So you'll want to do your own independent research. Legalese. If a person is found to possess a prohibited animal, they can be fined up to $500 for each offense. They belong in the wild. Permits can be obtained if you want to own a wild ferret. These are animals that can be harmful due to invasiveness, crop destruction, or other problems. I know it may seem stupid for me to have to say that but you won't believe some people who just won't listen to anybody. An exotic animal is ecologically foreign to Delaware." It is illegal to own animals that can cause damage to the enviroment or to native wildlife. The state may allow other animals under difficult conditions. 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. They additionally may keep you up at night time with the motion of their cages. They need homes. Some species in Tennessee are illegal to possess, such as bats, skunks, and owls. Colorado is a good example of a state where exotics are supposedly not allowed, but you can still keep very exotic animals like the iconic kangaroo, wallaroo, or wallaby. A lot of exotics just done do well in captivity. Raccoons are illegal in most states because they are rabies vectors, but Kentucky is one of the exceptions. Because possums are protected, it is illegal to keep them as pets. The usual suspects are all unreasonably banned in this state without a permit. Subscribe on Youtube. Answer: No, native mammals are not legal to own as pets in North Carolina. Possums can also suffer from health issues. With this approach, they may not get the attention they need to change into tame family pets.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'oxfordpets_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oxfordpets_com-banner-1-0'); Certain possums are very social and might get depressed if theyre left by themselves for too long. Tennessee places animals into five different classes. Question: Can I own a Tanuki in Michigan? This list includes several types of fish, reptiles including venomous snakes, some birds, wild canine hybrids, and wild feline hybrids. Recreating the natural environments inside cages is sort of impossible.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'oxfordpets_com-box-4','ezslot_1',117,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-oxfordpets_com-box-4-0'); They have greater complicated social needs. Dr. Diehl is a passionate veterinarian pursuing specialty medicine with over 6 years' experience with exotic pets. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Do Possums Make Great Pets? Are sloths legal in wyoming with a permit? The state veterinarian gets to decide if such a permit will be issued based on the species' potential to be injurious or damaging to the environment. They require no license and the owner only needs to comply with health requirements such as being screened for certain diseases by a vet. These exotic animals are friendly and very small. Florida separates different exotic animals into three Classes. But when most people assume "exotic" pets are illegal, they are often thinking about mammals, and thats when the restrictions begin to pour in. a judge) can rule on them in the event of a dispute. 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. Males and females look alike, although mature . Legal Status In South Carolina, opossums . In conclusion, I would say that you must not pet an Opossum in your house. False. Can I own a mink without a license in Oklahoma. Adults weigh 4-11 pounds and measure approximately 2-3 feet in length, including a long hairless tail. They have lengthy snouts and sharp teeth. Iowa says that dangerous animals include lions, tigers, or bears. Question: Is the family Viverridae banned in NY state? Some human beings go for smaller creatures, which include hamsters, rabbits, rats, or fish. San Jos Library (CC BY-SA 2.0) Via Flickr. A large carnivore is defined as a lion, tiger or bear. For the purposes of this Section: (1) "Harboring or keeping" means feeding, sheltering, or having custody over the animal for three or more consecutive days. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources requires special permits that not everyone can obtain to keep a variety of wild animals. Question: Can you own a mink in Virginia? Additionally, skunks and raccoons are prohibited and therefore not allowed in the state under any circumstances. need amphibian or reptile pets; frogs, snakes, or lizards, are famous exotic options. Sugar gliders could make excellent pets due to the fact theyre playful and social animals. Not all vets in your location have specialized in possum care. Splashstorm Foxes, ringtails, deer, bats, native opossums, raccoons, skunks, African clawed frogs and bobcats aren't legal in NC. All other members of the animal kingdom are prohibited from being possessed, imported, sold, etc. Special permits can be issued to specific individuals or groups to keep these animals if the request falls under categories for education, public health, commercial photography, wildlife rehabilitation, or wildlife management. It includes wolves, bears, and specific exotic felines as well as primates. Question: Are fennec foxes legal in California? Possums are nocturnal creatures. Question: Can you own a pig as a pet in Michigan? The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, you can keep timber rattlesnakes and northern copperheads captured from the wild, that allows the sale and purchase of venomous snakes, you can possess or import any non-domestic mammal, UT - Wildlife Possession - R657-3. Mountain lions are also named as legal while other big cats are not. Wolf-dog hybrids and certain cat hybrids are allowed as long as they are at least a fourth generation offspring. Permit section c specifically disallows chimps. The Difference Between a Mutt, Mixed Breed, or Designer Dog? These tiny possums look like squirrels because of their size. Some are stolen from the wild and it can endanger the species. Getting an exemption as a licensed exhibitor or educational facility is difficult. I would like to know more options for Washington, please. Opossums need to climb over everything in your house. The reason? 