No, ferret ownership remains illegal in Utah under Utah Code § 23-13-15, enforced by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Exotic pet restrictions persist despite 2026 legislative proposals to amend wildlife regulations.
Key Regulations for Owning a Ferret in Utah
- Statewide Ban: Utah Code § 23-13-15 explicitly prohibits ferrets as exotic pets, classifying them under restricted species.
- Local Enforcement: The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) actively monitors compliance, with violations punishable by fines or confiscation.
- Permit Exceptions: Only licensed educational facilities or wildlife rehabilitators may possess ferrets with DWR-issued permits.
Recent legislative discussions in 2026 suggest potential amendments, but as of current enforcement, ferret ownership violates state wildlife statutes. The DWR’s 2024 exotic species advisory further reinforces the prohibition, citing ecological and agricultural risks. Prospective owners should consult DWR’s Exotic Species Guidelines before considering alternatives.