Arkansas is home to a surprisingly wide variety of animals you can legally keep as pets — from ferrets and hedgehogs to certain foxes and even camels. Skunks, however, are not on that list. If you have been wondering whether you can own a pet skunk in Arkansas, the short answer is no, and the legal framework behind that answer is worth understanding before you make any decisions.
The striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) is a native Arkansas species that falls squarely under the state’s prohibited wildlife category. Whether you are drawn to their curious personalities or their reputation as surprisingly affectionate exotic pets in states where they are legal, keeping one in Arkansas puts you at serious legal risk. This guide walks you through exactly what Arkansas law says, why no permit pathway exists, and what you should know if you are an exotic animal enthusiast in the Natural State.
Are Pet Skunks Legal in Arkansas?
No — pet skunks are not legal in Arkansas. Arkansas prohibits owning pet skunks due to concerns about disease transmission and safety risks associated with these animals. This prohibition is not a gray area or a matter of local discretion; it is a statewide ban enforced by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).
Arkansas regulates exotic animals primarily through its captive wildlife rules maintained and enforced by the AGFC. These regulations divide animals into three broad categories: species that are unrestricted, species that require permits or special approval, and species that are prohibited. The state relies on detailed regulatory lists that identify animals by name, rather than general descriptions…