Exotic Pets You Cannot Have in Montana (No Matter How Cute They Look)

Most Montanans are perfectly happy with a dog or a cat. They’re by far the two most common pets in the U.S. Fish are right up there, too, and plenty of kids have successfully lobbied their parents for a rabbit, hamster, or guinea pig. Birds? Sure. Turtles, lizards, maybe even a snake? Why not.

But for some folks, that’s just not wild enough.

They want something… different. Something exotic. Before you start browsing sketchy pet sites or plotting how to smuggle a critter home from vacation, know this: Montana has strict exotic pet laws, and if you get caught with a prohibited animal, the fines will sting almost as much as losing your pricey “pet.”

Read More: Coolest Towns in Montana

The state currently bans 37 animals from private ownership. Here are a few highlights.

Alligators

Tempted to bring home a baby gator from your vacation in Florida? Forget it. Alligators are banned in Montana. (And no, crocodiles aren’t a loophole either.)

Chimpanzees

I’ll admit it: as a kid, I wanted a chimpanzee thanks to that old Gen X trucker-and-chimp TV show. Reality check: they’re stronger than you, they can throw things you don’t want thrown (poop), and they’re on the prohibited list.

Kangaroos

Baby joeys are adorable. Adult kangaroos? Not so much. They can be violent, territorial, and could absolutely wreck a human if provoked. Roo's are a no-go in Montana.

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Monkeys & Primates

All types of primates are off-limits here. Some look cute… others look like they’d rip your face off. Either way, they’re banned.

Nutria

These invasive swamp rodents look like a mini-beaver with a rat tail. They destroy crops, shorelines, and ecosystems. Hard pass for Montana.

Ringtail Cats

Arizona’s state mammal, spotted in Wyoming, but not welcome in the Treasure State. They’re cute, but they’re still on the “nope” list.

Here’s the kicker: Montana also bans importing animals that already live here, like grizzlies, moose, and skunks.

But weirdly enough, with the right permit, you could technically own an elephant. Yep, really. Tigers, bobcats, cougars, and beavers are also on the “maybe” list, if you get state approval. Read the full list HERE.