Can You Own a Kangaroo in Maine? What the Law Actually Requires

Kangaroos are among the most recognizable animals on the planet, and it turns out that owning one in Maine is not as far-fetched as it sounds. The Pine Tree State is one of a small number of states in the U.S. where private kangaroo ownership is permitted — but the path to legally keeping one involves permits, inspections, and a serious commitment to proper care.

Before you start searching for a joey, it is worth understanding exactly what Maine law requires, what federal rules apply, and how your city or town may add another layer of restrictions. This guide walks you through every piece of the legal puzzle so you can make an informed decision.

Is It Legal to Own a Kangaroo in Maine?

If you live in Maine, you can own a kangaroo — the large marsupial typically found in Australia. That answer surprises most people, but it is grounded in state statute. Maine is not the only state that allows it, but it is part of a relatively short list.

The reality is a patchwork of state laws, creating a situation where owning a kangaroo is legal in some states but absolutely prohibited in others. Maine falls on the permissive side of that divide, though not without conditions.

If you live in Maine, you can own a kangaroo — the only catch is that you need to get a permit. Skipping that step is not a gray area; possessing a kangaroo without the proper authorization puts you in direct violation of Maine wildlife law. You can learn more about the range of wildlife that exists in and around the state by browsing the kangaroo topic archive on Animal of Things.

Key Insight: Maine allows kangaroo ownership with a state-issued permit. Simply wanting one is not enough — the permit process involves an application, fees, a facility inspection, and ongoing compliance with care standards.

In most states, it is illegal to keep a kangaroo as a pet. A few states allow it with a special permit, while only a handful — like Wisconsin, South Carolina, and West Virginia — allow kangaroo ownership without any permit at all. Maine sits in the middle category: legal, but regulated.

What Federal Law Says About Kangaroo Ownership

Many people assume there is a single federal rule that either allows or bans exotic pet ownership across the country. That is not how it works for kangaroos.

There is not a single federal law that says “yes” or “no” to owning a kangaroo nationwide. Instead, you are looking at a patchwork of regulations that can vary dramatically from one state to the next. Federal law enters the picture in specific, limited ways.

Federal laws are usually not the main block for owning a kangaroo unless the species is endangered, or you are importing them, or crossing state lines. Most regulation is at the state or local level. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does oversee the importation and interstate transportation of kangaroos, which means that how your animal enters the country or moves between states carries its own set of federal requirements.

Congress has introduced legislation that would tighten federal oversight. The Kangaroo Protection Act has been introduced in multiple sessions, including as S.2162 in the 119th Congress (2025–2026). The bill would prohibit bringing kangaroos into the United States for commercial purposes, possessing with intent to sell, or selling a kangaroo, as well as distributing kangaroo products in interstate commerce. As of the publication date of this article, that bill has not been enacted into law, but it is worth monitoring if you are planning a purchase that involves interstate transport.

Important Note: Even if your state permits kangaroo ownership, importing one from outside the U.S. or transporting one across state lines triggers separate federal review. Always verify federal import requirements through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service before acquiring an animal.

The sale and possession of exotic animals in the United States is regulated by a patchwork of federal, state, and local laws that generally vary by community and by animal. For a kangaroo owner in Maine, that means checking all three levels — federal, state, and local — before proceeding. Consulting an Exotic Animal Care and Management Textbook can also help you understand the husbandry standards that regulators typically expect.

Maine’s Laws on Owning a Kangaroo

Maine’s laws regarding the possession of wildlife are among the strictest in the country. The goal of these laws is to protect the interests of wildlife, the public, and natural resources. That strict framework applies even to non-native species like kangaroos.

The core authority comes from Maine Revised Statutes Title 12, Section 12152, which governs permits to possess wildlife in captivity. Maine statutes prohibit keeping wildlife in captivity, importing, breeding, or releasing wildlife into the wild, with exceptions for a person holding a license.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW) has statutory responsibility for all freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals, regardless of whether they are native to Maine or occur elsewhere in the world. Kangaroos fall squarely under that authority as non-native mammals.

Maine’s captive wildlife framework divides species into categories. The rules must, at a minimum, include the list of unrestricted nonnative species, a category of wildlife that is endangered or threatened or presents a risk to humans, a category of wildlife that requires special housing or care, and a category of prohibited species for which a permit is not issued under any circumstances. Kangaroos are classified as a regulated species requiring special housing and care — not as a prohibited species — which is why a permit pathway exists at all.

Non-native wildlife potentially carries risks for the native wildlife resources and ecosystems of the State of Maine and the public at large. Collection of some native wildlife can be unsustainable and when held in captivity may pose risks upon release. With changing environmental conditions and the inherent adaptability of wildlife, the ability to predict the likelihood of a non-native wildlife species to survive in the wild is difficult. These concerns are exactly why Maine requires a permit rather than leaving kangaroo ownership entirely unregulated.

You can explore more about Maine’s unique wildlife landscape through resources like venomous animals in Maine and types of snakes in Maine, which reflect how seriously the state takes its native species protections.

Permits and Requirements for Kangaroo Ownership in Maine

Getting a permit to own a kangaroo in Maine is not a simple checkbox exercise. The DIFW runs a structured review process, and approval is not guaranteed.

Maine’s Chapter 7 regulations concern the keeping of captive wildlife. A permit is generally required for importation, possession, propagation, rehabilitation, and exhibition of wildlife in the state. Wildlife held in captivity must be confined, contained, controlled, and sheltered in such a way as to protect it, and to protect property of others and the health and safety of the public.

If you meet the correct criteria and fill out a $250 application and obtain a $27 permit, you could legally keep a kangaroo, if you wanted to. (Note: these figures were reported as of April 2025 — confirm current fees directly with DIFW, as fee schedules can change.)

