Exotic pet laws in Louisiana

LAC 76:V.701

d.No person other than a licensed alligator farmer or licensed nongame quadruped exhibitor shall possess live alligators at any time other than by a permit issued by the department upon request for use in displays and educational purposes, and by holders of valid department issued permits for scientific purposes.

The native alligator is governed by the alligator rule rather than the reptile rule, and it limits live alligators to licensed farmers and exhibitors, both business licenses, and to display, educational and scientific permits. Bringing a live alligator into the state also needs written permission.

How this rule works: Governs taking, possessing, raising and selling alligators. No person other than a licensed alligator farmer or nongame quadruped exhibitor may possess live alligators except under a department permit for displays and educational purposes or for scientific purposes, and live alligators may be brought into the state only with written permission.

Checked against the published text on October 8, 2026.

LAC 76:V.115.C.1.a, C.2

C.1.Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to import into, possess, purchase or sell within the state of Louisiana, by any means whatsoever including but not limited to transactions conducted via the internet, any of the following species or its subspecies of live wild quadrupeds, big exotic cats, or non-human primates, domesticated or otherwise (hereinafter "listed animals"): a.black bear (Ursus americanus);

The black bear is the first animal on the list, which bars importing, possessing, buying or selling one, "domesticated or otherwise". Holders of a potentially dangerous wild quadruped permit valid when the rule took effect were grandfathered but may not acquire more, "including breeding". Exemptions are accredited zoos, research facilities and transit.

Existing owners: A potentially dangerous wild quadruped permit valid on the rule's effective date, renewed annually until the animal dies or leaves; no new animals. The rule was first published in the Louisiana Register in December 1995 (LR 21:1356); the exact effective day was not read.

How this rule works: A short mammal ban: three bears, two wolves, wolf dog hybrids, all non-human primates, and six big cats with their subspecies and hybrids. Existing permit holders were grandfathered but may not acquire more.

Checked against the published text on October 8, 2026.

LAC 76:V.113.A, D.1, D.6

6.No person shall transport, possess, purchase or sell any live foxes or coyotes taken outside the state of Louisiana. Live foxes and coyotes obtained from outside the state of Louisiana prior to the enacted date of these regulations and in possession of properly licensed persons shall be exempt.

The rule's stated purpose is to "prohibit the importation and exportation of any species of foxes", and D.6 bars possessing any live fox taken outside Louisiana. Every arctic fox comes from outside the state, so there is no route in. The fennec fox cell reads D.6 the same way.

How this rule works: States its purpose as prohibiting the importation and exportation of any species of foxes or coyotes. D.1 bars taking, possessing, buying or selling live foxes except under the rule; D.6 bars possessing any live fox or coyote taken outside Louisiana. The licenses it offers are a trapper's license and nongame quadruped exhibitor and breeder licenses, defined as business licenses. Cached as LA-la-fox-and-quadrupeds.txt.

Checked against the published text on October 8, 2026.

§ 101.K.2.a.ii

The following nonnative reptile and amphibian species are prohibited from importation, possession, sale, attempting to sell, transfer, release, and reproduction in the state... ii. All species in the Genera Salvator and Tupinambis, including the Argentine Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae);

All tegus of the genera Salvator and Tupinambis, including the Argentine black and white tegu, are named on Louisiana's list of prohibited nonnative species, so a new keeper has no route. Owners had 365 days from the January 2025 effective date to register and obtain a permit; registered animals may not be bred and no more may be acquired.

Existing owners: Owners had 365 days from the effective date of the January 2025 rule to register the animal and obtain a permit. Registered animals may not be bred and no more may be acquired.

How this rule works: Rewritten in January 2025 and now one of the strictest reptile rules in the country. Three tiers: prohibited nonnative species, restricted nonnative species needing a permit, and a general rule that any constrictor over eight feet needs a restricted snake permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 101.K.2.a.vii

vii. Burmese Python (Python bivittatus);

The Burmese python is named on Louisiana's list of prohibited nonnative species, so a new keeper has no route. Owners had 365 days from the January 2025 effective date to register; registered animals may not be bred and no more may be acquired.

Existing owners: Registration within 365 days of the rule taking effect, no breeding, no further acquisition.

