Maine state law: wildlife-in-captivity permit required (12 MRS § 12152)

Per 12 MRS § 12152 (Possession of wildlife in captivity), 'a person may not import wildlife into or possess wildlife in the State... without a permit' issued by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IF&W), except for species on the state's unregulated list. The statute establishes a tiered permit system: Category 1 Restricted Species (endangered/threatened animals or those posing human risk, $250 application plus $27 permit fee); Category 2 Restricted Species (animals requiring special housing, $100 application plus $27 permit); Wildlife Rehabilitation Permits (free, for orphaned/injured wildlife); and Research & Educational Permits (free, for scientific/educational use).

Native reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates not listed as threatened or endangered may be possessed without a permit, subject to species-level possession limits (up to 5 amphibians, 2 reptiles per species). The statute specifically PROHIBITS any permit for 'deer, bear, moose, wild turkey' and related hybrids, these species may never be held as pets in Maine. Violation of the permit requirement is a Class E crime with a minimum $50 fine plus twice the applicable permit fee. The IF&W maintains an 'unrestricted' species list (typical small parrots, common ferrets, domestic-bred small mammals); buyers should verify status with IF&W before acquiring any exotic animal.

Class E crime under 12 MRS § 12152: minimum $50 fine plus twice the applicable permit fee; the animal may be seized. Importing wildlife without a permit additionally triggers seizure at the state line. Municipalities may further restrict exotic pets under 30-A § 3001 home-rule authority (some Maine cities ban venomous reptiles and large constrictors outright).