Georgias flourishing alligator population is managed through a regulated hunting season. Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. The Coastal Ecology Lab, part of the University of Georgia, is working on an alligator study that involves fitting them with satellite tags for tracking. South Carolina Code of Laws sections 47-2-10 et seq. She Played Nadia In American Pie. Code sections 48.1-09, North Dakota Century Code Title 36. Some state require a permit in order to privately own an alligator. Yes, there are alligators in Georgia. Livestock sections 2-701 et seq. Feeding of Wild Alligators. CITES tags are to be locked through the skin of the carcass and may be used only once. Title 29. Please see below for how to report your alligator harvest. The 2022 season opens at SUNSET on Friday, August 19, 2022 and closes at SUNRISE on Monday, October 3, 2022. Under Georgia law, wild animals and certain exotics are illegal to keep as pets in the Peach State. These creatures are native to the coastal, humid waters of the southern United States and can be found from Florida to Texas. A permit is required for certain exotic animals, including: Washington does not specifically list any allowed exotic pets, but does list pets that are prohibited. You can legally own a turtle in Georgia if you choose. Up to 4 per species of native reptiles and amphibians, legally taken by hunting or trapping. Class I animals include: If an animal isn't banned or required to have a permit, it can be held as a pet. Shipping Your Hatchling Alligator. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney to make sure your rights are protected. Nebraska Revised Statutes Chapter 37. Alligators need an enclosure thats big enough to fit a dry and a wet environment. Countries that have hard NOs on alligator ownership are: and Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, and Washington. California kingsnakes that do not have between their head and vent a continuous pattern of bands or rings regardless of whether the bands or rings are opened or closed. Generally, the largest alligators on record are the direct result of hunting tags, especially since measurements are always taken after a kill. The water needs to be filtered to keep it from growing all sorts of bad bacteria. In the modern age you hear of all these celebrities owning exotic pets. In addition to prohibitions and restrictions on exotic pet ownership, the majority of states have some sort of permit, license, or registration requirement to possess certain animals. For reporting requirements on certain WMA, VPA, and State Park hunts see General WMA Regulations. Constant upkeep to maintain water quality its not as simple as cleaning out a gerbils cage. After breeding, females lay an average of 35 to 40 eggs that incubate for about 65 days. Some private owners allege that they give hugs when you hold them, but thats only if youre brave enough to do so. It is illegal to take large predatory and big game wildlife and keep them as pets. Due to loss of habitat and unregulated market hunting, alligators were reduced to low numbers by the early 1900s. Okefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia is home to about 13,000 of them. It has to be restrained by a rope before you shoot it, and you can't use a .22 rifle like on the show. Government of District section 8-1808, Florida Statutes Title XXVIII. Predatory wildlife legally taken by hunting or trapping. Georgia Code Title 27. It is recommended by the University of Floridas Institute of Food and Agricultural sciences that any crocodilian enclosure should be twice the size of the animal in question. Cougars, panthers, or cheetahs acquired before August 27, 2009 are allowed. Chapter Game and Fish Commission 4R12-405. Though once listed as a federally endangered species, populations have rebounded and the alligator's status has been upgraded to threatened due to its similarity of appearance to the threatened American crocodile. Rachael Leigh Cook Says It Was A Huge Mistake To Pass On This Superhero Movie, Leonardo DiCaprios Worst Movie Is So Terrible It Has a 0% Rotten Tomatoes Score, This Rock Icon Was On An Episode Of DS9 And Many Star Trek Fans Had No Idea, The True Story of Why James Cameron Tried To Disown His First Movie, 5 Highly Underrated Futurama Episodes That Many Fans Have Overlooked. All persons accompanying or assisting an alligator permit holder need a valid hunting license. Theyll also need heat lamps. Since 1980, the state has counted only one death and eight other attacks. Hunters not selected will receive a priority point, which may be applied to future applications. Permits are required for having "inherently dangerous" animals as pets, including: The following out-of-state animals may be possessed without any documentation: You can possess birds that are not native to the continental U.S., except for ring-necked pheasants and gray partridges, so long as they are not on the U.S. endangered, prohibited, or Species II list. Privately owning an alligator means lots of time fixing things they broke and at least basic DIY skills. 