Why Are Stoats Illegal?

It is illegal to own stoats in many areas, including the United States. This is largely because they are a serious invasive species. Like other wild animals commonly kept as pets, stoats are often released by people once they realize how much of a handful they are.

Is it legal to own a stoat?

Keeping stoats as pets is illegal in most states in the U.S., and as such, there are no licensed breeders. This means that any stoats for sale are likely wild-caught specimens and very likely illegal.

Is it illegal to kill a stoat?

It is legal to kill some species (e.g. stoats, weasels, foxes, crows) as long as certain conditions are met and it is illegal to kill other species (e.g. most birds including raptors, some mammals) unless a specific licence has been issued for limited purposes.