Wisconsin Captive Wildlife and Dangerous Animal Restrictions

Wis. Stat. 951.097, created by 2015 Wisconsin Act 79, prohibits possessing, propagating, or selling dangerous exotic animals, defined as nonnative big cats (lions, tigers), nonnative bears, apes, and crocodilians. Owners who possessed such animals before the effective date could keep them only under grandfather and caging conditions. Separately, Wis. Stat. ch. 169 governs native captive wildlife: harmful wild animals such as native bears and cougars require a DNR license, and other captive wild animals need the appropriate license. Municipalities may add stricter local rules, but the dangerous-exotic-animal ban applies statewide.

Possessing a banned dangerous exotic animal violates Wis. Stat. 951.097 and carries fines and seizure; a higher fine applies if the animal injures someone or damages property. Unlicensed native captive wildlife can bring forfeitures and seizure under ch. 169.