Alabama

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
64 N Union St.
Montgomery, AL 36104
205-242-3467

Summary of Law: No person, firm, corporation, partnership or association may possess, sell, offer for sale, import or cause to be brought or imported into the state the following fish or animals: fish from the genus Clarias; fish from the genus Serrasalmus; Black carp; any species of mongoose, any member of the family Cervidae (deer, elk, moose, caribou), species of coyote, fox, raccoon, skunk, wild rodents or wild turkey. However, there are no requirements for a person possessing exotic animals, such as lions, tigers, monkeys, etc.

Alaska

Department of Fish and Game
P.O. Box 25526
Juneau, AK 99802
907-465-6197

Summary of Law: No person may possess, import, release, export, or assist in importing, releasing, or exporting, live game animals as "pets." Live game animals are defined as any species of bird, reptile, and mammal, including a feral domestic animal, found or introduced in the state, except domestic birds and mammals. The Department interprets live game to include all animals, including exotics, such as wild felines, wolves, bears, monkeys, etc., not listed as domestic under Alaska Admin. Code tit. 5. §92.029

Arizona

Game & Fish Dept
7200 E University
Mesa, AZ 85207
480-981-9400

Summary of Law: Persons possessing restricted wildlife must obtain a wildlife holding permit to lawfully possess the animal. The Department issues wildlife holding permits to: (1) individuals who legally possess restricted live wildlife and are moving into the state, (2) for educational display, (3) or advancement of science, and (4) to foster an animal unable to return to the wild. Persons already residing in Arizona are not permitted to possess restricted live wildlife as "pets" unless they qualify for a permit. Restricted live wildlife includes, but is not limited to the following species: all species of Carnivora (canines, felines, excluding domestic); orangutans, chimpanzees, gorillas, alligators, crocodiles, cobras, vipers, etc. However, you can possess all other non-infant primates as "pets" if the animal is free from any zoonotic diseases.

Arkansas

Game & Fish Commission
Two Natural Resources Dr.
Little Rock, AR 72205
501-219-4141

Summary of Law: It is unlawful to own or possess a large carnivore for personal possession. A large carnivore is defined as a lion, tiger or bear. It is unlawful to possess 6 or more bobcat, coyote, deer, gray fox, red fox, opossum, quail, rabbit, raccoon and squirrel. If a person wishes to possess other animals not originally from the state and not listed above then the person must show upon request verification that the animal was legally acquired in the previous state.

It shall be unlawful to hold captive, confine, enclose or otherwise possess alive in the State of Arkansas any wildlife, including fish, whether native or non-native, migratory or imported, unless authorized or excepted as specified herein.

California

Department of Fish and Game
License and Revenue Branch
3211 S Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
916-227-1305

Summary of Law: It is unlawful for persons to possess wild animals unless the animal was in possession prior to January 1992. Wild animals include, but are not limited to the following orders: Primates; Marsupialia; Insectivora (shrews); Chiroptera (bats); Carnivora (non-domestic dog and cats); Proboscidea (elephants); Perissodactyla (zebras, horses, rhinos); Reptilia (crocodiles, cobras, coral snakes, pit vipers, snapping turtles, alligators); etc.

Only the following amphibians may be taken under the authority of a sportfishing license, subject to the restrictions in this section. No amphibians may be taken from ecological reserves designated by the commission in Section 630 or from state parks, or national parks or monuments.

Only the following reptiles may be taken under the authority of a sportfishing license, subject to the restrictions in this section. The limit for each of the species listed below is two, unless otherwise provided. Limit, as used in this section, means daily bag and possession limit. No reptiles shall be taken from ecological reserves designated by the commission in Section 630 or from state parks, or national parks or monuments.

Colorado

Division of Wildlife
6060 Broadway
Denver, CO 80216
303-297-1192

Summary of Law: Issues Commercial Wildlife Park Permits. It is unlawful for persons to possess most exotic species unless it is for commercial purposes.Has specific requirements to meet definition of commercial; must provide a plan to show a profit, must have experience, maintain business records, hire and train employees, file state and Federal income tax based on this activity, etc. Further, there are caging requirements, and any animal exhibited out of a cage requires a $500,000 liability policy. Big Cats can be held in natural settings. Open topped enclosures must be 10 feet, with double electrified wires on top and fencing sunk 3 feet into ground

Except as authorized by Wildlife Commission regulation: 1. No person shall possess, sell, propagate, acquire, purchase, broker, transport, trade, barter or attempt to sell, propagate, acquire, purchase, broker, trade or barter live wildlife unless such person first obtains a proper license.2. No person shall possess, buy, sell or attempt to buy or sell live wildlife or barter, trade or broker live wildlife except to or from persons properly licensed to purchase, sell, barter, trade, broker or possess such wildlife. When permitted by statute or Commission regulation, any person may buy or sell captive wildlife that is in the total custodial care of another licensed individual; however, ownership of said wildlife shall be indicated on the licensee's annual report.