How this rule works: Rewritten in January 2025 and now one of the strictest reptile rules in the country. Three tiers: prohibited nonnative species, restricted nonnative species needing a permit, and a general rule that any constrictor over eight feet needs a restricted snake permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

LAC 76:V.115.C.1.g, C.2

C.1.Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to import into, possess, purchase or sell within the state of Louisiana, by any means whatsoever including but not limited to transactions conducted via the internet, any of the following species or its subspecies of live wild quadrupeds, big exotic cats, or non-human primates, domesticated or otherwise (hereinafter "listed animals"): ... g.all non-human primates;

Every nonhuman primate is a listed animal, so importing, possessing, buying or selling a capuchin is barred, "domesticated or otherwise". Holders of a potentially dangerous wild quadruped permit valid when the rule took effect were grandfathered but may not acquire more, "including breeding", the black bear's position.

Existing owners: A potentially dangerous wild quadruped permit valid on the rule's effective date, renewed annually until the animal dies or leaves; no new animals. The rule was first published in the Louisiana Register in December 1995 (LR 21:1356); the exact effective day was not read.

How this rule works: A short mammal ban: three bears, two wolves, wolf dog hybrids, all non-human primates, and six big cats with their subspecies and hybrids. Existing permit holders were grandfathered but may not acquire more.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

LAC 76:XV.101.K.2.a.xi

xi. All species in the Genera Naja, Ophiophagus, Pseudohaje, Aspidelaps, and Walterinnesia (cobras); Dendroaspis (mambas), Oxyuranus (taipans), and Bungarus (kraits) of the Family Elapidae;

Cobras, the king cobra included, are on Louisiana's prohibited nonnative list, which bars importing, possessing, selling, transferring and breeding them. Owners had 365 days from the January 2025 effective date to register and obtain a permit, the Burmese python's position. The king cobra and the Asian Naja species are on CITES Appendix II, which governs import and export, not keeping.

Existing owners: Registration within 365 days of the rule taking effect, no breeding, no further acquisition.

How this rule works: Rewritten in January 2025 and now one of the strictest reptile rules in the country. Three tiers: prohibited nonnative species, restricted nonnative species needing a permit, and a general rule that any constrictor over eight feet needs a restricted snake permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

LAC 76:V.115.C.1.g, C.2

C.1.Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to import into, possess, purchase or sell within the state of Louisiana, by any means whatsoever including but not limited to transactions conducted via the internet, any of the following species or its subspecies of live wild quadrupeds, big exotic cats, or non-human primates, domesticated or otherwise (hereinafter "listed animals"): ... g.all non-human primates;

Every nonhuman primate is a listed animal, so importing, possessing, buying or selling a marmoset is barred, "domesticated or otherwise". Holders of a potentially dangerous wild quadruped permit valid when the rule took effect were grandfathered but may not acquire more, "including breeding", the black bear's position.

Existing owners: A potentially dangerous wild quadruped permit valid on the rule's effective date, renewed annually until the animal dies or leaves; no new animals. The rule was first published in the Louisiana Register in December 1995 (LR 21:1356); the exact effective day was not read.

How this rule works: A short mammal ban: three bears, two wolves, wolf dog hybrids, all non-human primates, and six big cats with their subspecies and hybrids. Existing permit holders were grandfathered but may not acquire more.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

LAC 76:V.115.C.1.h.vi, C.2

C.1.Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to import into, possess, purchase or sell within the state of Louisiana, by any means whatsoever including but not limited to transactions conducted via the internet, any of the following species or its subspecies of live wild quadrupeds, big exotic cats, or non-human primates, domesticated or otherwise (hereinafter "listed animals"): ... h.the following big exotic cats: ... vi.cougars or mountain lions (Felis concolor);

Cougars are named in the big exotic cat entry, and the cougar is also a protected quadruped under La. R.S. 56:8(151)(a)(iii). Holders of a potentially dangerous wild quadruped permit valid when the rule took effect were grandfathered but may not acquire more, "including breeding", the black bear's position. Federally, the Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 (16 U.S.C. § 3372(e)) bars any person outside a licensed exhibitor, sanctuary or state institution from breeding or possessing a cougar unless the animal was born before December 20, 2022, and registered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 180 days, so no new pet is lawful anywhere in the country whatever the state rule says. The Florida panther subspecies is also endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Existing owners: A potentially dangerous wild quadruped permit valid on the rule's effective date, renewed annually until the animal dies or leaves; no new animals. The rule was first published in the Louisiana Register in December 1995 (LR 21:1356); the exact effective day was not read.

