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Conservation Montana's Species of Interest

Definitions

To help conserve genetic diversity, the ESA defines "species" broadly to include subspecies and (for vertebrates) distinct populations.


Threatened

A "threatened species" is one that is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range.


Endangered

An "endangered species" is one that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.


Delisted

Species that are no longer threatened or endangered. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 requires five-year monitoring for species that have recovered and been delisted.


Species of Concern

Montana "Species of Concern" are native animals breeding in the state that are considered to be "at risk" due to declining population trends, threats to their habitats, and/or restricted distribution.


Exotic

"Exotic species" are any species that is not native to that ecosystem. They are broken into three categories:

Controlled

"Controlled species" means live, exotic wildlife species, subspecies, or hybrid of species that may not be imported, possessed, sold, purchased or exchanged in Montana unless a person obtains written authorization from the department.

Noncontrolled

"Noncontrolled species" are live, exotic wildlife species, subspecies, or hybrid of that species that may be possessed, sold, purchased or exchanged in the state without a permit, except as provided in this subchapter or in Montana statutes or federal statutes. An uncontrolled species may not be released into the wild unless authorized in writing by the department. This definition does not authorize the sale, possession, transportation, importation or exportation of a noncontrolled species in violation of any applicable federal or state statute or regulation or county or city ordinance.

Prohibited

"Prohibited species" are live, exotic wildlife species, subspecies, or hybrid of that species, including viable embryos or gametes, that may not be possessed, sold, purchased, exchanged, or transported in Montana, except as provided in MCA 87-5-709 or ARM 12.6.2220.


Aquatic Invasive (Nuisance) Species (AIS)

Aquatic Invasive Species are non-native plants, animals or pathogens that cause environmental or economic harm. 


Learn More

Threatened Species

Bull Trout

Bull trout are found in the Clark Fork and Flathead drainages of western Montana, and their slowly declining trend has led to their designation as a threatened species. Bull trout are a sensitive species that do not tolerate high sediment levels in their spawning streams. Sediment can suffocate the developing embryos before they hatch.


Canada Lynx

In early 2000, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service listed the Canada lynx as "threatened" under the federal Endangered Species Act. The listing covers 16 states, including Montana. As a federally threatened species, taking a lynx by trapping or shooting is prohibited.


Grizzly Bear

Currently, south of Canada, there are 6 grizzly bear subpopulations in Wyoming, Washington, Idaho, and Montana, four of which are partially or all in Montana (Northern Continental Divide, Greater Yellowstone, Cabinet-Yaak, and Bitterroot).  Grizzlies are difficult to survey, but in 2021 it is believed there are roughly 1,100 grizzly bears in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem in Montana, 1,000 bears in the Yellowstone Ecosystem in Wyoming, Montana and Idaho, 100 bears in the Selkirk Ecosystem in Idaho, Washington and British Columbia, and 50 bears in the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem in Montana and Idaho.


Piping Plover

The piping plover, a two-ounce shorebird of open beaches, alkali flats, and sandy areas, breeds along the Atlantic coast from southern Canada to North Carolina; along major rivers and wetlands in the northern Great Plains from southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba through Nebraska; and along portions of the western Great Lakes.

Endangered Species

Black-footed Ferret

29 years after listing, this two-pound weasel remains the rarest mammal in North America. Introduced diseases and a century of prairie dog control have brought it to the brink of extinction. With the death of the last of nine captive ferrets at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in 1978, most people feared the species had become extinct.


Least Tern

The interior population of least tern was listed as endangered in 1985. Populations along the East and West coasts are not endangered. The interior population, which once inhabited all the major river systems in the middle of the country, evolved to take advantage of constantly changing rivers.


Northern Long-eared Bat

The northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis) is one of Montana’s 15 bat species. Populations across North America have suffered declines greater than 90 percent due to impacts from white-nose syndrome, a disease caused by a cold-adapted fungus that primarily affects hibernating bats. This species was listed as Threatened under the ESA in 2015 and as Endangered in 2023.


Pallid Sturgeon

The pallid sturgeon is the larger of two sturgeons historically found in the upper Missouri River. The other is the more common shovelnose sturgeon. The pallid sturgeon was not recognized as a species until 1905 and that classification is still being debated. Three genetic studies conducted to assess the relationship of the two species have been inconclusive.


White Sturgeon

The Kootenai River white sturgeon was listed as endangered in 1994. This population had been declining for at least forty years and natural reproduction has been insignificant since 1974. Kootenai sturgeon began declining in the 1950s and 1960s as water quality deteriorated due to pollution.


Whooping Crane

The world whooping crane population now stands at 319, the highest level of the century. Last summer 47 pairs nested in and around Wood Buffalo National Park in the Northwest Territories and adjacent Alberta. This population of 190 whoopers-the only self-sustaining, wild population-winters at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge on the Texas coast.

Delisted Species

Bald Eagle

After 41 years of federal protection under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 and its legal predecessors, the Bald Eagle was removed from the list of Threatened and Endangered Species in August of 2007. The breeding population of Bald Eagles now numbers over 10,000 pairs in the continental United States, from a low of 417 pairs in 1963.


Gray Wolf

FWP obtained full authority to manage wolves in Montana upon the federal delisting of the Rocky Mountain gray wolf in May 2011. FWP is committed to using its authority to responsibly manage Montana’s wolf population while addressing conflicts with livestock and other wildlife populations.


Peregrine Falcon

On August 20, 1999 the Peregrine Falcon was removed from the federal list of Threatened and Endangered Species. Peregrine Falcons first received federal protection as an endangered species in 1970 under the Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969 and subsequently the Endangered Species Act of 1973. At that time they were considered extirpated from the eastern United States and showed population declines of 80-90% in the western United States. By 2003 there were an estimated 1,000 pairs in the western United States, excluding Alaska, and almost 1,500 pairs in the lower 48 states.

Species of Concern

This report is updated by a joint committee composed of biologists from the Montana Natural Heritage Program (MTNHP) and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) as new status information becomes available for individual species. Montana Species of Concern are native animals breeding in the state that are considered to be "at risk" due to declining population trends, threats to their habitats, and/or restricted distribution.

Exotic Controlled Species

Controlled Species

"Controlled species" means live, exotic wildlife species, subspecies, or hybrid of species that may not be imported, possessed, sold, purchased or exchanged in Montana unless a person obtains written authorization from the department.

Controlled Exotic Wildlife Permit

Written authorization to possess a species of exotic wildlife that has been classified as controlled may be requested by submitting an application. The application requires information on the exotic species requested, the intended purpose for possession, where the exotic species will be held, and the enclosures intended to contain the exotic species.

Birds

The following birds are classified as controlled species and require a Controlled Species permit which can be obtained from Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

Exotic waterfowl in the family Anatidae

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

Barbary Falcom (Falco pelegrinoides)

12/2010

ARM 12.6.2208

Black-Crowned Crane (Balearic pavonina)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

Black-necked Crane (Grus nigricollis)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

Brolga (Grus rubicunda)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

Common Crane (Grus grus)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

Giant Wood Rail (Aramides ypecaha)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

Hooded Crane (Grus monacha)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

Red-crowned Crane (Grus japonensis)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

Sarus Crane (Grus antigone)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

Taita falcon (Flacon fasciinucha)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

Wattled Crane (Grus carunculata)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

White-naped Crane (Grus vipio)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus)

1/2004

ARM 12.6.2208

All exotic (non-native) waterfowl (family Anatidae) are "Controlled Species." 

Crustaceans

The following crustaceans are classified as controlled species and require a Controlled Species permit which can be obtained from Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

Pacific White Shrimp (Penaeus (Litopenaeus) vannamei)

8/2014

ARM 12.6.2204

Fish

Coho salmon (Onocorhynchus kisutch)

These fish are classified as controlled species: ARM 12.6.2208 12/2010, a Controlled Exotic Wildlife Permit is required. Coho Salmon, Onocorhynchus kisutch, may only be raised for commercial activities in a facility that: 

  • is indoors and locked with access restricted solely to individuals involved in the operation and maintenance of the facility;
  • is not within the 100 year flood;
  • is at least 200 feet from any surface water;
  • does not receive diverted surface water;
  • does not have an effluent or discharge of waste or water within 200 feet of surface water including perennial, intermittent, or ephemeral streams or rivers;
  • complies with all other local, state, and federal regulations and permits.
  • complies with all other local, state, and federal regulations and permits.
  • Live fish may not be transferred into or out of the facility.
  • Fish health screening must occur annually and reported to the department within 30 days of receipt of results.
  • Any significant mortality in the facility that occurs as a result of an infectious disease must be reported to the department within 30 days.
  • Carcasses must either be disposed in a state regulated landfill or in another manner that would not impact state waters or be accessible to wildlife or other animals that might carry carcasses to water.

Koi (Cyprinus carpio) and Goldfish (Carrassius auratus)

These fish are classified as controlled species: ARM 12.6.2208 11/2006 for use in outdoor ponds under the following criteria. Such ponds do not require stocking permits for koi or goldfish; however, they are required to be registered with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

  • must not be larger than 400 square feet;
  • must not be within the 100-year flood plain;
  • must be at least 200 yards from any open water;
  • must not receive diverted surface water; and
  • must not have an effluent or discharge to surface water.

Mammals

The following mammals are classified as controlled species and require a Controlled Species permit which can be obtained from Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

Wallaroo (Macropus robustus)

8/2014

ARM 12.6.2208

Exotic Noncontrolled Species

"Noncontrolled species" are live, exotic wildlife species, subspecies, or hybrid of that species that may be possessed, sold, purchased or exchanged in the state without a permit, except as provided in this subchapter or in Montana statutes or federal statutes. An uncontrolled species may not be released into the wild unless authorized in writing by the department. This definition does not authorize the sale, possession, transportation, importation or exportation of a noncontrolled species in violation of any applicable federal or state statute or regulation or county or city ordinance.

Noncontrolled exotic wildlife

MAY NOT be released or transplanted within the state, but
MAY be possessed or sold as pets in Montana without a permit.

Limbless Amphibians

Caeciliidae

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

Ichthyophiidae (fish caecillians)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Rhinatrematidae(beaked caecilians)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Scolecomorphidae (tropical caecilians)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Uraeotyphlidae (Indian caecilians)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Amphibians

Frogs

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

Atelopodidae (harlequin frogs)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Bufonidae (true toads)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Cameroon volcano frog (Xenopus amieti)

3/2010

ARM 12.6.2205

Centrolenidae (glass frogs)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Dendrobatidae (poison dart frogs)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Eritrea clawed frog (Xenopus clivii)

3/2010 

ARM 12.6.2205

Hylidae (tree frogs)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Hyperoliidae family

1/2004 & 8/2007

MCA 87-5-706 & ARM 12.6.2205

Leptodactylidae family (rain frogs)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Microhylidae (narrow-mouthed toads)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Pelobatidae (spadefoot toads)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Pelodytidae (old world spadefoot toads)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Ranidae (true frogs, except bullfrogs, Rana catesbeiana)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Rhacophoridae (old world tree frogs)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Rhinophrynidae (Mexican burrowing frog)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Salamanders

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

Ambystomatidae (mole salamanders)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Amphiumidae (amphiumas)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Cryptobranchidae (hellbenders)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Dicamptodontidae (giant salamanders)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Hynobiidae (Asian salamanders)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Plethodontidae (woodland salamanders)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Proteidae (waterdogs)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Salamandridae (newts, except for rough-skinned newt, Taricha granulosa)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Sirenidae (sirens)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Arachnids

Scorpions

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

Emperor scorpion (Pandinus imperator)

8/2007

ARM 12.6.2205

Tanzanian redclaw scorpion (Pandinus cavimanus)

8/2007

ARM 12.6.2205

Birds

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

Cacatuidae (cockatoos) nonnative species in the subfamily Phaisianae except the following which have been defined as upland game birds which are controlled:
Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), Gray (Hungarian) partridge (Perdix perdix), Ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Emberizidae (cardinals)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Estrildidae (finches)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Loriidae (lories)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Ploceidae (weavers)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Psittacidae (parrots)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Ramphastidae (toucans, toucanettes)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Sturnidae (mynahs)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Thraupidae (tanagers)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Viduinae (wydahs)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Timaliidae (mesias)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Zosteropidae (zosterops)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Crustaceans

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

Terrestrial hermit crabs (Coenobita spp)

3/2010

ARM 12.6.2205

Fish

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

All tropical fish, subtropical fish, and marine fish, for use in residential and office aquariums unless otherwise listed in rule or statute.