Connecticut

Dept of Environmental Protection
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106
203-566-4683

Summary of Law: It is unlawful for persons to possess potentially dangerous animals unless the animal was in possession prior to May 23, 1983. Potentially dangerous animals include: the Felidae family (lion, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, ocelot, jaguarundi cat, puma, lynx, and bobcat); the Canidae family (wolf and coyote); the Ursidae family (black bear, grizzly bear, and brown bear); and venomous reptiles, alligators, crocodiles. However, there are no state requirements for a person possessing non-human primates. Persons may possess primates after obtaining a permit and satisfaction of designated qualifications, however, permits are not required if you qualify as a zoo or nature center.

Delaware

Department of Agriculture
2320 South DuPont Highway
Dover, DE 19901
302-739-4811

Summary of Law: All persons must obtain a permit before they can possess a live wild mammal or hybrid of a wild animal. It is illegal to possess, sell, or exhibit any poisonous snake not native to or generally found in Delaware.

Florida 

Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission
620 South Meridian St.
Tallahassee, Fl 32399
904-488-1960

Summary of Law: It is unlawful for a person to possess any Class I Wildlife unless the animal was in possession prior to August 1, 1980. Class I Wildlife includes, but is not limited to the following: chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, baboons, leopards, jaguars, tigers, lions, bears, elephants, crocodiles, etc. Persons may possess Class II Wildlife if he or she obtains a permit from the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Class II Wildlife includes, but is not limited to the following: howler and guereza monkeys, macaques, cougars, bobcats, cheetahs, ocelots, servals, coyotes, wolves, hyenas, alligators, etc. All other wildlife in personal possession not defined as Class I or II Wildlife must obtain a no-cost permit. In addition, FL has promulgated regulations governing possession of Class II and III animals (caging requirements, etc.).

Georgia

Department of Natural Resources
2109 US Highway 278
SE Social Circle, GA 30025
770-761-3044

Summary of Law: It is unlawful for persons to possess inherently dangerous animals as "pets." Inherently dangerous animals include, but are not limited to the following orders: Marsupialia (kangaroos); Primates (chimpanzees, gorillas, macaques); Carnivora (canines, felines); Proboscidae (elephants); Crocodylia (crocodiles, alligators, cobras, all poisonous rear-fanged species). Only persons engaged in the wholesale or retail wild animal business or persons exhibiting wild animals to the public will be issued a license to possess inherently dangerous animals.

27-1-28.(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, rule, or regulation, it shall be unlawful to hunt, trap, fish, take, possess, or transport any nongame species of wildlife...see details 

Hawaii

Department of Agriculture
701 Iialo St.
Honolulu, HI 96813
808-586-0844

Summary of Law: It is unlawful for persons to introduce exotic animals for private use into Hawaii. Exotic animals include, but are not limited to: Non-Human Primates, Felidae family (lion, leopard, cheetah,); the Canidae family (wolf and coyote); and the Ursidae family (black bear, grizzly bear, and brown bear), etc. Restricted animals includeOrder Squamata: (i) Suborder Serpentes:(I) Family Elapidae (cobras, coral snakes, etc.) - All species;(II) Family Viperidae (adders, vipers, etc.) - All species;(III) Family Colubridae - All poisonous rear-fanged species (Opisthoglypis);(IV) Family Crotalidae (pit vipers) - All species;(ii) Suborder Lacertilia: Family Helodermatidae (Gila monsters and beaded lizards) - All species;

Idaho

Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 7249
Boise, ID 83707
208-332-8540

Summary of Law: All species of mammals, birds, or reptiles that are found in the wild and are not species of special concern may be held in captivity without a permit so long as the possessor retains proof that the animal was lawfully obtained. In addition, before bringing an animal into the state an owner must obtain an import permit and comply with specific caging requirements for the animal.

