Where does this pet capybara legal states data come from?

Name: Pet Capybara Legal States
Creator: Rankodex

Rankodex compiles it from World Population Review and the primary sources it cites: What States Are Capybaras Legal In? Ultimate Guide to American Capybara Adoption Legality - Capybara Nation; Can You Own a Capybara in Your State? - Stats Panda; Are Capybaras Legal in California and Other States? - AZ Animals; Where Is It Legal To Own A Capybara Pet In The US? - Capybara Tips.

State rankings

Pet Capybara Legal States

Pet Capybara Legal States: compare 51 US states on 2 metrics.

Environment Law51 states · 2 metricsUpdated Mar 14, 2025Original page

10 sources

Pet Capybara Legality

4 values across 51 entries

Data

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33 states


Arkansas	Arkansas may require a permit to keep a capybara. Interested parties are advised to contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to determine the exact requirements and obtain the necessary documentation.
Delaware	Delaware may require a permit for owning a capybara. It is advisable to reach out to the Delaware Department of Agriculture to confirm the specific requirements and obtain the necessary permits.
Florida	In Florida, a Class III permit is required to own a capybara
Idaho	Idaho may require a permit for owning a capybara. It is recommended to contact the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to determine the exact requirements and obtain the necessary documentation.
Illinois	A permit is required to own a capybara in Illinois. Interested individuals should contact the IDNR to obtain detailed information on the permit application process and the requirements that must be fulfilled.
Iowa	Iowa may require a permit to own a capybara. It is recommended to contact the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to determine the exact requirements and obtain the necessary documentation.
Kansas	Kansas may require a permit for owning a capybara. It is advisable to reach out to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism to confirm the specific requirements and obtain the necessary permits.
Kentucky	Prospective capybara owners in Kentucky must apply for a permit through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. The permit process involves meeting certain criteria and adhering to specified guidelines to ensure responsible ownership.
Louisiana	Louisiana may require a permit for owning a capybara. It is recommended to contact the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to determine the exact requirements and obtain the necessary documentation.
Maine	A permit is required to own a capybara in Maine. Interested individuals should contact the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to obtain detailed information on the permit application process and the requirements that must be fulfilled.
Maryland	Prospective capybara owners in Maryland must apply for a permit through the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The permit process involves meeting certain criteria and adhering to specified guidelines to ensure responsible ownership.
Michigan	Because capybaras fall under the "Class 3" category of exotic animals, a permit specifically permitting the keeping of a Class 3 animal is needed.
Mississippi	Mississippi may require a permit for owning a capybara. It is recommended to contact the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to determine the exact requirements and obtain the necessary documentation.
Missouri	Prospective capybara owners in Missouri must apply for a permit through the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Montana	Montana may require a permit for owning a capybara. It is advisable to reach out to the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department to confirm the specific requirements and obtain the necessary permits.
Nebraska	Prospective capybara owners in Nebraska must apply for a permit through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Nevada	Nevada may require a permit for owning a capybara. It is recommended to contact the Nevada Department of Wildlife to determine the exact requirements and obtain the necessary documentation.
New Hampshire	A permit is required to own a capybara in New Hampshire. The application process involves meeting certain criteria and providing documentation to demonstrate responsible ownership.
New Mexico	To legally own a capybara in New Mexico, a permit must be obtained from the Department of Game and Fish. The application process includes demonstrating proper animal care, providing proof of ownership or purchase, and securing proper enclosure for the capybara.
New York	In order to legally own a capybara in New York, prospective owners must obtain an exotic animal possession permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation.
North Dakota	In order to legally own a capybara in North Dakota, prospective owners must obtain an exotic animal permit from the Department of Game and Fish.
Oklahoma	Owning a capybara in Oklahoma requires a permit from the state
Pennsylvania	In Pennsylvania, Capybaras are legal with an exotic wildlife possession permit, which requires the documentation of at least 2 years of experience in hands-on work with the rodent
Rhode Island	Owning a capybara in Rhode Island requires obtaining a permit from the state's Department of Environmental Management
South Dakota	To obtain an exotic animal license in South Dakota, prospective owners must meet specific requirements set by the state, including having proper fencing and housing for the animal. Yearly inspections by state officials may also be required to ensure all requirements are being …
Tennessee	To own a capybara in Tennessee, prospective owners must obtain both a Class I Wildlife Possession Permit and an Exotic Animal Dealer Permit from the state's Department of Environment and Conservation
Utah	Permit likely required
Vermont	Technically legal with permit, but permits are reserved for “bona fide scientific or educational” facilities, rendering pet capybaras effectively illegal for the general public
Virginia	To obtain an Exotic Animal Permit in Virginia, prospective owners must submit an application and provide documentation of proper housing and care for the animal. They may also be required to pass an inspection by a representative from the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
Washington	To own a capybara in Washington, prospective owners must obtain an Exotic Animal Permit from the state's Department of Fish and Wildlife.
West Virginia	In order to own a capybara in West Virginia, prospective owners must obtain an Exotic Animal License from the state's Department of Agriculture.
Wisconsin	To own a capybara in Wisconsin, prospective owners must obtain an Exotic Animal Permit from the state's Department of Natural Resources
Wyoming	To own a capybara in Wyoming, prospective owners must obtain an Exotic Animal Permit from the state's Department of Agriculture. This permit requires proof of proper housing, care, and handling of the animal.

Quick answers

Where does this pet capybara legal states data come from?: Rankodex compiles it from World Population Review and the primary sources it cites: What States Are Capybaras Legal In? Ultimate Guide to American Capybara Adoption Legality - Capybara Nation; Can You Own a Capybara in Your State? - Stats Panda; Are Capybaras Legal in California and Other States? - AZ Animals; Where Is It Legal To Own A Capybara Pet In The US? - Capybara Tips.