Here is the general description of our laws involving wildlife:
1. Unrestricted List (PDF) (no permit needed): Maine law allows the Department to maintain a list of species of fish and wildlife, including tropical fish and invertebrates, which do not require an importation, exhibition, or possession permit, and may be traded by commercial pet shops. Unrestricted Species must be maintained in a humane and safe manner that does not jeopardize public health and safety, the welfare of the animal, or cause a public disturbance.
2. Prohibited Species (cannot be possessed with or without a permit, exceptions apply): No permit shall be granted for prohibited species which the commissioner, in consultation with the captive wildlife technical committee have determined pose a significant risk to Maine's native flora and fauna, to the public welfare or to domestic animals. The commissioner may make an exception and authorize limited possession of these species by accredited research facilities in cases where there is a significant public benefit. The Prohibited Species List is located within section 7.18.
- Red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta);
- Monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus);
- Mute swan (Cygnus olor);
- African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis).
3. Restricted Species (Permit is required to possess): Restricted Species shall require a permit before the species can be possessed, imported, exhibited, propagated, or rehabilitated. For both Categories of Restricted Species there are multiple credentials that must be met in order to qualify for a permit to possess the species.There are two categories of restricted species, see description below:
- Category 1 Restricted Species: A species is placed in Category 1 when:
- Category 2 Restricted Species:A species is placed in Category 2 when:
To possess a Category 2 Restricted Species a person must acquire either an exhibitor's or wildlife rehabilitator's permit or must be an accredited research facility or be a laboratory registered with the United States Department of Agriculture.
4. Unclassified Species: A person may not possess any species that has not been categorized. Any species which has not been identified as a Prohibited, Restricted, or Unrestricted species will not be eligible for a permit however a request may be made to review the categorization of a species.
5. Requests to Review or Change the Categorization of a Species: must be made on application forms provided by the department. Requests should be mailed to Wildlife Division Inland Fisheries & Wildlife 284 State Street Augusta, ME 04330. Applicants shall bear the burden of proof in proving that a species belongs in the requested category. Applications submitted with supporting documentation are evaluated by the commissioner or commissioner's designee and the Technical Committee.
A. Commissioner's Evaluation Criteria for Review of Requests to Change Categorization of a Species: Considering the recommendations of the Technical Consulting Committee, which are advisory in nature, the commissioner may change the status of a species according to the criteria established in this section.
B. Notification: When the commissioner approves or denies a request for review of categorization, a written notification will be sent to the applicant. When the commissioner denies a request, the department will advise the individual or entity making the request of the basis for the denial.
