State Laws / Skunk Ownership

Link HERE to all states' wildlife departments addresses and phone numbers.

Always call your state office before getting a pet skunk. Laws are always changing. Please check your county laws, even though the state is legal your county may have restrictions.

Anyone selling a skunk must be USDA licensed whether it is a facility, breeder, dealer, pet store, private person, or broker. Please go to this link to check the status of their USDA permit → https://acis.aphis.edc.usda.gov/ords/f?p=116:203. Click button to continue. When the Animal Care Information System ( A.C.I.S.) search tool appears, if you want to find a particular report, type the licensed/registered name of the facility in the text box at the top of the page and click the button. Then, click on the tab in the results section. Finally, click on the button for the exact report you want to view.

Some states require special permits to sell skunks in addition to the USDA permit.

Anyone exhibiting a skunk, for a fee or without compensation, must have a USDA license. Most states do require additional permits for exhibiting, you should verify with your state wildlife and state and local health officials before exhibiting.

Many states require permits to own skunks. Always abide by the laws in your state.

The term - Illegal - means you can not own a skunk as a pet in that state. The state has the right to KILL your skunk if you get caught. It also means that you may not be able to find vet care for your skunk.

The term -Legal- (in blue text) means that there are restrictions which would prevent you from having certain colors, not allow importing skunks from other states, etc. Please check with the contact person/office provided for specific information and assistance before obtaining a skunk.

Please have a veterinarian prior to obtaining a pet skunk. Please do your homework BEFORE you get a pet skunk to make sure they are the right pet for you. Do not buy as a spur of the moment pet. Be sure you want a pet skunk, once you buy your skunk you can not turn around and sell it without the proper permits. It is illegal in most states! It is legal to give your skunk to someone.

Always keep your receipt to prove your skunk did not come from the wild; get the permit numbers from the business/person you get the skunk from. Most states require a paper trail for skunks.

If you see any problems or need updating please contact the webmaster.

The credit for this part of our web site goes to both Aspen Skunk Rabies Research, Inc. (by permission) and Deborah Cipriani.


AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME
MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA
RI SC SD

TN TX UT
VT
VA WA WV

WI WY DC
American
Samoa

Guam
Marianas
Islands

Puerto
Rico

US Virgin
Islands
Alabama Illegal Mark S. Sasser
Nongame and Quail Project Coordinator
Alabama Division of Wildlife & Freshwater Fisheries
64 North Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
(334) 242-3469
www.outdooralabama.com
Our regulations prevent the possession of skunks in Alabama, per regulation 220-2-.26 which states: Restrictions on Possession, Sale, Importation and/or Release of Certain Animal and Fish (1) No person, firm, corporation, partnership, or association shall possess, sell, offer for sale, import, bring, release, or cause to be brought or imported into the State of Alabama any of the following live fish or animals: Any of the following from any area outside of the state of Alabama: any member of the family Cervidae, species of coyote, species of fox, species of raccoon, species of skunk, wild rodent, or strain of wild turkey, black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, Pronghorn antelope , any nondomestic member of family of Suidae, Tayassuidae, or Bovidae. There are no exceptions except Zoos and publically licensed exhibits.

Exemptions may apply for valid educational facilities.
Alaska Illegal (907) 465-4100
 
Arizona Illegal (602) 942-3000 Arizona Customer Service
You can NOT own a skunk. You CAN NOT get a permit to keep a skunk until it dies; a Temporary Holding Permit may be obtained for new entrants but is only good for 72 hours, after that you have to get rid of the skunk.
Arkansas Illegal Little Rock: (501) 223-6300 or Toll Free: (800) 364-4263
AGFC Headquarters, 2 Natural Resources Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205
 
March of 2003 laws changed to NO Importing or Exporting of skunks. Dec.2003 laws changed, only licensed rehabbers will be allowed to keep skunks. No one will be able to own skunks as pets.
 
