No, Montana prohibits private ownership of non-human primates, including monkeys, under the 2023 Wildlife Without Borders Act. The law classifies these animals as “wildlife” requiring state permits, which are denied for personal possession. Violations may trigger civil penalties up to $1,000 per offense, enforced by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP). Federal agencies, such as USDA APHIS, may also intervene under the Animal Welfare Act if animals are transported across state lines.
Key Regulations for Owning a Monkey in Montana
- Permit Denial: MFWP explicitly prohibits permits for private ownership of non-human primates, aligning with the 2023 Wildlife Without Borders Act amendments.
- Civil Penalties: Unauthorized possession risks fines up to $1,000 per violation, with enforcement coordinated between MFWP and local sheriff’s offices.
- Federal Overlap: USDA APHIS may impose additional sanctions under the Animal Welfare Act if primates are involved in interstate commerce, including breeding or sales.
Montana’s stance reflects public health and conservation concerns, particularly zoonotic disease risks and ecological disruption. The MFWP’s 2026 compliance directives emphasize strict adherence, with annual inspections of licensed facilities (e.g., zoos, research labs) to ensure no unauthorized private holdings. Exotic pet dealers circumventing these rules face immediate license revocation and potential criminal charges under Montana’s 2024 Animal Cruelty Prevention Act.