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).