Exotic Pets Legal in Maine: What You Can Own, What Requires a Permit, and What Is Banned

Maine draws a harder line on exotic pet ownership than nearly any other state in the country. Before you fall in love with an unusual animal at a breeder’s website or a neighboring state’s pet shop, you need to know exactly where that species falls under Maine law — because bringing home the wrong animal can result in criminal charges, steep fines, and the forced removal of your pet.

This guide walks you through how Maine’s regulatory system works, which exotic animals you can keep without a permit, which ones require official approval, and which are off-limits entirely — no exceptions for private owners. It also covers why your city or town may impose rules that go beyond what the state allows.

How Maine Regulates Exotic Pet Ownership

Maine’s laws regarding the possession of wildlife are among the strictest in the country, and the goal of these laws is to protect the interests of wildlife, the public, and the state’s natural resources. Understanding the framework before you buy is essential, because the default rule in Maine is restriction, not permission.

Except as otherwise provided, a person may not import wildlife into or possess wildlife in the state, or receive or possess wildlife imported into the state. The department maintains a list of unregulated fish and wildlife species for which a permit is not required, available to the public. If a species is not on that list, you need a permit — or the animal may be banned outright.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW) has statutory responsibility for all freshwater fish, reptiles, and amphibians. In some instances, such as species on the federal endangered or threatened species list, animals used for agricultural purposes, or migratory birds, authority may be shared with the federal government or another Maine agency.

Maine organizes regulated wildlife into four main categories:

• Unrestricted Species — No permit needed; can be bought, sold, and kept freely
• Category 1 Restricted Species — Requires an exhibitor’s permit, wildlife rehabilitator’s permit, or USDA-accredited research facility status
• Category 2 Restricted Species — Requires the same permits as Category 1 due to special housing or care needs
• Prohibited Species — Cannot be possessed under any circumstances by private individuals

Any species that has not been categorized is considered unclassified, and a person may not possess any unclassified species. Any species not identified as Prohibited, Restricted, or Unrestricted will not be eligible for a permit, though a request may be made to review the categorization of a species.

Important Note: Each day a person violates Maine’s wildlife possession statute is treated as a separate offense. Penalties begin at a $50 minimum fine plus twice the applicable permit fee per day, and three or more violations within a five-year period constitute a Class E criminal offense.

Purchasers can reasonably assume that an animal for sale in a Maine pet store is legal. However, you should 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 could be illegal to bring into Maine.

You can learn more about how exotic pet laws vary across the country in this overview of United States exotic pet laws.

Exotic Pets You Can Own Without a Permit in Maine

Maine law allows the Department to maintain a list of species of fish and wildlife, including tropical fish and invertebrates, that do not require an importation, exhibition, or possession permit and may be traded by commercial pet shops. Unrestricted species must be maintained in a humane and safe manner that does not jeopardize public health and safety, the welfare of the animal, or cause a public disturbance.

Maine permits the ownership of specific exotic animals as pets, such as chinchillas, sugar gliders, African pygmy hedgehogs, short-tailed opossums, and fennec foxes. However, owners must comply with regulations established by the DIFW to ensure both human and animal safety and to protect local ecosystems.

The following are among the animals on Maine’s Unrestricted Species list — meaning no possession or importation permit is required for private ownership:

• Chinchillas — Popular small mammals that are widely available in pet stores
• Sugar gliders — Small marsupials that are legal and permit-free in Maine
• African pygmy hedgehogs — A commonly kept exotic small mammal
• Short-tailed opossums — A small South American marsupial found in the pet trade
• Fennec foxes — The small desert fox is on the unrestricted list
• Domestic ferrets — Legal without a permit (note: wild ferret species are not the same)
• Emus — According to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, emus are on the unrestricted list as long as they have a clean bill of health via a health certificate. In fact, there are a few spots in Maine where residents keep emus as pets.
• Gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, and domestic rabbits — Standard small pets that are unrestricted
• Domestic mice and rats — Common pet rodents with no permit requirement
• Peafowl and pigeons — Unrestricted bird species
• Tropical fish and most saltwater invertebrates — A wide variety of aquarium species fall under the unrestricted category

Certain tortoises also make the unrestricted list with specific conditions. Unrestricted turtles and tortoises can be possessed, imported, and sold without a permit. Unrestricted tortoise species include the Greek Tortoise, Hermann’s Tortoise, Red-Foot Tortoise, Russian Tortoise, and Yellow-Foot Tortoise — all must be a minimum of 4 inches in diameter and captive bred.

Pro Tip: Even if a species is on the Unrestricted List, you still need to source it legally. Importing any unrestricted species from out of state without the proper health documentation, or buying from an unlicensed seller, can still create legal complications. Always buy from a reputable, licensed breeder or pet shop.

There is also a native wildlife exemption worth knowing. A reptile, amphibian, or invertebrate that is native to the state and not listed by the department as threatened or endangered or as a species of special concern may be captured from the wild and possessed without a permit. Possession limits for each species are: amphibians, up to 5 specimens of each species; reptiles, up to 2 specimens of each species; and invertebrates, with no specimen limits.

