Kangaroos are unique marsupials that originate from Australia. With their distinctive hopping movement and cute appearance, it’s no wonder some people wonder if kangaroos can be kept as pets in the United States, specifically in the state of West Virginia.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: owing a kangaroo is legal in West Virginia, but there are several requirements and restrictions you need to follow.
In this comprehensive article, we will explore the legality of owning a kangaroo in West Virginia, including an overview of state laws, permit requirements, enclosures and habitat needs, diet considerations, and more to equip you with everything you need to know if you’re considering adding a kangaroo to your family.
Laws and Regulations on Owning Exotic Animals in West Virginia
Overview of Exotic Pet Laws
West Virginia has fairly relaxed laws when it comes to owning exotic pets. While some dangerous animals like lions, tigers, bears, and apes are banned statewide, other species fall into a legal gray area. Here are some key things to know about exotic pet ownership in West Virginia:
- No state permit is required to own exotic pets that are not explicitly prohibited.
- Local counties and cities may have additional restrictions, so check your local ordinances.
- Any pet that escapes and causes damage may be ordered to be removed by Animal Control.
- It is illegal to release any non-native species into the wild.
So in general, exotic pet owners in West Virginia don’t need any special license. But they do need to make sure their pets are safely confined. Owners can face criminal charges if their escaped pet causes harm or property damage.
Kangaroo-Specific Regulations
When it comes to owning a kangaroo in West Virginia, there are no statewide laws prohibiting it. Kangaroos are not one of the dangerous exotic animals, like big cats, that are banned across the state.
However, kangaroos do fall under the category of non-traditional livestock in West Virginia. Here are some kangaroo-specific guidelines:
- Kangaroos must be kept in escape-proof enclosures with adequate space.
- Owners must prevent noise or odor nuisances for neighbors.
- Kangaroos cannot be released into the wild.
- Owners must follow animal cruelty and neglect laws.
- Check local county/city laws, as some areas ban exotic pets.
While kangaroo ownership may seem exciting, these animals deserve expert care. Prospective owners should think carefully before taking on the commitment of properly caring for a kangaroo.
Permitting Requirements for Owning a Kangaroo
Obtaining a USDA License
Kangaroos are considered exotic animals in West Virginia, so you’ll need to obtain a USDA Class C exhibitor license before bringing one home as a pet. This involves submitting an application, paying a fee, and allowing your facilities to be inspected.
The USDA wants to ensure your kangaroo will be housed properly with adequate space, food, water, and enrichment.
To qualify for the license, you must be 18 years old, have no prior animal welfare violations, and pass a background check. You’ll also need to work with a licensed veterinarian to provide medical care for your kangaroo.
This process can take several months from start to finish, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to own this unique marsupial pet!
Adhering to Local Ordinances
In addition to federal requirements, you must check your local city or county laws regarding exotic pet ownership. Some places ban owning wild or exotic animals altogether. Others restrict keeping certain species unless very specific containment, care, and permitting rules are followed.
For example, in Charleston you cannot own any wild animal classified as “potentially dangerous” which likely includes kangaroos. However, the city of Huntington has no regulations regarding exotic pets so owning a kangaroo there is legal with proper USDA licensing.
Be sure to thoroughly research if kangaroos are allowed in your particular location. Failing to follow local exotic animal ordinances can result in steep fines, seizure of the animal, and even criminal charges in some cases.
Owning a kangaroo in West Virginia involves jumping through some regulatory hoops. But for the right exotic pet lover who does their homework, sharing your home with this iconic Australian marsupial may be possible.
Just be prepared for amazed neighbors asking “is that really a kangaroo in your backyard?!”
Enclosure and Habitat Considerations
Minimum Enclosure Size
Kangaroos need a substantial amount of space to hop around and exercise. Experts recommend a minimum enclosure size of at least 400 square feet for a single kangaroo. However, the larger the enclosure, the better. Kangaroos are active animals that can leap up to 30 feet in a single bound!
A roomy enclosure will allow them plenty of space to roam and do what comes naturally.
It’s also crucial to provide outdoor access. A grassy yard, pasture, or paddock allows kangaroos to graze and soak up the sun’s rays. The outdoor area should be securely fenced with a roof or awning for shade.
Without an outdoor space, kangaroos may become bored, stressed, and prone to obesity in captivity.
Fencing Needs
Kangaroos can easily clear a standard 4-5 foot fence, so taller, sturdier fencing is a must. Experts recommend a fence height of at least 6 feet for a single kangaroo. For multiple kangaroos, an 8 foot high fence provides added security.
Chain link or welded wire fencing works well, but any openings should be small enough so kangaroos cannot squeeze through or get their heads stuck.
Burying a portion of the fence (1-2 feet) underground prevents kangaroos from digging beneath the fence. Smooth metal fencing without footholds also deters climbing. A roofed enclosure prevents great escape artists from simply jumping out.
Regularly checking the fencing for damage is crucial to preventing breaches.
