Is it legal to keep wild or endangered animals as pets?

In Virginia, it is generally not legal to keep wild or endangered animals as pets. This includes animals that are native to Virginia, such as various species of snakes, turtles, and birds. Animals that are considered endangered or threatened by the federal government, such as gray wolves, bald eagles, and manatees, are also protected and therefore cannot be kept as pets. In some cases, it may be possible to obtain a permit to own an endangered or threatened species, but these permits are typically only granted to organizations that are dedicated to the study and conservation of the animal. Individuals will need to meet certain requirements before they can obtain a permit, such as demonstrating that the animal will be cared for in an appropriate manner. In addition, it should be noted that some animals, such as chimpanzees, are deemed "inherently dangerous" under Virginia law. This means that it is illegal to keep one as a pet in any capacity. Furthermore, wild animals that are not listed as endangered or threatened may still be regulated by state and local laws, and individuals may need to obtain a permit to own them. Ultimately, it is important to understand that owning wild or endangered animals as pets is not only illegal, but can be detrimental to the animal and can also be dangerous to the owner and the public.

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Is it legal to keep wild or endangered animals as pets?

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