Illinois

Department of Natural Resources
524 South Second St.
Springfield, IL 62701
217-785-8774

Summary of Law: No person may harbor, care for, act as a custodian, or maintain in his possession any dangerous animal except at a properly maintained zoological park, federally licensed exhibit, circus, scientific or educational institution, research laboratory, veterinary hospital or animal refuge. "Dangerous animal" means a lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, bear, hyena, wolf, coyote, or any poisonous life-threatening reptile. However, there are no state requirements for a person possessing non-human primates and other exotic species not defined as "dangerous animals."

Indiana

Division of Fish and Wildlife
402 W Washington St., Rm. W273
Indianapolis, IN 46204
317-232-4080

Summary of Law: All persons who possess a dangerous exotic animal must obtain a permit for each animal they possess. Dangerous exotic animal includes the following animals: lions, tigers, jaguars, cougars, panthers, cheetahs, wolves, coyotes, jackals, hyenas, bears, venomous reptiles, alligators, crocodiles, gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, Burmese pythons, reticulated pythons, green and yellow anacondas, etc. However, there are no state requirements for private possession of monkeys.

Iowa

Department of Natural Resources
502 E. 9th Street
Wallace State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
208-332-8540

Summary of Law: There are no state laws governing private possession of exotic animals.

Kansas

Department of Wildlife and Parks
512 SE 25th Ave
Pratt, KS 67124
(620) 672-5911

Summary of Law: No person may possess or breed a dangerous regulated animal as a "pet." Dangerous regulated animals include the following: lion, tiger, leopard, jaguar, cheetah, mountain lion, hybrid of a large cat, bear, or all non-native, venomous snakes. Persons who are licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture and hold an Animal Welfare Act license are exempt as well as zoos accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, a wildlife sanctuary, research facility, etc.

Kentucky

Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
#1 Game Farm Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-564-3400

Summary of Law: No person may possess inherently dangerous exotic animals. Inherently dangerous exotic animals include, but are not limited to, tigers, lions, non-human primates, dangerous reptiles, bears, etc. If you possessed an inherently dangerous exotic animal prior to July 2005 you may keep your animal, but can not possess any new animal or breed your current animals.

Louisiana

Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
P.O. Box 98000
Baton Rouge, LA 70898
225-765-2800

Summary of Law: No person may possess bears, cougars, or non-human primates as "pets." If you possessed one of these animals prior to the passage of the regulation you are grandfathered in.

Maine

Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
284 State Street, Station #41
Augusta, ME 04333
207-289-2066

Summary of Law: A person may possess a wild animal after obtaining a permit. Personal Possession requires Import Permit and Propagator Permit. Exhibitor requires exhibitor's permit. Have caging, health, safety, and sanitation requirements. Permit application asks for reason to be imported, experience level of applicant, and takes into consideration the potential for animal to harm humans or environment.

Maryland

Department of Natural Resources
Tawes State Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-8545

Summary of Law: No personal possession permits. Denial of personal possession is based on the rabies concern and a lack of an USDA approved rabies vaccination for wild felines. A public zoo park, museum, educational institution, or a person holding a valid state or federal permit for educational, medical, scientific or exhibition purposes may possess, trade, barter, import or sell wild felines. As of 2006 a sanctuary is defined as a 501 c 3, that does not buy, sell, trade, lease, or breed outside of the SSP and does not conduct commercial activity with respect to any animal.  

Massachusetts

Department of Fish and Wildlife
251 Causeway St.
Boston, MA 02114
617-727-3151

Summary of Law: No person may possess as a "pet" a wild bird, mammal, fish, reptile or amphibian unless the animal was owned prior to June 30, 1995. A wild bird, mammal, fish, reptile or amphibian is defined as any undomesticated animal that is not the product of hybridization with a domestic form and not otherwise contained in the exemption list.

Michigan

Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 30444
Lansing, MI 48909
517-373-9329

Summary of Law: No person may possess as a "pet" any member of the Felidae family (large cats), including their hybrids, any bear species, and any wolf-hybrid unless the animal was possessed prior to July 7, 2000. A prior entry permit must be obtained from the director for all other wild animal or exotic animal species not listed above or regulated by the fish and wildlife service of the United States Department of Interior or the Department of Natural Resources of this state. Prior to an exotic animal entering the state the Department of Natural Resources may require the possessor to have the animal examined by an accredited veterinarian to determine the health status, proper housing, husbandry and confinement standards are being met.