Climate Control
As native Australian marsupials, kangaroos prefer a warm, arid climate. Daytime temperatures of 65-75°F suit them well. Drops below 50°F can cause health issues. Providing heat lamps over resting areas gives kangaroos a chance to warm up. Fans and misters help prevent overheating in summer.
Deep shade must always be available.
An enclosed shelter gives kangaroos refuge from the elements. Bedding like straw or soft sand allows them to lounge comfortably. Automatic waters feeders provide fresh drinking water. Proper ventilation is vital to prevent mold or ammonia buildup from droppings.
With adequate climate control, kangaroos can thrive even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Kangaroo Diet and Nutrition
Natural Diet
In the wild, kangaroos are herbivores and eat a variety of grasses, flowering plants, and leaves. Their diets consist of high-fiber, low-energy food. Kangaroos have chambered stomachs similar to cows and sheep and regurgitate their food and re-chew it before fully digesting it.
This process helps kangaroos maximize nutrient absorption. The natural diet of wild kangaroos consists primarily of:
- Grasses
- Shrubs
- Leaves
- Bark
- Roots
Their preferred foods include red grass, clover, broad-leaved plants, tree saplings, shrubs, herbs, ferns, and creepers. Kangaroos will also sometimes eat grains but grasses make up the vast majority of their diets.
The exact species and proportions of plants kangaroos eat depends on their habitat and region. For example, eastern gray kangaroos eat a lot of grasses whereas red kangaroos consume more shrubs and leaves.
Commercial Feeds
For pet kangaroos or those living in wildlife sanctuaries, commercial kangaroo feed is widely available. These pellet mixes provide balanced nutrition tailored for kangaroos. They contain grains, seeds, molasses, vitamins, and minerals. Common ingredients are oats, wheat, corn, barley, and alfalfa.
Commercial kangaroo diets also provide plenty of roughage to support their specialized digestive system. It’s important to feed pet kangaroos high-quality commercial diets and not over-supplement with too many treats or human foods.
Supplements
In addition to commercial feeds, kangaroo keepers may offer supplemental foods to their pets. Some healthy treat options include:
- Fruits like apples, grapes, and oranges
- Vegetables such as carrots, celery, sprouts, and sweet potato
- Occasional greens and herbs like kale, dandelion, basil
Treats should be fed in moderation to prevent overfeeding and obesity. Always research non-toxic foods that are safe for kangaroos. Provide plenty of fresh water at all times as well. Without access to natural water sources, pet kangaroos rely on their caregivers to stay hydrated.
Proper nutrition, including both quality commercial feeds and supplemental fresh foods, is key to keeping captive kangaroos healthy.
Owning a Kangaroo – Things to Consider
Veterinary Care Requirements
Kangaroos have specialized veterinary needs that must be met if you choose to own one in West Virginia. Since there are no marsupial veterinary specialists in the state, you would need to take your pet to a zoo veterinarian for proper care.
This can get quite costly with regular check ups and procedures. You would also need to have a way to safely transport a full grown kangaroo to and from the vet, which may require a customized vehicle.
Behavioral Traits
Kangaroos are not domesticated animals, so even bred in captivity, they retain many natural instincts and can be unpredictable. Male kangaroos may display aggressive territorial behaviors and can become dangerous during mating seasons.
All kangaroos have powerful hind legs and sharp claws that can cause significant injuries if they kick or scratch. You would need to be prepared for these behaviors if you owned one in West Virginia.
That being said, kangaroos raised from birth with close human contact can form strong social bonds. With proper space and enrichment, they can be friendly and endearing pets. But they would still retain their wild instincts, especially when they reach maturity, so vigilance and caution is always necessary.
Costs
Purchasing a kangaroo bred for captivity can cost between $3,000-$6,000. Their specialized diet of greens, hay, pellets, and occasionally Zoo Formula dog food can run over $200 per month. You would also need to construct an outdoor enclosure, which for an adult kangaroo would need to be at minimum 20 feet x 10 feet x 8 feet, though the bigger the better.
This would likely cost several thousand dollars to erect safely and securely.
There are also costs for grooming supplies, activity/enrichment toys, custom-made furniture sized for kangaroos, travel carriers, etc. And the aforementioned veterinary bills for check ups, procedures, and medicines required for their care which would be higher than a typical pet.
So realistically, the total costs of properly owning a kangaroo in West Virginia could easily exceed $10,000+ per year.
While kangaroos can technically be owned as pets in West Virginia with the right exotic animal permits, their specialized needs make them challenging creatures to care for. Make sure you thoroughly research all the requirements before embarking on owning one of these iconic Australian marsupials.
Conclusion
Owning a kangaroo in West Virginia can be an incredibly rewarding experience when done properly and legally. With ample space, tailored diets, attentive veterinary care and an understanding of their complex needs, kangaroos can thrive under responsible private care.
If you meet all exotic animal ownership regulations set forth by the state of West Virginia as well as adhere to USDA licensing requirements, then welcoming one of these amazing marsupials into your home just might hop-pen!
