If you’re considering getting a sugar glider as a pet in North Carolina, you probably want to know if they are legal to own in the state before making any decisions. Sugar gliders are exotic pets that are quite cute, but they do have some special care requirements.
The quick answer is: No, sugar gliders are not legal pets in North Carolina. The state prohibits owning, selling, or breeding them.
Background on Sugar Gliders
What Are Sugar Gliders
Sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps) are small, adorable marsupial possums native to the treetops of Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. About the size of a squirrel, these furry creatures have membranes between their front and back legs that allow them to glide between trees.
With their large, forward-facing eyes and fuzzy features, it’s no wonder why sugar gliders have become popular exotic pets.
Sugar Glider Behavior and Care Needs
As highly social animals, pet sugar gliders require lots of daily interaction and a large cage for gliding. They also have specific nutritional needs including nectar, pollen, insects, and sap. Additionally, sugar gliders are nocturnal and can be quite loud at night.
Gliders in the wild live together in groups and can become stressed when housed alone as pets. Proper sugar glider care requires substantial time, money, and experience.
Why Sugar Gliders Make Challenging Pets
Sugar gliders are illegal to own as pets in some states because they are viewed as exotic animals with specific care requirements. Not all owners can appropriately provide for their complex needs in captivity. Sugar gliders require significant investment and can live 10-15 years.
They are prone to conditions like metabolic bone disease, stress, and self-mutilation when not properly stimulated and fed a complete diet. Additionally, gliders smell due to specialized scent glands. While sweet in nature, sugar gliders do not typically make good pets for first-time exotic owners.
North Carolina Exotic Pet Laws
North Carolina has fairly strict laws regarding exotic pets. Here is an overview of the relevant statutes, classification of sugar gliders, and exceptions that may apply.
Overview of Relevant Statutes
North Carolina prohibits ownership of many exotic animals through the Control of Potentially Dangerous Wild Animals law. This law defines exotic animals and outlines which ones require a permit or license to possess. It also prohibits ownership of some animals outright.
Some key points from the law:
- Prohibits possession of “dangerous wild animals” like big cats, bears, wolves without a permit.
- “Wild animals” like monkeys, raccoons, foxes cannot be kept as pets at all.
- The state Wildlife Resources Commission maintains a full list of prohibited animals.
- Local municipalities may implement additional restrictions.
Sugar Gliders Classified as Prohibited
Unfortunately for pet lovers, sugar gliders are considered “wild animals” under North Carolina law. This means they are banned from being kept as pets across the state.
Sugar gliders are tiny marsupials native to Australia and Indonesia. Despite their small size and growing popularity as pocket pets, North Carolina classifies them in the same category as foxes and primates.
This blanket ban recognizes that exotic pets like sugar gliders may pose risks to native ecosystems if released or escaped. Even well-meaning owners can unintentionally introduce invasive species.
Exceptions and Grandfathering Rules
In some cases, people who possessed sugar gliders as pets before the current exotic animal laws were passed may keep their animals under a “grandfather” clause.
To qualify, pet owners must have:
- Possessed the animals prior to 2011 when sugar gliders were added to the prohibited list.
- Obtained proper permits and vet inspections as required.
- Kept the animals in sanitary and humane conditions.
Additionally, some exemptions exist for zoos, research facilities, and exhibitors licensed by the USDA. Transporting prohibited exotic animals through the state may also be allowed under certain conditions.
But overall, North Carolina’s laws create substantial barriers to pet ownership of sugar gliders and other non-native animals. Prospective owners should carefully review state and local exotic pet regulations before attempting to acquire these critters.
Consequences of Illegal Ownership
Fines and Penalties
Owning a sugar glider without proper permits in North Carolina can result in hefty fines. The penalties for illegal possession of restricted wildlife in North Carolina can be up to $200 for a first offense. Subsequent offenses can incur fines of up to $500.
These fines are issued per illegal animal, so owning multiple unpermitted sugar gliders can quickly become very costly.
In addition to fines, illegally owned sugar gliders face confiscation by North Carolina wildlife officials. Illegally owning exotic animals is a misdemeanor offense in North Carolina, so sugar glider owners could also face up to 60 days in jail if convicted.
Confiscation Risks
Sugar gliders possessed without proper permits run a high risk of being confiscated by North Carolina wildlife authorities. Fish and wildlife officers do routine inspections and may show up unannounced at a home if they receive reports of illegal exotic animal ownership.
Once confiscated, illegally owned sugar gliders are unlikely to be returned. They will be taken to wildlife rehabilitation facilities or zoos within the state. This can be traumatic for pet sugar gliders accustomed to living with humans.
Confiscation means these animals lose their home and human companion.
Lack of Veterinary Care Access
One of the biggest risks of owning unpermitted sugar gliders in North Carolina is lack of access to proper exotic veterinary care. Licensed wildlife veterinarians are limited, and most will not treat illegal pets. This leaves untrained vets or owners themselves to provide medical care.
Sugar gliders have specialized nutritional and healthcare needs. Without an experienced exotic vet, illegally owned sugar gliders are at risk for malnutrition, disease, and inadequate treatment. Lack of medical care access could lead to unnecessary suffering or early death for illegally kept sugar gliders.
Traveling With or Importing Sugar Gliders
Transporting sugar gliders across state lines or importing them from another country can be tricky due to changing laws and regulations. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Traveling Within the United States
If you want to travel with your pet sugar glider, be sure to check the legality in any states you will pass through or visit. Some states like California and Alaska prohibit keeping sugar gliders as pets. Others may require permits or impose certain restrictions.
When transporting sugar gliders within the US, follow these best practices:
- Use an escape-proof travel cage designed for small animals. Be sure it is well-ventilated.
- Place a familiar toy or fabric item in the cage to reduce stress.
- Avoid travel during extreme hot or cold temperatures.
- Keep the cage shaded and out of direct sunlight.
- Offer water and small snacks during longer trips.
- Check on your pet frequently and watch for signs of distress.
Importing from Another Country
Importing sugar gliders from another country for the pet trade is regulated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Here is a quick overview of the process:
- Only sugar gliders captive-bred in USDA licensed facilities outside the U.S. can be imported.
- The exporter must obtain a USFWS export permit from their country.
- You must submit an application for a USFWS import permit.
- The animal must be examined by a USDA accredited veterinarian prior to arrival in the U.S.
- Gliders are subject to a 30-day quarantine upon arrival.
- You may need to have your state’s permit prior to importing.
This process involves paperwork and can take 6 months or longer to approve. Illegally importing sugar gliders could lead to confiscation and fines. Consider adopting from the many U.S. breeders rather than importing.
Flying With Sugar Gliders
While it’s possible to travel by air with sugar gliders, it involves following strict TSA and airline regulations. Some airlines prohibit them entirely. Consider ground transport instead, which is less stressful for your pets.
If air travel can’t be avoided, take these precautions:
- Contact the airline well in advance to learn their live animal policies.
- Keep gliders in an approved travel carrier that fits under the seat.
- Attach food and water bowls securely inside the carrier.
- Label the carrier properly and include your contact information.
- Keep the animal documentation handy during check-in.
- Ask for early boarding and catch a direct nonstop flight if possible.
With some preparation and planning, you can minimize the risks and stress of traveling with sugar gliders. It’s best to have contingency plans in place in case of flight delays or cancellations.
Other Exotic Pets Restricted in North Carolina
In addition to restrictions on sugar gliders, North Carolina has laws limiting ownership of several other exotic animals as pets. Here is an overview of some of the other restricted species:
Big Cats
It is illegal to own big cats like lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, and cougars as pets in North Carolina. These large and powerful predators require specialized care and secure enclosures that the average person cannot properly provide.
Bears
Bears are wild animals that are not suitable pets for private ownership. North Carolina prohibits owning, possessing, or harboring bears as pets. Bears have complex biological and psychological needs that captive situations typically cannot replicate.
Venomous Snakes
It is illegal for private individuals to keep venomous snakes and reptiles as pets in North Carolina without a permit. This includes snakes like rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, copperheads, and exotic venomous species. Permits are only provided for purposes like research and education.
Wolf-Dog Hybrids
Wolf-dog hybrids are considered wild animals under North Carolina law. It is illegal to keep or sell wolf dogs as pets. Owners must have proper permits, enclosures, and insurance to legally possess hybrids. Even then, these animals retain wild instincts that make handling risky.
As you can see, North Carolina restricts ownership of sugar gliders and various other exotic pets. Laws aim to protect public safety and animal welfare. Sugar gliders may seem cute, but they have specialized needs not all owners can meet.
Be sure to thoroughly research any exotic pet and check state laws before deciding to get one.
Conclusion
In summary, sugar gliders fall under prohibited exotic pets that cannot be legally owned as pets in the state of North Carolina. Residents found with illegal sugar gliders face confiscation of the animals and fines or criminal charges.
While sugar gliders are cute and appealing animals, they don’t make good pets for most people and the North Carolina laws aim to protect both the animals and public. Always research any exotic pet restrictions thoroughly before considering owning one in North Carolina or traveling with one across state lines.
