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

Heavy Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Code section
Sec. 6-61 (wild animals)
Prohibited
Venomous reptiles, wild/exotic animals
Exemptions
Zoos, circuses, rehabilitators
Penalty
Level III civil, up to $500
State overlay
NC Wildlife Resources Commission

Summary

Buncombe County Sec. 6-61 makes it unlawful to keep any venomous reptile or any other wild or exotic animal within the county. Zoos, performing-animal exhibitions, circuses, and licensed wildlife rehabilitators are exempt.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Buncombe County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No person, firm, or corporation shall keep, maintain, possess or have within the County any venomous reptile or any other wild or exotic animal. This section shall not be construed to apply to zoological parks, performing animal exhibitions or circuses or licensed wildlife rehabilitators.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Sec. 6-61 (Wild animals) flatly prohibits keeping, maintaining, or possessing any venomous reptile or any other wild or exotic animal within the county. The code (Sec. 6-28) defines a wild animal as one normally found in the wild, particularly feral, exotic, dangerous, or nondomestic animals not living around human habitation, including deer, lions, monkeys, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, tigers, and snakes. Exemptions apply only to zoological parks, performing-animal exhibitions, circuses, and licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Keeping a wild animal is one of the most serious offenses in the ordinance. North Carolina also regulates possession of certain wildlife through the Wildlife Resources Commission.

Violations & Fines

Keeping a wild animal (Sec. 6-61) is a Level III civil penalty under Sec. 6-106: $100 first offense, $250 second, $500 third and each additional. The animal is subject to seizure and impoundment; injunctive abatement is available under Sec. 6-108.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I own a pet snake or exotic animal in Buncombe County?
Venomous reptiles and wild or exotic animals are banned under Sec. 6-61. Common non-venomous pet species are generally not 'wild animals,' but any dangerous or exotic species is prohibited.
Who is exempt from the wild-animal ban?
Only zoological parks, performing-animal exhibitions, circuses, and licensed wildlife rehabilitators. No ordinary residential permit is available for keeping banned wild or exotic animals.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Buncombe County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsDog Leash LawsHeavy RestrictionsChickens & LivestockSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSome RestrictionsPet LimitsSome RestrictionsBreed RestrictionsSome RestrictionsCat RulesSome RestrictionsMandatory Spay/NeuterSome RestrictionsWildlife FeedingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsFire Regulations: Smoke DetectorsSome RestrictionsLandscaping Rules: Rainwater HarvestingLight Restrictions

All Buncombe County rules

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