How this rule works: A short mammal ban: three bears, two wolves, wolf dog hybrids, all non-human primates, and six big cats with their subspecies and hybrids. Existing permit holders were grandfathered but may not acquire more.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

LAC 76:V.113.A, D.1, D.6

6.No person shall transport, possess, purchase or sell any live foxes or coyotes taken outside the state of Louisiana. Live foxes and coyotes obtained from outside the state of Louisiana prior to the enacted date of these regulations and in possession of properly licensed persons shall be exempt.

The fox rule's stated purpose is to "prohibit the importation and exportation of any species of foxes", and D.6 bars possessing any live fox taken outside Louisiana. A fennec always comes from outside the state, so there is no route in. The dangerous quadruped rule at § 115 names bears, wolves, primates and big cats and no fox, and the wolf dog hybrid entry printed in its list expired on January 1, 1997.

How this rule works: States its purpose as prohibiting the importation and exportation of any species of foxes or coyotes. D.1 bars taking, possessing, buying or selling live foxes except under the rule; D.6 bars possessing any live fox or coyote taken outside Louisiana. The licenses it offers are a trapper's license and nongame quadruped exhibitor and breeder licenses, defined as business licenses. Cached as LA-la-fox-and-quadrupeds.txt.

Checked against the published text on October 8, 2026.

§ 101.K.2.a.v

v. Green Iguana (Iguana iguana);

The green iguana is named on Louisiana's list of prohibited nonnative species, so a new keeper has no route. Owners had 365 days from the January 2025 effective date to register; registered animals may not be bred and no more may be acquired.

Existing owners: Registration within 365 days of the rule taking effect, no breeding, no further acquisition.

How this rule works: Rewritten in January 2025 and now one of the strictest reptile rules in the country. Three tiers: prohibited nonnative species, restricted nonnative species needing a permit, and a general rule that any constrictor over eight feet needs a restricted snake permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

LAC 76:V.115.C.1.h.ii, C.2

C.1.Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to import into, possess, purchase or sell within the state of Louisiana, by any means whatsoever including but not limited to transactions conducted via the internet, any of the following species or its subspecies of live wild quadrupeds, big exotic cats, or non-human primates, domesticated or otherwise (hereinafter "listed animals"): ... h.the following big exotic cats: ... ii.lions;

Lions are named in the big exotic cat entry. Holders of a potentially dangerous wild quadruped permit valid when the rule took effect were grandfathered but may not acquire more, "including breeding", the black bear's position. Federally, the Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 (16 U.S.C. § 3372(e)) bars any person outside a licensed exhibitor, sanctuary or state institution from breeding or possessing a lion unless the animal was born before December 20, 2022, and registered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 180 days, so no new pet is lawful anywhere in the country whatever the state rule says.

Existing owners: A potentially dangerous wild quadruped permit valid on the rule's effective date, renewed annually until the animal dies or leaves; no new animals. The rule was first published in the Louisiana Register in December 1995 (LR 21:1356); the exact effective day was not read.

How this rule works: A short mammal ban: three bears, two wolves, wolf dog hybrids, all non-human primates, and six big cats with their subspecies and hybrids. Existing permit holders were grandfathered but may not acquire more.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 101.K.2.a.iii

iii. Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus);

The Nile monitor is named on Louisiana's list of prohibited nonnative species, so a new keeper has no route. Owners had 365 days from the January 2025 effective date to register; registered animals may not be bred and no more may be acquired.

Existing owners: Registration within 365 days of the rule taking effect, no breeding, no further acquisition.

How this rule works: Rewritten in January 2025 and now one of the strictest reptile rules in the country. Three tiers: prohibited nonnative species, restricted nonnative species needing a permit, and a general rule that any constrictor over eight feet needs a restricted snake permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

LAC 76:V.113.C, D.1, D.2, D.6

6.No person shall transport, possess, purchase or sell any live foxes or coyotes taken outside the state of Louisiana. Live foxes and coyotes obtained from outside the state of Louisiana prior to the enacted date of these regulations and in possession of properly licensed persons shall be exempt.