Minnesota

Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 20
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-296-0706

Summary of Law: It is unlawful for a person to possess a regulated animal. A regulated animal is defined as all members of the felidae family (except domestic cats); all bears; and all non-human primates. A person who possesses a regulated animal on the effective date of the law, January 1, 2005, has 90 days to register the animal with the local animal control authority. Persons possessing a registered regulated animal may replace the regulated animal if he/she dies, but may replace he/she only once.

Mississippi

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
P.O. Box 451
Jackson, MS 39205
601-362-9212

Summary of Law: It is unlawful for a person to import or possess any wild animal classified inherently dangerous by law or regulation unless that person holds a permit or is exempted from holding a permit. Inherently dangerous animals include, but are not limited to the following animals: orangutans, chimpanzees, gorillas, macaques, mandrills, baboons, wolves, bears, hyenas, lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, elephants, etc. However, there are no state requirements for private possession of small non-domesticated felines such as ocelots, servals, etc.

Missouri

Department of Conservation
P.O. Box 180
Jefferson, MO 65102
573-751-4115

Summary of Law: A person may not keep a lion, tiger, leopard, ocelot, jaguar, cheetah, margay, mountain lion, Canada lynx, bobcat, jaguarundi, hyena, wolf, coyote, or any deadly dangerous, or poisonous reptile unless such person has registered the animal with the local law enforcement agency in the county in which the animal is kept.

Any person holding wildlife in captivity in any manner shall have in his/her possession the prescribed permit or evidence of exemption. Renewal of permits is conditioned on compliance with provisions of this Code. Confined wildlife held under permit within the provision of this Chapter shall include only those species listed on the following Approved Confined Wildlife Species List:

Montana

 Fish, Wildlife and Parks
P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620
406-444-4039

Summary of Law: A person may not operate a wild animal menagerie without obtaining a permit. A "wild animal menagerie" means any place where one or more bears or large cats, including cougars, lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, pumas, cheetahs, ocelots, and hybrids of those large cats are kept in captivity for use other than public exhibition. All other exotic animals entering the state, such as reptiles, monkeys, etc., must be accompanied by a one-time entry permit and an official health certificate.

Nebraska

Game and Parks Commission
P.O. Box 30370
Lincoln, NE 68503
402-471-0641

Summary of Law: It is unlawful for persons to possess any wolf, skunk, or any member of the Felidae (cats, except domesticated) and Ursidae (bear) families unless the animal was in possession prior to March 1, 1986. However, there are no state requirements for non-human primates and reptiles.

Nevada

Department of Wildlife
P.O. Box 10678
Reno, NV 89520
775-688-1500

Summary of Law: Specific animals, set forth in NEV. ADMIN. CODE ch. 503, §110 are prohibited from private ownership except if the animal was in possession prior to February 28, 1994. Examples of animals listed under §110 are the following: alligators, crocodiles, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, etc. However, other exotic animals may be possessed without a permit or license. Examples of these exotic animals are: monkeys and other Primates, Marsupials, elephants, felines, wolves, etc.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
2 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH
03301
603-271-3421

Summary of Law: It is unlawful for persons to possess exotic animals, such as felines, bears, wolves, poisonous reptiles, and non-human primates, unless they are exhibitors. However, there are certain noncontrolled animals that may be privately possessed within the state without a license. Noncontrolled animals include, but are not limited to: sugar gliders, non-venomous reptiles, ferrets, etc.

New Jersey

Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife
P.O. Box 430
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-292-959

Summary of Law: It is unlawful for persons to possess a potentially dangerous species as a "pet." Potentially dangerous species include the following orders: Primates; Carnivora (nondomestic dogs and cats, bears); Saura (venomous gila monsters); Serpentes (venomous coral snakes, cobras, vipers, pit vipers); Crocodilia (alligators, crocodiles, gavials); Psittaciformes (ring-necked and monk parakeets); and Rodentia (prairie dogs, ground squirrels). Zoos and other exhibitors may possess these animals upon showing that specific criteria have been met, such as extensive experience in handling and caring for the animal.

New Mexico

Department of Game and Fish
P.O. Box 25112
Santa Fe, NM 87504
505-827-7897

Summary of Law: It is unlawful for a person to possess non-domesticated felines, primates, crocodiles, alligators, and wolves. Must have importation permit before wildlife may enter this state. Discourages and prevents the importation of non-native species into state. Does issue permits for zoos, Class A parks, and scientific study. Importation of non-game species requires a confinement and maintenance plan, and certificate from veterinarian that animal is disease free and copy of applicant's USDA exhibitor or breeder license.

