These are all defined as game animals in Alaska law and this restriction includes wolf hybrids acquired after January 23, 2002, and chimpanzees acquired after January 31, 2010. This is why our state has not been polluted with disgusting greed or has not seen all the consequences of personal gain by using exotic animals as a symbol of status. Many other rules apply. Answer: Owning a Carnivora is illegal in Arizona. Arkansas Exotic Pet Laws. Fish, Game and Watercraft. Skunks & Opossums. Independent Lens. Should You Keep a Northern Flying Squirrel as a Pet? While a few possums are pretty lovely and easy to handle, there are some reasons why possums arent great animals to have as pets. For the most part, all exotic animals are illegal in Hawaii. "The Hominidae, including, but not limited to, the gorilla, chimpanzee and orangutan" are currently banned. Mississippi has an extensive list of what they refer to as inherently dangerous animals that can only be kept as pets with a permit. All about Louisiana Opossums, how to trap a possum, get rid of an opossum from the backyard,what kind we have, what can be done about them if they become a nuisance animal . Answer: Not really, no. 42) are also not allowed. They belong in the wild. What exotic animals can you own in new mexico? Question: Can I own a Geoffrey's cat in Pennsylvania? In fact, Rhode Island law specifically allows for most species of boas and pythons. Opossums spend a lot of time grooming and may eat a tick they find while cleaning their fur, but do not actively forage for ticks. Wildlife permits will not be issued for animals illegally acquired, including injured and orphaned wildlife; these . )lizards like a black throat monitor, tegus, even a bearded dragon make absolutely fantastic pets, they are still quite "exotic," and are much more rewarding. Call the Midwife. You need to possum-proof your house. Answer: Not really. West Virginia recently enacted regulations for "dangerous wild animals" that allow people to apply for permits to keep them. Opossums are famous for "playing opossum." When a opossum feels threatened by another animal or even person, the opossum will flip on to it's . Unless you registered the animal by January 1, 2018, large wild cats, non-native bears, and great apes like chimps, gorillas, and orangutans are prohibited to be kept as pets by South Carolina law. They categorize exotic animals, and you need to call to find out what the law is. Question: Can I own a peacock in Virginia? If you're thinking about owning one, it's best to call the appropriate governing agency and check.). Ohio's laws have changed since the Zanesville animal massacre in 2011. :). Summary of Law: It is unlawful to own or possess a large carnivore for personal possession. I would like to know more options for Washington, please. The Alaska state legislature kindly expounds on which animals you can and can't own. It is unlawful to possess 6 or more bobcat, coyote, deer, gray fox, red fox, opossum, quail, rabbit, raccoon and squirrel. Davida De La Harpe (CC BY-ND 2.0) Via Flickr. The District of Columbia law states that only domestic dogs, cats, rodents, rabbits, ferrets, racing pigeons, captive-bred birds, and non-venomous snakes, fish, and turtles are allowed to be kept as pets. And you cannot buy or import foxes, they must be rescued from the wild or given to you. However, their tails are bare. As a Mainer, I am so thankful that we have "a horrendous state for exotic pet owners." Though they might look cute and be cuddly for a time, they're apex predators, and they're not domesticated. Bears, large felines, wolves, and primates are included in the list of restricted animals in Connecticut. Reptiles are confined to select species as well. These and a few other animals must be registered with the county law enforcement agency where the animal will live otherwise they are not allowed to be kept as pets. If a person is found to possess a prohibited animal, they can be fined up to $500 for each offense. The snakes must also be at least 42 inches in length, having 21 or more subcaudal scales. Because of the danger inherent in animal ownership, some states prohibit the possession of wild or exotic animals altogether, while most simply restrict possession to certain species. Maine is a horrendous state for exotic pet owners, and the restrictions on pets are as extreme as they are indefensible. Yes, all pets have the capability to capture infection or disease. Can I legally own a Fennec fox in WEST VIRGINIA? These two requirements are often in tension. The life span of the Virginia Opossum is about 2-4 years. In order to own a non-domestic cat or dog, bear, rhino, elephant, primate, non-domestic ferret, and some other animals you will need to obtain a permit. In Massachusetts, endangered and threatened species are prohibited from being kept as pets and other animals are on the list of animals that require a permit. IMHO. I know a reputable USDA breeder who can legally sell them. Maine requires permits to care for some amphibians and reptiles but surprisingly allows coati, genets, and some other exotic animals to be kept as pets without a permit. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. Pronunciation: \l-gl-\\s-fi-shnt\. If you're not willing to dedicate a huge part of your life to an exotic animal but still want a pet, I got good news for you, dogs, cats, chinchillas, guinea pigs, other small mammals, redtail boas, and other non venomous snakes(except for retics, anacondas, rock pythons, etc. Before you commit to owning a marmoset though, you should know that they're really needy and require a lot of attention. Finding a vet who can treat a rabbit can be hard enough. All exotic animals, unless specificially mentioned as exempt, require an individual permit to be kept as a pet. what about Puerto Rico can i own a Bannana snake, emerald snake, and demestic sliver fox? "Wildlife" defined. Illinois calls animals that are prohibited from being pets, dangerous animals. Question: Can you own a prairie dog in California? This large African bird is on the non-controlled species list in New Hampshire. (Yet you can't own an alligator) However, only six of these animals per household are allowed (Section 15.41). The tiny animals are considered rabies vectors (despite these pets never having been found with rabies), but you can have a lion, tiger, bear, and numerous other species as long as you live in a county that doesn't prohibit it. Hence, your enclosure needs to be break out-proof, like an aquarium with a solid mesh top. In Arkansas, you can own bobcats, but not more than six at a time. All bears appear to be legal according to Wyoming's exotic animal code except grizzly and black bears. I love those animals! Are sloths legal in wyoming with a permit? This list of prohibited animals includes alligators, crocodiles, foxes, coyotes, racoons, skunks, elk, moose, giant African snails, and some others but it does not restrict primates, elephants, captive bred wolves, marine mammals, many types of large cats. Raccoon dogs are only allowed if you have a zoo permit and there are specific types of deer, sheep, and goats that are only allowed in the state east of the Missouri River. Like Florida, Indiana sorts permit-requiring animals into three categories: Hybrids of domestic dogs and cats don't require permits. You can also, with a permit, own an alligator, a crocodile, various primates, and even bearsall of which are rather dangerous! You are restricted from owning a wide variety of exotic petsin Maryland. The state may allow other animals under difficult conditions. It includes wolves, bears, and specific exotic felines as well as primates. Because possums are protected, it is illegal to keep them as pets. Can you have a dodo in California or Nevada, I am an exotic animal Educator and I can confirm that in Utah you also may own a Domesticated Red fox as long as it does not look like it's wild variant. While youre sleeping, maximum possums are going to be active. Class I, IV and V animals are only allowed to be kept by zoos, class III animals require no permit, and class II animals are native species. TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) In Israel's divisive debate over the government's planned legal overhaul, proponents claim that curtailing the power of judges and courts is good for the country There is no list of animals that are not allowed to be kept as a pet. Potentially dangerous species also require a permit but this permit has guidelines that are more strict compared to a permit to have a ferret. Potentially dangerous animals in the family felidae are described as "only lions, tigers, captive-bred cougars, jaguars, cheetahs, leopards, snow leopards, and clouded leopards." Additionally, skunks and raccoons are prohibited and therefore not allowed in the state under any circumstances. Question: Where is a ball python illegal? Question: Can you own a sloth as a pet in North Carolina? Based on 66 documents. Question: Can I own a kangaroo in Florida? These laws can change at any time and over the years, many states have added to their list of prohibited animals. Tigers are obligate carnivores (meaning they cannot survive on plant matter). Among