Louisiana's fox rule bars taking, possessing, buying or selling live foxes "except as provided in these regulations", and what it provides is a trapper's license and the nongame quadruped breeder and exhibitor licenses, defined as licenses to engage in a business, for stocking hound-running preserves. A red fox from another state is barred outright by D.6.

How this rule works: States its purpose as prohibiting the importation and exportation of any species of foxes or coyotes. D.1 bars taking, possessing, buying or selling live foxes except under the rule; D.6 bars possessing any live fox or coyote taken outside Louisiana. The licenses it offers are a trapper's license and nongame quadruped exhibitor and breeder licenses, defined as business licenses. Cached as LA-la-fox-and-quadrupeds.txt.

Checked against the published text on October 8, 2026.

LAC 76:V.115.C.1.g, C.2

C.1.Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to import into, possess, purchase or sell within the state of Louisiana, by any means whatsoever including but not limited to transactions conducted via the internet, any of the following species or its subspecies of live wild quadrupeds, big exotic cats, or non-human primates, domesticated or otherwise (hereinafter "listed animals"): ... g.all non-human primates;

Every nonhuman primate is a listed animal, so importing, possessing, buying or selling a ring-tailed lemur is barred, "domesticated or otherwise". Holders of a potentially dangerous wild quadruped permit valid when the rule took effect were grandfathered but may not acquire more, "including breeding", the black bear's position. Lemur catta is on CITES Appendix I, which bars commercial international trade, so a pet lemur here can only come from captive breeding inside the country, and the whole family Lemuridae is listed endangered under the Endangered Species Act (50 CFR 17.11).

Existing owners: A potentially dangerous wild quadruped permit valid on the rule's effective date, renewed annually until the animal dies or leaves; no new animals. The rule was first published in the Louisiana Register in December 1995 (LR 21:1356); the exact effective day was not read.

How this rule works: A short mammal ban: three bears, two wolves, wolf dog hybrids, all non-human primates, and six big cats with their subspecies and hybrids. Existing permit holders were grandfathered but may not acquire more.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 101.K.2.a.iv

iv. Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus);

Louisiana is unusual in banning the savannah monitor. Most states that restrict monitors reach only the giant species.

Existing owners: Registration within 365 days of the rule taking effect, no breeding, no further acquisition.

How this rule works: Rewritten in January 2025 and now one of the strictest reptile rules in the country. Three tiers: prohibited nonnative species, restricted nonnative species needing a permit, and a general rule that any constrictor over eight feet needs a restricted snake permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

LAC 76:XV.101.K.2.a.i

a. The following nonnative reptile and amphibian species are prohibited from importation, possession, sale, attempting to sell, transfer, release, and reproduction in the state due to the potential risk of establishment in the wild and detrimental hazard to native wildlife and public health and safety. ... i. All crocodilians;

All nonnative crocodilians head Louisiana's prohibited list. Owners had 365 days from the January 2025 effective date to register and obtain a permit.

Existing owners: Registration within 365 days of the rule taking effect, no breeding, no further acquisition.

How this rule works: Rewritten in January 2025 and now one of the strictest reptile rules in the country. Three tiers: prohibited nonnative species, restricted nonnative species needing a permit, and a general rule that any constrictor over eight feet needs a restricted snake permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

LAC 76:V.115.C.1.g, C.2

C.1.Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to import into, possess, purchase or sell within the state of Louisiana, by any means whatsoever including but not limited to transactions conducted via the internet, any of the following species or its subspecies of live wild quadrupeds, big exotic cats, or non-human primates, domesticated or otherwise (hereinafter "listed animals"): ... g.all non-human primates;

Every nonhuman primate is a listed animal, so importing, possessing, buying or selling a squirrel monkey is barred, "domesticated or otherwise". Holders of a potentially dangerous wild quadruped permit valid when the rule took effect were grandfathered but may not acquire more, "including breeding", the black bear's position.

Existing owners: A potentially dangerous wild quadruped permit valid on the rule's effective date, renewed annually until the animal dies or leaves; no new animals. The rule was first published in the Louisiana Register in December 1995 (LR 21:1356); the exact effective day was not read.