New York

State Department of Environmental Conservation
50 Wolf Road
Albany, NY 12233
518-457-0689

Summary of Law: It is unlawful for a person to possess a wild animal. A wild animal is defined as: all members of the felidae family (except domestic cats); all members of the canidae family (except domestic dogs); all bears; all non-human primates, venomous reptiles, and crocodiles. A person who possesses a wild animal on the effective date of the law, January 1, 2005, has 60 days to obtain a permit for the animal with the Department of Environmental Conservation.

North Carolina

Wildlife Resources Commission
1724 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
919-661-4872

Summary of Law: A county or city may by ordinance regulate, restrict, or prohibit the possession of dangerous animals. In addition, an entry permit from the State Veterinarian is required before importing into the state a skunk, fox, raccoon, ringtail, bobcat, North and South American felines, coyote marten, and brushtail possum.

North Dakota

Board of Animal Health
Department of Agriculture
600 E Boulevard Ave. Dept 602
Bismarck, ND 58505
701-328-2654

Summary of Law: Category 3, 4, or 5 of nontraditional livestock may be possessed in the state after obtaining an import permit; a nontraditional livestock license; a certificate from a veterinarian. Category 4 is those species that are considered inherently dangerous, including bears, wolves, wolf hybrids, primates, all non-domesticated cats except Canadian lynx, and bobcat.

Ohio

Department of Natural Resources
1840 Belcher Drive
Columbus, OH 43224
614-265-6300

Summary of Law: No person may bring into the state a non-domestic animal unless the possessor: obtains an entry permit; health certificate certifying the animal is free of infectious diseases; and a certificate of veterinary inspection. Persons in the state possessing non-domestic animals do not need to obtain a permit.

Oklahoma

Department of Wildlife Conservation
P.O. Box 53465
Oklahoma City, OK 73152
405-521-3851

Summary of Law: No person may possess or raise wildlife for commercial purposes without having first obtained a permit. Regardless to whether the possession is actually for "commercial purposes," all persons owning these animals as "pets" must obtain this particular permit.

Oregon

Department of Fish and Wildlife
P.O. Box 59
Portland, OR 97207 503-872-5260

Summary of Law: No person may keep an exotic animal unless, before acquiring the animal, the person possesses, or has applied for and not been refused or have been revoked or suspended, a valid permit from the State Department of Agriculture. Exotic animal is defined as any lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, ocelot, monkey, ape, gorilla, or other non-human primate, wolf or canine not indigenous to Oregon, and bear (except black bear).

Pennsylvania

Game Commission
2001 Elmerton Ave
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-783-8164

Summary of Law: No person may keep exotic wildlife without first receiving a permit from the wildlife commission. Exotic wildlife includes, but is not limited to all bears, coyotes, lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars, wolves, and any crossbreed of these animals, which have similar characteristics in appearance or features. However, there are no state requirements for a person possessing non-human primates and reptiles.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island State Veterinarian
Dr. Hanifin
Division of Agriculture
235 Prominenade St.
Providence, RI 02908

Summary of Law: No person may possess, without first obtaining a permit from the department, animals of the following orders, families, and genera: Primates, Carnivores, Amphibia, Reptilia, Canidae, and Insecta. All person obtaining a permit must demonstrate they have both adequate facilities, and adequate knowledge of animal health and husbandry to ensure both public safety and health.

South Carolina

Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 167
Columbia, SC 29202
803-734-4002

Summary of Law: It is unlawful to possess wolves or coyotes within the state. It is also unlawful to possess wildlife indigenous to the state without a permit. Specifically, one can not possess members of the Cervidae, Suidae, Tayassuidae (peccaries), Bovidae (bison, mountain goat, mountain sheep), nor can they possess coyotes, bears, turkeys, and furbearers. However, there are no state laws governing the possession of non-domesticated felines, primates, reptiles, and other wildlife not listed above.

South Dakota

Animal Industry Board
411 South Fort Street
Pierre, SD 57501
605-773-3321

Summary of Law: A permit is required to possess any non-domestic mammal, or any hybrids thereof of the following orders: Carnivora (Felidae – non-domestic, Canidae – non-domestic, Ursidae – bears, Mustelidae, and Hyaenidae); Artiodactyla (hoofed animals); Perissodactyla (Tapiridae and Rhinocerotidae). In addition, all animals (including those listed above and non-human primates and reptiles) must be examined by a veterinarian and be free of any contagious, infectious, epidemic, or communicable disease. No person may possess non-domestic pigs or raccoon dogs.

