Full List of Illegal Exotic Pets in Idaho

Idaho, like many states in the United States, has laws governing the ownership and possession of exotic animals. The state has banned many species of exotic animals due to concerns about public safety, animal welfare, and environmental impact. While some species are legal to own with a permit, others are strictly prohibited from being kept as pets.

This article will delve into the various exotic animals that are illegal to own in Idaho, exploring the reasons behind the state’s laws and the potential dangers of keeping these animals as pets. From big cats like lions and tigers to smaller creatures like prairie dogs and pond fish, we will examine each species in detail, shedding light on why they are banned in Idaho and what potential dangers they pose.

By exploring Idaho’s regulations around exotic pets, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between humans and wild animals and the importance of responsible animal ownership.

What Kinds of Illegal Exotic Pets are not allowed in Idaho?

Mute swans

They are a species of waterfowl native to Europe and Asia, but they have been introduced to North America as ornamental birds. However, they are considered illegal pets in Idaho unless they have been pinioned. Pinioning is the process of amputating the bird’s primary feathers at a young age, which prevents them from flying. This is done to ensure that the swans do not escape and establish themselves as an invasive species, which can cause damage to the environment and threaten native wildlife.

Wild dogs

All wild dogs are illegal to own in Idaho. This includes any dog that has not been bred and raised in captivity for at least three generations. Wild dogs can pose a significant threat to public safety, as they are often aggressive and unpredictable, and can transmit diseases to humans and other animals.

Red and sika deer

They are two species of deer that are native to Asia and have been introduced to North America for hunting purposes. However, they are considered illegal exotic pets in Idaho because they can carry diseases that are harmful to both humans and livestock. Additionally, they can cause damage to crops, gardens, and other vegetation.

Caracals, cheetahs, Geoffrey’s cats, jaguars, leopards, lions, margays, ocelots, servals, and tigers

These are all species of wild cats that are illegal to own in Idaho. These animals are often aggressive and dangerous, and their ownership poses a significant risk to public safety. Additionally, wild cats require specialized diets and care, which can be difficult to provide in a domestic setting.

European hedgehogs and brushed tail possums

They are both exotic pets that are illegal to own in Idaho. Hedgehogs are known carriers of diseases, and their introduction into the environment can be detrimental to native wildlife. Brushed tail possums, on the other hand, are invasive species that can cause damage to crops and other vegetation.

All non-human primates

They are illegal to own in Idaho. This includes monkeys, apes, and lemurs, among others. Primates are highly intelligent animals that require specialized care and environments to thrive, and their ownership can be dangerous to both the animals and humans.

Barbary sheep and mouflon sheep

They are two species of wild sheep that are illegal to own in Idaho. These animals can carry diseases that are harmful to livestock, and their introduction into the environment can be detrimental to native wildlife

Kinkajous

They small, nocturnal, tree-dwelling mammals native to Central and South America. They have a prehensile tail and can climb trees and vines with ease. Kinkajous are illegal exotic pets in Idaho because they require specialized care and diet, and their ownership can pose a risk to public safety. They can bite and scratch if they feel threatened or frightened and can transmit diseases to humans.

African dormice, African rope squirrels, African striped mice, African tree squirrels

These are small mammals that are native to Africa. These exotic animals are illegal to own in Idaho because they can carry diseases that are harmful to humans and livestock, and their introduction into the environment can be detrimental to native wildlife. These animals require specialized care and diet, and their ownership can pose a risk to public safety.

Brushed tail porcupines

They are large rodents with a coat of sharp quills that they use to defend themselves against predators. They are native to South America and are illegal exotic pets in Idaho because their quills can cause injury and infection to humans and other animals. They require specialized care and diet, and their ownership can pose a risk to public safety.

Capybara

This is the largest rodent in the world and is native to South America. They are social animals and require large spaces to move around. They are illegal exotic pets in Idaho because they can carry diseases that are harmful to humans and livestock, and their introduction into the environment can be detrimental to native wildlife. Capybaras require specialized care and diet, and their ownership can pose a risk to public safety.

Gambian giant pouched rats

They are large rodents native to Africa. They are intelligent and can be trained to detect landmines and tuberculosis. However, they are illegal exotic pets in Idaho because they can carry diseases that are harmful to humans and livestock. They require specialized care and diet, and their ownership can pose a risk to public safety.

