Tennessee is home to a wide variety of wildlife, but not every animal can become a pet. State law sets strict rules about which species are banned entirely, which require permits, and which fall into a murky in-between zone. Below, discover which animals you’re absolutely prohibited from owning in the Volunteer State, along with why those laws exist and what it takes to legally keep certain exotic species.
Class I Wildlife: Off-Limits Forever
Under Tennessee Code § 70‑4‑403 and reinforced by § 70‑4‑401, Class I wildlife—animals deemed inherently dangerous—are strictly prohibited for personal possession. These include apex predators and venomous reptiles:
- Big cats (lions, tigers, pumas, jaguars)
- Bears (black, grizzly)
- Wolves
- Venomous snakes (cobras, rattlesnakes, vipers)
- Alligators and crocodilians (caimans, gavials)
- Large, potentially dangerous wildlife
Only licensed “exhibitors” or commercial propagators—such as accredited zoos and circuses—can legally keep these animals, and never in private homes.
Class II Wildlife: Heavily Permitted
Class II species incorporate native wildlife not otherwise protected or widely domesticated. Ownership is tightly controlled: you must have a Wildlife Possession Permit and documentation proving legal source.
Notable examples include:
- Bobcats, gray foxes, coyotes
- Raccoons, opossums, mink
- Native non-poisonous snakes and amphibians
A $31 annual permit applies, coupled with a 30-day $31 import permit if bringing an animal into Tennessee. Any unpermitted possession can lead to serious legal consequences.
Class III Wildlife: Largely Welcome
Class III covers a broad range of non-native or domesticated animals that generally require no permit at all, including:
- Common rodents (rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters, chipmunks)
- Rabbits, chinchillas, ferrets
- Many reptiles/amphibians that are non-venomous (tortoises, lizards, non-poisonous snakes)
- Certain exotic livestock and birds (alpacas, llamas, camels, guineafowl)
- Hybrid species (e.g., Savannah cats, wolfdogs)
These animals are perfectly legal with standard local regulations (vaccinations, zoning, etc.).
Class IV Wildlife: Prohibited with Specific Exceptions
Class IV species, such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and American black bears, are illegal to own entirely, unless through approved wildlife rehabilitators or bona fide zoos .
Specific Animals You Can’t Keep in Tennessee
Venomous Reptiles
All Class I venomous snakes—rattlesnakes, cobras, vipers—are banned entirely. Even some non-venomous reptiles may require permits.
Big Cats & Large Carnivores
Owning lions, tigers, cougars, wolves, bears, and similar animals is illegal in private households, regardless of intent.
Caimans & Gavials
These crocodilian reptiles fall under Class I and cannot be kept—even as supposedly “harmless” small species .
Raccoon Dogs (Tanuki)
Not traditional Tennessee wildlife—but regularly cited as banned: tanuki are illegal nationwide due to their potential ecological impact.
Popular Exotics That Are Legal—With or Without Permits
- Red & Gray Foxes – Legal if captive-bred, USDA‑licensed, and covered by Class II permits. Wild-caught foxes are prohibited.
- Fennec & Pale Foxes – Exotic, but legal without permits .
- Mink, Raccoons, Opossums, Coyotes, Bobcats – Can be kept with proper documentation and Class II permits.
- Wolfdogs, Lynx, Servals, Savannah or Bengal cats – Counted as Class III hybrids, legal without permits .
- Bats (non-native species), ferrets, chinchillas, porcupines (Class III) – Legal; porcupines require proper housing, ferrets fall under domesticated hybrids.
Why These Laws Exist
Tennessee’s classification system balances public safety, animal welfare, and ecosystem protection:
- Public safety: Dangerous animals pose obvious threats.
- Disease control: Wildlife can harbor zoonoses (like rabies).
- Ecological impact: Invasive species (e.g. raccoon dogs) can disrupt local habitats.
- Animal welfare: Some animals have complex needs (e.g. primates) that owners cannot meet.
Consequences of Illegal Ownership
Possessing a banned animal isn’t just unethical—it’s a Class B misdemeanor per § 70‑4‑102, with each illegal possession counted as a separate offense. Fines, animal forfeiture, even criminal charges may apply. Permittees can also face permit revocation for escapes, mistreatment, or paperwork lapses .
How to Legally Own Exotic Animals in Tennessee
- Identify the Class: Refer to § 70‑4‑403 to see if your animal is Class I, II, III, or IV.
- Get the proper permits:
- Class I: nearly impossible for private citizens—reserved for institutions.
- Class II: $31 annual Wildlife Possession Permit + $31 import permit if applicable. Documentation of a legal purchase is required.
- Provide legal source documentation: Records of breeder or supplier and date of acquisition are mandatory.
- Ensure housing compliance: Follow TWRA and USDA guidelines on enclosures and safety standards.
- Address escapes and injuries swiftly: Notify TWRA within 48 hours of any escape or injury.
Final Thoughts
Owning an exotic pet in Tennessee comes with responsibility and regulations. Some animals are simply prohibited—no exceptions. Others require careful licensing and care. If you’re seriously considering an unusual pet, start with TWRA’s classification pages and contact them before making a purchase. It can save you legal trouble—and save the animal from a poor home.