Montana has a reputation for allowing exotic animals that most other states ban outright — and lions are part of that conversation. If you have been wondering whether you can legally keep a lion in the Treasure State, the answer is more layered than a simple yes or no.
A major federal law passed in 2022 fundamentally changed the rules for big cat ownership across the entire country, and Montana’s own three-tier permit system adds another layer of requirements on top of that. Local ordinances can tighten the rules even further depending on where you live. Before you pursue any path toward owning a lion, you need to understand all three levels of law — federal, state, and local — and what each one demands of you.
Important Note: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) and a licensed attorney before taking any action related to exotic animal ownership.
Is It Legal to Own a Lion in Montana?
The short answer is that private ownership of a lion as a pet is now prohibited under federal law, regardless of what state you live in. However, Montana’s state framework does recognize lions as a “controlled” exotic species — meaning that, for qualifying entities such as licensed facilities, a permit pathway exists at the state level.
You can legally own lions, tigers, bears, and even wolverines in Montana — but there is a crucial distinction between what is technically legal at the state level and what is actually feasible given federal restrictions. The federal Big Cat Public Safety Act, signed into law in December 2022, now overrides any state-level permissiveness when it comes to private pet ownership of big cats. Understanding how these two bodies of law interact is the first step.
Montana is still one of the more permissive states in terms of its exotic wildlife framework, and Montana takes a surprisingly permissive approach to exotic pet ownership compared to many states. But that framework must now operate within strict federal boundaries that did not exist before 2022. If you are thinking about lions specifically, the federal law is the dominant factor you must address first.
What Federal Law Says About Lion Ownership
The Big Cat Public Safety Act was enacted December 20, 2022, to end the private ownership of big cats as pets and prohibit exhibitors from allowing public contact with big cats, including cubs. This law applies in all 50 states, including Montana, and it supersedes more permissive state rules for private individuals.
The Big Cat Public Safety Act makes it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce, or breed or possess prohibited wildlife species — including lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, and cougars, or any hybrids thereof — with certain exceptions. Lions (Panthera leo) are explicitly named as a prohibited wildlife species under this law.
In order to continue to legally possess privately owned big cats, the Act required individuals or entities to register any big cats in their possession before the date of enactment with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), unless another exception applied. This registration had to occur no later than June 18, 2023, which was 180 days after the date of enactment. Registration is now closed.
The Act does not allow pre-Act owners to acquire additional big cats after December 20, 2022. Only registered pre-Act big cats may be allowed to stay privately owned. In practical terms, this means no new private lion ownership is permitted anywhere in the United States under federal law.
Key Insight: The Big Cat Public Safety Act does include exceptions for certain qualifying entities. The law does not apply to licensed facilities like zoos and sanctuaries that meet specific standards, as well as state universities and wildlife rehabilitation centers. Private individuals do not qualify for these exceptions.
The Endangered Species Act adds a further layer of protection. Most big cats are listed as either endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act, and take of such species and their offspring is prohibited, with limited exceptions for take authorized by statute, regulation, or permit. You can read more about how federal wildlife law intersects with Montana’s wildlife framework in our article on hunting laws in Montana.
Montana’s Laws on Owning a Lion
Setting aside federal restrictions for a moment, Montana’s own exotic wildlife framework is worth understanding in detail — both because it governs all other exotic species you might consider, and because it applies to licensed facilities that may still keep lions legally.
The state divides exotic wildlife into three categories: noncontrolled species you can own without permits, controlled species requiring written authorization, and prohibited species banned entirely. Lions fall into the controlled species category at the state level.
The controlled species category includes some of Montana’s most dramatic exotic pet possibilities — bobcats, lynx, lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and elephants. These animals are technically legal under state law but demand substantial resources, specialized facilities, and rigorous compliance with permit conditions. The state’s permitting framework was designed with facilities in mind, not backyard ownership.
