![THAT’S WILD: See the Pets Banned in Each State](http://townsquare.media/site/341/files/2021/08/attachment-23-6.jpg?w=980&q=75)
THAT’S WILD: See the Pets Banned in Each State
Owner beware: Your pet mongoose is not welcome here.
Exotic animal ownership requires not only a willingness to care for unusual animals, but an understanding of the laws that regulate wildlife in particular states.
Laws vary widely across the country, but all are designed with the intent to protect public health and safety from animals considered to be inherently dangerous.
Banned animals range from the more obvious—lions, tigers, bears, wolves—to the obscure, such as mongooses (prohibited in Alabama) and the raccoon dog (banned in both South Dakota and Kentucky). Some regulations appear nonsensical: In Colorado, you can own a bison, but not a hedgehog. Bummer.
Some states have exceptions or require owners to obtain permits for particular animals, while a handful of states have no specific requirements for owning wild animals as pets. Many states are clear about the penalties for illegally owning exotic pets, which can range from fees to criminal charges.
LOOK: Here are the pets banned in each state
More From WDKS-FM
![Sebastian is a Handsome Dude with a Chill Temperament – Warrick Humane Society Pet of the Week](http://townsquare.media/site/74/files/2024/07/attachment-449703252_10211686673919515_2946733744091534348_n-e1721244640620.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Kentucky’s State Insect is Arguably One of the Most Adorable in the Animal Kingdom](http://townsquare.media/site/74/files/2024/07/attachment-WHATS-KYS-STATE-INSECT.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![This 4-H Mom Learned That Fair Wins Don’t Always Come in the Form of Ribbons](http://townsquare.media/site/74/files/2024/07/attachment-Ava-and-Tucker-2024-4H-8-e1721397075863.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![Adopting Denny from Warrick Humane Society is a ‘Grand Slam’ Idea!](http://townsquare.media/site/74/files/2024/07/attachment-DENNY2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Indiana Drive-In Allows Four-Legged Friends to Join You for Movie Night](http://townsquare.media/site/74/files/2024/07/attachment-are-dogs-allowed-at-the-holiday-drive-in.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
![Warrick Humane Society’s $5 Donation Drive to Help Fund New Building](http://townsquare.media/site/74/files/2024/07/attachment-building-hope.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Indiana Woman Warning Pet Parents After Essential Oils Led to Her Dog’s Tragic Passing](http://townsquare.media/site/74/files/2024/07/attachment-449601245_10229372907759581_167021463281634418_n.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![These Warrick Humane Society Puppies Survived Parvo But Have Been Overlooked for Three Months](http://townsquare.media/site/74/files/2024/07/attachment-SILLY-PUPPIES-AT-WHS.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Indiana DNR Explains When to Call a Rehabber for an Abandoned Fawn](http://townsquare.media/site/74/files/2024/06/attachment-should-i-call-a-rehabber-for-fawn1.jpg?w=980&q=75)