North Carolina Exotic Pet and Wildlife Possession Rules

N.C.G.S. 113-291.1 and Wildlife Resources Commission regulations prohibit possession of native wildlife without proper permits. N.C.G.S. 153A-131 authorizes counties to regulate inherently dangerous animals such as large cats, bears, wolves, and venomous reptiles. While many states have outright bans, North Carolina's framework relies on county ordinances with state-defined dangerous animal categories. Importation of wildlife also requires compliance with N.C.G.S. 113-292 health and permitting requirements.

Class 2 or Class 1 misdemeanor depending on offense; confiscation of animals; civil penalties up to several thousand dollars