How this rule works: A short mammal ban: three bears, two wolves, wolf dog hybrids, all non-human primates, and six big cats with their subspecies and hybrids. Existing permit holders were grandfathered but may not acquire more.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

LAC 76:V.115.C.1.h.i, C.2

C.1.Except as provided herein, it shall be unlawful to import into, possess, purchase or sell within the state of Louisiana, by any means whatsoever including but not limited to transactions conducted via the internet, any of the following species or its subspecies of live wild quadrupeds, big exotic cats, or non-human primates, domesticated or otherwise (hereinafter "listed animals"): ... h.the following big exotic cats: i.tigers;

Tigers head the big exotic cat entry. Holders of a potentially dangerous wild quadruped permit valid when the rule took effect were grandfathered but may not acquire more, "including breeding", the black bear's position. Federally, the Big Cat Public Safety Act of 2022 (16 U.S.C. § 3372(e)) bars any person outside a licensed exhibitor, sanctuary or state institution from breeding or possessing a tiger unless the animal was born before December 20, 2022, and registered with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within 180 days, so no new pet is lawful anywhere in the country whatever the state rule says.

Existing owners: A potentially dangerous wild quadruped permit valid on the rule's effective date, renewed annually until the animal dies or leaves; no new animals. The rule was first published in the Louisiana Register in December 1995 (LR 21:1356); the exact effective day was not read.

How this rule works: A short mammal ban: three bears, two wolves, wolf dog hybrids, all non-human primates, and six big cats with their subspecies and hybrids. Existing permit holders were grandfathered but may not acquire more.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

LAC 76:V.107.B.8; LAC 76:V.117.B, C; La. R.S. 56:8(151)(a)(i)

a.Except as specified herein, licenses will not be issued. Licenses will not be issued unless pens are completed and complete applications are received in the Wildlife Division Baton Rouge Office by 4:30 p.m. October 4, 2002.

A white-tailed deer is a game quadruped, which may be held only under a game breeder's license issued before the animal is obtained, and the deer section of that rule closed new licenses with applications received by October 4, 2002, and bars any license in metropolitan or urban areas. § 117 bars importing a live white-tailed deer, and game quadrupeds may not be taken from the wild.

Existing owners: Game breeders holding a valid deer license from before the prohibition are grandfathered and may renew if they meet the requirements; a license transfers only to immediate family, and only if the pen stays where it is.

How this rule works: The rule that reaches a native Louisiana mammal kept as a pet. § 107(C)(2)(a): "A game breeder's license must be issued before any game quadrupeds (deer, rabbits, squirrels, etc.) are obtained", and § 107(C)(1)(a) bars taking them from the wild at all. § 107(B)(6) writes pen specifications for "Squirrels (gray, fox, red, flying and others endemic to North America)" by name, so the flying squirrel is expressly inside the scheme rather than caught by inference.

Checked against the published text on October 8, 2026.

§ 101.K.2.c.i

The following restricted nonnative species may be in possession only via permit to be approved and monitored by the department... i. Boa constrictor (Boa constrictor);

Restricted rather than prohibited, so a permit route exists, but a Restricted Snake Permit is required regardless of the animal's length and the facility is open to inspection.

How this rule works: Rewritten in January 2025 and now one of the strictest reptile rules in the country. Three tiers: prohibited nonnative species, restricted nonnative species needing a permit, and a general rule that any constrictor over eight feet needs a restricted snake permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

La. R.S. 56:8(151)(a)(i); LAC 76:V.107(B)(6), (C)(1)(a), (C)(2)(a)

A game breeder's license must be issued before any game quadrupeds (deer, rabbits, squirrels, etc.) are obtained.

Squirrels are game quadrupeds by statute, and the game breeder rule writes pen specifications for "Squirrels (gray, fox, red, flying and others endemic to North America)" with a veterinary certificate against rabies. The license must be in hand first, and game quadrupeds may not be taken from the wild, so the animal must be captive bred, the flying squirrel's position.

How this rule works: The rule that reaches a native Louisiana mammal kept as a pet. § 107(C)(2)(a): "A game breeder's license must be issued before any game quadrupeds (deer, rabbits, squirrels, etc.) are obtained", and § 107(C)(1)(a) bars taking them from the wild at all. § 107(B)(6) writes pen specifications for "Squirrels (gray, fox, red, flying and others endemic to North America)" by name, so the flying squirrel is expressly inside the scheme rather than caught by inference.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 107(B)(6); § 107(C)(1)(a) and (C)(2)(a)

A game breeder's license must be issued before any game quadrupeds (deer, rabbits, squirrels, etc.) are obtained.

