tigers, lions, pumas, jaguars, leopards, cheetahs, ocelots, lynx, servals, bison, bighorn sheep, moose, mule deer, moose, pronghorn antelopes, rock goats, Alberta squirrels, prairie dogs; Kangaroo rats Merriam and Deser, ringed tails; White-tailed and snowshoe rabbits, weasels, skunks, martens, mink, black-footed ferrets, banded Gila monsters, desert iguanas, Glen Canyon and Western Chuckwallas, Mojave Desert side wrappers; Mojave rattle, bright desert snakes, Sonoran lyre, bacon rattle, Utah milk and Utah mountain king snakes; desert tortoises; Coyotes; Wolves; Dingoes; Foxes; Jackals; African wild dogs; Bear; Bats; River otter badgers; Primates; poisonous fish; Piranhas. Well, I can`t own a raccoon in Ohio. I guess I`ll go with an otter. Some U.S. states have additional regulations for owning a raccoon as a pet. For example, in North Carolina, a veterinarian must approve the animal before it is transported to the state. In Arkansas, you can`t keep more than 5 raccoons at a time. The yellow states on the map created by user Reddit toddrjones show the states where it is legal to own a raccoon. Because of the danger associated with pet ownership, some states completely prohibit the possession of wild or exotic animals, while most simply limit ownership to certain species. For example, South Carolina prohibits the possession of lions as pets, but you can still own a monkey. In Arkansas, you can own bobcats, but no more than six at a time. South Dakota allows you to keep a bear on your property, but domestic pigs are prohibited.

Florida uses a similar classification system that classifies exotic animals as Class I, which are the most dangerous, and Class III animals, which are not harmful to the general public. Animals not specifically included in Classes I and II shall automatically be classified in Class III. Since otters are not specifically mentioned, they fall under Class III regulations, which means they require a simple care permit. Otter care is closely monitored to ensure adequate enrichment. Interestingly, the otter is classified under Florida state law with care for ferrets, broom and mink. Wild skunks are hardly good pets. That`s why this animal is currently only legal in 15 U.S. states. I`m trying to imagine what you`d do in the winter with a five-foot otter in a studio in St. Paul. You couldn`t even take him on a leash and go for a walk. In a small number of U.S.

states, certain species of foxes are allowed as pets. About 14 states allow private ownership of red foxes, 13 U.S. states allow personal possession of fennec foxes, 11 states require authorization to own at least one fox species that allows it, only 15 U.S. states allow certain fox species with or without a permit. All U.S. state has exotic or wild animal laws that define whether a species allows, prohibits, or requires a specific permit. You can have a pet crocodile, python or emu in some states, while others have banned rabbits or hamsters. Some U.S. states are more permissive than others.

Find out what your state`s laws are about wild or exotic animals, and before you bring an animal into your home, check with your local jurisdiction to make sure the rules haven`t been changed. A simple wildlife hobby license is usually all it takes to keep exotic animals in Missouri. The authorisation is only valid for the keeping of an animal within the framework of the authorisation. Usually, in Missouri, exotic animals are designated by classes. Class I wildlife generally includes small animals and reptiles, while Class II wildlife contains animals that could be considered dangerous, such as venomous snakes. River otters are specifically mentioned as animals that can be owned with a permit. However, Asian otters are not mentioned, which means they are legal without special permission. The care of river otters is closely monitored with specific guidelines on cages. Keeping a pet otter may seem tempting as they are deliciously playful and curious. However, many states do not allow otters to be kept as pets.

Very few states allow otters, but some can authorize this animal with special permits and licenses. Remember that each species of otter is a wild animal that needs special care, shelter and nutrition to stay happy and healthy. Of course, before you decide to buy a pet otter, you should do your research to make sure you have the right apps, permits, and licenses in your respective state. The Asian-clawed otter is the only otter species allowed in the United States, as this species is nationally illegal due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Asian claw otters are not federally illegal because they are not marine animals, but they are certainly not legal in every U.S. state. States where it is legal to own an otter are colored yellow. In addition to prohibitions and restrictions on exotic pet ownership, most states have some sort of permit, license, or registration requirement to own certain animals.