Tennessee

Wildlife Resources Agency
P.O. Box 40747
Nashville, TN 37204
615-781-6647

Summary of Law: It is unlawful for persons to possess Class I wildlife unless they were in possession of the animal(s) prior to June 25, 1991. Class I wildlife includes the following orders: Primates (gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, gibbons, siamangs, mandrills, drills, baboons, Gelada baboons only); Carnivores (all wolves, all bears, lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, cougars); Proboscidia (all elephants); Perissodactyla (all rhinoceroses); Artiodactyla (all hippos and African buffalos); Crocodylia (crocodiles and alligators); Serpentes (all poisonous snakes); and Amphibians (all poisonous species). However, the state does not regulate private possession of species not listed above, such as monkeys and small non domesticated cats (ocelots, servals, etc.).

Texas

TexasOnline 512.936.2669, email at Larry.Hutchison@dir.state.tx.us

Summary of Law: No person may possess a dangerous wild animal without first obtaining a license (certificate of registration). Dangerous wild animals are defined as lions, tigers, ocelots, cougars, leopards, cheetahs, jaguars, bobcats, lynxes, servals, caracals, hyenas, bears, coyotes, jackals, baboons, chimpanzees, orangutans, gorillas, or any hybrids of the animals listed. However, there are no requirements for a person possessing all other animal not listed above, such as monkeys, wolves etc.

Utah

Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 145610
Salt Lake City, UT 84114
801-538-4700

Summary of Law: A person may not possess live zoological animals that are classified as prohibited. Prohibited animals include, but are not limited to, the following families: Ursidae (bears), Canidae (all species), Felidae (all species except non-domesticated cats), Mustelidae (all species), Non-human primates, and certain species of reptiles, etc. However, in rare circumstances a person may possess these animals as a "pet" if the person obtains a certificate of registration from the Wildlife Board. Generally, exhibitors and educational and scientific facilities only obtain these registrations. A certificate of registration is not required for non-controlled species which alligators and crocodiles fall under.

Vermont

Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
P.O. Box 11104
Richmond, VA 23230
804-367-1000

Summary of Law: It is unlawful for persons to possess exotic animals, such as large felines, bears, wolves, poisonous reptiles, and non-human primates as "pets." Persons may possess exotic animals for exhibition and educational purposes if they obtain a permit. Please note that the state statute says a person may not bring into the state or possess an exotic animal unless they obtain a permit. However, no personal possession permits for "pets" are issued to individuals.

Virginia

Department of Fish and Wildlife
600 Capitol Way N
Olympia, WA 98501
360-902-2200

Summary of Law: No person may possess nonnative exotic animals that are classed as predatory or undesirable as a "pet." Nonnative exotic animals include, but are not limited to: bears, wolves, coyotes, weasels, badgers, hyenas, all species of non-domesticated cats, alligators, and crocodiles. Persons may possess these animals if they are a licensed exhibitor, i.e. commercial, educational or scientific uses. However, there are no state requirements for a person possessing non-human primates.

Washington

Summary of Law: The state does not require persons possessing exotic animals to obtain a permit. This is governed by city or county regulations. However, the state does require all exotic animals entering the state to obtain a health certificate.

West Virginia

Division of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources
Curtis I. Taylor, Chief
State Capitol
Building 3, Room 812
Charleston,WV 25305
(304) 558-2771
Wildlife@wvdnr.gov

Summary of Law: The state only regulates native species to the state. A person possessing a native animal in captivity as a "pet" must obtain a permit. However, there are no state laws governing private possession of exotic animals.

Wisconsin

Department of Natural Resources
Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
608-266-2621

Summary of Law: Requires all animals commonly sold in pet shops to have certificates of veterinary inspection if they are brought from outside the state.

Wyoming

Game and Fish Department
5400 Bishop Boulevard
Cheyenne, WY 82006
307-777-7735

Summary of Law: It is unlawful for persons to possess big or trophy game animals. Big game is defined as antelope, bighorn sheep, deer, elk, moose or mountain goat. Trophy game is defined as black bear, grizzly bear or mountain lion. According to WY Fish and Game, it is unlawful to possess all other exotic animals such as, tigers, lions, primates, wolves, bears, etc.