the animals that are allowed though are llamas, parrots, chinchillas, and raccoons. Welcome To The Oxford Family! In Alabama, you cannot possess any member of Cervidae (deer). Primates are not allowed as pets unless they were in possession before 2011 and already registered with the state. *UPDATE: Virginia banned all foxes in 2017. Question: If I live in California, can I own a pet salamander? (However not in the Americas). If you live in Alabama and did not obtain a permit before January 13th, 2021, you are not allowed to own a variety of exotic animals including Giant African Land Snails, most non-native wildlife like bobcats, black bears, foxes, and raccoons, and venomous reptiles. The California Natural Resources Agency has banned most wild animals, including seals, bighorn sheep, otters, elephants, and falcons from being as kept as pets in California. To make sure you are in the right place and have the most recent information when you are searching online, the state websites will usually end in .gov or .state, but this is not always the case. There sort of is a law, this one. Numerous birds, beavers, hippos, elephants, giraffes, kanagroos, kinkajous, primates, hybrids, several types of turtles and snakes, and other animals are prohibited from being kept as pets. can i own a possum or opossum in massachusetts? They are a host for a disease that can kill horses, and may carry fleas and ticks. Certain freshwater turtles, mussels, and other species on Georgia's Protected Wildlife List cannot be possessed or collected without proper licenses. Can I own a mink without a license in Oklahoma. You can own a camel in Kentucky without a permit, Say i wanted a fox or python can i have either in oklahoma. They are never known as an opossum, that is why many name the American type the opossum and the antipodean variety simply the possum.ParameterOpossumPossumWhere do they live?Mostly North AmericaOceania and AustraliaTail StructureSimilar to Rats ( less or No Hair)Similar to Squirrel (Haired)Food and DietOmnivore (Eat Everything)Herbivore (Eat Plants and veggies)Protective MethodsCatatonia and HissingArboreal (Hide and Live in Tress). Can I get the number or web address of the guy who breeds bobcats, that is gonna be AWESOME! You do not require permits to keep llamas, alpacas, chinchillas, guinea pigs, mink, hedgehogs and some other animals. Question: Can I own a green anaconda or Burmese python in New York state? Is it possible to own a pet racoon in Virginia? With a permit, you can possess or import any non-domestic mammal or any hybrids thereof of the following orders: carnivora, exotic felidae, canidae, ursidae (bears) mustelidae, and hyaenidae, and various hoofed animals. You should correct your post for Arkansas. Only several birds and aquarium-dwelling species are legal exotic pets in this unique state, with peafowl (a.k.a peacocks and peahens) being considered poultry. The legal animals are listed, and all others are prohibited. Broken Bread. 50-16-10. Answer: Ball pythons are illegal in Hawaii. Caracals are big cats, but the text of the law reads "only," which insinuates that the caracal should be fine to own. Answer: Exotic cats are banned in New Mexico. Legal Status In South Carolina, opossums . They may seem cool and cute at first, but most of them can be potentially dangerous and confiscated if you're not careful. Question: Can I own a Penguin in Illinois? They need a lot of protein, low fat, and dry food. Check your local zoning regulations. This state used to be somewhat exotic friendly, but then they stopped issuing permits to pet owners. Question: Can I own a Lemur in the state of Georgia? Most non-controlled species are traditional pets and birds. Getting an exemption as a licensed exhibitor or educational facility is difficult. Permits can be obtained for some wild animals if conditions are met. Look for a nesting box of good quality, branches to climb, and an exercise wheel for nighttime. Earth Focus Presents. Owning a wild animal without a permit is a Class IV misdemeanor in Nebraska. There are many animals in Texas that are perfectly legal, however, and they include capybaras, lemurs, genets, and small wild felids. Splashstorm Foxes, ringtails, deer, bats, native opossums, raccoons, skunks, African clawed frogs and bobcats aren't legal in NC. Out of that list though, only the raccoon interests me. However, a few varieties of possums have been carried out nicely as tame pets. You can have some exotic pets with a permit. You might have heard from someone that exotic pets or so-called "wild animals" are illegal to own as pets, but this is exactly like saying it is illegal to hunt animalsit's not exactly true. Ferrets are allowed as long as they are vaccinated for rabies. Mountain lions are also named as legal while other big cats are not. The opossum's front tracks are about 2 inches in diameter and hind tracks are slightly larger. Answer: No wolves. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. The only owls you can own are non-native owls, unless you train as a falconer. According to Wyoming state law, any living wildlife (as designated by the state) requires a permit unless they are specifically mentioned as being exempt or prohibited. Russian lynx, along with emu, ostrich, ranch foxes, ferrets, and others, are considered to be domesticated and "alternative livestock." If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. They are literally close relatives. It's legal to own a pet opossum as long as you have the appropriate regional permits to do so. The state classifies wild animals into three Classes. Unlike many of the other states, Indiana has a really straightforward definition of what a wild animal is: if it lives in the wild or isn't domesticated, it's a wild animal (IC 14-8-2-318). They additionally have brilliant dexterity, making them capable of opening drawers, shelves, and different things they should not. Breeding and releasing possums into the wild are especially irresponsible. Obtaining a yearly permit to have wild animals isn't as simple as filing some paperwork and paying a fee though. You're unlikely to get a permit to own them as an everyday person. The three most loved things about them are the omnivorous diet, good health, and cleanliness. However, raccoons cannot be imported over state lines, so the animal must come from within the state. The reason? Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. Now the state has some of the strictest bans on animals in the U.S. Now only toucans, "non-feral" ungulates like bison, elk, camels, reindeer, and oxen, and hedgehogs are the most 'exotic' animals that remain legal. In Oklahoma, you can own almost any animal except a native bear or native large cat species. Cabrera.) All you need to do is obtain a Wildlife Hobby Permit. Have it in mind that the capybara is a semi-aquatic animal, so if you desire to adopt a capybara, you must create a little pond in which the capybara can easily swim. Animals that are prohibited from being kept as pets include bears, wolves, large cats, coyotes, foxes, and all threatened and endangered species. Federer, a man who owned a bobcat, argued that his bobcat was literally a housecoat in Federer vs. Interestingly enough though, you can own up to six captive-bred bobcats, coyotes, gray foxes, red foxes, opossums, rabbits, raccoons, or squirrels without a permit. This could cause higher clinical payments than expected. Question: Can you own a cougar in California? Genets are small mammals that have a fox-like nose and face, with a car-like body and a lemur-like tail. I do think your article was interesting, well done and trying to be a responsible source. The controlled list of animals to be kept as pets includes beavers, Northern flying squirrels, caribou, coyotes, bobcats and more and require a certificate of registration. There are numerousand rather ridiculousbans on exotic mammals as pets in most states. Question: I want a Serval and I live in New Mexico. If you had a primate under 35 pounds at maturity before October 1, 2010, then you may maintain ownership of that pet but following a traumatic chimpanzee attack on a woman in 2009, primates are no longer allowed as pets. Should You Keep a Short-Tailed Opossum as a Pet? This is a state that bans ferrets under the guise of protecting the environmenteven though its inhabitants regularly defy the law, and invasive ferrets have not been observed. Still, there are some species youd be surprised that are still legal even if you think your state bans exotic animals, which is often stated by groups like The Humane Society of the United States or Born Free. Domestic animals do not require a permit in Virginia but non-native, exotic animals do. If you want to own pets that are native to your state, pack your bags and move to Arkansas where you can own native animals such as bobcats, foxes, raccoons, and coyotes. False. But surprisingly, while many states prohibit them, all generations of Savannah cats (a domesticated cat and serval hybrid) and wolfdogs that are not first generation are allowed. The point of this article is to list at least one interesting pet that is legal in each state; therefore, the list is far from comprehensive, and