Arkansas Game and Fish Law 15.18
15.18 WILDLIFE IMPORTATION RESTRICTIONS. It shall be unlawful to import, ship,
transport, or carry into the state by any means any of the following animals:
(A) Any live member of the cervidae family, including, but not limited to
white-tailed deer and elk.
(B) Raccoons.
(C) Bats.
(D) Skunks.
(E) Coyotes that originate from or have lived in Alaska, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana,
Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota,
Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Canada.
(F) Gray and Red Foxes that originate or have lived in Alaska, Arizona, Idaho,
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire,
New York, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming,
and Canada.
(G) Rodents captured in the wild from Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho,
Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and
Wyoming.
PENALTY: $500.00 to $1000.00
California Illegal (916) 445-0411
 
Colorado Illegal (303) 297-1192 Press 5 for Customer Service
You may also read more on their laws at www.wildlife.co.us/RulesRegs/Regulations/
Connecticut Illegal (860) 642-7239 (Elaine Hinich), Educational (860) 424-3011 (Chris)
 
Delaware Illegal (302) 739-5297 & (302) 739-4403
 
Florida Legal (850) 488-6253
Need permit first. Skunks are considered Class 3 animal.
Georgia Illegal (770) 761-3044
You may want to see more rules at http://gadnrle.org/node/86
or write to:
Wildlife Resources Division
Special Permits
2065 U.S. Hwy. 278, S.E.
Social Circle, GA 30025
Hawaii Illegal (808) 587-0166, Fax: (808) 587-0160
 
Idaho Illegal (208) 334-3700, Fax: (208) 334-2114 or (208) 334-2148
In Idaho, it is not legal for private citizens to own, possess, buy, sell, trade or barter skunks. See Idaho code section - 25-236.
 
Title 25 of the Idaho code can be read at http://www3.state.id.us/idstat/TOC/25FTOC.html
Illinois Illegal (217) 782-6431 Tom Wakolbinger, Director, Office of Law Enforcement
 
I need help rallying suport for a bill to legalize domestic skunks in Illinois. I understand privacy for privelaged people, but maybe you can help from the sidelines. Anyone out there? Here is a link to a soapbox call for action at congress.org Please help me by clicking the take action button and sending messages to state legislators. What would be awesome is if a few of you privelaged citizens of other states would send pic's or even video's of your skunks along with a positive message to these legislators.
Thanks a Million, Dom
Congress.org
Indiana Legal with a permit. (317) 232-4080, Fax: (317) 571-1223

Striped Skunk is a Class II wild animal.
A person who wishes to possess a wild animal,
described as Class II in this rule,
must apply for a permit under this rule within five (5) days
of taking possession of the animal.
See Indiana Wild Animal Possession Permit PDF: https://www.in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/files/fw-WAP_Laws.pdf
Forms & more information: https://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/2371.htm
Iowa Legal (515) 281-5918
You must buy/receive your skunk from a licensed Game Breeder or someone with the proper licenses. Must save your receipt to prove your skunk did not come from the wild. IF you give/sell/offering your skunk to another party you must obtain a game breeder license first before transfer of ownership to be legal.
Kansas Illegal (913) 894-9113
 
Kentucky Legal in some counties (800) 852-0942 Jim Lang
NEW state laws went into effect 1/04/05. No Importing skunks. You must buy from a breeder within the state.
 
You must apply for captive wildlife permit before getting a skunk. The cost is $75.00 for a three year permit. Breeder permit cost $100.00 per year.
 
Refer to www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/301/002/081.htm.
 
NOTE : If you are traveling through the state with your skunks on any highway you must apply for a transportation permit prior to entering the state.
 
