Can you own a coyote in Massachusetts? If you’ve found an orphaned pup in your backyard or you’re simply curious about the rules, the short answer is no — and the reasoning goes well beyond a general dislike of wild pets. In Massachusetts, the private possession of certain wild and exotic animals is prohibited unless a person obtains a license from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), which is only granted for certain scientific, educational, commercial, or other specific reasons, and is not issued for keeping a wild animal as a pet. Coyotes fall squarely into that prohibited category, regardless of how the animal was acquired or how tame it seems.
This guide walks through exactly how state law classifies coyotes, what permit categories exist (and why none of them cover pet ownership), the enclosure standards licensed facilities must meet, how local ordinances add another layer of restriction, and what penalties apply if someone keeps one anyway.
Important Note: This article explains general Massachusetts wildlife law for informational purposes and is not legal advice. If you’re dealing with a specific coyote situation, contact MassWildlife or a licensed attorney for guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Is It Legal to Own a Coyote in Massachusetts
No, pet coyotes are not legal in Massachusetts. You cannot keep a coyote as a pet in Massachusetts. This isn’t a gray area or a matter of local interpretation — it’s built into the state’s core wildlife statute. MGL c. 131, § 23 requires a license to propagate or deal in wild birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and coyotes are treated as wild mammals under that law regardless of how domesticated an individual animal appears…