Mariposa County, CA Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

No exotic-pet-specific ordinance was found in Mariposa County's Title 6 Animal Control code. As a result, possession of wild or exotic animals in the unincorporated county is governed chiefly by California state law. Under Fish & Game Code Section 671 and the implementing regulations in Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, it is unlawful to import, transport, possess, or release certain "restricted species" of wild animals except under a revocable, nontransferable permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Department notes that it does not issue permits for keeping exotic animals as pets, so many species commonly thought of as exotic pets cannot legally be kept. Restricted-species permittees must maintain a written Emergency Action Plan and provide an inventory of animals. Separately, the California Department of Public Health regulates importation of certain carnivores such as skunks and raccoons, nonhuman primates and bats due to rabies and disease concerns, and routinely denies requests to possess skunks and raccoons. State law expressly allows counties and cities to add their own restrictions or permit requirements beyond the state list. Because Mariposa County's published code does not add specific exotic-animal provisions, residents should confirm whether a state permit applies and check with the county Planning Department about any zoning limits before acquiring an unusual animal.