Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've been reading the FAQ's online, and have been lurking here for a while. I would like to set up a habitat for a Dwarf Caiman but I was wondering if anyone knows the applicable laws for North Carolina and Georgia? I'm currently in NC, but will be relocating to GA in another year or so. I searched the NC general assembly, and my county statues, but I have found very little. Only a county law prohibiting public display of exotic animals. American Alligators are protected in this state, but I don't know what that means for ownership of them or other related species. Also, what is involved in obtaining the federal permit? Many thanks.

Not sure of what permit you would need, but is for sure a state level permit for both NC and GA

No federal permits for american alligators

So no federal permits for American Alligators, but what about the Dwarf Caiman? Is there a difference?

Any suggestions on who to contact for the state requirements for NC? And eventually for GA? Thanks.

Federal permits are not needed to keep any crocodilians, only to transport endangered and some threatened species of crocodilian across statelines in a commercial transaction (sale, trade, etc..)

American alligators
dwarf caiman
smoothfront caiman
Australian freshwater crocodiles
New Guinea Crocodiles
Saltwater crocodiles (CITES II bloodlines)
Nile Crocodiles
Hybrid crocodilians (source code D animals)

All of the above crocodilians can move across statelines for commecial purpose with no federal permits.

About NC and GA permiting requirments, you will need to check with the state Fish and wildlife or Fish and Game. For alligators you would most likely need a alligator farming permit

Thanks, that's just what I needed. I will call NC Fish and Wildlife on Monday. From looking at the NC general statutes online, it appears that the regulations are specifically concerned with game native to NC. And American Alligators seem to be a no-no, but it's silent on all else.