Wyoming Regulations on Wild and Exotic Felines

Game and Fish Department
5400 Bishop Boulevard
Cheyenne, WY 82006
307-777-7735

State Web Site: http://www.state.wy.us/
Department Web Site: http://gf.state.wy.us/

Short Summary: Possession of all wildlife is regulated by state statutes and commission regulations. Application for possession permit requiring source of wildlife, purpose of possession, description of holding facility, biological evaluation on threats to native species must be approved before importation permit will be issued.

Bobcats can be possessed for commercial fur farming.

Lynx, considered native protected species may be possessed only for scientific and educational permits.

There shall be no private ownership of animals classified as trophy animals, which includes cougars.

Applications for possession of exotic felines will be evaluated upon human health and safety, animal welfare and threats to Wyoming's wildlife resources from competition, damage, and destruction of habitat and predation.