Louisiana names the animal. La. R.S. 56:8(151)(a)(i) makes squirrels game quadrupeds, and LAC 76:V.107(B)(6) writes pen specifications for "Squirrels (gray, fox, red, flying and others endemic to North America)": three feet by three by four for one animal, six more inches of length per additional animal, limbs and a nest box, plus a veterinary certificate that the animals show no symptoms of rabies, which the rule requires "due to the inherent tendency of these animals to bite people". The license must be in hand before the animal is acquired, and § 107(C)(1)(a) bars taking a game quadruped from the wild at all, so a permitted animal has to be captive bred. Recorded permit rather than conditional because the license is issued, inspected and held.

How this rule works: The rule that reaches a native Louisiana mammal kept as a pet. § 107(C)(2)(a): "A game breeder's license must be issued before any game quadrupeds (deer, rabbits, squirrels, etc.) are obtained", and § 107(C)(1)(a) bars taking them from the wild at all. § 107(B)(6) writes pen specifications for "Squirrels (gray, fox, red, flying and others endemic to North America)" by name, so the flying squirrel is expressly inside the scheme rather than caught by inference.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

LAC 76:XV.101.K.2.c.v, K.1

c. The following restricted nonnative species may be in possession only via permit to be approved and monitored by the department. ... v. All species in the Genus Eunectes (Anacondas);

Anacondas are on the restricted nonnative list, not the prohibited one, so a private keeper may hold one under a Restricted Snake Permit, which K.1 requires for the listed large constrictors "regardless of size in length", with locked enclosures, an inspection before issue and annual renewal. Federally, the green anaconda has been injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act since 2015 (50 CFR 16.15(a)), which bars importing one into the country or shipping one to Hawaii or a territory; USARK v. Zinke (D.C. Cir. 2017) held it does not bar shipment between the continental states.

How this rule works: Rewritten in January 2025 and now one of the strictest reptile rules in the country. Three tiers: prohibited nonnative species, restricted nonnative species needing a permit, and a general rule that any constrictor over eight feet needs a restricted snake permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

LAC 76:XV.101.K.1, K.1.a, K.1.b

Restricted Snakes. The importation, private possession, selling, and/or purchasing of constrictor snakes in excess of eight feet, ... and venomous snakes, as defined in Subparagraph K.1.a herein, (hereinafter "restricted snakes") obtained in any manner, shall only be allowed via permit issued by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Rattlesnakes are pit vipers, which K.1.a counts as venomous snakes, and K covers "All Venomous Snakes", native or not. A Restricted Snake Permit needs an applicant of 18 or over with at least 500 hours of documented experience with the species or a similar one, locked enclosures in a locked room, an inspection before issue and annual renewal.

How this rule works: Rewritten in January 2025 and now one of the strictest reptile rules in the country. Three tiers: prohibited nonnative species, restricted nonnative species needing a permit, and a general rule that any constrictor over eight feet needs a restricted snake permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

LAC 76:XV.101.K.2.c.ii, K.1

c. The following restricted nonnative species may be in possession only via permit to be approved and monitored by the department. ... ii. Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus);

The reticulated python is on the restricted nonnative list, not the prohibited one, so a private keeper may hold one under a Restricted Snake Permit, which K.1 requires for the listed large constrictors "regardless of size in length", with locked enclosures, an inspection before issue and annual renewal. Federally, the reticulated python has been injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act since 2015 (50 CFR 16.15(a)), which bars importing one into the country or shipping one to Hawaii or a territory; USARK v. Zinke (D.C. Cir. 2017) held it does not bar shipment between the continental states.

How this rule works: Rewritten in January 2025 and now one of the strictest reptile rules in the country. Three tiers: prohibited nonnative species, restricted nonnative species needing a permit, and a general rule that any constrictor over eight feet needs a restricted snake permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 101.H; § 101.J.2

Green Anole Rule. It shall be illegal to sell or purchase any Green Anole (Anolis carolinesis) with a snout-vent length of less than 1 3/4 inches or an overall length of less than 5 inches with the tail intact.

