Washington bans keeping dangerous wild animals as pets. Under RCW 16.30, no one may newly possess large cats, bears, wolves, primates, or venomous snakes. Whatcom County and its cities cannot authorize these, and non-native wildlife needs a state Fish and Wildlife permit.
Exotic and dangerous wild animals are controlled by the state, not by Whatcom County. Washington's dangerous wild animal law, RCW 16.30, prohibits acquiring or newly possessing potentially dangerous animals such as large cats, bears, wolves, primates, and venomous reptiles, with narrow exceptions for accredited zoos and sanctuaries. Separately, keeping non-native wildlife or restricted species requires permits from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. No city or county ordinance can override these state rules, so a resident of Bellingham, Lynden, or unincorporated Whatcom County cannot legally keep a prohibited species. Common domestic pets are unaffected.
Illegally possessing a dangerous wild animal under RCW 16.30 can bring seizure of the animal, fines, and criminal charges. State wildlife officers enforce non-native species violations.
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See how Whatcom County's exotic pets rules stack up against other locations.
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