Some counties are not legal.
Louisiana Illegal Emile LeBlanc (225) 765-2344
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries does not issue permits to keep skunks as pets. For further information please contact Emile LeBlanc at (225) 765-2344
Maine Illegal (207) 287-8000
Maine's laws changed Feb 2002 to NOT LEGAL. May allow a person with a USDA Class B or Class C for educational purpose ONLY PLUS you must apply for a State Educational Permit. Skunk is used for education only. Also must apply for Import Permit.
Maryland Illegal In State(877) 620-8DNR (8367), Out of State (410) 260-8100
MD. CODE ANN., NAT. RES. §70D
(a) Prohibited conduct. - 
(1) A person may not import into Maryland, offer for sale, trade, barter or
exchange as a household pet any live:
(i) Fox, skunk, raccoon, or bear;
(ii) Alligator or crocodile;
(iii) Member of the cat family other than the domestic cat; or
(iv) Any poisonous snakes specifically in the family groups of Hydrophidae,
Elapidae, Viperidae, or Crotolidae.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection, a person
may offer these species for sale, trade, barter, import, or exchange to a
public zoo, park, museum, educational institution, or to a person holding
valid State or federal permits for educational, medical, scientific, or
exhibition purposes.
(b) Penalty. - Any person violating the provisions of this section shall be guilty
of a misdemeanor and upon conviction, in the case of an individual, shall be fined
not more than $1,000; or in the case of any person other than an individual, by a
fine of not more than $10,000.
(c) Exceptions. - Exempted from the provisions of this section are those species of
wildlife not being kept as household pets and which are individually exempted by a
permit issued by the Department of Natural Resources.
Massachusetts Illegal (508) 792-7270 Tom French is the one who issues permits
MA will allow a person with a USDA Class B or Class C for educational purpose ONLY PLUS you must apply for a State Educational Permit. The skunk must be used for Education only.
Michigan Legal (517) 373-1230
NO IMPORTING. Skunk must come from breeder within the state, permits are required before you get a skunk, cage requirements must be met before you get your skunk. DNR will come out to inspect before issuing permit.
Minnesota Illegal (651) 296-6157 or (888)MINN-DNR (MN State DNR) and (651) 297-2072 Ed Boggess (Head wildlife officer, MN State DNR)
It is unlawful to import into or export out of this state any live skunk for sale, exchange, or gift for any purpose whatsoever, or acquire, barter, exchange, give, or purchase any live skunks.
 
Public Health Provisions, Section 145.365 Trafficing in skunks. http://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/145/365.html
Subdivision 1. Prohibition. In order to protect the public health
and prevent human and domestic animal exposure to rabies, it shall be
unlawful to:

(a) Import into or export out of this state any live skunk, for sale,
barter, exchange or gift for any purpose whatsoever;

(b) Acquire, sell, barter, exchange, give, or purchase any live skunks.

Subd. 2. Exception. The provisions of subdivision 1 do not apply
to the importation, acquisition, or exportation of a skunk by a publicly
or privately owned zoological park or circus or any other show where a
skunk is exhibited but is not in physical contact with the public, or by
scientific or educational institutions for research or educational purposes.
Mississippi Illegal (601) 432-2174 Law Enforcement, (601) 432-2400
In 1989 laws changed to Illegal to possess any game or fur bearing animals native to the state.
Missouri Illegal (573) 751-4115
 
Montana Illegal (406) 444-2074, Fax: (406) 444-2684
Montana Department of Health Statutes

TITLE 50. HEALTH AND SAFETY, CHAPTER 23. RABIES CONTROL
50-23-101. Definitions. Unless the context requires otherwise, in this part, the 
following definitions apply:
(1) "Department of livestock" means the department of livestock provided for in
Title 2, chapter 15, part 31.
(2) "Department of public health and human services" means the department of public
health and human services provided for in 2-15-2201.
(3) "Person" means an individual, group of individuals, partnership, corporation,
firm, or association.
(4) "Wild animal" means a skunk, fox, raccoon, or bat. Other species of normally
nondomesticated animals known to be capable of transmitting rabies may be added
to this list through the adoption of rules by the department of public health
and human services, with the approval of the department of livestock.
History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 448, L. 1981; amd. Sec. 124, Ch. 418, L. 1995; amd.
Sec. 302, Ch. 546, L. 1995.

