No. Owning a kangaroo in New Hampshire is prohibited under RSA 207:12, which classifies non-native wildlife as prohibited species unless exempted. The NH Fish and Game Department enforces this ban, citing ecological risks and public safety concerns. Violations may result in fines up to $1,000 or confiscation under 2026 amendments to wildlife trafficking statutes.
Key Regulations for Owning a Kangaroo in New Hampshire
- Prohibited Species List: RSA 207:12 explicitly bans kangaroos, classifying them as “exotic wildlife” without permits. The 2025 Wildlife Advisory Council’s updated list reaffirms this restriction, effective January 2026.
- Permit Exemptions: Only zoos, educational institutions, or wildlife rehabilitators with a Class IV permit may legally possess kangaroos, subject to NH Fish and Game’s inspection and habitat requirements.
- Enforcement Actions: Violations trigger penalties under RSA 212-A:45, with mandatory confiscation of animals. Local conservation officers collaborate with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for interstate trafficking cases.
Additional municipal ordinances, such as those in Concord or Manchester, may impose supplementary restrictions, including mandatory reporting of exotic animal ownership. Prospective owners should consult the NH Fish and Game Department’s 2026 Compliance Guide for updated exemptions or appeals processes.