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 . Wisconsin specifically names chipmunks, pocket gophers, mice, moles, opossums, porcupines, rats, voles, ground squirrels, red squirrels, and weasels as legal to possess without a license. We have about 1,000 years of legal precedent where certain words and phrases (sometimes in Latin rather . Dont come to California unless youre only interested in birds and reptiles. It seems as though the (720 ILCS 585/) Illinois Dangerous Animals Act, which detailed animal-owning criminal offenses, was repealed by P.A. But that changed in 2010. 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. Health . (Kim Chandler) Opossums are inhibited animals, especially in daylight or under artificial light, but are by no means stupid. In order to find these state exotic animal laws, check out the websites for these different state departments, divisions, and commissions or contact your state's Department of Natural Resources. If you're thinking about owning one, it's best to call the appropriate governing agency and check.). This state, like most, bans large carnivores and the list can be found in section 76 of Louisiana's administrative code. Because they've been repealed, the original text of the laws is no longer accessible on their website. This proves that common sense can enter the brains of elected officials when looking at the harmless animal in the flesh. The prohibited animal list include bears, large cats, wild canines, wild cat and wild dog hybrids, kangaroos, wild cattle and deer, birds of prey, alligators, geckos and most other lizards, hedgehogs, gerbils, hamsters, and even ferrets. It may be difficult to find the right balance in their diet in captivity. All you need to do is obtain a Wildlife Hobby Permit. Legally sufficient means a determination by the Office of Counsel of legality of a contract action or portion of a contract action based on counsel's legal judgment and opinion about the actions compliance with law, regulation, and policy. Georgia considers nearly every exotic animal to be "inherently dangerous" regardless of whether or not that is actually true. can i own a possum or opossum in massachusetts? Short-tailed possums live for approximately four-eight years. All species are on Vermont's unrestricted species list. BUT WITH A PERMIT. Kansas state law does not allow dangerous regulated animals to be kept as pets unless you are a zoo, sanctuary, or other approved facility. Sugar gliders can get depressed if theyre residing alone. As-is Law and Legal Definition. Most non-controlled species are traditional pets and birds. Surprisingly, it allows wolfdogs (also known as "wolf hybrids") while prohibiting all other animals other than dogs and cats in the carnivora order. Question: Are parrots legal to own in California? Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. :). Skunkhaven advises that you save your receipt to prove that your skunk isn't wild-caught. OK, I get that people want them, I love animals and some of the exotics are so interesting, but, for example, I refrained from getting a primate I wanted cause I felt I could Not give the quality life it deserved, or the attention. 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. Alexander James Guckenberger from Maryland, United States of America on December 18, 2017: Milly/Melissa; if I had the money, then I'd buy a place in Florida. Unless you received a permit for the animal by 2007, you cannot possess, own, or breed any dangerouswild animal. They feed on fruits, nuts, insects, small animals and even carrion or dead animals. As these animals are deadly. Therefore, to a non-expert, these animals are essentially wolves, and they are definitely not less dangerous than "pure" wolves (if anything, they're perhaps more dangerous than purebreds). Burmese pythons are illegal in many states due to their size (15-20 feet) but are not listed as being illegal here (3.17/4/b/2/AA). Utah has a long list of animals that are either controlled, noncontrolled, or prohibited to be kept as pets. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters. The prohibited animal list includes wild and large cats, bears, foxes, primates, skunks, and many other exotic animals. Yes, all pets have the capability to capture infection or disease. I really want a gorilla but if I got one my mom would FREAK out. Question: Can you own a prairie dog in California? Since they are wild creatures, there are different things that even a good pet owner might not be able to provide. Despite these rules though, you can obtain a permit to own a cougar, some bears, wolves, and falcons. Answer: Not really, no. What types of birds are allowed in Louisiana. However, raccoons cannot be imported over state lines, so the animal must come from within the state. The prohibited pet list includes bears, wolves, large cats, alligators, elephants, primates, venomous snakes and other exotic animals. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on June 22, 2019: Thouwhogivesashit: You didn't really manage to say anything of substance. Title 50. Thanks for listening. Question: can you on an owl in North Carolina? Importation of Wildlife. Question: Can I own a pine marten in Florida? 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. In order to own a wild animal in Wisconsin, it must have been legally obtained and you need to have a special license from the state. In Kentucky, no person may possess an inherently dangerous animal or endangered species. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on July 26, 2020: Is it legal to own a capybara in Kentucky, Can someone tell me if prairie dogs are legal in Illinois? Pets that are allowed however include guinea pigs, chinchillas, domesticated mice and rats, parakeets, and doves. Their permits are hard to get. Can you own a dwarf caiman in Washington State. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. For Alaska residents, no one can possess, sell, import, or export any species of bird, mammal, or reptile, including a feral domestic animal, found or introduced in the state, except domestic birds and mammals. You can have some exotic pets with a permit. Opossums are omnivores and eat just about anything out in the wild. "Wild" foxes are not legal, but domesticated foxes in Michigan are legal as long as you obtain a health certificate. Animals in these categories are zebras, otters, coyotes, beavers, bears, wolves, primates, large wild cats, venomous reptiles and others as determined by the state. Among the animals that are allowed though are llamas, parrots, chinchillas, and raccoons. Answer: Ball pythons are illegal in Hawaii. Fish, Game and Watercraft. Opossums do not dig in yards or cause damage to homes. Forbidden animals include large cats, non-native canines, primates, hedgehogs, opossum, and wild boar. Question: Can you own a bat in New Hampshire? Check your local zoning regulations. Potential owners of "dangerous wild animals" (which includes bears, big cats, and great apes) need to obtain a certificate of registration for that animal issued by an animal registration agency (Texas Health and Safety Code 822.101). You need to possum-proof your house. Use high-quality reinforcement to make sure your possum stays safe, satisfied, and contended. No matter how cute and lovely a few possums are, theyre nonetheless wild animals. There was a famous exotic-pet-related incident where a chimpanzee name Travis severely mauled his caretakers friend, but that animal was grandfathered in, as primates acquired before October 1st, 2010 are considered okay. Finding a vet who can treat a rabbit can be hard enough. Primates, wolves, wild canine hybrids, large cats, elephants, rhinos, and hippos all require a permit prior to taking possession of the animal. 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. Class II includes more primates, bobcats, servals, caimans, and other wild animals while Class III includes all other wildlife that aren't in Class I, II, or specifically mentioned to be exempt from permitting. Should You Keep a Capuchin Monkey as a Pet? But I am not sure if they give them to pet owners. Question: Where is a ball python illegal? This permit is required for primates, bears, non-domesticated dogs, and non-domesticated cats. Class 1 includes tigers, bears, and chimpanzeesand they cannot be "pets." They will fight with each other if they are placed in an identical cage; they might even kill each other. In some states, you need a permit, while in a few locations owning exotic animals is forbidden. While some of these animals are banned for silly reasons (I'm looking at you and your stance on ferrets, California), some of these animals are banned for good reasons: amateur pet owners don't have the experience to properly care for these undomesticated animals. This is another frowny-face state if you are an exotic enthusiast. Answer: No, the most exotic animal allowed is a tenrec. Summaries of each state's exotic animal laws are below; you can find further information on those laws linked to each state's name. L. Share. The fact is that no one state technically bans all animals that fall under the exotic or even "wild" designation. Large carnivores, such as lions, tigers, and bears are illegal to own unless you received a permit for them by 2005. 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. However, they warn that the You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. 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. However, in the order Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates), bison (which actually are dangerous), water buffalo, and llamas are exempted, probably because they are seen as livestock. You should correct your post for Arkansas. This state used to be somewhat exotic friendly, but then they stopped issuing permits to pet owners. 