4 snapping and softshell turtles, limited to 2 per species. Are alligators a problem in Georgia? Possession of dangerous animals is regulated by cities and counties. They need the heat to survive. Natural and Cultural Resources sections 14-22-26 et seq. Young animals undergo dramatic behavioral changes as they mature. Iowa Code Annotated Title 16. Livestock section 36-01-08.4, Ohio Revised Code Title XV. (Q=30), Zone 02: Baker, Decatur, Grady, Miller, Mitchell & Seminole Counties. Conservation sections 12151 et seq. Although rare, male alligators can reach 16 feet in length and female alligators can reach 10 feet. Non-native reptiles and amphibians that are not listed as forbidden, Diamond-backed terrapin, not taken from the wild, Felines and domestic hybrids over 30 pounds, Poisonous snakes in Hydrophidae, Elapidae, Viperidae, and Crotolidae families, Up to three diamondback terrapins are allowed with a permit. Search, Browse Law Code of Colorado Regulations Chapter W-13 - Possession Of Wildlife, Scientific Collecting, and Special Licenses 2 CCR 406-13 et seq. Also, "fishing" for alligators is not legal in Georgiano set hooks hanging from tree limbs. Your average family vet will not be well-versed in animal care. Massachusetts General Laws Part I. Some state require a permit in order to privately own an alligator. Kansas Administrative Regulations Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism section 115-18-10, Kentucky Revised Statutes Title IX. Pet owners must have papers providing the supplier of the wildlife and date of acquisition. For centuries people have kept more than just cats and dogs. Each applicant must maintain a valid mailing address in their customer account. You must also provide documentation of a habitat that meets the FWC's standards and demonstrate that you can responsibly care for the alligator. We charge a flat $44.99 for overnight delivery to your doorstep, regardless of the number of reptiles, amphibians, alligators, caimans, or inverts you buy. Fish and Game , Wild Birds and Animals, section 23:4-63.3, New Mexico Statutes Chapter 77. A Possession Permit is required for non-domestic animals, including: Class III animals do not require any special permits or paperwork to be kept as pets, and include: Class IV animals mot not be kept as pets, including: Tennessee separates animals into classes. C ODE ch. Indiana Code Title 14. Montana Title 81. Licenses: 800-366-2661 Indiana Where you need a Class III permit for crocodilians longer than 5 feet which costs only $10 and you must follow strict rules outlining the requirements for the alligators enclosure. They need calcium supplements if their food doesnt have a decent enough level of it. Crimes and Punishment; Peace Officers and Public Defenders section 578.023, Missouri Rules of Department of Conservation Division 10Conservation Commission Chapter 4Wildlife Code: General Provisions section 10-9. Department of Agriculture. These privileges specifically include Hunting, Big Game, Fishing, and Trout Licenses. The following animals do not need a license to be kept as pets: Some imported birds must have legal import documentation, which then excludes them from requiring a license, including: A Noncommercial Wildlife Breeders License is required to own any wildlife that is not specifically allowed as pets, including: Some exotic animals are not considered to be wild, and thus can be pets with no permit required, including: Oregon lists some wildlife as Noncontrolled, and thus these pets do not require a permit: Oregon prohibits "exotic animal" pets unless the owner obtained a valid Oregon exotic animal permit prior to 2010. Delaware allowed the following animals as pets without permits: Permits generally required to possess wild and exotic animals. An official website of the State of Georgia. In order to hunt unsupervised they must have a valid Hunter Education Certificate. Additional permits and tags are required . No more than two box turtles may be taken out of the wild per day, and you can only possess 4 at any given time as pets. Check out the newest license plate! South Dakota will let you keep a bear on your property, but domestic pigs are prohibited. In Zone 1A (Lake Walter F. George), legal alligators must be greater or equal to 96 inches in length as measured from end of the snout to tip of the tail. Which Firefly Cast Member Had The Most Successful Career After The Show Ended? Endangered Species Act. Ga. Code Ann., 27-3-170. While you probably aren't surprised that it's illegal to keep a rhinoceros or a bat as a pet, you might not realize that species welcome as pets in other states must stay out of Georgia. In all other states, owning a pet alligator is illegal. Alligators can suffer from mouth rot which is easily counteracted by brushing their teeth with a paste made of baking soda and water. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help. The Georgia Birding & Wildlife Trails has a new websitecheck it out today! We dont imagine there are many private owners in the breeding business especially since thats not legal in most states.). License required for keeping falcons or raptors. Kentucky Administrative Regulations 2:082 sections 1 et seq. Import, Possession, or Release of Wildlife section 207:14. keys to navigate, use enter to select, Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life. Possession is generally allowed unless it is specifically not allowed. Fortunately for your curiosity, every state has exotic animal laws which allow, restrict, or prohibit ownership of certain types of animals. Legally reviewed by Lisa M. Schaffer, Esq. The following animals may be kept without a permit, including: Rhode Island specifically prohibits some animals from being pets, including: Ferrets may be kept as pets so long as a permit is acquired within two weeks of acquiring the animal. A former top campaign aide for U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock has been named principal deputy campaign manager for President Joe Biden's 2024 reelection bid. Once verified in Game Check, WRD staff will mail a CITES tag to the successful hunter. Florida allows for the ownership of alligators with a license. These restrictions apply to the various species of animal, regardless of the origin or morphology. DeKalb County. An appreciation for reptiles? Counties, Cities, and Other Local Units section 65.877. Agriculture sections 19-34-1 to 19-34-9, West Virginia Code Chapter 20. Title 800. Today, though, there are people across the U.S. that call these reptiles pets. By FindLaw Staff | Some of his favorite subjects include sci-fi, history, and obscure facts about 90's television. Maryland Code, Criminal Law section 10-621, Maryland Code, Natural Resources section 4-902. They become very aggressive and try to escape, and returning such an animal to the wild will usually result in its death. Many owners of multiple reptiles feed alligators leftover mice and rats that their snakes dont eat. Application period is June 1July 15. Maine Revised Statutes Title 12. No more than three (3) total selections are allowed. Are false water cobras legal in Georgia? You will need a Georgia hunting license and an alligator harvest permit. 2. Join us as we help host the Great Outdoors Day on the Atlanta BeltLine on Sat. About Us | Contact | Privacy Policy | Fact Checking Copyright 2023, Are Lynx Dangerous To Humans? The alligator population in Georgia is one of many renewable natural resources that can sustain limited harvest in concert with biological monitoring and periodic evaluations. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is a conservation success story. No permit is required to possess agricultural or domestic animals, domestic cervids, or conventional household pets, including but not limited to: Idaho law prohibits possession of "deleterious exotic animals", which are defined as non-native and dangerous. Alligators can live up to 60 years in captivity, but in the wild they rarely live more than 50 years. Pet Permits are needed to keep wild animals or birds that were acquired from a commercial dealer. If you do happen to own one, though, we hope you give it the best, most loving home suitable to its reptilian needs. Agriculture section 7201 et seq. Louisiana. They normally prefer wetland habitats and can be found in marshes, rivers, and the like, but at times have been known to frequent roadways, swimming pools and golf course ponds. Some of the species that are protected by the law are illegal to own, but most of the others are not and you can keep them as pets. Fisheries and Game section 26-40a. There are reptile breeders that sell alligators, but every source out there about privately owning a gator warns against black market dealers and frauds. Inside is an unnatural environment for an alligator that will only mimic a comfortable home. 503, 110 are prohibited from private ownership except if the animal was in possession prior to February 28, 1994. Perhaps you've always wanted to own a pet monkey, or you're wondering