Is it legal to own exotic animals in Michigan?

In Michigan, you can't own a bear, tiger or panther as a pet.

Other animals? It depends. The state has rules around owning certain animals as pets but local governments also have a say. In Southfield, for instance, it's unlawful to keep exotic or wild animals that could harm people or domestic animals, such as alligators and elephants. Detroit residents can't own serpants or reptiles − except for turtles under 15 inches.

An "exotic" animal, according to state law, is a species not native to the United States. State veterinarian Dr. Nora Wineland said people considering owning any species of pets − especially exotic ones − should do their research first.

“Knowing exactly what to expect with owning a specific type of exotic animal will help to properly care for it throughout its lifetime. Often, they will require specialized diets, habitats or enclosures, and veterinary care, making them far from being low-maintenance pets. The excitement of owning a unique or exotic pet should never overshadow the practical considerations of their care," Wineland said in a statement to the Free Press.

Big Cat Habitat Conservation and Education Center in Sarasota now has a new female cheetah named Zuri. It will be a part of its new conservation educational program.

Here's what else to know about owning exotic animals in Michigan.

Is it legal to own exotic animals in Michigan – say as a pet?

It depends on the animal in question and the location.

In Michigan, there are only a few kinds of exotic animals that are illegal to own as a pet, according to Wineland. Under the state's large carnivore and wolf-dog cross acts, forbidden animals include: wolf-dogs, bears and large cats (such as tigers, lions, cougars cheetahs, jaguars, leopards and panthers). There aren't restrictions around owning other species as pets at the state level, but local governments can create their own rules.

What happens if someone is found to own an animal illegally?

Local governments can impose their own penalties, according to Wineland, but state law also lays out repercussions. Violating the law − for both the large carnivore and wolf-dog cross acts − are misdemeanors and punishable by monetary fines and imprisonment, for instance.

"The responsibility for enforcement of the Large Carnivore Act and Wolf-Dog Cross Act falls to law enforcement. Failing to comply with these laws may lead to enforcement action, including penalties, by them," Wineland said in the emailed statement.

The Michigan Deptartmentof Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) does not track illegally owned exotic animals.

Reach reporter Nushrat Rahman at [email protected].