York County, SC Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)
Key Facts
- Wild Carnivores
- Cannot be sold as pets
- Statute
- S.C. Code 47-5-50
- Large Exotics
- Big cats, bears banned
- Enforcement
- SCDNR and state
Summary
South Carolina bars selling wild carnivores as pets. S.C. Code Section 47-5-50 provides no carnivores that normally are not domesticated may be sold as pets in the State, reaching raccoons, foxes, skunks, coyotes, and related species. SCDNR regulates native wildlife.
No carnivores, which normally are not domesticated, may be sold as pets in this State.
Full Breakdown
Exotic and native wildlife are controlled by state law, not York County. Under S.C. Code Section 47-5-50, no carnivore that normally is not domesticated may be sold as a pet in South Carolina, a prohibition that reaches raccoons, foxes, skunks, bobcats, coyotes, and related species. A separate 2017 law bans importing and owning large wild cats, non-native bears, and great apes, grandfathering only animals registered before its effective date. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources further regulates possession of native wildlife and venomous reptiles. For a York County resident, acquiring most wild carnivores and dangerous exotics as pets is unlawful, and the animal can be seized by state authorities. Ordinary domestic pets are unaffected.
Violations & Fines
Selling or acquiring a wild carnivore as a pet violates S.C. Code Section 47-5-50, and possessing a banned large exotic violates state law: the animal can be confiscated with fines and possible jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a fox or raccoon as a pet?
What about tigers or bears?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in York County
Compare York County to another location·View the South Carolina animal ordinances overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.