Grand Junction, CO Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

GJMC § 6.04.060 makes it unlawful for any person to own, possess, harbor, sell, or otherwise traffic in specified species within the City: all poisonous snakes and poisonous reptiles, and any nonpoisonous snake longer than six feet; gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans and other primates; any feline species other than an ordinary domesticated house cat; bears of any species; raccoons, porcupines, skunks, badgers or similar species, except ferrets; and foxes, wolves, coyotes or other canine species other than dogs. The ban does not apply to a bona fide zoological garden, a circus or carnival licensed by the City, or a bona fide research institute using wild, exotic or dangerous animals for scientific research.

Under subsection (c), the Animal Services Officer or any police officer has a duty to apprehend a wild animal at large in the City; that animal can be impounded, released into wild areas outside the City representative of its natural habitat, or humanely destroyed at the officer's discretion, subject to State law. The Animal Services Officer is authorized to use a tranquilizer gun or other firearm to subdue or destroy a wild or dangerous animal determined to endanger itself or public health and safety. Interfering with an Animal Services Officer or other City employee enforcing this chapter is separately unlawful under § 6.04.070.