Under Montana law, “exotic wildlife” means a wildlife species that is not native to Montana — foreign or introduced. Since lions are native to Africa and parts of Asia, they fall squarely within this definition. A person cannot import, possess, or sell any exotic wildlife unless doing so is allowed by law or commission rule. Montana’s exotic pet laws cover a wide range of species beyond just big cats.
It is also worth noting that Montana prohibits the possession of certain animals that are native to the state. Montana also bans importing animals that already live here, like grizzlies, moose, and skunks. For more on the wild animals that share Montana’s landscape, see our guides on venomous animals in Montana and American states with mountain lions.
Permits and Requirements for Lion Ownership in Montana
For entities that qualify under both federal and state law — such as licensed zoos, accredited sanctuaries, and certain educational institutions — Montana has a specific permit structure for keeping lions and other large cats.
A Wild Animal Menagerie Permit is required for bears and large cats including cougars, lions, tigers, jaguars, leopards, pumas, cheetahs, and ocelots. Annual fees are $10 for five or fewer animals or $25 for more than five. The low fee figures can be misleading — the actual cost of compliance goes far beyond the permit fee itself.
A “controlled species” is a live, exotic wildlife species, subspecies, or hybrid of a species that may not be imported, possessed, sold, purchased, or exchanged in Montana unless a person obtains written authorization from the department. Written authorization may be requested by submitting an application. The application requires information on the exotic species requested, the intended purpose for possession, where the exotic species will be held, and the enclosures intended to contain the exotic species.
Montana’s administrative code sets out detailed care and housing standards that any permitted facility must meet. Exotic wildlife held in captivity must be treated in a humane manner and cannot be restrained with a chain, rope, or other holding device except when necessary to provide appropriate care. All exotic wildlife held in captivity must be in compliance with and are subject to the current Compendium of Animal Rabies Prevention and Control.
Permit holders also carry ongoing reporting obligations. Permit holders must report injuries inflicted by the exotic species on domestic animals to the Department of Livestock within 24 hours, and report injuries inflicted on Montana wildlife to the department within 24 hours of infliction of the injury.
| Permit Type | Who It Applies To | Annual Fee | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Animal Menagerie Permit | Private facilities keeping lions, tigers, bears, large cats (non-public exhibition) | $10 (1–5 animals) / $25 (6+ animals) | Enclosure specs, care standards, injury reporting, inspections |
| Roadside Menagerie Permit | Commercial exhibitors attracting trade or public | Separate fee schedule | Proof of liability insurance, USDA license, public safety standards |
| Controlled Species Permit (FWP) | Any entity possessing a controlled exotic species | $125 (5-year permit) | Application, enclosure inspection, purpose statement, ongoing compliance |
The department assesses a fee of $125 to obtain or renew a permit to possess a controlled exotic wildlife species. The permit expires on February 28 of the fifth year following issuance.
For facilities that display or exhibit lions commercially, a USDA license is also required. A person that displays, exhibits, or uses a controlled species for exhibition or commercial photography or television may import the species into Montana without a controlled species permit if the animal is accompanied by evidence of lawful possession and is not in the state for more than 90 days. If the person is displaying or exhibiting animals for commercial purposes other than food or fiber, they must possess the appropriate license issued by the United States Department of Agriculture.
Common Mistake: Assuming that because Montana “allows” ownership of controlled species like lions or bears, obtaining permits is straightforward. The reality involves extensive documentation, facility inspections, ongoing compliance requirements, and the practical challenge of meeting care standards for dangerous wild animals.
If you are interested in other regulated animals in Montana, our article on whether it is legal to own a raccoon in Montana covers another commonly searched exotic pet question for the state.
Local Laws That May Apply in Montana
Even if a state permit were theoretically available to you, local governments in Montana have the authority to impose stricter rules than the state baseline. This is a layer of regulation that many people overlook entirely.
Just because an animal is legal to own in the state does not mean the city you live in allows it. Many local cities and counties have their own restrictions on which animals are legal to keep and which are not. You should check with your local city and/or county for their regulations regarding what pets you can and cannot own.
