The allure of owning an exotic pet is undeniable for some. The idea of having a majestic creature like a mountain lion, also known as a cougar, might seem captivating. However, before you entertain the thought of bringing such a powerful animal into your home, it’s crucial to understand the legal and ethical implications. The question isn’t simply “Can You Have A Mountain Lion As A Pet?” but rather, should you, and what does the law say about it?
In the United States, the landscape of exotic pet ownership is complex and increasingly regulated. Historically, many big cats, including mountain lions, were kept privately. It’s estimated that around 20,000 big cats were in private hands across the country, often acquired as cubs and then traded or abandoned as they grew older and more unmanageable. This situation raised serious concerns about animal welfare and public safety, leading to the enactment of the Big Cat Public Safety Act.
This landmark legislation, signed into law on December 20, 2022, directly addresses the issue of private ownership of big cats. The core of the Big Cat Public Safety Act is to prohibit the private possession and breeding of these animals. According to the Act, “big cats” are classified as “prohibited wildlife species,” and this definition explicitly includes the cougar, also referred to as mountain lion, alongside lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, and snow leopards, as well as hybrids of these species.
So, to directly answer the question: No, generally, you cannot legally have a mountain lion as a pet in the United States. The Big Cat Public Safety Act makes it illegal for private individuals to possess or breed mountain lions and other big cats. The law was created to prevent the unsafe conditions and tragic incidents that can arise from keeping these powerful predators in private homes. These animals require specialized care, pose significant safety risks, and their needs simply cannot be met in a typical domestic setting.
While the Act provides exemptions for certain facilities like accredited zoos, universities, and animal sanctuaries, these exceptions are strictly for legitimate organizations that meet specific standards and contribute to conservation or education. These exemptions do not extend to private individuals seeking to keep a mountain lion as a pet. The law is clear: private ownership is prohibited.
For those who owned big cats prior to the Act, there was a limited window to register these animals with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by June 18, 2023. However, this registration allowed current owners to keep their animals only if they adhered to all other applicable state and federal regulations. This registration was not an endorsement of private ownership but rather a measure to account for existing animals and ensure they were being managed responsibly under the existing framework before the full enforcement of the Act.
The Big Cat Public Safety Act represents a significant shift towards protecting both the public and these magnificent animals. It recognizes that big cats like mountain lions are not suitable pets. They are wild animals with complex needs and inherent dangers. Attempting to keep them as pets not only puts the owner and the community at risk but also often leads to poor welfare for the animal itself. If you care about animals and are interested in responsible pet ownership, focusing on domesticated animals that are suited to living in a home environment is always the best choice.
For more detailed information about the Big Cat Public Safety Act, you can visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.
