Fort Collins, CO Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Section 4-73(b) of the general Municipal Code states that no one may "keep any wild or exotic animal within the City unless such possession is authorized by federal or state law," and then lists nine categories that are banned outright regardless of authorization language elsewhere: bears; any feline species other than an ordinary house cat, including exotic-cat/domestic-cat hybrids; skunks; poisonous or venomous amphibians and reptiles; raccoons, porcupines and badgers (ferrets and minks are allowed only under a state wildlife rehabilitation license); deer; any wolf, coyote or fox; nonhuman primates not imported under federal or state authority; and wild geese or ducks.

Subsection (a) separately requires a Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife license for any animal that state law licenses. "To feed," under subsection (c), covers "all provision of edible or drinkable material, including without limitation bones, salt licks and water," so putting out food or water for a banned species counts as a violation even without keeping the animal. Subsection (d) provides two defenses: holding a valid City circus, menagerie or carnival license under § 15-291, or feeding only squirrels or ordinary birds (not wild ducks or geese).

Subsection (e) adds a one-warning rule specific to feeding wild geese or ducks: no prosecution unless the Natural Areas Department has already issued a written warning for feeding at that same location within the past year. The Humane Society and licensed shelters, bird rescues and education centers are exempt under subsection (f).