Craven County, NC Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Chapter 6, Article II of the Craven County Code defines wild and dangerous animals to include cat, bear and wolf family members, such as mountain lions, cougars, pumas and panthers, that are normally born and live in the wild even if raised in captivity. Section 6-29 makes it unlawful to possess or harbor such an animal unless the owner provides a double enclosure system: an inner cage built to state wildlife resources commission specs and an outer fence of at least 11½ gauge metal, secured on all sides, top and bottom, with each enclosure having its own locked entrance gate and the fence no closer than one foot to the inner cage.

The enclosure must also be adequately lit, ventilated, kept sanitary, and prevent offensive odors or public health dangers. The sheriff conducts an initial inspection when the enclosure is built, plus a follow-up inspection during each half of the calendar year, charging the owner $10 per inspection regardless of how many animals are kept. Letting a wild and dangerous animal run at large is separately prohibited under Section 6-30, and any animal found at large can be apprehended by the sheriff or destroyed on the scene if it poses a clear and immediate danger or cannot be safely captured. A temporary exception exists for circuses or menageries operating in the county for no more than seven days under proper authority.