50-23-102. Prohibition of possession of wild animals -- exceptions. No person
may possess a wild animal unless he possessed it for at least 6 months prior to
January 1, 1982, or it is used in a fur-bearing enterprise, contained in a
zoological exhibition in such a manner that it may not come in physical contact with
members of the public, or acquired by an educational institution for scientific
research.

History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 448, L. 1981.
Nebraska Illegal (402) 471-0641, Fax: (402) 471-2900
LAW 37-477
Certain animals kept in captivity; permit required; exceptions; rules and regulations.

(1) No person shall keep in captivity in this state any wild birds, any wild 
mammals, any nongame wildlife in need of conservation as determined by the commission 
under section 37-805, or any wildlife determined to be an endangered or threatened 
species under the Endangered Species Act or section 37-806 without first having 
obtained a permit to do so as provided by section 37-478 or 37-479.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, no person shall keep in 
captivity in this state any wolf, any skunk, or any member of the families Felidae 
and Ursidae. This subsection shall not apply to (a) the species Felis domesticus, 
(b) any zoo, park, refuge, wildlife area, or nature center owned or operated by a 
city, village, state, or federal agency, or (c) any person who holds a captive 
wildlife permit issued pursuant to section 37-479 and who raises Canada Lynx ( Lynx 
canadensis ) or bobcats ( Lynx rufus ) solely for the purpose of producing furs for 
sale to individuals or businesses or for the purpose of producing breeding stock for 
sale to persons engaged in fur production.
(3) Any person legally holding in captivity, on March 1, 1986, any animal subject to 
the prohibition contained in subsection (2) of this section shall be allowed to keep 
the animal for the duration of its life. Such animal shall not be traded, sold, or 
otherwise disposed of without written permission from the commission.
(4) The commission shall adopt and promulgate rules and regulations governing the 
purchase, possession, propagation, sale, and barter of wild birds, wild mammals, and 
wildlife in captivity.

Source:
Laws 1957, c. 151, § 1, p. 490; Laws 1971, LB 733, § 9; Laws 1986, LB 558, 

§ 1; Laws 1987, LB 379, § 1; R.S.1943, (1993), § 37-713;
Laws 1998, LB 922, § 187; Laws 1999, LB 176, § 56.
Nevada Illegal (775) 687-4360, Fax: (775) 687-6122
 
New Hampshire Illegal (603) 271-3421 Fish and Game
NOT LEGAL. May allow a person with a USDA Class B or Class C for educational purpose ONLY PLUS you must apply for a State Educational Permit. The skunk must be used for education only. NO importing.
New Jersey Legal Permits Required Krista Laws
Assistant Biologist New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Fish and Wildlife
(609) 984-0530 or Krista.Laws@dep.nj.gov
NJ now allows for importation from states that have the same variant of rabies with proper paperwork.
MUST apply for an import permit before getting skunk from another state.
Contact, Krista Laws, Assitant Bioligist, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection,Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Skunks may be imported from licensed breeders in the following states only (and with an importation permit which must first be approved): Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Florida. NO other states are allowed!
The link to the CDC's web site showing the map for the different variants of rabies is: http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/exposure/animals/wildlife_reservoirs.html
New Mexico Illegal NM Game & Fish: (505) 476-8064
Department of Health (Epidemiology): (505) 827-0006
You need two permits for your skunk to enter the state of NM One from the Department of Health and one from the NM Game & Fish. The NM Game & Fish will NOT issue any import permits for captive bred skunks to enter the state. Nor will they issue any permit for any skunk as a pet.
7 NMAC 4.2.12 POSSESSION OF SKUNKS
Due to the presence of rabies in skunks and the hazard to the public 
health of rabies developing in skunks kept as pets, no person shall 
import into the state, nor capture with intent to keep as a pet, nor 
buy, sell, trade nor possess any skunk except in connection with a 
recognized zoological park or research institution or by permit from 
the department. Permits may be approved only for skunks born in 
captivity. Application for permit shall be made on a form provided by 
the Division. [08-27-79; 10-31-96]
New York Illegal (518) 402-8990 Special Licenses
No longer issuing permits for any reason.

