North Carolina regulations on Wild and Exotic Felines

Wildlife Resources Commission
1724 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
919-661-4872

State Web Site: http://www.ncgov.com/
Department Web Site: http://www.ncwildlife.org/

Short Summary: Issues Wildlife Captivity License. For private possession of cougars, state requires natural habitats of rather grandiose proportions. Minimum one-acre enclosure, 12 foot fences, with 45 degree recurve, have a pool, have a den, have vegetation and landscaping, property must be owned by applicant.

Zoos or Scientific Research facilities are allowed to keep cougars in concrete and chain link cages.

No natural habitats required for bobcats as are for cougars, but state has minimum cage size requirements. Must apply for Import Permit if native feline is being brought into state from outside the state. Must be USDA licensed to import any species native to the US. But that is not a requirement to purchase in-state, though NC does not issue permits for pet purposes.

State does not regulate non-native species, but many counties have enacted regulations of wild felines.