Casper, WY Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Casper Municipal Code Section 6.04.010(61) defines a wild animal or exotic pet to include any live monkey, raccoon, skunk, fox, snake, leopard, panther, tiger, lion, lynx, coyote, wolf, crocodilian, any monitor lizard over three feet long, or any other animal normally found in the wild, plus hybrids of those species. Within that same definition, the code draws its clearest line: venomous and poisonous animals are prohibited in the city limits of Casper regardless of species or purpose. Section 6.04.290 restates that prohibition as a standalone offense, making it unlawful for any person to own or possess a poisonous or venomous snake, reptile or spider anywhere in Casper.

Enforcement runs through the Casper Police Department and Metro Animal Services under Chapter 6.04's general enforcement provisions at Section 6.04.330. Once an animal protection officer or police officer confirms a venomous or poisonous snake, reptile or spider on a property, the code does not stop at a fine: beyond whatever penalty the court imposes, the animal itself is to be humanely euthanized, unless the court permits an alternative option that will protect the public, such as surrender to a zoo or qualified handler. The ordinance does not separately license or register non-venomous exotic species such as monkeys or big cats; those are captured only by the broader definition and by whatever zoning, kennel or zoological-garden permitting applies to a specific commercial use elsewhere in the code.