Keeping exotic mammals, reptiles, birds, or amphibians requires a state license under MGL c.131 §23. Common pets on the MassWildlife exempt list need no permit, and wild or dangerous species are barred to private owners.
Massachusetts controls exotic animals through c.131 §23, which bars possessing, propagating, or dealing in wild birds, mammals, reptiles, or amphibians without a license from the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. MassWildlife's exempt list (321 CMR 9.01) allows common pets, such as domestic dogs, cats, ferrets, gerbils, and many captive-bred reptiles, without a permit, while big cats, primates, venomous snakes, bears, and other dangerous wildlife are prohibited to private owners across Essex County. Salem, Lynn, and other towns add their own bans on inherently dangerous animals.
Possessing an unlicensed wild or prohibited animal violates c.131 §23 and leads to seizure of the animal, fines, and criminal charges. The Environmental Police confiscate illegally held exotic wildlife, and the owner bears the cost of its disposition.
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