Is it legal to own a fennec fox in New Mexico?

VERIFIED 2026-07-03CONFIDENCE: HIGH19.35.7 NMAC; Director's Species Importation List (Vulpes, fox any type - Group IV, State Protected)

The short answer

Banned

Fox (any type) is Group IV, state-protected - importation prohibited for the public.

No. New Mexico's Director's Species Importation List classifies foxes of any type - covering the genus Vulpes - as Group IV and state-protected, so importing a fennec fox is prohibited for the general public. The non-native origin doesn't create an exception here.

What New Mexico law says

Under 19.35.7 NMAC, a director's permit is required to import any live non-domesticated animal; the importation list places Vulpes (fox, any type) in Group IV as a state-protected species, prohibited for the general public and allowed only for scientific, zoological, or qualified-expert use.

Which agency regulates fennec foxes in New Mexico

New Mexico Dept. of Game & Fish is the authority for fennec fox (Vulpes zerda) possession in New Mexico.

Is there a permit for pet fennec foxes?

No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Group IV importation may be allowed for scientific, zoological, or qualified-expert use - not pets.

Penalties for owning a fennec fox illegally

Unlawful importation/possession penalties with seizure.

Local city and county rules

Statute 77-18-1 also permits health-department regulation of foxes; local bans may apply.

Legal alternatives in New Mexico

Sugar Glider in New Mexico — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.

Frequently asked questions

Is the fennec fox exempt because it's non-native?

No - New Mexico's fox (any type) Group IV listing covers the whole genus Vulpes, including the fennec.

Sources

More animals in New Mexico

See all animals on the exotic pet laws in New Mexico page, or compare every state on the pet fennec fox laws by state page.

Last verified 2026-07-03 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with New Mexico Dept. of Game & Fish and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.