If you are interested in how other states approach small exotic mammal ownership, see our guides on exotic pets legal in Vermont and exotic pets legal in New York for comparison.

Exotic Pets That Require a Permit in Maine

Maine’s permit system is not designed for casual pet owners — it is built around professional exhibitors, wildlife rehabilitators, and accredited research facilities. That said, understanding how it works is important if you believe you may qualify.

To possess a Category 1 Restricted Species, a person must acquire either an exhibitor’s or wildlife rehabilitator’s permit, or must be an accredited research facility or a laboratory registered with the United States Department of Agriculture.

A species is placed in Category 2 when it does not meet the criteria of a Prohibited Species or Category 1 Restricted Species and when it requires special housing or care that cannot be provided by persons without training or experience, or requires a special commitment to ensure proper care and welfare. To possess a Category 2 Restricted Species, a person must acquire either an exhibitor’s or wildlife rehabilitator’s permit, or must be an accredited research facility or a laboratory registered with the United States Department of Agriculture.

Examples of animals that fall into restricted categories and require permits include:

• Kangaroos — Applicants for Category 1 Restricted Species must be an exhibitor, wildlife rehabilitator, laboratory registered with the USDA, or accredited research facility. Meeting that criteria and completing the application process could allow legal possession of a kangaroo.
• Certain large reptiles — Non-native constrictors and monitor lizards may fall into restricted categories depending on species
• Large exotic birds — Some parrot species and other non-native birds that are not on the unrestricted list
• Wallabies — May be permissible under exhibitor permits

Primates occupy a uniquely restricted position in Maine law. No primate shall be permitted unless the applicant or permit holder demonstrates a legitimate physical aide need from a primate, and the animal in question is specifically trained for such purposes, or the applicant must be providing foster care or training for the primate under the direction or supervision of a recognized authority. In practice, this means pet monkeys are effectively off the table for nearly all private residents.

All permit holders face ongoing compliance obligations. Wildlife held in captivity must be confined, contained, controlled, and sheltered in such a way as to protect it, and to protect the property of others and the health and safety of the public. A person who possesses a restricted species must immediately notify law enforcement officials of any escape of the regulated animal, whether the species was legally permitted or illegally possessed without a permit.

Key Insight: Maine’s permit system is structured primarily for institutions, not individual pet owners. If you are a private resident hoping to keep a kangaroo or a large exotic reptile, you will need to meet the same standards as a zoo or USDA-registered research facility — a high bar that most households cannot realistically clear.

All birds brought into Maine from out of state — including pet birds — carry their own documentation requirements. All pet birds, including federally regulated birds such as finches and parrots brought into the state, must be obtained from companies registered with the Maine Department of Agriculture. Anyone importing certain birds from out of state must have a current health certificate certifying that the birds come from a flock participating in the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP).

For comparison, see how neighboring states handle restricted species in our guides to exotic pets legal in New Jersey and exotic pets legal in Ohio.

Exotic Pets That Are Banned in Maine

Maine’s Prohibited Species list covers animals that pose a significant risk to public safety, native ecosystems, or both. No permit shall be granted for prohibited species, which the commissioner, in consultation with the captive wildlife technical committee, has determined pose a significant risk to Maine’s native flora and fauna, to the public welfare, or to domestic animals. The commissioner may make an exception and authorize limited possession of these species by accredited research facilities in cases where there is a significant public benefit.

Specific species are banned from private ownership, including bears, moose, turkeys, deer, lions, cheetahs, wolves, monkeys, camels, alligators, monk parakeets, and swans. This list is not exhaustive — the full Prohibited Species list maintained by DIFW covers many additional animals.

Banned Animal	Primary Reason for Prohibition
Black bear	Native species; public safety risk
Moose	Native species; protected wildlife
White-tailed deer	Native species; disease transmission risk
Wild turkey	Native game species; explicitly excluded from all permits
Lion, cheetah	Serious bodily injury risk to humans
Wolf / wolf hybrid	Public safety; invasive establishment risk
Monkey / primate (as pet)	No private pet permits issued; zoonotic disease risk
Camel	Prohibited species; cannot survive Maine winters safely
Alligator	Serious bodily injury risk; invasive establishment potential
Monk parakeet	Invasive species risk to native ecosystems
Swan	Invasive species concern; prohibited for private ownership
Axolotl	Amphibian invasive species risk; illegal in Maine

The axolotl ban surprises many prospective owners. In Maine, California, New Jersey, and D.C., it is illegal to own an axolotl. The reason governments outlaw axolotl ownership comes down to the large environmental threat they pose if ever released into the wild. There have already been countless instances of former pets being released and becoming established in local ecosystems, causing unforeseen harm.

A species may be classified as prohibited if it is known to harbor an agent substantially harmful to humans, domestic livestock, poultry, native wildlife, or Maine flora; if it has a geographic distribution and life requisites that would allow it to survive in Maine if accidentally or intentionally introduced into the wild; if it is capable of inflicting serious bodily injury to humans; or if it has unique requirements for housing or care that cannot be provided outside of professionally designed and operated facilities.