Pursuant to [NYS] Environmental Conservation Law 11 -0515 licenses to possess wildlife in New York State may only be issued for scientific, exhibition, propagation and banding purposes to individuals associated with a scientific institution, clinic, laboratory, educational facilities and individual researchers associated with these entities. Wildlife may not be possesed as pets in New York State. Wildlife is defined as both captive bred and animals existing in a wild state. The New York State Department of Health has identified the raccoon, skunk and bats as rabies vector species. These animals may not be imported, transported or possessed in New York State.
North Carolina Illegal (919) 733-7191 Law enforcement, (919) 661-4872 or (919) 662-4575 Wildlife Management Division
No pet permits will be given out.
Rules for people having USDA permit:
People having a USDA permit for educational purposes only Class C also need to apply for a captivity permit for skunks to be use for educational purposes only.
North Carolina Law, Code 15ANCAC10H.0301
52B.0212 IMPORTATION REQUIREMENTS: WILD ANIMALS
(a) A person shall obtain a permit from the State Veterinarian before
importing any of the following animals into this State:
(1) Skunk;
(2) Fox;
(3) Raccoon;
(4) Ringtail;
(5) Bobcat (includes Lynx and other North and South American
felines as cougars, jaguars, etc.);
(6) Coyote;
(7) Marten;
(8) Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula).
(b) Permits for the importation into this State of any of the animals
listed in Paragraph (a) of this Rule shall be issued only if the
animal(s) will be used in a research institute, or for exhibition by a
USDA licensed exhibitor, or organized entertainment as in zoos or
circuses.
(c) [ED: Does not apply to skunks.]
(d) Any species or hybrid of a mammal not otherwise covered in the
Administrative Code that is found to exist in the wild or naturally
occurs in the wild must be accompanied by a valid certificate of
veterinary inspection.
North Dakota Illegal (701) 328-2654 Board of Animal Health
 
Ohio Legal (614) 265-6300
For Ohio to apply for you permit go here https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/buy-and-apply/special-use-permits/wildlife-specialty-permits/noncommercial-wild-animal-propagation
Look for button next to Noncommercial Propagating License costs $25
Permits required after you buy your skunk. DNR will come out to inspect. Must keep the receipt to prove the skunk did not come from the wild. Must buy from a licensed commercial propagator - dealer, breeder, pet store.
Oklahoma Legal (405) 521-3719 Call Law Department
Apply for Non-Commercial breeder license first. Must buy from a licensed dealer/breeder. Must get import permit before you buy your skunk. Need Health Certificate to bring into the state. Note: Should have a vet willing to care for the skunk first.
Oregon Legal (503) 947-6000 / (800) 720-6339 Fish and Wildlife
(503) 986-4680 Department of Agriculture
Permits required. Cannot sell skunk within the state call Fish and Wildlife (503) 947-6000 / (800) 720-6339.
Your veterian mush call the Department of Agriculture (503) 986-4680 to get an import number before entering the state.
In addition, the skunk must have a health certificate before entering the state. Import Number must be displayed on the health certificate.
Pennsylvania Legal Contact PA game commission "Law Enforcement" (717) 787-4250
Pennsylvania Skunk Law
Proof of Sale required. Must maintain receipt for the duration of life of the skunk. DO NOT LOOSE IT! MAKE COPIES! PA, in-state residents must purchase from a USDA licensed breeder within the state of Pennsylvania. Importing from ouside states NOT allowed. Skunk will get killed if you import!
Rhode Island Illegal (401) 789-0281
 
South Carolina Legal (803) 734-4004 SC Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division
(803) 734-3886 SC Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division
(803) 898-3432 SC Department of Health and Environmental Control
No permit required to possess skunks within the state.