Louisiana is the only jurisdiction on this map with a rule written for the green anole by name, and it is a size rule on the transaction rather than a bar on keeping: below 1 3/4 inches snout to vent, or five inches overall, the animal may not be sold or bought. The anole is also a Louisiana native, listed without qualifier in the § 101.I checklist while the brown anole beside it is marked "established nonnative", so the native provisions at § 101.J apply too: a basic recreational fishing license for "collection and possession of native reptiles and amphibians for recreational purposes", and a Reptile and Amphibian Wholesale/Retail Dealer's License for whoever sells it, "regardless of the number of generations removed from the wild". It is not on the § 101.J.4 conservation-concern list, so it may be taken from the wild.

How this rule works: Rewritten in January 2025 and now one of the strictest reptile rules in the country. Three tiers: prohibited nonnative species, restricted nonnative species needing a permit, and a general rule that any constrictor over eight feet needs a restricted snake permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 101.G.2, § 101.G.3.a.x

Box Turtles—Terrapene sp.

A restricted turtle. No more than ten restricted turtles in total and no more than two of any one species, and § 101.G.2.a.ii separately caps native box turtles at two regardless of species. A basic recreational fishing license is needed to collect one.

How this rule works: Rewritten in January 2025 and now one of the strictest reptile rules in the country. Three tiers: prohibited nonnative species, restricted nonnative species needing a permit, and a general rule that any constrictor over eight feet needs a restricted snake permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 101.G.3.a.xii

Red-eared Slider—Trachemys scripta elegans;

A restricted turtle subject to the same two per species limit. Louisiana also bars relocating or releasing sliders off the site where they were caught, and allows landowners to remove nuisance animals only by humane euthanasia.

How this rule works: Rewritten in January 2025 and now one of the strictest reptile rules in the country. Three tiers: prohibited nonnative species, restricted nonnative species needing a permit, and a general rule that any constrictor over eight feet needs a restricted snake permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 101.G.2, § 101.G.3.a.i

No person shall collect or possess more than 10 restricted turtles, as listed in Paragraph G.3 herein, in any combination, with no individual species to exceed two per person at any time... i. Snapping Turtle—Chelydra serpentina;

Two per person, a basic recreational fishing license to collect, no commercial use of native turtles, and captive breeding is unlawful without department approval.

How this rule works: Rewritten in January 2025 and now one of the strictest reptile rules in the country. Three tiers: prohibited nonnative species, restricted nonnative species needing a permit, and a general rule that any constrictor over eight feet needs a restricted snake permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

§ 101.K.2

Persons engaged in herpetological research shall possess a Scientific Research and Collecting Permit prior to removal of native reptiles or amphibians from the wild.

Ambystoma is native to Louisiana, so taking one from the wild falls under the collecting rules rather than the nonnative lists. Captive bred stock is a different question the rule does not address directly.

How this rule works: Rewritten in January 2025 and now one of the strictest reptile rules in the country. Three tiers: prohibited nonnative species, restricted nonnative species needing a permit, and a general rule that any constrictor over eight feet needs a restricted snake permit.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

La. R.S. 56:8(151)(a)(iii); LAC 76:V.113, 115.C.1

(iii) Protected quadrupeds: wolves, cougars, bobcats, and foxes; provided that foxes and bobcats may be run with dogs.

The bobcat is a "protected quadruped" alongside the fox, but the fox rule at § 113 is written for foxes and coyotes only, and § 115's cat list is the six big cats. No text read sets a captivity rule for a bobcat in either direction. Its classification next to the fox suggests the department would treat it the same way, but that is inference, not text.

How this rule works: Two definitions decide most of Louisiana. Subsection (152): "Wildlife means all species of wild vertebrates", a closed definition that leaves every terrestrial invertebrate outside the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Subsection (151)(a)(i): game quadrupeds are "wild deer, bears, squirrels, and wild rabbits", which is what pulls a flying squirrel into the game breeder scheme and leaves a domestic rabbit out of it.

Checked against the published text on October 8, 2026.

