Are pet skunks legal in California?

Keeping wildlife is prohibited by Fish and Game laws (CCR title 14, section 671) and California health laws due to a high incidence of rabies in skunks in California. All wildlife, even skunks, belong to the citizens of California and cannot be held, domesticated…or have their scent glands surgically removed!

What are illegal pets in California?

According to the California Code of Regulations (CCR) 671, pet ownership of the following animals is also illegal without a special permit: Raccoons, skunks, alligators, lemurs, zebras, certain venomous reptiles, prairie dogs, wolf hybrids (wolf-dogs), big cats such as bobcats, servals, and cheetahs.

What states allow skunks as pets?

It is currently legal to own domesticated skunks in only 17 states: Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

How much is a pet skunk?

A skunk can be a costly pet, especially the first year. Skunk kits cost between $150 and $500, and spay or neuter can cost up to $250.

What exotic animals are legal to own in California?

Exotic Pets Legal in California (Mammals and Birds)

Can I own a red panda in California?

IT IS ILLEGAL!

Being an endangered species, it is illegal to trade in them. If someone was caught with a live red panda they could be fined or even sent to prison!

Why are hedgehogs illegal in California?

All species are restricted from possession as pets in California primarily because they can become pests where introduced into the wild where they don't naturally occur.

How much does a skunk cost in California?

Skunk kits cost between $150 and $500, and spay or neuter can cost up to $250.

Do Descented skunks still smell?

Skunks only spray when they feel threatened. If skunkie was raised right, has no predators, and has gentle and loving human companions, it'll probably keep its stink to itself for the vast majority of its life. But if your animal is sick, injured, or startled, you'll need to get out the tomato juice.

Can you potty train a skunk?

Most skunks can be housebroken by corner training. After they choose a corner, a litter pan with unscented litter can be placed there. If the skunk misses the litter pan, after cleanup, the area should be saturated with plain white vinegar to remove the scent, so that they will not return to that spot.

How do I get a pet skunk in California?

A: No. Wildlife must remain wild and cannot be owned. Generally, animals found in the wild in California can never be kept as pets. Only people who qualify for a restricted species permit may possess wild animals, like skunks.

Are skunks cuddly?

To many, skunks aren't just their negative traits — they're also cuddly, loving, adorable members of the family. Especially if you're an experienced animal owner, skunks may have started to sound like they'll fit well into your household.

How long do pet skunks live?

The average life span for a domestic skunk is 8 to 12 years or longer. If handled properly as babies, they are very affectionate pets. They can live with children if the children are responsible and old enough to know how to handle a pet properly and not leave doors open allowing the skunk to escape.

How can I own a raccoon in California?

Owning a pet raccoon is legal in some states but illegal in many other states. If you're a Californian looking to adopt a pet raccoon, you won't be able to unless you file a prohibited animal permit with the California Department of Fish and Game.

Can you have a possum as a pet in California?

Laws and Regulations

Opossums are not native to California. It's a violation of California law for any wildlife to be kept as pets.

Can I own a fox in California?

Intelligent like a dog, foxes have been bred to live as house pets — but there are not fully domesticated. Pet foxes are legal in up to 15 states, but not in California. Rules vary departing on the breed, the most common being the fennec fox.

Are skunks good house pets?

When born and raised in captivity, skunks can make friendly, intelligent, and unique pets. They can learn to be comfortable when handled by people and can be quite playful and cuddly. Native to North America, skunks are known for their scent glands that can spray foul-smelling chemicals at predators.

Do pet skunks spray owners?

As domestic skunks are essentially the same as wild skunks, they can indeed spray. However, many owners opt to have their spray glands removed when they are about a month old. This is an elective procedure to prevent them from spraying inside the home.

Are skunks protected in CA?

LEGAL STATUS. The California Fish and Game Code classifies skunks as nongame mammals. The owner or tenant of the premises may lethally remove nongame mammals that are injuring or threatening at any time and in any legal manner.

Are skunks smart?

Temperament. Skunks are sensitive, intelligent animals, and like all intelligent animals, temperament varies with each individual.

What do California skunks eat?

In the winter and spring months, the striped skunk will supplement its diet with vertebrates such as white-footed mice, voles, eggs and the chicks of ground nesting birds. The striped skunk is also known to consume amphibians, reptiles, carrion and fish.

Are ferrets legal in California?

Ferrets are illegal to own as pets in California. In the United States, you can keep ferrets as pets in all but two states—Hawaii and California. California introduced the law banning pet ferrets in 1933.

Is it legal to own a squirrel in California?

Wild squirrels are abundant in California, but it is illegal to own a pet squirrel in the state. Squirrels do not make good pets. They will eat almost anything, and they have incredibly sharp teeth and nails. It is also illegal to feed wild animals like squirrels in CA.

Are finger monkeys legal in California?

While monkeys are allowed as pets in neighboring Arizona and Nevada (with a license in the former), they are illegal to keep as pets in California. As is the case with most of the banned-animals list, the reason monkeys are a no go is because of the damage they can do to Californian wildlife and agriculture.