Nebraska Statewide Rule

Nebraska Captive Wildlife and Exotic Animal Restrictions

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Nebraska (2026)

Key Facts

Primary statute: Neb. Rev. Stat. 37-477
Banned families: Felidae, Ursidae, wolves, skunks
Permit issuer: Game and Parks Commission
Penalty class: Class IV misdemeanor
Grandfather date: March 1, 1986

Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Nebraska Legislature

Summary

Nebraska law prohibits keeping wolves, skunks, bears, and most non-domestic cats statewide regardless of city ordinance. Wild birds and mammals require a captive wildlife permit from the Game and Parks Commission unless an exception applies.

37-477. Certain animals kept in captivity; permit required; exceptions; rules and regulations. (1) No person shall keep in captivity in this state any wild birds, any wild mammals, any nongame wildlife in need of conservation as determined by the commission under section 37-805, or any wildlife determined to be an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act or section 37-806 without first having obtained a permit to do so as provided by section 37-478 or 37-479.

Source: Nebraska LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Neb. Rev. Stat. section 37-477 universally bans private possession of any wolf, skunk, or member of the Felidae or Ursidae families, except domestic cats and accredited zoos or permitted operations. Holding any wild bird, wild mammal, or threatened species in captivity requires a permit issued under sections 37-478 or 37-479 by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The Commission promulgates rules governing purchase, possession, propagation, sale, and barter. Animals legally held before March 1, 1986, may be kept for life but cannot be transferred without written Commission approval.

Violations & Penalties

Class IV misdemeanor under section 37-481, with fines up to $500 and possible animal seizure by conservation officers authorized to enter and inspect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Nebraska city allow exotic cats that the state bans?

No. Section 37-477 is a statewide prohibition. Cities cannot authorize possession of banned Felidae, Ursidae, wolves, or skunks even through local permits.

Do I need a permit to keep a native songbird?

Yes. Any wild bird or wild mammal requires a captive wildlife permit from Nebraska Game and Parks under sections 37-478 or 37-479 before possession.

Sources

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