Learn about the laws pertaining to the possession of wildlife in Massachusetts before acquiring an animal or bringing one into the state when you move. A summary of these laws provided is below. This is only a summary and people should refer to the appropriate Code of Massachusetts Regulations (321 CMR 9.01) for details.Massachusetts' regulations regarding the possession of wildlife are among the strictest in the country. The goal of these regulations is to protect both the interests of wildlife and the public. The Division recommends prospective pet owners to consult with a veterinarian to determine what species is suitable for their household's abilities, lifestyle and commitment to pet care.Learn More about Legal AnimalsFor purposes of possession, MassWildlife groups animals in the following categories:Types of animals that DO NOT require a permit from MassWildlifeThis category refers to animals which are wild by nature, which may be possessed, maintained, propagated, bought, sold, or imported without a MassWildlife permit and are exempt from most state requirements (M.G.L. c. 131, § 23 and 321 CMR 9.01 ).

These exempt animals must be obtained from a lawful source, may not be captured or taken from the wild in Massachusetts, and may not be liberated (released) to the wild.In order to be listed as exempt, the animal (or group of animals) must meet the following criteria:The only exempt wild animals which may be taken from the wild in Massachusetts are certain reptiles and amphibians (321 CMR 3.05). Such animals may be kept as personal pets, but may not be sold, bartered, or exchanged. The possession limit is 2 on each of these reptiles and amphibians. Allowable species include the American Bullfrog, American Toad, DeKay's Brownsnake, Eastern Gartersnake, Eastern Musk Turtle, Eastern Newt, Eastern Racer, Eastern Red-backed Salamander, Eastern Ribbonsnake, Fowler's Toad, Gray Treefrog, Green Frog, Milksnake, Mudpuppy, Northern Dusky Salamander, Northern Two-lined Salamander, Northern Watersnake, Painted Turtle, Pickerel Frog, Red-bellied Snake, Smooth Greensnake, Snapping Turtle, Spring Peeper, and Wood Frog.General Wildlife Possession GuidelinesThis is only a summary of which animals require a permit and people should refer to the appropriate Code of Massachusetts Regulations (321

CMR 9.01) for details, especially with regard to snakes and lizards.  MammalsIt is legal to possessAll aquarium trade* fish, including:It is NOT legal to possessIt is legal to possessAll amphibians may be lawfully kept without a permit except rare species and those specifically listed as unlawful.Cork Under Hardwood FlooringIt is NOT legal to possessIt is legal to possessAll turtles, except rare species and those specifically listed as unlawful.Air Duct Cleaning Equipment CraigslistIt is NOT legal to possessIt is legal to possessIt is NOT legal to possessIt is NOT legal to possess any crocodilians including alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gavialsIt is legal to possessIt is NOT legal to possessIt is legal to possessIt is NOT legal to possessIt is legal to possessOnly the following 11 mammals (or groups) may be kept as pets:It is NOT legal to possessAll other mammals not listed as legal or domestic.* See 321 CMR 9.01 for Gray And Blue Chevron Shower Curtain

definition.** Regulations regarding the possession of snakes are quite detailed and should be consulted (321 CMR 9.01) for specifics.*** Regulations regarding the possession of lizards are quite detailed and should be consulted (321 CMR 9.01) for specifics.Domestic Animals (DO NOT require a permit from MassWildlife)Definition: Domestic animals are those kinds of animals which have undergone a process of selective breeding in captivity and have consequently been changed both physically and behaviorally from their wild ancestors, while still maintaining a close genetic similarity to them. Animals were domesticated for companionship, transportation, food, pelts or fibers, hunting, or as guard animals. Wild animals raised in captivity (even over many generations) which have merely become tame or accustomed to people are not domestic animals.All animals or groups of animals below may be possessed, propagated, maintained, imported, bought, sold, or otherwise disposed of without the need for a MassWildlife permit or license (321 CMR 9.02).

MassWildlife does not regulate these animals. However, in some instances, persons may need to comply with certain local or state laws regarding dog licenses M.G.L. Ch. 140, § 137 or municipal agriculture or zoning bylaws, or with requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Food & Agriculture pertaining to companion pets, as well as livestock and farm animals. Contact MassWildlife if you have any questions about the following lists of domestic animals.Canine/Feline Hybrids:Wolf-dog hybrids or other hybrids between domestic dogs and any wild canine species, or any feline animal which is a hybrid between a domestic cat and any wild feline species, are not domestic animals and may not be maintained, propagated, imported, bought, sold, or otherwise possessed in Massachusetts (M.G.L. Ch. 131, § 77A). Certain recognized breeds of show or pet cats, which are known to be or reputed to be of hybrid origin, are considered to be domestic and may be lawfully possessed.The Savannah cat, which is derived from a hybrid of the African Serval and domestic cat, is considered a domestic breed only if it can be documented to be generations (F4) past the original mating with an African Serval.REMINDER: The above information is only a summary and people should refer to the appropriate Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) and the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) for details.