Michigan Regulations on Wild and Exotic Felines

Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 30444
Lansing, MI 48909
517-373-9329

State Web Site: http://www.michigan.gov/
Department Web Site: http://www.michigandnr.com

Short Summary: Must have permit to hold wildlife for native species Cougar and lynx are state-endangered specie and cannot be privately owned for pets, though a few of these cats are held as pets, having been purchased before this law was passed. Bobcats in MI are regulated by the DNR. Separate enclosure must be built first, and then a special permit called "Permit to Hold Wildlife in Captivity" needs to be obtained BEFORE getting the animal and are issued by the DNR Permit Specialist, James Janson. Inspection may be required before permit approval and Monthly Inventory Reports are required after obtaining the permit. Minimum Enclosure Requirements for a Bobcat: 8ft x 6ft x 6ft for a single animal. 24 sq ft of floor space per additional animal. Clawing logs. Den Box 2ft x 2ft per animal. Climbing tree 3 or more 4in diameter branches for each animal. Lounging shelf must be 14in x 36in located at least 3ft above floor per animal.

July 7, 2000 passed new legislation prohibiting Tigers, Leopards, Lions, Jaguar, Panther, Cheetah, Cougar, and hybrids of such to be owned by private individuals. Only persons who possess a USDA Class C exhibitors license will be granted a state permit to possess panthera species or cougars. Existing large felines owned by those without this federal permit must register their feline with the state and a variety of regulations must be complied with for the animal to continue to be possessed for it's lifetime. The new regulations forbid the breeding of any large feline. Importation of other non-native species is regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Division.

DNR does not regulate small exotic felines at this time.