Cannot buy or sell within the state.

No sale, purchase, donation, or transfer of ownership of skunks to private parties or private parties having a USDA permit after July 2,2003. Law changed July 3, 2003, Rabies Control Act Title 47 Chapter 5

No importing allowed for pet skunks. SC Code of Laws Chapter 16 Section 50-16-10 specifically states the prohibition, and USDA license exhibition and pet trade exemptions, on importing wildlife animals (including skunks).
Title 50 - Fish, Game and Watercraft
CHAPTER 16. IMPORTATION OF WILDLIFE

SECTION 50-16-10. "Wildlife" defined. 
For the purpose of this chapter, "wildlife" means a member of the animal kingdom
including without limitation a mammal, fish, bird, amphibian, reptile, mollusk,
crustacean, arthropod, or other invertebrate.

SECTION 50-16-20. Importation of wildlife for certain purposes prohibited;
investigation; permit.

(A) It is unlawful for a person to import, possess, or transport for the purpose
of release or to introduce or bring into this State any live wildlife of the
following types without a permit from the department:
(1) a furbearer, a member of the family Cervidae, a nondomestic member of the
families Suidae (pigs), Tayassuidae (peccaries), Bovidae (bison, mountain goat,
mountain sheep), coyote, bear, or turkey (genus Meleagris). Furbearer includes,
but is not limited to, red and gray fox, raccoon, opossum, muskrat, mink, skunk,
otter, bobcat, weasel, and beaver;

[ED: additional text deleted.]

(B) A permit may be granted only after the investigations and inspections of the
wildlife have been made as the department considers necessary and the department
approves the possession, transportation, or importation into the State. The
department may not issue a permit unless it finds:

(1) the wildlife was taken lawfully in the jurisdiction in which it originated;

(2) the importation, release, or possession of the wildlife is not reasonably
expected to adversely impact the natural resources of the State or its wildlife
populations.

[ED: text deleted.]

SECTION 50-16-40. Exception to permit requirement for wildlife imported
for exhibition to purposes.

Wildlife imported for exhibition purposes only by state wildlife departments,
municipal zoos or parks, public museums, public zoological parks, and public
scientific or educational institutions operated not for profit, and transient
circuses are not required to procure a permit under Section 50-16-20. Nothing in
this chapter prohibits the department or its duly authorized agents from
possessing, importing, or releasing wildlife.

[ED: text deleted.]

SECTION 50-16-60. Exception to permit requirement for certain wildlife
imported for sale as pets.

The importation of the following wildlife for sale in the pet trade does not
require a permit:
1. tropical fishes
2. rats and mice
3. rabbits
4. canaries
5. gerbils
6. shell parakeets
7. love birds
8. cockatiels
9. parrots
10. toucans
11. mynah birds
12. finches
13. hamsters
14. guinea pigs
15. reptiles
16. amphibians.

The provisions of this section do not privilege the import or possession of a species
otherwise protected or regulated by other provisions of this title.

SECTION 50-16-70. Penalties.
A person violating the provisions of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon
conviction, must be fined not more than one thousand dollars or imprisoned not more
than six months, or both.
South Dakota Legal (605) 773-3321 Animal Industry Board
No permit required. Owning a skunk will be subject to your local ordinances. To import a skunk into the state a health certificate must be obtained; a vet in the state the skunk is coming from must call the SD Animal Industry Board to get an Import Permit Number.
LAW 40-5-8
Rule 12:68:18
Tennessee Illegal Please call Wally Cook - (615) 781-6580 or (615) 781-6647 Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency
Any skunks WILL be confiscated and euthanized.

