What Owls Are Legal To Own In The US?

|

In the United States, the laws regarding owning owls as pets vary by state.

Here is a summary of the information from the search results:States where it is legal to own a pet owl:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Delaware
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada

Native owls in the United States cannot be owned by private individuals.

They may only be possessed by trained and licensed individuals for specific purposes such as rehabilitation, foster parenting in a rehabilitation facility, breeding programs, educational purposes, or falconry in some states

. However, even in these instances, the person licensed to keep the owl does not “own” the bird, as the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service retains “stewardship” and can recall the bird if permit conditions are not being met.Non-native owls, such as the Eurasian eagle-owl, are legal to own in states that do not specifically prohibit them. It is important to note that ownership of non-native owls may still be subject to regulations and permits, and ownership is supervised by the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service.It is crucial to research and understand the specific laws and regulations in your state before considering owning an owl as a pet.

Additionally, it is important to consider the ethical implications and the specialized care that owls require before deciding to keep one as a pet.

Contents

What Are The Specific Requirements Or Permits Needed To Legally Own Owls In The United States?

In the United States, it is illegal for private individuals to keep native owls as pets.

However, trained and licensed individuals may possess owls for certain purposes, such as rehabilitation, breeding, education, or falconry.

Even in these cases, the U.S.

Fish and Wildlife Service retains “stewardship” of the birds, which means they can recall them at any time if permit conditions are not being met.

To obtain a permit to own an owl, one must be able to prove that they have the necessary experience and facilities to care for the owl, and that the owl will be used for a legitimate purpose.

The specific requirements and permits needed to legally own owls may vary by state, so it is important to consult with your state’s wildlife agency to learn about the exact rules and restrictions that apply to pet owl ownership in your region.

Some states, such as Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, and Nevada, allow pet owls.

However, even in these states, it is important to obtain the necessary permits and licenses.

Are There Any Restrictions Or Regulations Regarding The Ownership Of Certain Owl Species Compared To Others In The US?

In the United States, there are restrictions and regulations regarding the ownership of certain owl species compared to others.

Here is what the search results reveal:

  • The United States does not allow private individuals to keep native owls as pets.

    Native owls may only be possessed by trained, licensed individuals while being rehabilitated, as foster parents in a rehabilitation facility, as part of a breeding program, for educational purposes, or for falconry in some states.
  • Even in instances where individuals are licensed to keep owls, they do not “own” the bird.

    The U.S.

    Fish and Wildlife Service retains “stewardship” of the birds and can recall them at any time if permit conditions are not being met.
  • The laws regarding owl ownership vary by state in the US.

    In some states, it is completely illegal to own an owl, while in others, it is only legal with the appropriate permits.

    Some states, like Texas and Nevada, have more liberal regulations regarding owl ownership.
  • Owls, like all birds of prey, are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it difficult to own native owls as pets.
  • Some states, such as Indiana, Maine, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, require individuals to obtain permits or licenses before owning an owl.

It is important to consult with your state’s wildlife agency to learn about the specific rules and restrictions that apply to pet owl ownership in your region.

Are There Any States Or Regions Within The US That Have Stricter Regulations Or Completely Prohibit The Ownership Of Owls, Regardless Of The Species?

In the United States, it is illegal to keep native owls as pets, and they may only be possessed by trained, licensed individuals while being rehabilitated, as foster parents in a rehabilitation facility, as part of a breeding program, for educational purposes, or certain species may be used for falconry in some states.

However, non-native owls can be owned in some states.

According to the World Population Review, the following states allow non-native owls to be owned: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, and Tennessee.

Some jurisdictions, like Texas and Nevada, have more liberal regulations regarding owl ownership, but the requisite licenses must still be obtained.

It is important to consult with your state’s wildlife agency to learn about the exact rules and restrictions that apply to pet owl ownership in your region.

Helpful Resources