Exotic pet laws in New Hampshire

Fis 804.05(b), Table 800.2; Fis 804.02(b)(4)

(b) A permit shall be issued only to a person in the permittee category(ies), as defined in Fis 802.01, and cited in Table 800.2 as follows: ... Reptiles 5 Alligator Alligatoridae, spp

Fis 804.02(b)(4) excepts alligators from the free exotic reptile class, and the Alligatoridae row in Table 800.2 is category 5 only, so no permit can issue to an individual.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05, Table 800.2

Bear, Black Ursus americanus 5

The black bear is in the controlled table with category 5 alone. Permittee category 5 is the exhibitor category, with no category 1 for an individual, so a private keeper cannot be issued a possession permit.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.04(b); Fis 804.03(a)

(b) All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited.

The controlled table names the gray, fennec and red foxes and no arctic fox, and an unlisted species is prohibited by default. Fis 804.03(a) issues no permit for a prohibited species, and the waiver in Fis 802.05 is closed to every permittee category but exhibitors.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.04(b); Fis 804.03(a)

(b) All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited.

The only otter in the controlled table is the river otter, Lutra canadensis, and an unlisted species is prohibited by default. CITES Appendix I since 2019 governs international trade separately. Fis 804.03(a) issues no permit for a prohibited species, and the waiver in Fis 802.05 is closed to every permittee category but exhibitors.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05(b), Table 800.2

(b) A permit shall be issued only to a person in the permittee category(ies), as defined in Fis 802.01, and cited in Table 800.2 as follows: ... 5 Wallaby, Dama, Tammar, Bennett

The wallaby row names Bennett's wallaby. Table 800.2 marks it for permittee category 5 only, and category 5 is exhibitors, so no permit can issue to an individual (category 1).

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05, Table 800.2

Bobcat Lynx rufus 5

The bobcat is in the controlled table with category 5 alone. Permittee category 5 is the exhibitor category, with no category 1 for an individual, so a private keeper cannot be issued a possession permit.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05, Table 800.2

5 Eastern box turtle Terrapene carolina carolina

Permittee category 5 is an exhibitor, with no category 1 for an individual, so a private keeper cannot be permitted for one.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05, Table 800.2

Lynx, Canadian, Siberian Lynx canadensis 5

Named in the controlled table with category 5 alone. Permittee category 5 is the exhibitor category, with no category 1 for an individual, so a private keeper cannot be issued a possession permit.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05(b), Table 800.2

(b) A permit shall be issued only to a person in the permittee category(ies), as defined in Fis 802.01, and cited in Table 800.2 as follows: ... 5 Primates to include: ... Capuchin Cebus spp

The primate row names capuchins by genus Cebus. Table 800.2 marks it for permittee category 5 only, and category 5 is exhibitors, so no permit can issue to an individual (category 1).

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05(b), Table 800.2; Fis 804.02(b)(4)

(b) A permit shall be issued only to a person in the permittee category(ies), as defined in Fis 802.01, and cited in Table 800.2 as follows: ... Reptiles ... 5 All venomous reptiles

Fis 804.02(b)(4) frees exotic reptiles from any permit except alligators, crocodiles and venomous reptiles, and the venomous row in Table 800.2 is category 5 only, so no permit can issue to an individual. The king cobra and the Asian Naja species are on CITES Appendix II, which governs import and export, not keeping.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05(b), Table 800.2

(b) A permit shall be issued only to a person in the permittee category(ies), as defined in Fis 802.01, and cited in Table 800.2 as follows: ... 5 Primates to include: ... Marmoset (Tamarin) Cercopihecus spp.

The primate row names the marmoset, though the genus it prints is a guenon genus. Either way it is a primate on a category 5 row, and an unlisted species would be prohibited outright under Fis 804.04(b). Table 800.2 marks it for permittee category 5 only, and category 5 is exhibitors, so no permit can issue to an individual (category 1).

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05(b), Table 800.2

(b) A permit shall be issued only to a person in the permittee category(ies), as defined in Fis 802.01, and cited in Table 800.2 as follows: ... 5 Cougar Felis concolor

Table 800.2 marks it for permittee category 5 only, and category 5 is exhibitors, so no permit can issue to an individual (category 1). 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.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05(b), Table 800.2

(b) A permit shall be issued only to a person in the permittee category(ies), as defined in Fis 802.01, and cited in Table 800.2 as follows: ... 5 Squirrel, Gray Sciurus carolinensis

Table 800.2 marks it for permittee category 5 only, and category 5 is exhibitors, so no permit can issue to an individual (category 1).