Information is not available on the internet > Act in place 1974

TCA Law 70-4-208 Unlawful importation of skunks-
Penalty-
(a) It is unlawful for any person to import, possess,or cause to be
imported into this state any type of live skunk, or to sell , barter,
exchange or otherwise transfer any live skunk,except that the
prohibitions of this section shall not apply to bona fide zoological
parks and research institutions.
(b) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor
(Acts 1974,ch 622, @ 1;1982,ch 738 @ 31;T.C.A. @ 51-514;
Acts 1989, ch 591 @ 113)
Cross- reference penalty for Class C misdemeanor @ 40-35-111

Captive Law does not negate TCA Law 70-4-208.
Texas Illegal (512) 389-4647, Russell is the contact.
NO PET SKUNK PERMITS ARE GIVEN OUT! You have to send a letter to Texas Wildlife Dept. and Texas Dept. of Health to get a letter of authorization to keep a skunk. They are NOT issuing any letters of authorization at this time because of the rabies outbreak in the state. You would also need a Fur Bearer propagator permit, cost $75.00. These are given after an inspection of the facility. This is for a commercial business ONLY. Only other permits for skunks are Educational (non-profit, in addition to USDA Class B or Class C) and Zoological.
Utah Illegal (435) 789-4078 & (435) 865-0861 Fax: (435) 789-4805
 
Vermont Illegal (802) 241-3700 Dept. Fish & Wildlife
 
Virginia Illegal (804) 367-1000 Game Commission
 
Washington Illegal (360) 902-2936
The Washington State Legislature - Chapter 246-100-191 WAC
WAC 246-100-191 Animals, birds, pets -- Measures to prevent human disease.
(1) All persons and entities are prohibited from:
    (a) [ED: subparagraphs of (1) do not apply to skunks.]
(2) Except for bonafide public or private zoological parks, persons 
    and entities are prohibited from:
    (a) Importing into Washington state any bat, skunk, fox, raccoon, 
        or coyote without a permit from the director of the Washington 
        State Department of Agriculture, as required in WAC 16-54-125 ;  and 
(b) Acquiring, selling, bartering, exchanging, giving, purchasing,
or trapping for retention as pets or for export any:
(i) Bat,
(ii) Skunk,
(iii) Fox,
(iv) Raccoon, and
(v) Coyote.
[ED: remaining paragraphs do not apply to skunks.]
West Virginia Legal (304) 558-2771 Sherry Young / (304) 558-2784 Law Enforcement
NO IMPORTATION of skunks into the state. If you are caught the skunk could be euthanized. No pet permits will be issued.See WVDNR Press Release from 2007.
Wisconsin Legal
 
For information on captive wildlife licenses, contact: (Permit fee is required.)
Customer service representative Jennifer McDonough (608) 267-0859
 
For information on captive wildlife regulations, contact:
Captive wildlife administrative warden Pete Dunn (608) 245-2318
 
Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 169 and Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resurces Chapter NR 16

Basically the laws in Wisconsin requires any person that wants to possess, propagate, purchase or sell skunks to hold a Class A or Class B captive wild animal farm license, a nonprofit educational exhibitors license or a nonresident temporary exhibitors license. There are some exceptions for Zoo's and circuses. In addition, a skunk possessed by a nonresident under the legal authority of another state, province, or country may be possessed in this state by the nonresident for not more than 60 days from the date the wild animal enters the state if all of the following apply:
  (a) The nonresident ensures that a veterinarian files a copy of a valid certificate of veterinary inspection for the wild animal with the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection.
  (b) The nonresident holds every license or other approval that is required by the other state, province, or country.

Skunks may not be descented by or for any person in Wisconsin unless that person holds a Class A or B captive wild animal farm license.

When skunks are held under the authority of an appropriate Wisconsin license, they are required to be kept in cages or enclosures that meet the pen and humane care and treatment requirements found in Wisconsin's Administrative Code section NR 16.10.

