General Provisions Governing Possession Of Live Wildlife

(1) All live wildlife possessed within the State of Tennessee must be held in accordance with T.C.A. §§ 70-4-401 et seq., except in those instances where species are addressed under other existing statutes. (2) The possession of state or federally threatened or endangered species is permitted only when the species have been legally obtained in the state or country of origin. All imported live wildlife must be legally obtained in the state of origin. (3) No wildlife may be taken from the wild in Tennessee except as provided for by statute, proclamation, and/or rule. (4) All individuals possessing live wildlife must be able to produce proof of legal ownership. Proof of legal ownership includes evidence of legal importation (importation permit), purchase receipt from a licensed propagation facility, possession of the parent animals, or evidence of disposition of the parent animals. (5) The following species may be legally released if approval is obtained in advance from the TWRA: (a) Bobwhite Quail; (b) Red Fox; (c) Grey Fox; (d) Raccoon; (e) Non-native game birds; (f) Mallard ducks; (g) Native species of fish that are not approved for fish farming intended for release into private lakes and ponds; and (h) Cottontail rabbit. (6) Fish that are approved for fish farming may be released into private lakes and ponds without obtaining approval from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA). RULES AND REGULATIONS OF LIVE WILDLIFE CHAPTER 1660-01-18