LAC 76:V.131.D.3; La. R.S. 56:8(92), (151)(a)(iv); LAC 76:V.113.B

ii.A raccoon or skunk that is sick, injured, or orphaned may also be possessed pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph upon notification to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries of possession of the wildlife and upon receipt of information regarding rabies vector species and a list of available wildlife rehabilitators.

The raccoon is a "nongame quadruped" by statute, and the only text read that speaks to keeping one is the wildlife rescuer rule: a sick, injured or orphaned raccoon may be held for 90 days on notice to the department, and kept for life only on a special purpose permit after a vet finds it non-releasable, spayed or neutered and microchipped, with use "for the purposes of pet trade" barred. The nongame quadruped breeder and exhibitor licenses are business licenses. No text read either bars or allows keeping a captive-bred raccoon bought as a pet, which is the gap.

How this rule works: D.3 lets an individual hold a sick, injured or orphaned squirrel, opossum, rabbit or chipmunk, and on notice a raccoon or skunk, for up to 90 days, and keep it for life on a special purpose and possession permit once trained and a vet finds it non-releasable. Pet-trade use is barred. Cached as LA-la-fox-and-quadrupeds.txt.

Checked against the published text on October 8, 2026.

LAC 76:V.131.D.3; La. R.S. 56:8(92), (151)(a)(iv)

ii.A raccoon or skunk that is sick, injured, or orphaned may also be possessed pursuant to the provisions of this Paragraph upon notification to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries of possession of the wildlife and upon receipt of information regarding rabies vector species and a list of available wildlife rehabilitators.

Same position as the raccoon. The skunk is a nongame quadruped and a rabies vector species, the rescuer rule lets a sick, injured or orphaned skunk be held and, if non-releasable, kept for life on a special purpose permit, and pet-trade use of such an animal is barred. No text read decides a captive-bred, descented skunk bought as a pet.

How this rule works: D.3 lets an individual hold a sick, injured or orphaned squirrel, opossum, rabbit or chipmunk, and on notice a raccoon or skunk, for up to 90 days, and keep it for life on a special purpose and possession permit once trained and a vet finds it non-releasable. Pet-trade use is barred. Cached as LA-la-fox-and-quadrupeds.txt.

Checked against the published text on October 8, 2026.

LAC 76:V.131.D.3; La. R.S. 56:8(92), (151)(a)(iv); LAC 76:V.113

i.Wildlife included under this Paragraph shall be limited to the following species: squirrel, opossum, rabbit, or chipmunk, with such possession limited to one animal or litter of animals per individual.

The opossum is a "nongame quadruped" by statute, and the only text read that speaks to keeping one is the wildlife rescuer rule: a sick, injured or orphaned opossum may be held for 90 days, and kept for life only on a special purpose permit after a vet finds it non-releasable, with use "for the purposes of pet trade" barred. The nongame quadruped breeder and exhibitor licenses are business licenses. No text read either bars or allows keeping a captive-bred opossum bought as a pet, the raccoon's position.

How this rule works: D.3 lets an individual hold a sick, injured or orphaned squirrel, opossum, rabbit or chipmunk, and on notice a raccoon or skunk, for up to 90 days, and keep it for life on a special purpose and possession permit once trained and a vet finds it non-releasable. Pet-trade use is barred. Cached as LA-la-fox-and-quadrupeds.txt.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

LAC 76:V.115.C.1.f, D.1

D.1.Wolf-Dog Hybrids. The prohibition against wolf-dog hybrids expired January 1, 1997. Persons are cautioned that local ordinances or other state regulations may prohibit possession of these animals. Any animal which appears indistinguishable from a wolf, or is in any way represented to be a wolf shall be considered to be a wolf in the absence of bona fide documentation to the contrary.

The rule contradicts itself. The "wolf dog hybrid" is still printed in the § 115.C.1 list of banned animals, while D.1 says that prohibition expired on January 1, 1997. On the D.1 reading a wolfdog is legal, but one that looks like a wolf, or is sold as one, is treated as a wolf and banned unless documented otherwise. The fennec fox cell reads the C.1.f line as expired on the same D.1 sentence.

How this rule works: A short mammal ban: three bears, two wolves, wolf dog hybrids, all non-human primates, and six big cats with their subspecies and hybrids. Existing permit holders were grandfathered but may not acquire more.

Checked against the published text on October 8, 2026.