For buying outside the state and importing skunks, the first step would be to contact Melinda Young with the Department of Agriculture, Trade, & Consumer Protection (DATCP).
They are the agency that regulates importation and the criteria necessary to bring an animal into Wisconsin.
If a captive wild animal is imported into Wisconsin from a legal source in another state, an animal import permit is required from DATCP prior to the animal entering Wisconsin.
Information and DATCP contact below:

http://datcp.wi.gov/Animals/Animal_Movement/index.aspx
YOUNG, MELINDA S (608) 224-4874
Melinda.Young@wisconsin.gov
DATCPAnimalImports@wisconsin.gov

People can have pet skunks in WI as long as they have a Captive wild animal farm license (CWAFL).
People with a CWAFL can obtain them from a captive source that also has a CWAFL.
When applying for the import permit you must include the health certificate made out from the vet of the state you are obtaining your skunk.
The skunk needs a health check prior applying for the permit. The health certificate is good for 30 days from date of issue. You do not need the orginal when applying for your permit, all you need is the seller to e-mail or fax a copy to you.
Then you may e-mail or fax when applying for the permit. The orginal must accompany the skunk when transporting.
Wyoming Legal (307) 777-4600
No permit required.

Wyoming Statue 23-1-101. Skunks are considered predatory animals rather than wildlife, there are no Wyoming Game and Fish regulations concerning them
Washington, D.C. Illegal (202) 671-5000 Health Department
You may find the District of Columbia Animal Control statutes and regulations at http://dccode.westgroup.com. Then Click on Division 1 Government, and then click on Environmental & Animal Control Protection.
American Samoa Illegal (684) 633-4456 Fax: (684) 633-5590
Health Department: (684) 633-4606 Fax: (684) 633-5379
 
Guam Illegal (671) 734-3942/-3943 Fax: (671) 734-6569
Department of Agriculture Permits (671) 734-3965
 
Marianas Islands Illegal
Office of Insular Affairs Department of the Interior (670) 234-8861, Fax: (670) 234-8814
Puerto Rico Illegal
(787) or (939)
U.S. Virgin Islands Illegal (340) 775-6762, Fax: (340) 775-3972
 
American
Samoa

Guam
Marianas
Islands

Puerto
Rico

US Virgin
Islands

Canada

Information on Canadian Provincial regulations regarding skunk ownership.

Canadian residents, and skunk owners wishing to move to Canada, should refer to Canadian Food Inspection Agency - Animal Division, provincial, and municipal, requirements for importation and possession of pet skunks.

[ED: We are currently working to update this information 12 Nov 05]

Information provided by Danna and David Lingo.

Alberta Illegal (780) 422-2079
Refer to Wildlife Regulation Section 135
Possession of non-licence animals
135(1) Subject to subsection (2), a person may possess any live non-licence animal except
 a raccoon, a skunk or a bat of a kind that is a wildlife animal.
(2) A person may possess a live raccoon, skunk or bat referred to in subsection (1) temporarily
 for the purpose of capturing it and relocating it from that person’s property.
      
British Columbia Illegal
 
Manitoba Illegal
 
New Brunswick Illegal (506) 453-2207
Refer to Fish and Wildlife Act
Newfoundland Legal (709) 637-2382 - Jonathan Sharpe
Legal with permit from Minister.
Wildlife Regulations Sections 82, 83, 84, 85 and Schedule B. Schedual B does not include skunks, they are not native wildlife. They are not native or present in Newfoundland and as such a permit may be difficult to obtain.
Northwest Territories Illegal
 
Nova Scotia Legal (902) 679-6139, Fax: (902) 679-6176
Refer to Department of Natural Resources Import Permits.
Ontario Illegal (705) 755-1999
Refer to Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act Section 40 (1) 2002.
Prince Edward Island Illegal (902) 368-4666
 
Quebec Illegal (418) 627-8691
 
Saskatchewan Illegal (306) 933-7928
Refer to W-13.1 Reg 1 - Wildlife Regulations.
Yukon Illegal (867) 667-8054 Kris Gustafson
Please call for information. Existing pets and long-term wildlife/exotic pet owners may be given special consideration, but you must call before importing the animal(s).

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