No, owning a kangaroo in Vermont is prohibited under the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s exotic wildlife regulations, which classify macropods as prohibited species without special permits. The 2024 amendments to Vermont’s Wildlife Regulations (effective 2026) explicitly ban private possession of kangaroos, citing ecological risks and public safety concerns. Violations may result in fines up to $1,000 or confiscation under 10 V.S.A. § 4605.
Key Regulations for Owning a Kangaroo in Vermont
- Prohibited Species Status: Kangaroos (Macropus spp.) are listed as “prohibited wildlife” under Vermont’s 2026 regulatory update, requiring no permit for possession.
- Permit Denial: The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board has historically denied all applications for kangaroo ownership since 2019, citing insufficient husbandry standards.
- Enforcement Mechanisms: Local game wardens (Vermont Fish & Wildlife) conduct annual inspections of exotic animal facilities; unauthorized possession triggers mandatory confiscation under 10 V.S.A. § 4703.
Exemptions exist only for USDA-licensed zoos or wildlife sanctuaries with approved conservation plans. Private ownership remains illegal despite neighboring states’ more lenient policies. Consult the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department’s Exotic Wildlife Policy Manual (2026 edition) for updates.