Can you own a cougar in Ohio? For most residents, the honest answer is no, and the law behind that answer traces back to one infamous night in Zanesville, Ohio, where dozens of exotic animals were turned loose. Authorities were forced to hunt down and kill 48 wild animals, including endangered Bengal tigers, after their owner freed them from his Zanesville farm and then committed suicide. Ohio’s response reshaped how the state treats big cats, and cougars sit near the top of the restricted list today.
You’ll want to understand both the state and federal layers before assuming anything about ownership, because the rules changed twice in the last decade and closed off most paths that used to exist. This guide walks through what Ohio’s law says, how federal law adds another restriction on top of it, what permits (if any) remain available, and what penalties you could face for keeping one without authorization.
Important Note: This article summarizes public statutes and agency guidance for general information. It is not legal advice, and you should consult an Ohio attorney or the Ohio Department of Agriculture before acting on any exotic animal decision.
Is It Legal to Own a Cougar in Ohio
The cougar, scientifically known as Puma concolor, goes by several regional names, including mountain lion, puma, and panther. Whatever you call it, Ohio law treats it as a “dangerous wild animal,” and that classification carries real consequences for anyone hoping to keep one as a pet…