Exotic pet laws in Montana
Every animal in our directory, checked against Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (ARM 12.6.22 exotic wildlife classification) rules and Montana statute. Click any animal for the full entry — the exact law, penalties, permits, and local caveats.
All animals: status at a glance
| Animal | Status | Statute | Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon | Banned | Mont. Code Ann. Title 87 | 2026-07-03 |
| Monkey | Banned | ARM 12.6.2215 | 2026-07-03 |
| Serval | Legal | ARM 12.6.2205(1)(d) (Serval cat - noncontrolled) | 2026-07-03 |
| Fennec Fox | Unclear | ARM 12.6.2205, 12.6.2208, 12.6.2215, 12.6.2225 (fennec fox unlisted) | 2026-07-03 |
| Sugar Glider | Legal | ARM 12.6.2205(1)(e) (Sugar glider - noncontrolled) | 2026-07-03 |
| Hedgehog | Legal | Mont. Admin. R. 12.6.2201-2215 (noncontrolled species) | 2026-07-13 |
| Ferret | Legal | ARM ch. 12.6 (domestic ferret uncontrolled) | 2026-07-13 |
Animals banned in Montana
Legal without a permit in Montana
- Serval — Serval cat expressly listed as a noncontrolled species - no permit
- Sugar Glider — Sugar glider expressly listed as a noncontrolled species - no permit
- Hedgehog — Legal — African pygmy hedgehogs are noncontrolled exotic wildlife in Montana
- Ferret — Legal — an uncontrolled species requiring no FWP permit
How Montana regulates exotic pets
Primary authority sits with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (ARM 12.6.22 exotic wildlife classification). Statewide statute sets the floor; cities and counties frequently layer stricter bans on top, so always check your municipal code as well as the entries above.
Research directory, not legal advice. Verify current rules with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (ARM 12.6.22 exotic wildlife classification) before acquiring any animal.