No, owning a monkey in Wyoming is prohibited under the Wyoming Livestock Board’s exotic animal regulations, which classify non-human primates as restricted species. The state enforces a 2023 statute banning private ownership to mitigate zoonotic disease risks and public safety concerns. Violations may result in confiscation or fines under Wyo. Stat. § 11-29-101 et seq.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Wyoming
- Statewide Ban: Non-human primates are classified as “dangerous wild animals” under Wyo. Code Ann. § 11-29-102, prohibiting private possession without a permit.
- Permit Exceptions: Only licensed research facilities, zoos, or wildlife sanctuaries may apply for permits through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD).
- Local Ordinances: Counties like Teton and Laramie enforce additional restrictions; Teton County’s 2024 ordinance explicitly bans primate ownership within unincorporated areas.
Recent 2026 compliance shifts require permit holders to submit annual veterinary health reports to the WGFD, with inspections conducted by certified wildlife officers. Federal regulations under the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. § 2131) further restrict interstate transport of primates, complicating any potential loopholes. Violations may trigger civil penalties up to $10,000 per offense.