The state maintains updated inspection provisions for applicants attempting to acquire a permit to possess or introduce, import, and possess fish or wildlife in captivity, as well as a fee structure for inspection provisions for regulated species. The process allows authorized independent contractors to meet with permit applicants to educate them on minimum standard facility requirements and to inspect current facilities to recommend approval or denial of a permit.

The commissioner may adopt rules necessary for the administration of this section, including provisions to ensure that all wildlife possessed under these permits receives humane treatment and proper husbandry and security, and to safeguard the interests of the wildlife and citizens of the State.

In practical terms, you should expect your enclosure to be inspected before a permit is approved. You need enough land or enclosure; fencing must be high and strong because kangaroos can jump and are powerful. Sturdy perimeter fencing — such as 6 foot metal fence panels — is one practical starting point for meeting enclosure requirements, though DIFW will specify exact standards during the inspection process.

Veterinary care for exotic animals is rare and costlier. Kangaroos are susceptible to diseases and need a specialized diet and husbandry. You will want to identify a licensed exotic animal veterinarian in your area before applying for a permit, since ongoing veterinary access is part of demonstrating that you can provide proper care. An Exotic Animal Medicine Quick Reference Guide can be a helpful resource for understanding the health needs your vet will address.

A permit holder who wishes to renew a permit must renew the permit prior to its expiration date. The department may assess a late fee of $25, in addition to the required permit fee, to a person who does not renew a permit prior to its expiration date.

Maine’s winters also pose a real challenge. A kangaroo could survive the Maine climate, but likely only with help from humans. Their preferred climate would be warm, dry summers and mild winters with minimal wintry precipitation. Providing adequate shelter and supplemental heat during cold months — using something like an outdoor heat lamp for animals — is a practical necessity, and regulators may evaluate your cold-weather housing plan as part of the permit review.

Pro Tip: Contact DIFW directly at (207) 287-5252 before submitting your application. Speaking with a wildlife biologist in advance can clarify exactly what your facility needs to include and prevent costly revisions after an inspection.

Local Laws That May Apply in Maine

Receiving a state permit does not mean you are automatically cleared to keep a kangaroo at your specific address. Local ordinances can add a separate layer of restrictions that operate independently of state law.

Some towns may have municipal ordinances which prohibit certain animals, or which further regulate the keeping of animals which the Department otherwise allows. Check with your city or town to comply with both state and local laws.

Even where state ownership is permitted, local jurisdictions may impose further restrictions, so verifying local rules is important. A city or town can define “exotic” or “wild” animals broadly enough to capture kangaroos, even if the state has issued you a valid permit.

This is not a hypothetical concern. While your state may allow you to keep certain animals as pets, local laws can restrict ownership. State laws are frequently changing in response to concerns for public safety and animal well-being. You should always double-check for any new or proposed state or local legislation.

Zoning regulations are another consideration. Your property may be zoned in a way that limits the types of animals you can keep, the size of enclosures you can build, or the proximity of animal housing to neighboring properties. Check with your town’s code enforcement office or planning department before investing in a facility.

If you live in a municipality with a homeowners association, review those rules as well. HOA agreements can restrict exotic animal ownership even on private property, and they operate outside the scope of state wildlife law entirely. For a broader look at how Maine regulates animals at the local level, the dog leash laws in Maine page illustrates how local ordinances interact with state standards.

Penalties for Illegally Owning a Kangaroo in Maine

If you choose to skip the permit process or ignore local restrictions, the consequences under Maine law are real and escalating.

Each day a person violates the permit requirement, that person commits a Class E crime for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable permit fee must be imposed. Because the violation resets daily, the financial exposure compounds quickly.

Penalties for violations incur fines that range from $100 to $500. Three or more such violations are considered to be a Class E criminal offense. A Class E crime in Maine carries potential jail time in addition to financial penalties, meaning that repeated violations can result in a criminal record.

The state can also charge a responsible party for the cost incurred to remove or euthanize unpermitted regulated fish or wildlife species. If authorities seize your kangaroo because you lack a permit, you could be billed for the removal, transport, and any subsequent care or euthanasia costs — expenses that can be substantial for a large exotic animal.

Common Mistake: Assuming that because a kangaroo is for sale online or in another state, it is legal to bring into Maine. Maine law is clear: do not assume animals lawful elsewhere are lawful here. The burden is on you to verify compliance before acquiring the animal.

Do not assume that animals for sale in other states, including those states adjacent to Maine, are lawful in Maine. Be wary of animals advertised for sale on the Internet or in newspapers. These animals may or may not be lawful at the point of origin, but illegal to bring into Maine.

Beyond state penalties, operating outside federal import or interstate transport rules can trigger separate consequences. Any person who knowingly violates applicable federal provisions shall be fined not more than $10,000, or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both. Each violation is a separate offense. Federal penalties stack on top of state-level consequences, not in place of them.

Owning a kangaroo is a responsibility that requires careful consideration of the animal’s needs, the legal requirements, and the potential dangers involved. While it might be legal in a handful of states, the majority of the U.S. has strict prohibitions against it. It is crucial to always prioritize the welfare of these unique animals and to adhere to all local, state, and federal regulations.

If you are seriously considering kangaroo ownership in Maine, the right starting point is a conversation with DIFW, your local code enforcement office, and an attorney familiar with Maine wildlife law. The permit pathway exists, but navigating it correctly from the start is far less costly than addressing violations after the fact. For more on marsupials and related animals, visit the kangaroos and wallaby vs. kangaroo pages on Animal of Things. You might also find it interesting to explore other Maine wildlife topics like types of hawks in Maine and types of owls in Maine to appreciate the breadth of species the state already monitors and protects.