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05, Table 800.2

5 Fox, Gray; Fenec

Exhibitor only, same as the serval. The table pairs the two common names under one row.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05, Table 800.2

Squirrel, Southern Flying Glaucomys volans

Requires Permittee Category 5, the same exhibitor-only category New Hampshire uses for the box turtle. There is no category 1 for an individual, so a private keeper cannot be permitted for one.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05, Table 800.2

Kinkajou Potos flavus 5

Named in the controlled table with category 5 alone. Permittee category 5 is the exhibitor category, with no category 1 for an individual, so a private keeper cannot be issued a possession permit.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05(b), Table 800.2

(b) A permit shall be issued only to a person in the permittee category(ies), as defined in Fis 802.01, and cited in Table 800.2 as follows: ... 5 Lion Panthera leo

Table 800.2 marks it for permittee category 5 only, and category 5 is exhibitors, so no permit can issue to an individual (category 1). 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.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.04(b); Fis 802.05(c)

All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited.

This is the strictest invertebrate answer on the map and it comes out of four provisions rather than one. RSA 207:1, XXXV defines wildlife to include invertebrates by name, so an insect is inside Fis 800. Fis 804.02, the non-controlled possession list, contains no invertebrate. Table 800.2, the controlled table, runs amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds and mammals and stops. Fis 804.03(b)(1) does have an invertebrates heading, and it names five aquatic nuisance species, which shows the Department writes invertebrate entries when it means to. Fis 804.04(b) then makes everything unlisted prohibited, and Fis 804.03(a) says no permit shall be issued for anything prohibited under it. The waiver at Fis 802.05 that would otherwise cover an unlisted species is closed to private keepers by subsection (c), which withholds it from permittee categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 and leaves only exhibitors. So a Madagascar hissing cockroach, a tarantula and a pet millipede are all barred in New Hampshire with no route for an individual. Recorded banned rather than unclear because the closing clause is express and the waiver exclusion is express.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05, Table 800.2

5 Prairie Dog Cynamys, spp.

Exhibitor only. New Hampshire is one of the stricter states on prairie dogs.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05, Table 800.2

Raccoon Procyon lotor 5

The raccoon is in the controlled table with category 5 alone. Permittee category 5 is the exhibitor category, with no category 1 for an individual, so a private keeper cannot be issued a possession permit.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05(b), Table 800.2; Fis 804.02(b)(4)

(b) A permit shall be issued only to a person in the permittee category(ies), as defined in Fis 802.01, and cited in Table 800.2 as follows: ... Reptiles ... 5 All venomous reptiles

Fis 804.02(b)(4) frees exotic reptiles from any permit except alligators, crocodiles and venomous reptiles, and the venomous row in Table 800.2 is category 5 only, so no permit can issue to an individual. That covers the state's own rattlesnake as well, since it is not among the indigenous reptiles listed for category 1.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05, Table 800.2

Fox, Red Vulpes vulpes 5

The red fox is in the controlled table with category 5 alone, the fennec fox's row beside it. Permittee category 5 is the exhibitor category, with no category 1 for an individual, so a private keeper cannot be issued a possession permit.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05(b), Table 800.2

(b) A permit shall be issued only to a person in the permittee category(ies), as defined in Fis 802.01, and cited in Table 800.2 as follows: ... 5 Lemur, Ringtailed

Table 800.2 marks it for permittee category 5 only, and category 5 is exhibitors, so no permit can issue to an individual (category 1). 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).

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05, Table 800.2

5 Serval, African

The permittee category is 5, exhibitor, with no category 1. A private individual cannot be issued a possession permit for one.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05(b), Table 800.2; Fis 804.02(b)(4)

(b) A permit shall be issued only to a person in the permittee category(ies), as defined in Fis 802.01, and cited in Table 800.2 as follows: ... Reptiles 5 Alligator Alligatoridae, spp

Caimans belong to Alligatoridae, the family the alligator row names, and Fis 804.02(b)(4) excepts that family from the free exotic reptile class. The row is category 5 only, so no permit can issue to an individual.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05(b), Table 800.2

(b) A permit shall be issued only to a person in the permittee category(ies), as defined in Fis 802.01, and cited in Table 800.2 as follows: ... 5 Primates to include: ... Squirrel Monkey Saimici spp

The primate row names the squirrel monkey. Table 800.2 marks it for permittee category 5 only, and category 5 is exhibitors, so no permit can issue to an individual (category 1).

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05, Table 800.2

Skunk, Striped Mephitis mephitis 5

The striped skunk is in the controlled table with category 5 alone. Permittee category 5 is the exhibitor category, with no category 1 for an individual, so a private keeper cannot be issued a possession permit.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05(b), Table 800.2

(b) A permit shall be issued only to a person in the permittee category(ies), as defined in Fis 802.01, and cited in Table 800.2 as follows: ... 5 Tiger; Golden Tabby, Siberian, White Siberian, Bengal Panthera tigeris

Table 800.2 marks it for permittee category 5 only, and category 5 is exhibitors, so no permit can issue to an individual (category 1). 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.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05(b), Table 800.2

(b) A permit shall be issued only to a person in the permittee category(ies), as defined in Fis 802.01, and cited in Table 800.2 as follows: ... 5 Two-Toed Sloth Choloepus didaclybus

Table 800.2 marks it for permittee category 5 only, and category 5 is exhibitors, so no permit can issue to an individual (category 1).