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Mammals

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris and Atelerix algirus)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2205

Degu, Bush-tailed rat (Octodon degus)

11/2006

ARM 12.6.2205

Jungle cat (Felis chaus)

11/2006

ARM 12.6.2205

Serval cat (Leptailrus serval)

11/2006

ARM 12.6.2205

Sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2205

Two-toe sloth (Choloepus didoctylus)

11/2006

ARM 12.6.2205

Wallaby (Bennets) (Macropus rufogriseus)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2205

Wallaby (Tammar) (Macropus eugenii)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2205

Reptiles

Snakes, some species are listed as prohibited

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

Acrochordidae (file and elephant trunk snakes)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Aniliidae (pipe snakes)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Anomalepididae (blind snakes)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Boidae (boas)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Bolyeriidae (Round Island Boas)

1/2004 

MCA 87-5-706

Colubridae (modern snakes)

1/2004 

MCA 87-5-706

Leptotyphlopidae (blind snakes)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Pythonidae (pythons)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Tropidophiidae (dwarf boas)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Typhlopidae (blind snakes)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Uropeltidae (shield-tailed snakes)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Xenopeltidae (sunbeam snakes)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Lizards

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

Agamidae (chisel-teeth lizards)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Amphisbaenidae (worm lizards)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Anelytropsidae (limbless lizards)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Anguidae (glass and alligator lizards)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Anniellidae (legless lizards)

1/2004 

MCA 87-5-706

Chamaeleonidae (chameleons)

1/2004 

MCA 87-5-706

Cordylidae (girdle-tailed lizards)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Corytophanidae (casquehead lizards)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Crotaphytidae (collared and leopard lizards)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Dibamidae (blind lizards)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Eublepharidae (eyelid geckos)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Feyliniidae (African snake skinks)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Gekkonidae (geckos)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Helodermatidae (beaded lizards and gila monsters)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Iguanidae (iguanas)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Lacertidae (wall lizards)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Lanthanotidae (earless monitor)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Phrynosomatidae (earless, spiny, and horned lizards)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Polychrotidae (anoles)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Pygopodidae (snake lizards)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Scincidae (skinks)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Teiidae (whiptail)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Tropiduridae (neotropical ground lizards)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Varanidae (monitor lizard)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Xantusiidae (night lizards)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Xenosauridae (knob-scaled lizards)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Turtles

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

Carettochelyidae (New Guinea softshell turtles)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Chelidae (snake-necked turtles)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Chelydridae (snapping turtles)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Dermatemydidae (Central American river turtle)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Emydidae (pond turtles)

1/2004 

MCA 87-5-706

Kinosternidae (mud turtles and musk turtles)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Pelomedusidae (hidden-necked turtles)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Platysternidae (big-headed turtle)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Testudinidae (tortoises)

1/2004 

MCA 87-5-706

Trionychidae (soft-shelled turtles)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-706

Exotic Prohibited Species

Prohibited species are live, exotic wildlife species, subspecies, or hybrid of that species, including viable embryos or gametes, that may not be possessed, sold, purchased, exchanged, or transported in Montana, except as provided in MCA 87-5-709 or ARM 12.6.2220

 

Amphibians

Frogs

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2215

North American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2215

Birds

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

California quail (Callipepla californica)

8/2014

ARM 12.6.2215

Gambel's quail (Callipepla gambelii)

8/2014

ARM 12.6.2215

Crustaceans

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

Rusty crayfish (Orconectes rusticus)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2215

Fish

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

Bighead carp (Hypophthalmic nobilis)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2215

Black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2215

Eurasian Ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2215

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2215

Round goby (Neogobius melanostomus)

5/2005 

ARM 12.6.2215

Silver carp (Hypophthalmic molitrix)

5/2005 

ARM 12.6.2215

Snakehead fish (29 species in the Genus Channa and Parachanna)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2215

Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.)

1/2004

MCA 87-5-71

Walking catfish (Clarias batachus)

11/2006

ARM 12.6.2215

White perch (Morone americana)

8/2007

ARM 12.6.2215

Zander - European pikeperch (Sander lucioperca)

11/2006

ARM 12.6.2215

Mammals

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

Addax (Addax nasomaculatus)

1/1999

ARM 12.6.1540

African Soft Fur Rat/Natal Rat Mastomys natalensis/Natal miltimammate mouse

8/2015

ARM 12.6.2215

Apes (Pongidae family )

8/2007

ARM 12.6.1540

Argali sheep (Ovis ammon)

8/2014

ARM 12.6.2215

Axis deer (Axis axis)

1/1999

ARM 12.6.1540

Barbary sheep or Auoudad (Ammotragus lervia)

1/1999

ARM 12.6.1540

Bats (Sub order microchioptera)

1/1999

MCA 50.23.101

Brushed-tailed possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

11/2006

ARM 12.6.2215

Chamois (Rudicapra sp.)