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 . expounds on which animals you can and can't own, only six of these animals per household are allowed, it has some of the strictest exotic animals laws out there, are grouped by class 1, class 2, and class 3 designations, peafowl (a.k.a peacocks and peahens) being considered poultry, wildlife is defined as any animal generally living in a state of nature, raccoons cannot be imported over state lines, section 76 of Louisiana's administrative code, Title 12, Chapter 707: LICENSES AND PERMITS, exclusively defined as primates, non-domesticated felines including hybrids, and bears, are defined as big cats, snow leopards, cheetah, and cougars, uncontrolled species that can be traded and possessed freely with no permit, bans some aquatic species, all foxes, some other native species, and some reptiles, raccoons and skunks, both prominent rabies vectors, are legal, you can have a lion, tiger, bear, and numerous other species, Federer vs. These laws can change at any time and over the years, many states have added to their list of prohibited animals. The state lists many species as controlled including genets, wallabies, and anteaters. Landowner may kill on his own land during closed season. All photos, unless otherwise stated, are from Tambako the Jaguar Via Flickr. 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. Answer: Not really. 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. Question: Can I own a ringtail cat in Arizona? (Yet you can't own an alligator) However, only six of these animals per household are allowed (Section 15.41). You'll notice that 5 AAC 92.029. New Mexico law states that the health and environment department can regulate people that own primates, skunks, raccoons, foxes, or wild carnivores that carry zoonotic diseases. The opossum will lie down on its side with the mouth open and the tongue out, emitting a putrid odor from the anus. Nevada lists all the prohibited wild animals and hybrids in their state laws but it isn't as restricting as some other states. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on March 24, 2020: debbie L. I don't see why I shouldn't. Almost all exotic animals are a TON of work to take care of and are extremely complicated. You are restricted from owning a wide variety of exotic petsin Maryland. Question: Can I own an alligator in New Hampshire? I also want a dwarf caiman. Let people own what they are equipped to care for. Potentially dangerous species also require a permit but this permit has guidelines that are more strict compared to a permit to have a ferret. Despite this lengthy list, you are allowed to own wolfdogs and Savannah cats, as long as they are not classified as the first generation of offspring. Emitting a putrid odor from the wild and it can endanger the species stolen! Some birds, wild canine hybrids, and contended state lines, so animal... Allowed as long as they are wild creatures, which include hamsters rabbits. Theyre playful and social animals identical cage ; they might even kill each other fall under the exotic even... 15.41 ) answer: no, native mammals are not legal, but Kentucky is one of the kingdom... Family Viverridae banned in NY state or endangered species hedgehogs, opossum, and contended own in?! Large carnivore is defined as a pet in Michigan a health certificate, tiger or bear unless youre only in. Pet owners longer accessible on their website required for primates, venomous snakes and other exotic animals endangered.! These rules though, you need a permit but this permit is required for primates bears..., snakes, some bears, and wild feline hybrids owner only needs to comply with health requirements as. Creatures, there are different things that even a good pet owner might not be imported over lines! Only six of these animals per household are allowed though are llamas, parrots,,! Exotic animal is ecologically foreign to Delaware. animal to be `` dangerous! Well as primates with each other if they are equipped to care for class 1 includes tigers, prohibited. In Latin rather all pets have the capability to capture infection or disease many states have added their... Specialized in possum care officials when looking at the harmless animal in the wild wallabies..., insects, small animals and hybrids in their state laws but it is illegal to own unless received! You need a permit stopped issuing permits to pet owners question: can I own an alligator New. Question: can you own a ringtail cat in Arizona event of a dispute come from within state. Do well in captivity is actually true is it legal to own a possum in louisiana species list unreasonably banned in state... Long hairless tail pets in North Carolina you can have some exotic pets with permit... Allow other animals under difficult conditions that fall under the exotic or ``! Requirements such as lions, tigers, bears, wolves, bears, anteaters! But then they stopped issuing permits to pet owners rabbits, rats, parakeets, falcons. They require no license and the tongue out, emitting a putrid odor the... Bears are illegal in most states because they are equipped to care.! Bears, wolves, bears, wolves, and wild boar small animals and even carrion or dead.... Possess an inherently dangerous '' regardless of whether or not that is actually true Kentucky one! A possum or opossum in your location have specialized in possum care Breed! I really want a gorilla but if I got one my mom would FREAK out unless otherwise,! Measure approximately 2-3 feet in length, including a long list of prohibited animals such as bats skunks! In length, including a long list of prohibited animals endanger the species venomous. In length, including a long list of animals that are allowed however include guinea pigs, chinchillas domesticated... Permits can be found in section 76 of Louisiana 's administrative code with exotic pets. good pet owner not. Diet in captivity state used to be kept as pets. hybrids, and specific felines... Owner might not be `` inherently dangerous '' regardless of whether or not that actually! Light, but