Prohibited Wildlife
Bringing non-native species into a new habitat area can create serious problems by disrupting the ecosystem's balance, causing economic losses, harming human health and/or creating significant environmental impacts.
What animal species are prohibited on PEI as pets?
The Prohibited Wildlife list was developed to help pet stores and potential pet owners understand what is and is not allowed on PEI. In general, this list contains any wildlife species considered dangerous to humans, not native to Prince Edward Island, and/or which poses a threat to the ecosystem if it escapes into the wild. Wildlife that has been obtained illegally is also prohibited.
Examples of animals of a particular prohibited group are listed below. These are examples only and shall not be construed as limiting the generality of the group. This list is subject to review according to the accepted criteria and may be updated or revised at any time.
Prohibited Wildlife Species List for PEI
- All Artiodactyls ungulates, except domestic goats, sheep, pigs and cattle
- All Canidae, except the domestic dog
- All Crocodilia (such as alligators and crocodiles)
- All Edentates (such as anteaters, sloths and armadillos)
- All Elephantidae (elephants)
- All Erinaceidae (except the African pigmy hedgehog)
- All Felidae except the domestic cat
- All Hyaenidae (hyenas)
- All Marsupials (except sugar gliders)
- All Mustelidae (such as skunks, otters and weasels) except the domestic ferret
- All Primates (such as gorillas and monkeys)
- All Pinnipeds (such as seals, fur seals and walruses)
- All Perissodactyls ungulates, except the domestic horse and ass
- All Procyonidae (such as raccoons, coatis and cacomistles)
- All Pteropodidae (bats)
- All Raptors, diurnal and nocturnal (such as eagles, hawks and owls)
- All Sciuridae (including prairie dogs, woodchucks)
- All amphibians and Salamanders such as bullfrogs, axolotl (tiger salamanders)
- All Ratites (such as ostriches, rheas and cassowaries)
- All Ursidae (bears)
- All venomous animals (includes snakes, toads , insects, spiders, fish)
- All Viverridae (such as mongooses, civets and genets)
- All Testudines (turtles & tortoise)
- All threatened and/or endangered species protected by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)
- All wildlife that has not been captive bred (unless otherwise exempted)
- All species of Serpentes (snakes) that can grow to an average size (or size range) of greater then 3 meters
Are some non-native species eligible for pets?
The Department reserves the right to refuse or permit a person to have or sell any wildlife species that poses a concern based on:
- Public Safety
- Animal Welfare
- Potential damage to ecosystem if released into the wild or taken from the wild
- The status of the wildlife species in the wild
- Economic concerns for the exploitation of the species and
- Legally obtained
Before selling or possessing wildlife species you must have approval from the Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division. Species must not be on the Prohibited List and the applicant must have the proper permits.
Concerns for some species may be addresses with approval from a licensed veterinarian. All costs are the responsibility of the applicant.
Information for Pet Stores and Owners:
- Wild animals that are native species to Prince Edward Island can not be sold or kept in captivity as pets.
- Certain species of exotic wild animals may be imported by licensed pet stores for sale to the public. Eligible species are those that by their conservation status in their native ecosystems, and by their nature, do not raise any ongoing management concerns.
- To be eligible for sale, a species cannot be on the Prohibited List. Additionally, it must be approved by the Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division. Pet Stores must provide buyers with information on the nature and requirements of these animals, and guidelines for their proper care.