All species are restricted from possession as pets in California primarily because they can become pests where introduced into the wild where they don't naturally occur . There are also many unknown questions related to natural predators and potential diseases when any non-native animal is introduced into the wild.
What happens if you have a ferret in California?
Keeping a ferret as a pet is illegal in the Golden State , which means Megan Mitchell is breaking the law. ... “You can actually get charged with a misdemeanor for owning a domestic ferret which is six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, and they can also confiscate the pet and euthanize it,” Mitchell said.
Will ferrets ever be legal in California?
California is one of the few states that prohibit pet ownership of ferrets. ... As a result, ferrets cannot be legally imported, transported or possessed in California except by a permit issued for a specific, legal purpose — such as medical research or transporting rescued ferrets out of state.
When did ferrets become illegal in CA?
Pre-publication of Notice to prohibit the importation and possession of neutered male animals not otherwise admissible. Under a policy adopted in 1986 by the Fish and Game Commission, neutered male ferrets were made illegal as pets in California, except for those which were already pets at that time.
Why is ferret illegal?
Why Are Ferrets Illegal
There are many reasons argued for why ferrets are banned. These include concerns about biting, aggression , and how they tend to colonize if they run away, which ends up threatening native wildlife. They are known to be incredibly high maintenance pets.
What is the penalty for owning a ferret in California?
Owning a ferret in California can get you charged with a misdemeanor, up to six months in jail, or $1,000 in fines .
What pets are illegal in California?
- African Clawed Frogs.
- Alligators / Crocodiles.
- Bats.
- Bears.
- Capybaras.
- Ferrets.
- Gerbils.
- Hedgehogs.
Can I own a monkey in California?
While monkeys are allowed as pets in neighboring Arizona and Nevada (with a license in the former), they are illegal to keep as pets in California . As is the case with most of the banned-animals list, the reason monkeys are a no go is because of the damage they can do to Californian wildlife and agriculture.
Why are ferrets so stinky?
Why Do Ferrets Stink? Just like dogs and cats, ferrets are born with anal glands that are located on either side of their rectum. These glands secrete a foul smelling fluid that is used to mark territory .
Can you own a sloth in California?
It is Illegal to Own a Sloth in California
While states like Nevada and Texas have extremely lenient rules about exotic pet ownership, the Golden State is known for its strict regulations relating to game and wildlife. ... One animal that is clearly restricted is the sloth.
Can you own a kangaroo in California?
It's more common to need a permit, like in Washington and Texas. But, in news that will come as no surprise to anyone, it's illegal to own a kangaroo as a pet in the majority of the United States of America.
Can you own a zebra in California?
Can anyone own a zebra? Not in California . In the Golden State you can't own zebras, rhinoceroses, tapirs, or any other odd-toed ungulates (aside from ordinary horses) unless you've worked with exotic species for two years (including one year with animals in the same family as the one you plan to own).
Are ferrets good pets?
Ferrets make good pets if you want to maintain peace and quiet in your household . Although known for their high energy, ferrets are very quiet too and sleep for about 18 hours per day! They are not nocturnal, but sleep the majority of the day just like cats do.
What is a ferret's diet?
Ferrets are strict carnivores. In the wild they prey upon and eat whole animals that consist of raw meat, raw bones, other tissue and digested vegetable matter . They require a diet of meat/animal products that are typically high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates and fibre.
Can I buy a hedgehog?
It's currently illegal to own a hedgehog in California; Georgia; Hawaii; New York City; Omaha, Nebraska; and Washington, D.C. Other states and cities may have specific restrictions or require a permit to keep one. ... Tell everyone you know: Hedgehogs are not “pets.” Never buy a hedgehog or any other animal .
