Transportation and Holding of Live Native Wildlife

Prohibited Native Wildlife

With limited exemptions, listed in Section 7 of regulation 301 KAR 2:081, the following shall not be imported into KY, transported through KY, or possessed:​

​Exceptions on Wild Rabbits

A person may possess but shall not import or transport through Kentucky wild rabbits, hares, or pikas (Order ​ Lagomorpha). A person may possess native wild rabbits of the Sylvilagus genus, but shall not import or transport native wild rabbits into Kentucky.​

For more information, please review Administrative Regulations: (301 KAR 2:081/ 082).

Important Links​

Permits and Reports

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Federally Endangered Species​

Species that are listed on the USFWS Endangered Species Act list as endangered are prohibitied from importation or transportation through KY without a USFWS permit for educational, progation for preservation or scientific collection purposes.

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​For more information about KDFWR's Scientific and Educational collection program check out our Scientific/Educational Collecting Permit​s page.

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Captive Wildlife Permits for Native Species

Application Process

An applicant for a captive wildlife permit shall:

1. Be obtained PRIOR to possessing live native wildlife;
   
2. Be at least 18 years old;
   
3. Construct holding facilities that meet or exceed the enclosure specifications in Sections 8 & 9 of 301 KAR 2:081 for each listed species to be acquired;
   
4. Have their facilities inspected by a KDFWR Game Warden to receive their required signature on the permit application if compliance is demonstrated;
   
5. Indicate a legal source for how the wildlife will be obtained on the permit application; and 
6. Submit an application fee (Please refer to the License and Permit Fees page) and complete the captive wildlife permit application.
   

General Information

A captive wildlife permit shall be obtained prior to possessing live native wildlife (exceptions listed below). A person shall only obtain native wildlife through legal means, which are referenced in Section 5 (6) of the regulation: ​301 KAR 2:081.​

Exceptions to the requirement of a captive wildlife permit:

• Northern Bobwhite Quail
• One hundred or fewer Northern Bobwhite Quail may be possessed for personal use without a permit, provided the birds are not propagated or sold, they are legally obtained, and the confining facilities meet regulatory requirements.
• Native reptiles and amphibians
• Up to five (5) individuals of each species of native reptile or amphibian may be taken year-round from the wild, or legally obtained from a breeder, and possessed for personal use without a permit.
• A captive wildlife permit shall not be required to hold native reptiles with a color morphology that is distinctly different from the wild type of the same species of reptile.
• To exceed the limitations of these exceptions, a captive wildlife permit shall be obtained.

In order to hold federally protected birds (Migratory Bird Treaty Act), including raptors, songbirds, and waterfowl, a person shall have both a state captive wildlife permit and a federal permit.  (See: Migratory Bird Permits, USFWS.)

It is illegal to remove young wildlife from the wild. You are risking citation, and a permit will not be issued for illegally taken wildlife. These animals should be left in the wild or returned there, and legal recourse for injured or orphaned wildlife is to promptly transfer them to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator.

The captive wildlife permit is issued as “commercial” or “noncommercial."  A commercial captive wildlife permit shall be required for a person to use native wildlife for any commercial activity, including to sell, offer to sell, trade, barter native wildlife, or exhibit native wildlife.  

Issuance Cycle

Noncommercial captive wildlife permits are valid for three (3) years from the date of issuance.

Commercial captive wildlife permits are valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance.

Records

Captive wildlife permit holders shall maintain accurate records for all captive-bred and wild-captured wildlife for five (5) years and shall allow these records to be inspected by a Department representative upon request. Section 3 of 301 KAR 2:081 outlines the information that must be recorded.

Wildlife Transportation Permit

Application Process

An applicant for a wildlife transportation permit shall:

1. Be at least 18 years old;
   
2. Submit an application fee (Please refer to the License and Permit Fees page) and complete either the Individual Transportation Permit Application or Annual Transportation Permit Application (See Below for more information).

General Information

A wildlife transportation permit shall be obtained for all shipments of wildlife (native or exotic) prior to:

• Receiving a shipment​ of wildlife;
• Importing wildlife into Kentucky; or
• Transporting wildlife into and through the state to a destination outside of Kentucky.
  

All shipments of wildlife, except reptiles and amphibians, shall be accompanied by a certificate of veterinary inspection. This is not required with your application; it must be with the wildlife during shipment and available if stopped for inspection.​

Permit Exempt Species

The following (both native/exotic wildlife species) ​shall not require any permits from the Department for importation, transportation, or possession: