Is it Legal to Own a Fox in Massachusetts?

Many Massachusetts residents enjoy the companionship of traditional pets like dogs and cats. Although, the idea of owning a fox, with its wild beauty and unique charm, has sparked curiosity among some animal lovers. But is it legal to retain a fox as a pet in the Bay State? The answer, generally, is no.

The Legality of Fox Ownership in Massachusetts

According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), keeping a fox as a pet is generally illegal. State laws limit which animals can be kept to protect both people and wildlife. Residents cannot possess any mammal not specifically listed as legal or domestic under Massachusetts regulation 321 CMR 9.00: Exemption List.

Even applying for a permit to own a fox in Massachusetts is unlikely to be successful unless the purpose is scientific, educational, or commercial, according to MassWildlife. Applicants must demonstrate active engagement in the stated activity to be considered.

What Animals *Are* Legal to Own in Massachusetts?

A variety of domestic animals are permitted as pets in Massachusetts, including:

• Domestic dog (Canis familiaris)
• Domestic cat (Felis catus)
• Horses (Equus caballus)
• Cows (Bos taurus)
• Domestic swine (Sus domesticus)
• Llama (Lama glama)
• Alpaca (Lama pacos)
• Domestic water buffalo (carabao) (Bubalis bubalis)
• Domestic yak (Bos grunniens)
• Zebu (Bos indicus)
• Domestic goat (Capra hircus)
• Domestic sheep (Ovis aries)
• Domestic hamster (Mesocricetus auratus)
• Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)
• Laboratory rat (Rattus norvegicus)
• Laboratory mouse (Mus musculus)
• Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus)
• Domestic rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Certain wild animals can also be kept, bred, bought, and sold without a permit, provided they pose no substantial danger to humans, do not require more demanding care than a domestic animal, and do not pose a risk to the state’s ecosystem if released. These include:

• Four-toed (African pygmy) hedgehog (Erinaceus albiventris and Atelerix pruneri)
• Chinchilla (Chinchilla, etc.)
• Deer Mouse and White-footed Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus and P. Leucopus)
• Degu (Octodon degus)
• Egyptian Spiny Mouse (Acomys cahirinus)
• House Mouse (Mus musculus)
• Jerboas (Dipus, etc.)
• Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus)
• Paca (Cuniculus, etc.)
• Southern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys volans)
• Striped hamster (Cricetulus barabensis)
• Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps)
• American Bison (Bison bison)

Foxes in Massachusetts: A Wild Population

Both red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) are common throughout Massachusetts, with the exception of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Mass.gov notes that these animals are adaptable and can even be found in suburban areas, sometimes denning under sheds or decks. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming rodents, birds, insects, fruits, and vegetation.

MassWildlife advises against feeding foxes, as this can lead to bold behavior. Residents are also encouraged to secure garbage and close off crawl spaces to discourage foxes from taking up residence on their property.