1/1999

ARM 12.6.1540

Collared peccary (javelina) (Tayassu tajacu)

1/1999

ARM 12.6.1540

Exotic goats and Ibexes
(All species in the genus Capra except domestic goats, Capra hircus)

1/1999

ARM 12.6.1540

Foxes (Vulpes sp.)

10/1981

MCA 50.23.101

Gibbons (primates in the family Hylobatidae)

8/2007

ARM 12.6.2215

Howlers and Spider Monkeys (Atelidae Family)

12/2010

ARM 12.6.2215

Hyena (Hyaenidaefamily)

12/2010

ARM 12.6.2215

Kinkajou (Potos flavus)

2/2016

MCA 87-5-71

Marmosets and Tamarins (Callitrichidae Family)

8/2016

ARM 12.6.2215

Mouflon sheep (Ovis musimon)

1/1999

ARM 12.6.1540

New World Primates (Cebidae family)

11/2006

ARM 12.6.2215

Night and Owl Monkeys (Aotidae Family)

11/2006

ARM 12.6.2215

Nutria (Myocastor coypus)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2215

Old World Monkeys (Cercopithecidaefamily )

8/2007

ARM 12.6.2215

Oryx and Gemsbok (Oryx besia, Oryx dammah, Oryx gazella, Oryx leucoryx)

1/1999

ARM 12.6.1540

Raccoons (Procyon sp.)

10/1981

MCA 50.23.101

Reedbucks (Redunca sp.)

1/1999

ARM 12.6.1540

Red deer (Cervus elaphus)

1/1999 

ARM 12.6.1540

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus and Capreolus pygarus)

1/1999

ARM 12.6.1540

Rusa deer (Cervus timorensis)

1/1999

ARM 12.6.1540

Russian boar, European boar, and hybrids thereof (Sus scrofa scrofa)

1/1999

ARM 12.6.1540

Sambar deer (Cervus unicolor)

1/1999

ARM 12.6.1540

Short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica)

11/2006

ARM 12.6.2215

Sika deer (Cervus nippon)

1/1999 

ARM 12.6.1540

Skunks (Genus Spilogale, Conepatus, and Methitis)

10/1981

MCA 50.23.101

Small spotted Genet (Genetta genetta)

10/2008 

ARM 12.6.2215

Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans)

11/2006

ARM 12.6.2215

Tahr (Hemitragus sp.)

1/1999 

ARM 12.6.1540

Titis and Saki Monkeys (Pitheciidae Family)

11/2016 

ARM 12.6.2215

Transcaspian urial sheep (Ovis aries vignei)

8/2014 

ARM 12.6.2215

Virginia opossum or North American Opossum (Didephis virginiana)

11/2006

ARM 12.6.2215

Mollusks

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2215

Quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis)

8/2007

ARM 12.6.2215

Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2215

Reptiles

Species Name

Date Classified

Reference

African rock python (Python sebae)

8/2007

ARM 12.6.2215

Alligatoridae family

8/2007

ARM 12.6.2215

Amethystine python (Morelia amethistina)

8/2007

ARM 12.6.2215

Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2215

Burrowing asps (All species in the family Atractaspidae)

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2215

Elapidae Family (231 species)

5/2005 

ARM 12.6.2215

Crocodylidae family

8/2007

ARM 12.6.2215

Green Anaconda (Eunectes marinus)

8/2007

ARM 12.6.2215

Indian python - including the Burmese python (Python molurus)

8/2007

ARM 12.6.2215

 

Pit vipers and true vipers
(All species in the family Viperidae except species indigenous to Montana)

 

5/2005

ARM 12.6.2215

Red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans)

9/2014

ARM 12.6.2215

Reticulated python (Python reticulatus)

8/2007

ARM 12.6.2215

Aquatic Invasive (Nuisance) Species (AIS)

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are those that impact water bodies and wetlands. Whether they come on the trailers or hulls of recreational boats, or from the water of an angler’s bait bucket, several non-native invasive species such as Eurasian watermilfoil and New Zealand mud snails have found their way into Montana’s water bodies. Their presence can cause severe damage to local ecosystems, industry and tourism.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is part of a strong partnership of public and private stakeholders in Montana committed to an effective strategy of prevention, containment and control.

The more you know about these invaders, the more you can do to help stop the spread to Montana's precious waters. Learn more