whether it's legal for your neighbor to have that cougar in his backyard. Arkansas Code Title 20. Alligators can run . Permits are not required in any county west of the Pecos River with a population under 25,000. Sprouting before the university was founded, a longleaf pine near Keene-Flint Hall has watched UF grow into what it is today. Fully-grown alligators average 13 ft in length. Dangerous animals may not be pets unless grandfather in. Bites can happen. Whether you already own an exotic animal, are thinking about purchasing one, or have been harmed by someone else's pet, contact apersonal injury attorneyto get a better handle on your state's exotic animal laws. Violation is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $200 or confinement up to 30 days, or both. Copyright 2023, Thomson Reuters. By Georgia Law, most native species of wildlife cannot be held without permits or licenses. However, we can guarantee that someone very experienced with crocodilians will attempt to select the specific alligator (s) you are requesting. Permits can be obtained for using certain game for the purposes of teaching and preserving historical Alaskan traditions, including deer, moose, caribou, black bear, and small game. These animals are subject to quarantine rules before being lawfully distributed to their owners. Idaho Statutes Title 36 Fish and Game. Oregon allows disabled people to own service monkeys as pets. Birds native to the United States and Canada, Red-billed, black-fronted, and Sudan Dioch finches. We all find beauty in all walks of life, but when its wild its hard to call your own. Wildlife and Management section 503.140, New Hampshire Revised Statutes Title 18 Fish and Game. However, no person can possess more than 6 of any kind of animal, and no more than 25 nongame wildlife animals at any given time. Kansas allows possession of certain pets, including: It is illegal to possess dangerous regulated animals, including: Many exotic pets are allowed without permits in Kentucky, including: Animals that are considered endangered species by either the federal government or the Commonwealth of Kentucky may not be kept as pets. Boat Registration: 800-366-2661 New Hampshire Code Administrative Rules. https://myfwc.com/license/captive-wildlife/applications/ Animals and Livestock section 16.30.005, Washington Administrative Code section 220-400, West Virginia Code Chapter 19. The area that roughly connects Columbus, Macon, and Augusta is teeming with alligators. Iowa allows the following animals without a permit: Certain wild animals are considered dangerous and therefore are banned as pets: Wild animals obtained and registered before 12/31/07 and microchipped by 09/01/07 are permitted as pets so long as they are registered with the state, and a lengthy list of requirements have not been violated. So yes, as long as you follow the rules and regulations in place by the Georgia Department of . Endangered species cannot be kept as pets. Fulks says he believes growing up Black in a majority white county in Georgia where . Department of Environmental Protection sections 7:25-4.3 et seq. All rights reserved. Personal ownership of an alligator is risky business theres a reason its not legal in many states. Male alligators can grow up to 16 feet in length, although 14 footers are rare, and female alligators can grow up to 10 feet. Permits are $75 for residents and $250 for non-residents. Animals and Animal Husbandry section 4-18-1. The state of Georgia is no stranger to Alligators, and that is particularly true for the southeast quadrant of the state. Alligators may accumulate significant levels of mercury. They can be as long as 20 feet and can weigh over 1000 lbs!! Bullfrogs and Northern leopard frogs are required to be over 6 inches. Falcons and hawks are only allowed with a falconry permit. NOTE: Effective with the 2020 season, hunters no longer receive a plastic alligator tag in the mail. In addition to prohibitions and restrictions on exotic pet ownership, the majority of states have some sort of permit, license, or registration requirement to possess certain animals. All venomous reptiles in the Viperidae family, including vipers. Some states do not explicitly list alligators in their private ownership of wildlife legislations, though many do outlaw private ownership of non-native animals (such as Idaho, where were pretty sure alligators arent native). Connecticut General Statutes Title 26. Exotic animals include: Oregon will honor USDA permits obtained on "exotic animals" as well as permits it issued prior to 2010. 6 in total of any other turtle, snakes, and lizards, with the caveat that you are limited to 4 turtles. Ohio Revised Code Title IX. Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life. But are there alligator-infested lakes in Georgia? Unless an animal is specifically banned in West Virginia, it can be kept without a permit, so long as it isn't considered a wild animal or wild bird. Idaho Administration Code Department of Fish and Game Title 1 Chapter 8 section 13.01.10. It isnaturally high in protein, low in fat and cholesterol-free. Agriculture Animals Fences sections 935.01 et seq. Vermont Statutes Title 10. These include: Certain exotic animal species require an Exotic Animal Possess Permit, including: Certain exotic animals cannot be kept as pets, including: Prohibited animals may be grandfathered in if they were registered with Animal Control by 01/01/2018. The care and upkeep of owning one doesnt seem to outweigh the risks to yourself and the animal. The wrong temperature could be fatal. Concerns over owning an alligator as a pet? Alligators and crocodiles are some of the most aggressive animals on the planet. California Fish and Game Code - Title 14, section 4700, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Restricted Species Law, Manual 671. Please refer to the WMA listing in the annual Georgia Hunting Seasons & Regulations booklet, which will be available in print August 1st and online in late-July. Dogs can rip up sofas, alligators can rip up your walls. Scratch that Audrey Hepburn had a deer, Dali had an ocelot, and Queen Victoria had Tibetan goats. Outside may provide better digs, but you could constantly run the risk of escape without around-the-clock surveillance, or have a negative impact on local wildlife or even a neighbors pet who strayed into dangerous territory. Permits are required to have pet native frogs. Answer: Alligators are a native species in some parts of Texas. Last year, Quentin Fulks was campaign manager for Warnock's successful Georgia reelection effort. Beneath the glassy surface of the water lies one of the most deadly creatures you and your dog can come across in the wild: the alligator. Some areas allow anyone to own an alligator, while others require residents to obtain a permit before acquiring one; still others ban their ownership entirely. Open Zones Ohio Administrative Code section 1501: 31-25-04, Oklahoma Administrative Code. Mute swans, unless they have been pinioned, Offspring of a domestic cat and a Bengal or Savannah that is fourth or later filial generation, Amphibians and reptiles, limited to 5 per species, except you cannot possess bullfrogs, common snapping turtles, and soft-shelled turtles, Invertebrates, though mussels are limited to 5, Largescale silver carp (grandfathered in if possessed before 01/01/2021), Wels catfish (grandfathered in if possessed before 01/01/2021), Eurasian minnow (grandfathered in if possessed before 01/01/2021), Stone moroko (grandfathered in if possessed before 01/01/2021), European perch (grandfathered in if possessed before 01/01/2021), Nile perch (grandfathered in if possessed before 01/01/2021), Roach grandfathered in if possessed before 01/01/2021), Amur sleeper (grandfathered in if possessed before 01/01/2021), Zander (grandfathered in if possessed before 01/01/2021), Common yabbies (grandfathered in if possessed before 01/01/2021), Commensal rodents (Norway rats, roof rats, house mice), Goats derived from the wild goat or bezoar, Domesticated minks, if over 1.15 kg as adults, Venomous exotic snakes except for hognose snakes, Subspecies and hybrids of all listed cats. Animals section 5, Illinois Statutes Chapter 515. Permits are necessary to hold certain game that was reared in captivity. The table below lists examples of prohibited and permitted exotic animals in each state, as well as licensing laws and key statutes. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. of Environmental Management, section 250-RICR-40-05-3, Rhode Island General Laws Title 4. The following exotic animals are allowed as pets: Many exotic animals may not be kept as pets, including: Permits are required for wild animals, and most often you can only own one (to prevent breeding). Oregon Revised Statutes Animals sections 609.305 et seq. Health and Safety section 50-23-101, Admin. The truly massive gator was just over 14 feet long and weighed over 700 lbs. If you live in Alabama and did not obtain a permit before January 13th, 2021, you are not allowed to own a variety of exotic animals including Giant African Land Snails, most non-native wildlife like bobcats, black bears, foxes, and raccoons, and venomous reptiles. In addition to federal laws governing animal ownership and treatment, every state has certain prohibitions or restrictions on which exotic animals can be owned aspets. Montana Title 87. These include: Michigan Where you need a fishing license in order to take them from the wild. Florida sports roughly 1.25 million alligators (and more than 1,000 American crocodiles). Youll need special filters and nutrients to maintain a healthy and stable environment. Koko Da Doll, who was featured in "Kokomo City," a documentary about four Black transgender sex workers that won awards at the Sundance Film Festival this year . Counties section 153A-131, North Dakota Admin. But sometimes the winner is simply off-cuts of tubes from the water filtration system for the alligator to carry around like a dog and a stick. Alligators may be hunted during the day or at night. No new permits are being issued. Fish and Game sections 16.05.902 et seq. Game and Fish, Chapter 1, Article 4, section 4-107. New Jersey Administrative Code Title 7. Conservation of Natural Resources section 1533.71. American crows can be taken during open hunting season. If youre keen to research prices and sellers, we recommend caution for ultimate reptile lovers a Google search will come up with a lot of results for where to buy alligator meat.\, Buying a juvenile crocodile averages around $170. Bighorn sheep, though restricted in some counties. Nebraska Revised Statutes Chapter 54. Primates are allowed that were owned prior to 01/01/2011 and grandfathered if owners registered the primate by 04/01/2011 and have followed up with proper notifications. Conservation and Natural Resources sections 9-2-7 et seq. As hoped, nuisance complaints have decreased since the creation of Georgia's alligator season. However, even if you're allowed to own a certain type of animal, you may still beliable for any injuries or damagecaused by your exotic pet, which can be severe. Were struggling here. For example, in Vermont you'll need a permit to own an anaconda, but not to keep a pet alligator. But! Conservation section 805. Do not run in a zigzag. Pennsylvania Statutes Title 34 Pa.C.S.A. If you are interested in participating in a totally hands-on, eye-to-eye hunting adventure unlike any other hunting experience you can pursue in Georgia, then the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) invites you to submit an application for the opportunity to participate in Georgias alligator hunting season. No permit is required to have some wild animal pets, including: Some domesticated animals may be kept as pets without permits, including: Some animals may be taken from the wild without permits and held as pets so long as they are securely confined, including: Wyoming prohibits possessing certain animals as pets, including: Permits are required to keep any living wildlife as pets that aren't specifically listed as allowed without permits. Chapter 7 sections 701 et seq. North Carolina does not list any specific animals that can definitively be kept as pets. Invasive species fish and shellfish are banned. Some private owners recommend a dog owners favorite the Kong wobbler. Such game includes: Registration is required to possess non-native fish. (Yet you can't own an alligator.) Alligators can also have bone disorders and skin diseases if they dont get enough calcium, hence the necessity for vitamins in some cases. Rusa, Sambar, Sika, Roe and white-tailed deer, Mouflon sheep, urials, bighorn and argali, Coral snakes, cobras, kraits, mambas, Australia elapids, Pit vipers and true vipers, except indigenous species, Herrings and shads, except threadfins and gizzards, Grass carp, except certified triploids with a permit, Exotic reptiles, except alligators, crocodiles, and venomous reptiles other than Western Hognose snakes, Exotic migratory waterfowl, except mute swans, All cats and hybrids except domesticated and feral cats, All dogs except domesticated dogs and captive bred fennec foxes, Animals indistinguishable from wolves or coyotes, Turkeys, geese, and ducks morphologically distinguishable from wild turkeys, geese, and ducks, Domestic cat hybrids except for savannah cats, White-faced, black-bearded, white-nose bearded, and monk sakis, Black-handed, white-bellied, brown-headed, and black spider monkeys, Burmese pythons North and South African rock pythons, Game quadrupeds except captive white-tailed deer, reptiles, amphibians, and fur-bearing animals, Ferrets, except black-footed, Mustela nigripes, Native invertebrates, except for crayfish and all freshwater mussels including Zebra and Asian clams, Rabbits, except cottontails, jackrabbits, swamp rabbits, and other native wild rabbits, Turkeys, except Rio Grande, Eastern, Merriam, and Osceola, Most monotypic species or reptiles and amphibians not indigenous to Oklahoma, Native bears over 50 pounds, including black bears, Native cats over 50 pounds, including cougars.