No, owning a pet fox in Maine is prohibited under the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) regulations, which classify all native and non-native fox species as wildlife requiring a permit for rehabilitation or education—not private ownership. The state’s 2024 Wildlife Management Policy Update explicitly bars possession of foxes as pets, aligning with broader ecological conservation efforts to prevent hybridization and disease transmission. Violations may result in confiscation or civil penalties under 12 M.R.S. § 7036.
Key Regulations for Owning a Pet Fox in Maine
- Wildlife Classification: Foxes (genus Vulpes and Urocyon) are designated as “wild animals” under MDIFW rules, barring private possession without a rehabilitation or educational permit.
- Permit Exclusivity: Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators or educational facilities may temporarily house foxes; pet ownership licenses do not exist for this species.
- Enforcement Priorities: MDIFW’s 2026 compliance directives prioritize inspections of unpermitted fox ownership, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses or illegal breeding.