Common Mistake: Assuming that because an animal is sold legally in a neighboring state — or even advertised online by a Maine-based seller — it is legal to own in Maine. The state’s prohibited list applies regardless of where the animal was purchased or how it was acquired. Ignorance of the law is not a defense.

Skunks deserve a specific mention. Maine’s laws evolved significantly, making skunk ownership illegal as of February 2002, with limited exceptions for educational purposes under certain permits. If you see skunks offered for sale online, do not assume Maine allows them.

To see how Maine’s banned list compares to other states with strict regulations, review our guides on exotic pets legal in California and exotic pets legal in Michigan.

County and Local Rules That May Override Maine Law

State law sets the floor for exotic pet regulation in Maine, but your municipality can raise it. Local ordinances can restrict animals that the state permits — and they do not need to provide the same permit pathways that state law offers.

Some towns may have municipal ordinances that prohibit certain invertebrates such as scorpions, tarantulas, or other venomous spiders, or that further regulate the keeping of animals that the Department otherwise allows. This means an animal on the state’s Unrestricted List could still be banned in your specific city or town.

Some towns may have municipal ordinances that prohibit certain invertebrates such as scorpions, tarantulas, or other venomous spiders, or that further regulate the keeping of animals that the Department otherwise allows. Check with your city or town to comply with both state and local laws.

Here is what local rules commonly address beyond state law:

• Venomous invertebrates — Scorpions and tarantulas are a frequent target of local bans even when the state does not prohibit them
• Enclosure and zoning requirements — Some municipalities require specific setbacks, enclosure standards, or acreage minimums for certain animals
• Noise and nuisance ordinances — Large birds like emus or peafowl may be restricted in residential zones based on noise complaints
• HOA rules — Homeowners association covenants can restrict exotic pets entirely, independent of state or local law

Pro Tip: Do not rely solely on the DIFW website when researching legality. Call your town or city clerk’s office directly and ask whether any local ordinances restrict the specific animal you want to keep. Get any confirmation in writing when possible.

Local restrictions can also exist in accordance with city or municipal ordinances. Maine’s rural character means enforcement and ordinance specifics vary widely from one town to the next. A species perfectly legal in Portland’s neighboring towns may be restricted within city limits, or vice versa.

If you are researching how other states handle the interplay between state and local exotic pet rules, our guides on exotic pets legal in Texas and exotic pets legal in Nevada offer useful context.

Where to Verify Current Rules Before You Buy in Maine

Maine’s species classifications can and do change. The DIFW Technical Committee reviews categorization requests, and the commissioner can reclassify animals in response to new ecological or safety data. Relying on outdated information — even from a reputable-looking website — can leave you with an animal you cannot legally keep.

Here are the authoritative sources to consult before acquiring any exotic animal in Maine:

1. Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW) — Captive Wildlife Page
   The official DIFW captive wildlife page links to the current Unrestricted Species List (PDF), permit applications, and the full text of Chapter 7 regulations. This is your primary source.
2. Maine Revised Statutes Title 12, Section 12152
   The statutory text at the Maine Legislature’s website contains the foundational law governing wildlife possession permits. Check it for penalty provisions and permit categories.
3. DIFW Wildlife Division — Direct Contact
   Questions regarding the unrestricted species list or the importation and possession of fish and wildlife should be addressed to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, 284 State Street, 41 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0041, by phone at (207) 287-5261.
4. Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry — Animal Welfare Unit
   Questions regarding domestic animals or about the pet shop license itself should be addressed to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, Division of Regulations, Animal Welfare Unit, Station #28, Augusta, ME 04333, by phone at (207) 287-3846.
5. Your City or Town Clerk
   Ask specifically about any local ordinances that restrict exotic animal ownership beyond state law. This step is especially important for venomous invertebrates, large birds, and any animal that could be considered a nuisance.
6. Animal Law Info — Maine Exotic Pets
   The Animal Legal and Historical Center’s Maine page provides annotated summaries of Chapter 7 regulations and is checked and updated periodically (last checked April 2025 per their records).

Important Note: The DIFW Unrestricted Species List is a living document. Species can be added or removed by the commissioner following a review process. Always download the most current PDF version directly from the DIFW website rather than relying on third-party summaries, including this article, as your sole reference.

Importers of wildlife must comply with CITES and Endangered and Threatened Species Regulations, and with state and federal Animal Welfare laws. Even if a species clears every Maine hurdle, federal law — including the Lacey Act and CITES treaty obligations — may still restrict its importation or trade.

If you are moving to Maine from another state, remember that an animal you legally owned elsewhere may require a permit or be prohibited entirely once you cross the state line. Contact DIFW before relocating with any exotic animal to confirm its status under Maine law.

For further reading on exotic pet ownership across the region and beyond, explore our state-by-state guides including exotic pets legal in Idaho, exotic pets legal in Montana, and exotic pets legal in Arkansas. You can also review Maine’s specific laws on leaving pets in hot cars for additional animal welfare context in the state.