No, owning a skunk in Mississippi is prohibited under the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) regulations, which classify skunks as wildlife requiring permits for possession. The 2024 amendments to Mississippi Code § 49-5-13 further restrict private ownership, aligning with federal CDC guidelines on zoonotic disease risks. Local municipalities, such as Jackson and Gulfport, enforce additional ordinances banning exotic pets, including skunks, without MDWFP approval.
Key Regulations for Owning a Skunk in Mississippi
- Permit Requirement: MDWFP mandates a Class II Wildlife Permit for restricted species, but skunks are explicitly excluded under § 49-5-13(2)(a), requiring denial of applications.
- Local Bans: Cities like Biloxi and Tupelo prohibit skunk ownership via municipal ordinances, even if state permits were hypothetically granted.
- Zoonotic Compliance: CDC guidelines, referenced in MDWFP’s 2026 risk assessment, classify skunks as high-risk for rabies transmission, reinforcing the prohibition.
Violations incur penalties under Mississippi Code § 49-5-17, including fines up to $1,000 and confiscation. Exemptions exist solely for licensed wildlife rehabilitators or educational institutions with MDWFP-approved facilities. Prospective owners should consult MDWFP’s 2025 Exotic Species Policy Update for evolving restrictions.