laws change all the time. "As-is" language clarifies that no written or verbal warranties were made to the buyer and is used to protect the seller. There is likewise a limit of 6 animals per owner for bobcats, squirrels, bunnies, raccoons, quail, opossum, coyote, deer, red fox, and gray fox. Any issues with owning a binturong? Also, make sure the resting place is away from sunlight and drafts. The Colorado Wildlife Act does not allow you to keep most exotic animals as pets. Opossums are omnivores and eat just about anything out in the wild. It's easier to talk about what pets you can have in Massachusetts because the list of animals that you can't have is very long. However, when Australia was colonized by Europeans, they took this phrase and carried it out to every other kind of marsupial that is discovered there. . And porcupines are classified as rodents. These exotic animals are friendly and very small. Trinity County, TX housing market in February 2023 saw over 1 listings sold above listed price, more than 1 sold at listed price . then they can be very interesting and amazing "pets." Almost all interesting exotic pets are banned, including hybrids such as a wolfdog or a savannah cat. Tending Nature. Fennec foxes are the only non-domesticated member of canidae because owners of the tiny foxes lobbied for them and brought them to meet legislators while they conceptualized the bill. Nevada lists all the prohibited wild animals and hybrids in their state laws but it isn't as restricting as some other states. Question: Can you own a toucan in Georgia? They have lengthy snouts and sharp teeth. For the purposes of this article, the term "exotic" shall refer to anything unusual, such as an animal you won't find in traditional pet stores or farms, not non-native animals. Question: Can you own an otter in North Carolina? Wolves, big cats, primates, elephants, ect. Dont come to California unless youre only interested in birds and reptiles. And if you decide to say something please know what you're talking about and have common sense. Although it sounds like a wolfdog might be "partially domesticated," a true wolfdog would be indistinguishable to the average person from a "pure wolf." Laws differ from place to place around the world. Others need amphibian or reptile pets; frogs, snakes, or lizards, are famous exotic options. In the UK, you actually have to apply for a license to own certain wild animals. West Virginia does not allow a person to possess any wild animals or wildlife unless they have a permit. Final thing I'm going to say is if you get one and realize you aren't willing to invest the time, resources, and energy, and decide to get rid of it, it will probably go to somewhere where they will slowly die or get euthanized, best case scenario is they go to a rescue where they turn out to be someone else's problem. You can buy a fox from a USDA breeder as well as import from out of state. (2) "Livestock" means any animal except dogs and cats, bred, kept, maintained, raised, or used for profit, that is used in agriculture, aquaculture, agritourism, competition, recreation . Some people really like them, others wouldn't have another as a pet. Laws vary based on city and county ordinances as well. Legalese. As of 2018, almost the entirety of Title 12, Chapter 707: LICENSES AND PERMITS, which was where Maine defined what you could and couldn't get permits for, has been repealed. ^_^. Also, exotic animal legal guidelines can change. Question: Can I own a Tanuki in Michigan? OLHS Was Initially Founded In 1982 As A Community Dedicated To Animal Welfare. You need permits for Class I animals which include squirrels, non-domestic rabbits, and Southern flying squirrels, Class II mammals which include beavers, foxes, opossum, servals, and other animals, and Class III dangerous exotic animals that include large cats, bears, wolves, hyenas, venomous reptiles, and large crocodiles.. Is it legal in New Jersey? Fortunately, you can still own a reindeer (as long as it isn't wild), a single-humped camel, a toucan, or an elkand you don't even need a permit for these! Achieving a permit in Maine is said to be near impossible. Prohibited animals appear to be exclusively defined as primates, non-domesticated felines including hybrids, and bears. Additionally, Vermont requires a permit for any exotic animals that aren't specifically mentioned on the unrestricted list if you want to keep them as pets. Mongoose. Landowner may kill on his own land during closed season. Raccoons are illegal in most states because they are rabies vectors, but Kentucky is one of the exceptions.