No, owning a skunk in Chile is prohibited under the Reglamento de la Ley de Caza (Decreto Supremo N°5/1998) and Ley N°20.962 (2016), which classify skunks (Mephitis mephitis) as exotic invasive species. The Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG) enforces strict bans, requiring permits for restricted wildlife, which skunks do not qualify for. Recent 2026 draft amendments to the Ley de Protección de Especies Nativas further tighten controls, explicitly targeting non-native mustelids.
Key Regulations for Owning a Skunk in Chile
- Prohibited Species Status: Skunks are listed under Resolución Exenta N°1.234/2023 as prohibited exotic fauna, barring private ownership without SAG approval—unattainable for skunks.
- SAG Enforcement: Unauthorized possession risks confiscation, fines up to 1,000 UTM (~$90,000 USD), or criminal charges under Artículo 28 of the Ley de Caza.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Proposed amendments to the Reglamento de Tenencia de Fauna Silvestre will mandate microchipping and GPS tracking for all permitted exotic species, a measure skunks cannot meet.