The allure of owning a fox as a pet is undeniable for many animal enthusiasts. Their wild beauty and intriguing nature spark curiosity, leading many to wonder about the legality of keeping one as a companion. If you’re in Utah and dreaming of welcoming a fox into your home, it’s crucial to understand Utah’s specific regulations regarding wildlife ownership. This article will delve into the legal landscape to answer your question: Can I Have A Pet Fox In Utah?
Decoding Utah’s Animal Ownership Rules
Utah, like many states, has strict laws designed to protect both native wildlife and the public. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) categorizes animals into different classes based on the permits and restrictions required for their possession. These categories are: prohibited, controlled, and non-controlled. Understanding these classifications is the first step in determining if owning a pet fox is even a possibility in Utah.
Generally, prohibited animals cannot be collected, imported, or possessed without very specific exceptions, often for zoos or research purposes, not personal pets. Controlled animals require a Certificate of Registration for possession, indicating a more regulated ownership. Non-controlled animals have fewer restrictions.
When it comes to foxes, Utah law is quite clear, and unfortunately for aspiring fox owners, not in their favor.
Fox Species and Utah Law: A Closer Look
Utah regulations explicitly address several fox species, and the news isn’t encouraging for those wanting a pet fox. Let’s break down the specifics according to Utah’s official rules:
Gray Fox and Kit Fox: Absolutely Prohibited
According to Utah Administrative Rule R657-3-17, both the Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and the Kit fox (Vulpes macotis), both members of the Canidae family, are classified as prohibited for collection, importation, and possession. This means it is illegal to own either of these fox species as pets in Utah under almost all circumstances. There are very limited exceptions, which are unlikely to apply to a typical individual seeking a pet.
Red Fox: Wild vs. Captive-Bred – A Tricky Distinction
The Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) presents a slightly more nuanced situation, but still ends with a similar conclusion for pet ownership. Utah law states that Red foxes, “as applied to animals in the wild or taken from the wild,” are considered non-controlled for lethal take (meaning they can be hunted or trapped with proper licenses during legal seasons) but are prohibited for live collection, possession, or importation.
This distinction between “wild” and potentially “captive-bred” might initially sound promising. However, even if you were to consider a captive-bred Red fox, the regulation still prohibits “possession” and “importation” of live Red foxes. While the rule focuses on wild foxes in the context of lethal take being non-controlled, the explicit prohibition on live possession heavily implies that owning a Red fox, regardless of its origin (wild or captive-bred), is not permitted for personal use in Utah. The law doesn’t create a pathway for legal pet Red fox ownership.
Bobcats, Red Foxes, and Misunderstandings
It’s possible some confusion arises from anecdotal statements or misinterpretations of wildlife laws. You might hear statements like, “you can keep a bobcat or a red fox if you buy one and get the paperwork.” While there is a very narrow element of truth related to bobcats, this is largely misleading, especially for foxes.
Utah law does classify captive-bred bobcats (Lynx rufus) as “controlled” for importation and possession, meaning with a Certificate of Registration, it might be possible under very specific and regulated conditions to possess a captive-bred bobcat (though even this is highly complex and not typical pet ownership). However, this does not apply to Red foxes. Red foxes, even hypothetically captive-bred ones, are still effectively prohibited from possession due to the broad language of the regulation.
Therefore, equating bobcat regulations with fox regulations is inaccurate and can lead to legal trouble. The rules are different, and neither scenario makes it easy or practically possible to own these wild animals as pets in Utah.
Conclusion: Pet Foxes are Not Legal in Utah
Returning to the original question: can you have a pet fox in Utah? Based on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources regulations, the clear answer is no. Gray foxes, Kit foxes, and Red foxes are all either explicitly prohibited or practically prohibited for possession as pets in Utah.
While the idea of owning a fox might be appealing, Utah law prioritizes the protection of native wildlife and public safety. The regulations are designed to prevent the private possession of these wild animals. If you are passionate about animal companionship in Utah, there are many domesticated pets like dogs and cats that are wonderful and legal choices.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always consult directly with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources or a Utah wildlife law expert. Laws can change, and official sources are the definitive guide.