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05(b), Table 800.2

(b) A permit shall be issued only to a person in the permittee category(ies), as defined in Fis 802.01, and cited in Table 800.2 as follows: ... 5 Opossum, Virginia Didelphis virginiana

Table 800.2 marks it for permittee category 5 only, and category 5 is exhibitors, so no permit can issue to an individual (category 1).

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.04(b); Fis 804.03(a)

(b) All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited.

The controlled table names the South American coatimundi, Nasua nasua, in category 5, not the white-nosed coati, Nasua narica. An unlisted species is prohibited by default. Either way no private permit is available. Fis 804.03(a) issues no permit for a prohibited species, and the waiver in Fis 802.05 is closed to every permittee category but exhibitors.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05(b), Table 800.2

(b) A permit shall be issued only to a person in the permittee category(ies), as defined in Fis 802.01, and cited in Table 800.2 as follows: ... 5 Deer, White-tailed Odocoileus virginianus

The white-tailed deer row is category 5 only, while red deer, sika and elk are open to propagators (category 2). So no possession permit can issue to an individual under Fis 800. A deer farming rule outside this chapter was not read.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.05, Table 800.2

1,5 Snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina

Category 1 is an individual, so unlike the serval this one is open to a private keeper who holds a permit to possess wildlife.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 802.03(f); Fis 804.04(b); Fis 802.05(c)

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to an owner or person possessing a wolf hybrid, as defined in RSA 466-A:1, VII, or a domesticated show or pet cat registered with a nationally or internationally recognized breeding association or registry which certifies the pedigree and registration of such cat to be without any wild felid parentage for a minimum of 3 generations.

New Hampshire exempts a registered cat from the whole of Fis 800 once its certified pedigree shows no wild felid parentage for three generations, which reads as F4 and later. A registered Bengal that meets it is outside the chapter. Anything short of that is inside it, and there the Bengal is on no list: neither the Asian leopard cat nor its hybrids appear in any table, the only Bengal in the controlled table being the tiger color morph. Fis 804.04(b) designates every unlisted species prohibited, and the waiver for an unlisted species is closed by Fis 802.05(c) to every permittee category but exhibitors. Registration and the certified pedigree are both part of the exemption, so an unregistered cat fails it at any generation.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.02(b)(5) and Table 800.2; Fis 803.03(b)(4)a. and Table 800.1

Indigenous reptiles listed in Table 800.2 for category 1, for up to 2 specimens of each species

The eastern milk snake, Lampropeltis triangulum triangulum, is a New Hampshire native and appears in both controlled tables at "1,5", which means an individual as well as an exhibitor may hold a permit for it. Two specimens may be possessed with no permit at all under Fis 804.02(b)(5); above two, Fis 804.05 requires a permit to possess, available to a category 1 individual. Importation is the tighter half: Fis 803.03(b)(4)a. takes indigenous reptiles listed in Table 800.1 out of the exotic clearance, so bringing one in needs an importation permit. A milk snake of any non-indigenous form is simply an exotic reptile and free on both counts, which is the same species-versus-subspecies split Maine writes into its unrestricted list.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 802.03(f); Fis 804.04(a); Table 800.2

The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to an owner or person possessing a wolf hybrid, as defined in RSA 466-A:1, VII, or a domesticated show or pet cat registered with a nationally or internationally recognized breeding association or registry which certifies the pedigree and registration of such cat to be without any wild felid parentage for a minimum of 3 generations.

New Hampshire uses the Massachusetts sentence, nearly word for word, as an exemption from the whole of Fis 800. A registered Savannah whose certified pedigree shows no wild felid parentage for three generations, which MassWildlife reads as F4 and later, is outside the chapter. Anything short of that is inside it, and there the serval decides the answer: Fis 804.04(a) bars possessing controlled wildlife "or their hybrids" without a permit, and the serval sits in the controlled table with permittee category 5 alone, the exhibitor category, so no permit issues to a private keeper. Registration and the certified pedigree are both part of the exemption, so an unregistered cat fails it at any generation.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.

Fis 804.02, Fis 804.05

On neither the non-controlled list nor the controlled table. The Patagonian cavy is listed but the capybara is not, so there is no category that authorizes a permit and no exemption either. Ask Fish and Game rather than assuming the silence means yes.

How this rule works: Readopted in full by Document #14558, effective April 21, 2026. Four buckets and a closing rule. Fis 804.02 is the non-controlled possession list, Fis 804.03 the prohibited list, Fis 804.05 with Table 800.2 the controlled table, and Fis 804.04(b) then says "All species not specifically listed under the categories of non-controlled, prohibited, or controlled shall be designated as prohibited." Fis 803 runs the same three-way split for importation against Table 800.1. The number beside a species in either table is the permittee category from Fis 802.01: 1 is an individual, 5 an exhibitor, so a species marked 5 alone cannot be held privately. Fis 802.05 is the waiver for unlisted species and subsection (c) closes it to categories 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7, which leaves only exhibitors.

Checked against the published text on October 1, 2026.