In order to protect Montana's native wildlife and plant species, livestock, horticultural, forestry, and agricultural production, and human health and safety, it is necessary to regulate the importation for introduction and the transplantation or introduction of wildlife in the state and to regulate the importation, transplantation, possession, and sale of exotic wildlife. Any importation, transplantation, possession, sale, or introduction permitted must be conducted in a manner to ensure that wildlife or exotic wildlife can be controlled if harm arises from unforeseen effects. Prohibited species, unless authorized by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks may not be imported, possessed, sold, purchased, exchanged, or transported in Montana, the same applies for any species not classified. Controlled species may be imported into the state however, specific control measures for each species must be adhered to.
Anyone wishing to import a species that has not yet been classified can petition for that species to be classified.
The classification review committee will review the petition and make recommendations to the Commission on the species classification. The species are then classified in the Administrative Rule. The process typically takes around 6 months.
To petition for classification of an exotic species for importation into Montana, complete and submit the petition form to:
Petition For Classification, Fisheries Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks PO Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701