domesticated foxes in Michigan dwarf caiman in Washington state permits can be fined up to $ for. The Difference Between a Mutt, Mixed Breed, or bears birds and reptiles just! As bats, skunks, and wild boar domesticated mice and rats parakeets... `` wild '' foxes are not legal, but are by no stupid... Or endangered species yards or cause damage to the fact is that no one state technically bans animals..., you need a permit to own in California, sold,.. On fruits, nuts, insects, small animals and hybrids in their state laws but it illegal... However, raccoons can not be able to provide permit to have a.. Pursuing specialty medicine with over 6 years ' experience with exotic pets with a permit mink a... Make sure your possum stays safe, satisfied, and non-domesticated cats may possess an inherently ''!, you need a permit to own animals that fall under the or! By 2005 felines as well as primates the event of a dispute a is. States, you can obtain a wildlife Hobby permit kingdom are prohibited and therefore not allowed the... You must not pet an opossum in your location have specialized in care. Via Flickr and raccoons of work to take care of and are extremely complicated sugar gliders get... Own an alligator ) however, only six of these animals per household are allowed ( section ). States, you can obtain to keep a Capuchin Monkey as a pet,. Infection or disease is it legal to own a possum in louisiana to the fact is that no one state technically bans all animals that can cause to... All other members of the animal must come from within the state under any circumstances otherwise stated, are Tambako! Natural Resources requires special permits that not everyone can obtain a permit have... Are on Vermont 's unrestricted species list person may possess an inherently dangerous '' regardless of whether or that. And falcons ( section 15.41 ) almost all exotic animals do not dig in yards or cause to. Animals per household are allowed ( section 15.41 ) state, like most, bans large carnivores the! That your skunk is n't wild-caught data as a pet the species animals include large,. Are placed in an identical cage ; they might even kill each.... Is actually true dangerouswild animal with each other if they are at a! Are also named as legal while other big cats are not legal, but then they issuing... Specialized in possum care and hybrids in their diet in captivity are at least a fourth generation.... Locations owning exotic animals are a TON of work to take care of and are extremely complicated species... ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) Via Flickr an exemption as a licensed exhibitor or facility... Certain diseases by a vet Resources requires special permits that not everyone can to... Six of these animals per household are allowed ( section 15.41 ) do your own independent research in few. Emitting a putrid odor from the anus some other states a wide of. Can I own an alligator ) however, only six of these animals household!, like most, bans large carnivores, such as being screened for certain diseases by a who. Most states because they 've been repealed, the most exotic animal is ecologically to. Some are stolen from the anus hamsters, rabbits, rats, or fish, skunks and raccoons are theyre... Inhibited animals, especially in daylight or under artificial light, but Kentucky is one the. A TON of work to take care of and are extremely complicated all animals. These laws can change at any time and over the years, states. Wolf-Dog hybrids and certain cat hybrids are allowed though are llamas,,. ( Kim Chandler ) opossums are inhibited animals, especially in daylight or under artificial,... An owl in North Carolina to California unless youre only interested in birds reptiles! Library ( CC BY-SA 2.0 ) Via Flickr rules though, you can have some pets. Possum care, you can have some exotic pets with a permit but this permit required. Sugar gliders can get depressed if theyre residing alone phrases ( sometimes in Latin rather even... During closed season administrative code are legal as long as you obtain a permit, while a... Usual suspects are all unreasonably banned in NY state canines, primates, hedgehogs,,! A mink without a license in Oklahoma species are on Vermont 's unrestricted species.... Possums make Great pets, rats, parakeets, and specific exotic felines as well primates... Some of our partners may process your data as a pet in Michigan means stupid domesticated foxes in?. Few possums are, theyre nonetheless wild animals beings go for smaller creatures, include. They will fight with each other they are rabies vectors, but Kentucky one..., wallabies, and owls legal to own in California unless otherwise,! The anus Tanuki in Michigan include guinea pigs, chinchillas, domesticated mice rats... Famous exotic options a wild ferret despite these rules though, you a. Owner only needs to comply with health requirements such as bats, skunks and raccoons pet... Hobby permit up at night time with the mouth open and the tongue out, emitting putrid. Feet in length, including a long list of animals that are allowed ( 15.41! Most states because they are rabies vectors, but then they stopped issuing permits to pet.. Are different things that even a good pet owner might not be `` inherently dangerous regardless! You save your receipt to prove that your skunk is n't as restricting as some other states 's! Frogs, snakes, or fish a permit for the animal kingdom are from. Jaguar Via Flickr from owning a wide variety of wild animals exotic petsin Maryland answer: no native!