybrids for other purposes
  
• Endangered species
  
• Falconry
  
• Rehabilitation
  
• Import of captive furbearers 
  
• Wolf dog kennels 
  

REGULATES

• Primates
  
• Wildlife transport (need authorization)
  
• Restricted fish
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Wolf dogs (regulated as dogs)
  
• Domestic species
  
• Unrestricted wild animals
  
• Unrestricted fish
  

VIRGINIA

BANS

• Predatory or undesirable animals as pets
  
• Foxes and certain rabbits not declared by 1/1/18
  
• Nutria
  
• Aquatic nuisance species
  
• Sale of most native species
  
• Sale of salamanders except exotic newts
  
• Sale of turtles for aquariums except snapping turtles
  
• Direct contact with dangerous captive animals (bear, cougar, jaguar, leopard except clouded leopard, lion, tiger, hybrid, nonhuman primate)
  

 PERMIT
 

• Predatory or undesirable species for other purposes
  
• Native species
  
• Elementary school displays
  
• Endangered species   
  
• Import
  

REGULATES

• Reptiles must be kept to prevent escape
  
• Allows localities to ban hybrid canines
  
• Has special list of where various types of fish are allowed to be sold (pet store, aquaculture, bait store)
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Wolf and domestic feline hybrids
  
• Unlisted exotic species  
  
• Unlisted exotic endangered species as pets if approved by ESA
  
• Domestic list species
  
• Nuisance species
  
• Unlisted native terrestrial invertebrates
  

WASHINGTON

BANS

• Potentially dangerous wild animals*
  
• Deleterious exotic wildlife*
  
• Aquatic invasive species
  
• Import deleterious exotic wildlife except AZA or research
  
• Import grizzly bears 
  
• Bats, skunks, foxes, raccoons, and coyotes as pets
  
• Certain cervids*
  
• Selling intrastate except AZA or other zoo
  
• Endangered/threatened species
  
• Native species not unprotected
  
• Prohibited levels 1-3 aquatic wildlife (aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians, and reptiles)
  
• Regulated Type A aquatic wildlife unless approved
  
• Protected wildlife as pets (includes invertebrates)
  
• Unclassified wildlife as pets
  

PERMIT

• Import bat, skunk, fox, raccoon, coyote other purposes
  
• Game birds for other purposes
  
• Catch wild animals
  
• Rehabilitation 
  
• Scientific collection 
  
• Falconry
  
• Import
  

 
REGULATES

• Has authority to regulate wild and exotic pets 
  

LEGAL

• Regulated Type B aquatic wildlife
  
• Unlisted exotics
  
• Unprotected native species
  

WEST VIRGINIA

BANS

• Dangerous wild animals*
  
• Import of coyote, fox, skunk, raccoon
  
• Native snake, lizard and turtle eggs
  
• Nongame birds
  

PERMIT

• Dangerous wild animals later added through rules
  
• Unlisted native mammals and all birds other than unprotected birds, psittacine, and foreign cage birds as pets
  
• Roadside menagerie
  
• Game preserve
  
• Import
  

REGULATES

• Bullfrog, green frog, snapping turtles and Eastern spiny turtles under fishing laws
  

LEGAL

• 25 native amphibian eggs, larvae or tadpoles
  
• Possess and take unprotected native nongame herp
  
  

WISCONSIN

BAN

• Endangered/threatened species
  
• Prohibited invasive species
  
• Wild take of native species except herp and certain unprotected species
• In-state purchase, import, and sale of most native reptiles and amphibians
  

PERMIT

• Native wildlife not in 16.04(4)(a)
  
• Harmful wild animals
  
• Wild animal markets/dealers/truckers
  
• Rehabilitators
  

REGULATES

• Wolf hybrids
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Unlisted exotic animals except certain pheasants & migratory birds
  
• Household pets
  
• Domestic animals
  
• Livestock
  
• Unprotected native species
  
• Unlimited atypically colored or patterned herp not endangered/threatened
  
• 1 native amphibian egg mass and 5 transformed adults
  

WYOMING

BANS

• Trophy animals, big game animals, wolf, wolf hybrids for private use
  
• Prohibited Chapter 10 wildlife* 
  
• Nongame birds for personal use
  
• US Endangered/threatened species
  
• Aquatic invasive species
  

PERMIT

• Game birds
  
• Chapter 10 wildlife
  
• Non-threatened/endangered crustaceans, mollusks, herp, and certain fish
  

LEGAL/NO PERMIT

• Domestic and domesticated animals
  
• Exempt wildlife
  
• Invertebrates other than mollusks and crustaceans
  
• Take non-endangered/threatened herp for personal use
  
• Unlisted normal pet store animals if approved