Harrison County, MS Animal Ordinances: Exotic Pets (2026)

Mississippi's inherently dangerous wild animal law, MS Code §49-8-1 through §49-8-29, prohibits private ownership of big cats (lions, tigers, cougars, leopards), bears, wolves and wolf hybrids, elephants, rhinos, hippos, non-human primates over 35 pounds, and certain venomous and large constricting reptiles. Possession requires a permit from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP), which grants permits only to USDA-licensed zoos, educational institutions, and sanctuaries — not private owners. Individuals owning inherently dangerous animals before the law's enactment may hold grandfathered permits with strict caging, insurance ($100,000 minimum liability), and registration requirements. Harrison County cities add local bans on additional species. Venomous snakes native to Mississippi (copperheads, cottonmouths, rattlesnakes, coral snakes) may not be kept without a scientific or educational permit. Alligators require MDWFP permits. Hedgehogs and sugar gliders are legal. Ferrets are legal in Mississippi. Escape of an exotic animal is a public safety emergency requiring immediate law enforcement notification.