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Native Wildlife

Native Wildlife

General Information

“Native wildlife” refers to any animal that is indigenous to any location in Michigan.

It is not legal to import into Michigan any of the following live animals:

  • Wild turkeys or their eggs
  • Wild turkey hybrids or their eggs
  • Mute swans or their eggs
  • Skunks
  • Raccoons
  • Wild rabbits
  • Wild hares
  • Black bears and cougars, except under special exceptions. Please call MDARD at 800-292-3939 for more information.

A permit is required to keep native wildlife species, contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Permit Specialist at 517-284-6210.

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Coming into Michigan from Another State (import)

Note: if you are planning to exhibit an animal of this type, there may be additional rules. View exhibition rules here.

  1. Native wildlife must have an official interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) filled out by a United States Department of Agriculture accredited veterinarian in the animal's state of origin.
  2. A permit is required for native wildlife species. Contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Permit Specialist at 517-284-6210.
  3. Check local ordinances for any further regulations that may apply.

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Exhibition (Show, Fair, Demonstration or Display) Requirements

  1. There are no specific requirements for native wildlife moving within the state for exhibition.

  2. Native wildlife being imported from out of state for exhibition require:
    • An official interstate certificate of veterinary inspection (CVI) filled out by a United States Department of Agriculture accredited veterinarian in the animal's state of origin.
    • A permit is required to possess native wildlife species in Michigan. Contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Permit Specialist at 517-284-6210. The DNR permit number must be included on the CVI.
    • Check local ordinances for any further regulations that may apply.
  1. Contact the exhibition authorities for any additional requirements.

  2. Black bears and cougars on display shall meet all of the following:
    1. The public cannot have any direct physical contact with large carnivores.
    2. Large carnivores over 20 weeks of age are required be confined far enough away from the public that the animals cannot pose a risk.
    3. The public is not allowed to touch, pet or hold large carnivores under 20 weeks of age.
      Exception: Individuals in possession of a bear on March 26, 2013, or acquiring a business that was in possession of a bear on this date may allow direct contact with bears if the bear is less than 36 weeks of age or weighs 90 pounds or less.
    4. Meet or exceed to the standards in the Animal Welfare Act. For more information, contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal Care at 919-855-7100. Please note the person possessing the animals must possess and maintain a USDA Class C license and reside in Michigan.
    5. Not be bred.
    6. Not be sold, except as approved under state law. For information on when large carnivores can be sold, please contact MDARD at 800-292-3939.
    7. Primary purpose of display is for education or exhibition.

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Moving within Michigan (intrastate)

Note: if you are planning to exhibit an animal of this type, there may be additional rules. View exhibition rules here.

There are no specific requirements for intrastate movement.

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Leaving Michigan to go to Another State (export)

Please contact the state of destination. AHO contact information by State.

A person shall not export or attempt to export a black bear or cougar to another state or country unless all the following requirements are met:

  1. The import and possession of the animal are lawful in the other state or country.
  2. The destination and proposed new owner of the animal have been approved by the regulatory agency in the other state or country having authority to do so, if any.

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International Movement

Please contact the United States Department of Agriculture at 517-337-4700.

The importation and possession of black bears and cougars is illegal in Michigan, except under special exceptions. If you are considering the importation of a black bear or cougar, please call MDARD at 800-292-3939 and the DNR at 517-284-WILD for more information.

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