Code of Colorado Regulations
400 - Department of Natural Resources
406 - Colorado Parks and Wildlife (406 Series, Wildlife)
2 CCR 406-11 - CHAPTER W-11 - WILDLIFE PARKS AND UNREGULATED WILDLIFE

Introduction to Chapter 11

In this introduction to chapter 11 we outline possession requirements for live wildlife as found in Colorado wildlife law. There is growing interest in the private possession of live wildlife. At the same time there is considerable confusion over the laws regarding such private possession. Colorado wildlife law generally prohibits the importation, live possession, sale, barter, trade, or purchase of any species of wildlife native to Colorado (33-6-109, 33-6-113, 33-6-114 C.R.S.). In addition, these same laws restrict or prohibit the importation and possession of exotic (non-native) wildlife (33-6-109(4), C.R.S.); and noncommercial (pet) possession of regulated mammals has been prohibited by these regulations since 1983.

Live possession of Wildlife is permitted only under the exceptions noted below and as further detailed in Parks and Wildlife Commission regulations and Colorado statutes, See C.R.S. 33-1-106, 33-6-109, 33-6-113, 33-6-114, 18-9-202. The Commission also maintains a "prohibited species" list in Chapter 0. The possession of these species is severely restricted.

The Parks and Wildlife Commission establishes these regulations in an effort to balance its mandate to protect native species of wildlife in Colorado from the impacts which could be caused by the introduction of exotic (non-native) species with the public interest and demand for the private possession of live wildlife.

Reptiles and Amphibians- Chapter 10 of these regulations provide that any person can possess up to four total from a list of sixteen common native herptile species for personal use. These animals may not be sold, traded, or bartered and there are restrictions on release back into the wild.

Scientific Collection permit- Chapter 13 allows for the lawful possession of live wildlife under the authority of a scientific collection permit. Specific permit conditions and restrictions apply and may vary from permit to permit based on the needs of the permittee as well as appropriate protection of wildlife resources.

Wildlife Rehabilitation- Chapter 14 allows for the lawful possession of live wildlife by licensed rehabilitators as a means to care for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. With few exceptions, possession is allowed only long enough for the animal to recover or mature.

Falconry and Hawking- Chapter 6 allows for the possession of falcons, hawks, and eagles for falconry purposes. Persons possessing these birds must be properly licensed by the Division and, if required by federal law, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Possession limits and other restrictions apply.

Aquaculture- Colorado statutory law recognizes that fish may be held and propagated under the authority of an aquaculture permit issued by the Department of Agriculture. In addition, chapter 12 authorizes the possession of fish for use in aquaria with some restrictions.

Bait dealers- Chapter 1, fishing, authorizes bait dealers and individuals to possess certain live fish as bait. Specific restrictions apply.

Common snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentine)- Chapter 0, General Provisions, authorizes the live possession of common snapping turtles by any person.

Wildlife Park Licenses- Chapter 11 provides for lawful possession, propagation and sale of native and exotic wildlife via a mandatory licensing process. This includes possession of any live wildlife, other than those discussed above or listed as "unregulated" wildlife. Examples include: Any live mammals (including furbearers), game birds, or other terrestrial wildlife not specifically listed on the unregulated wildlife list. Persons possessing live wildlife under a Commercial Wildlife Park License are required to maintain their commercial status.

Unregulated Wildlife- No license is required for the private possession or purchase of animals, which are included on the unregulated wildlife list or the domestic animal list. These animals may be sold, bartered, traded, exchanged, propagated or purchased by any person provided that importation requirements of the Department of Agriculture, health certifications, or any other federal, state or local requirement are met. There are no possession limits.

These chapter 11 regulations clarify that it is unlawful to intentionally release any wildlife declared to be unregulated. The wildlife on these lists are typically sold, purchased, possessed and propagated as pets, maintained by hobbyists, or raised for food and fiber within Colorado's alternative livestock industry. If an animal is not listed on either the unregulated wildlife or the domestic animal list it cannot be lawfully sold to an unlicensed person unless specifically authorized by Commission regulation.

Chapter 17 recodified as 2 CCR 406-17 on 04/01/2009.
Chapter 11 recodified as 2 CCR 406-11 on 04/01/2009; for history and versions prior to 04/01/2009, see 2 CCR 406-8.
Introduction, Sections #1102, #1103 eff. 03/02/2012.
Introduction, Sections #1100.C, #1100.F, #1102.A, #1102.A.2, #1102.A.5, #1102.A.8.a, #1102.A.9, #1102.B-#1102.C, #1103, #1104, #1105.A.1.j, #1105.A.9, #1107.C-#1107.D, #1107.G, #1108.C.2, #1108.D, #1108.D.1.a, #1110.D, #1114.A, #1114.B, #1115.A eff. 03/02/2013.
Rules #1102.A.9, #1104.A.1.a, #1104.A.2.a.1, #1104.C.3, #1110.C-#1110.D eff. 09/01/2013.
Rules #1102.A.6, #1103, #1104.A, #1105.A.7,#1106.A.1, #1106.B, #1108.C.2, #1110.D-E, #1113.A, #1114.A.10, #1115.A eff. 07/01/2014.
Rules #1103.A, #1104.C.5, #1104.D eff. 05/01/2015.
Rules #1102.A.9, #1103.B, #1104.C, #1105.A.8, #1109, #1111.A eff. 11/01/2015.
Rule #1114 eff. 07/01/2016.
Rule #1104 A.6 eff. 01/01/2021.
Rule #1104 A.6 eff. 01/01/2022.
Rules #1104 A.1.b, 1110 D, 1111 A eff. 09/01/2022.
Rule #1104 A.6 eff. 01/01/2023.