Criteria for Possession of Potentially Dangerous Species

The following information is in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.8.

(a) “Potentially Dangerous Species” is defined as any exotic mammals, birds, reptiles or amphibians, or nongame species which, in the opinion of the Division, is capable of inflicting serious or fatal injuries or which has the potential to become an agricultural pest, or a menace to the public health, or indigenous wildlife populations, including but not limited to the following:

CLASS/ORDER	FAMILY
Primates	Cebidae – New World Monkeys Cercophithecidae – Old World Monkeys Baboons Pongidae – Apes
Carnivora	Canidae – Nondomestic Dogs Ursidae – Bears Felidae – Nondomestic Cats
Saura (Venomous)	Helodermatidae – Gila Monsters
Serpentes (Venomous)	Elapidae – Coral Snakes & Cobras Viperidae – Vipers Crotalidae – Pit Vipers
Crocodilia	Alligatoridae – Alligators & Caiman Crocodylidae – Crocodiles Gavialidae – Gavials
Psittaciformes	Psittaculis spp. – Ring–necked Parakeets Myiopsitta spp. – Monk (Quaker) Parakeets Cyanoliseus patagonus – Patagonian Conures
Rodentia	Cynomys spp. – Prairie Dogs Spermophilus spp. – Ground Squirrels
Ungulates/Artiodactyla	Cervidae – all varieties of deer, caribou, moose, elk

(b) The Department, at its discretion, may issue a permit for possession of a potentially dangerous species only after a clear showing that the criteria for the possession of such potentially dangerous species have been met.

CRITERIA FOR THE POSSESSION OF POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SPECIES

The following information is in accordance with N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.9.

(a) In addition to the general criteria in section 7:25-4.7, every person applying for a permit to possess potentially dangerous species shall meet each and every of the following criteria to the satisfaction of the Division:

1. Education and Background: Persons wishing to apply for a permit to possess a potentially dangerous species must have extensive experience in maintaining the species desired or related species.

2. Knowledge: Persons wishing to apply for a permit to possess potentially dangerous species must demonstrate a working knowledge and expertise in handling and caring for each of the species desired.

3. Protection of the Public: The housing facilities shall also be constructed to prevent public access to and contact with the animal. The potentially dangerous species shall not be kept as a pet, for hobby purposes or in situations, which, in the judgment of the Department, could adversely affect the health of the animal or which could constitute a hazard to the public.

4. Purpose and Intent: Persons applying to possess potentially dangerous species must submit a written statement of the purpose and intent of keeping the species.

5. Housing and Feeding: Persons applying for a permit to possess a potentially dangerous species must supply a written description of the housing and caging facilities for the species required. A summary must be submitted of a continuous source of food for the specific diet of the animals. Division personnel may inspect the completed facilities to determine if the facilities are suitable for the animal. Facilities must be constructed to prevent the possible escape of the animal.

6. Other Restrictions: Under no circumstances shall a person issued a pet shop or animal dealer permit possess any potentially dangerous species on the commercial premises, except in emergencies and for a limited period of time as stipulated by the Department in writing and subsequently agreed to by the animal dealer or pet shop owner, who shall assume full responsibility for the safety and welfare of both the animal and the public during its temporary storage. A potentially dangerous animal already on display at the premises of a pet shop or animal dealer and already under a permit for such display as of January 17, 1995 may remain so displayed under the terms and conditions of that permit for the lifetime of that animal.

For further information or clarification call the Exotic and Nongame Permits Office at 609-292-9591 or e-mail NJWildlifePermits@njdepwptest.net.