FWC sets new requirements for wildlife owners

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a new rule concerning exhibition of Class I wildlife and venomous reptiles Thursday.

Owners of Class I (potentially very dangerous) wildlife must maintain a list of names, addresses and phone numbers of contiguous landowners and neighbors and notify the FWC immediately if an animal escapes from its enclosure, cage, leash or other constraint. Also, they are required to have a captive wildlife critical incident/disaster plan that describes what they will do in the event of a hurricane, flood or fire to prevent animals from escaping. They must maintain the neighbor-notification information in the plan.

“These new requirements are aimed at better protecting the public should an incident occur involving Class I captive wildlife which can cause harm,” said Capt. Linda Harrison of the FWC’s Investigations Section. “However, we are mindful not to take away the rights of responsible wildlife owners.

“We want people who possess potentially dangerous animals to be fully prepared should an escape or disaster occur. Having a plan in place greatly minimizes a mishap,” Harrison said.

More information about wildlife ownership and exhibition laws is available at MyFWC.com/permits.