It is your responsibility to comply with all local laws, ordinances, and covenants before importing or possessing live wildlife. Cities like Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman each maintain their own municipal codes, and many urban areas in Montana prohibit dangerous exotic animals outright — often through general “dangerous animal” ordinances that would cover a lion regardless of any state permit you hold.
Homeowners associations (HOAs) and deed restrictions can also prohibit exotic animals on private property, and these private covenants are enforceable independently of government law. If you rent, your landlord’s lease agreement almost certainly prohibits keeping a large predator on the premises.
- Check your city or county municipal code for “dangerous animal” or “exotic animal” ordinances
- Contact your county zoning office — large enclosures may require a special use permit or variance
- Review any HOA rules or deed restrictions on your property
- Verify your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, as most will not cover liability from exotic animals
For zoos and other roadside attractions in Montana, a Roadside Menagerie permit is required to exhibit or use wild animals to attract trade or for other commercial purposes. Roadside Menagerie Permits require proof of liability insurance. This insurance requirement reflects the serious liability exposure that comes with keeping apex predators. You can explore more about Montana’s wildlife landscape in our articles on types of hawks in Montana and types of bats in Montana.
Penalties for Illegally Owning a Lion in Montana
Owning a lion without proper authorization exposes you to penalties at both the federal and state levels. These are not minor infractions — violations can result in criminal charges, substantial fines, and the permanent loss of your animal.
At the federal level, the consequences are severe. Under the Big Cat Public Safety Act, illegal ownership can result in fines of up to $20,000 and imprisonment for up to five years. The animal is also subject to confiscation. State penalties can be added on top of federal ones, potentially leading to even steeper fines and longer jail time.
Violators are subject to civil or criminal penalties, or both, including potential fines, imprisonment, or both. Big cats bred, possessed, imported, exported, transported, sold, received, acquired, or purchased contrary to the provisions of the Act are subject to seizure and forfeiture.
Montana state law carries its own enforcement mechanisms on top of federal penalties. Any person violating the provisions of Montana’s menagerie law shall upon conviction be punished, and at the discretion of the court, the permit and all rights and privileges inherent in the permit may be forfeited. Any animals being kept in violation of any section of this part may be confiscated or ordered disposed of at the discretion of the director.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has broad authority to act when permit conditions are violated. The department may suspend or cancel a permit if the permittee violates or fails to comply with a permit condition or is convicted of violating a federal or state law, or county or city ordinance associated with possession of the exotic wildlife species. The department may amend, suspend, or cancel a permit if necessary to protect native wildlife, livestock, public health, public safety, or the environment.
Beyond fines and imprisonment, there are serious practical consequences to consider. If your lion injures a person or another animal, you face civil liability that could far exceed any criminal fine. FWP officials will investigate the reported incident and take appropriate action based on their findings. This may include removing the animal from its owner and placing it in a licensed facility for proper care. The owner may also face fines and criminal charges for violating animal welfare laws.
Pro Tip: If you are passionate about big cats and want to support them legally, consider volunteering with or donating to an accredited sanctuary recognized under the Big Cat Public Safety Act. These facilities provide lions and other big cats with professional care and appropriate habitats — and they always need support.
Montana’s wildlife laws also cover a broad range of other animals that may surprise you. If you are curious about what else is regulated in the state, our guides on types of snakes in Montana, types of spiders in Montana, and how much a mountain lion weighs offer more context on the wild species that share the state. You might also find our article on what animals eat mountain lions an interesting read on big cat ecology.
The bottom line is straightforward: federal law now prohibits private individuals from owning lions as pets anywhere in the United States, and Montana’s own permit system — while more permissive than many states — is designed for licensed facilities, not personal ownership. If you are not operating an accredited zoo, sanctuary, or qualifying institution, a lion is not a legal option for you in Montana or anywhere else in the country.