Prairie dogs

They are burrowing rodents native to North America. They are social animals that live in large colonies. However, they are illegal exotic pets in Idaho because they can carry diseases that are harmful to humans and livestock. Additionally, they can cause damage to crops and other vegetation. Prairie dogs require specialized care and diet, and their ownership can pose a risk to public safety.

South American rodents, such as the degu and chinchilla

They are small, social mammals native to South America. They are illegal exotic pets in Idaho because they can carry diseases that are harmful to humans and livestock. Additionally, they require specialized care and diet, and their ownership can pose a risk to public safety.

European or Russian wild boars and peccaries

They are both species of wild pig. They are native to Europe, Asia, and South America, respectively. These exotic animals are illegal to own in Idaho because they can carry diseases that are harmful to humans and livestock. Additionally, they can cause damage to crops and other vegetation. These animals require specialized care and diet, and their ownership can pose a risk to public safety.

Pond fish, such as koi and goldfish

These are illegal exotic pets in Idaho because their introduction into the environment can be detrimental to native wildlife. They can carry diseases and parasites that can harm native fish species and their habitats. Additionally, pond fish require specialized care and diet, and their ownership can pose a risk to public safety.

Conclusion

Idaho’s laws regulating the ownership of exotic animals are in place to protect both the public and the animals themselves. While it may be tempting to keep a unique and exotic pet, the risks associated with owning these animals are significant.

The danger of injury or death to humans is a real and present danger, and the welfare of the animals themselves may also be compromised when kept in captivity. Idaho’s laws seek to strike a balance between preserving public safety, protecting animal welfare, and ensuring that the state’s ecosystem remains healthy and intact.

By respecting these laws, we can all play a role in safeguarding our environment and protecting the well-being of both humans and animals.

It Might Interest You To Read: Full List of Legal Exotic Pets in Idaho You Can Own 

License and State Laws

Idaho law prohibits possession of “deleterious exotic animals”, which are defined as non-native and dangerous. They are prohibited without a possession permit and include: Mute swans, unless they have been pinioned All wild dogs Red and silka deer Caracals Cheetahs Geoffrey’s cats Jaguars Leopards Lions Margays Ocelots Servals Tigers European hedgehogs Brushed tail possums All non-human primates Barbary sheep Mouflon sheep Coatimundi Kinkajous African dormice African rope squirrels African striped mice African tree squirrels Brushed tail porcupines Cabybara Gambian giant pouched rats Prairie dogs South American rodents European or Russian wild boars Peccaries Pond fish

Idaho Regulations. Department of Agriculture Chapter 27 sections 100 et seq. Idaho Administration Code Department of Fish and Game Title 1 Chapter 8 section 13.01.1013.01.10 Idaho Statutes Title 36 Fish and Game. Chapter 7 sections 701 et seq.

FAQs

What exotic animals can you own in Idaho?

Idaho has some regulations on owning exotic animals. The state defines an exotic animal as any animal not commonly domesticated in Idaho, such as primates, large cats, and bears. Owning exotic animals requires a permit from the Idaho Department of Agriculture, and some animals may require additional permits from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. However, it’s essential to note that certain exotic animals may be prohibited in some cities or counties, so it’s best to check with local authorities before acquiring any exotic animal.

What animals can be hunted year round in Idaho?

Idaho has a variety of game animals that can be hunted throughout the year, including coyotes, jackrabbits, and unprotected animals such as skunks and raccoons. Additionally, non-game animals like ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and rock chucks can also be hunted without restriction, although some may require a permit.

Are wolves a problem in Idaho?

Wolves have been a contentious issue in Idaho for years, with some viewing them as a significant problem for livestock and big game populations. The state allows for the hunting of wolves during specific hunting seasons, with a quota set by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Additionally, the state has implemented various measures to control wolf populations, such as aerial hunting, trapping, and the use of predator control agents.

Are there any animals you can hunt in Idaho without a tag?

Idaho requires hunters to have a tag for most game animals, with a few exceptions. Small game and unprotected species like skunks and raccoons can be hunted without a tag, as can some predatory animals like coyotes, jackrabbits, and ground squirrels. However, it’s important to check the regulations for the specific area you plan to hunt, as some may have additional restrictions or requirements.