1. (a) It shall be unlawful to import, transport, or possess live animals restricted in subsection (c) below except under permit issued by the department. Permits may be issued by the department as specified herein and for purposes designated in Section 671.1 subject to the conditions and restrictions designated by the department. Except for mammals listed in Fish and Game Code Section 3950 or live aquatic animals requiring a permit pursuant to Fish and Game Code Section 2271, no permit is required by this section for any animal being imported, transported, or possessed pursuant to any other permit issued by the department. Cities and counties may also prohibit possession or require a permit for these and other species not requiring a state permit.
2. (b) The commission has determined the below listed animals are not normally domesticated in this state. Mammals listed to prevent the depletion of wild populations and to provide for animal welfare are termed “welfare animals”, and are designated by the letter “W”. Those species listed because they pose a threat to native wildlife, the agriculture interests of the state or to public health or safety are termed “detrimental animals” and are designated by the letter “D”. The department shall include the list of welfare and detrimental wild animals as part of DFG MANUAL NO. 671 (2/25/92) IMPORTATION, TRANSPORTATION AND POSSESSION OF RESTRICTED SPECIES, to be made available to all permittees and other interested individuals.

3. (c) Restricted species include:

   1. (1) Class Aves--Birds

      1. (A) Family Alaudidae--Larks

         Alauda arvensis (Skylark) (D).

      2. (B) Family Cuculidae--Cuckoos

         All species (D).

      3. (C) Family Corvidae--Crows, Ravens, Rooks, Jackdaws

         All species (D).

      4. (D) Family Turdidae--Thrushes, Blackbirds, Fieldfare

         1. 1. Turdus merula (European blackbird) (D).
         2. 2. Turdus viscivorus (Missel thrush) (D).
         3. 3. Turdus pilaris (Fieldfare) (D).
         4. 4. Turdus musicus (Song thrush) (D).

      5. (E) Family Sturnidae--Starlings, Mynahs

         All species (D), except Sturnus vulgaris (Starling), Gracula religiosa or Eulabes religiosa (Hill mynahs), and Leucopsar rothschildi (Rothchild's mynah) are not restricted.

      6. (F) Family Ploceidae--Sparrows, Weavers, Queleas

         1. 1. Genus Passer (Sparrow)

            All species (D), except Passer domesticus (English house sparrow) is not restricted.

         2. 2. Foudia madagascariensis (Madagascar weaver) (D).
         3. 3. Ploceus baya (Baya weaver) (D).
         4. 4. Genus Quelea (Queleas)--All species (D).

      7. (G) Family Estrildidae--Waxbills, Munias, Ricebirds

         1. 1. Padda oryzivora (Java sparrow) (D).

      8. (H) Family Emberizidae--Yellowhammer

         Emberiza citrinella (Yellowhammer) (D).

      9. (I) Order Falconiformes--Falcons, Eagles, Hawks, Vultures

         All species (D)

      10. (J) Order Strigiformes--Owls

          All species (D)

      11. (K) Family Pyconotidae--Bulbuls or Fruit Thrushes

          Pycnonotus jocosus (Red-whiskered bulbul) (D).

      12. (L) Family Zosteropidae--Whiteeyes

          Genus Zosterops (Whiteeyes) (D).

      13. (M) Family Psittacidae--Parrots, Parakeets

          Myiopsitta monachus (Monk or Quaker parakeet) (D).

      14. (N) Family Anatidae -- Duck, Geese, Swans

          1. 1. Cygnus olor (Mute Swan) (D)

   2. (2) Class Mammalia--Mammals

      1. (A) Order Primates--Monkeys, Apes

         All species (W), except humans in the Family Hominidae are not restricted.

      2. (B) Order Xenarthra--Sloths, Anteaters, Armadillos, etc.

         1. 1. Family Dasypodidae--Armadillos--All Species (D).
         2. 2. Family Bradypodidae--Sloths--(W).
         3. 3. Family Myrmecophagidae--Anteaters--(W).

         All species:

      3. (C) Order Marsupialia--Marsupials or Pouched Animals

         All species (W).

      4. (D) Order Insectivora--Shrews, Moles, Hedgehogs, etc.

         All species (D).

      5. (E) Order Dermoptera--Gliding Lemurs

         All species (D).

      6. (F) Order Chiroptera--Bats

         All species (D).

      7. (G) Order Monotremata--Spiny Anteaters, Platypuses

         All Species (W).

      8. (H) Order Pholidota--Pangolins or Scaly Anteaters

         All species (W).

      9. (I) Order Lagomorpha--Pikas, Rabbits, and Hares

         All species, (D), except domesticated races of rabbits and hares of the Family Leporidae are not restricted.

      10. (J) Order Rodentia--Hamsters, Field Mice, Voles, Muskrats, Gerbils, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Woodchucks, and Prairie Dogs

          1. 1. All species (D), except:

             1. a. Ondatra zibethica (Muskrats) are not restricted under conditions set forth in Fish and Game Code Section 2250;
             2. b. Domesticated races of golden hamsters of the species Mesocricetus auratus and domesticated races of dwarf hamsters of the Genus Phodopus are not restricted;
             3. c. Domesticated races of rats or mice (white or albino; trained, dancing or spinning, laboratory-reared) are not restricted;
             4. d. Domesticated races of guinea pigs of the species Cavia porcellus are not restricted; and
             5. e. Domesticated races of chinchillas of the species Chinchilla laniger are not restricted.

      11. (K) Order Carnivora--Raccoons, Ringtailed Cats, Kinkajous, Coatis, Cacomistles, Weasels, Ferrets, Skunks, Polecats, Stoats, Mongoose, Civets, Wolves, Foxes, Coyotes, Lions, Tigers, Ocelots, Bobcats, Servals, Leopards, Jaguars, Cheetahs, Bears, etc.

          1. 1. Family Felidae--All species (W) except:

             1. a. Acinonyx jubatus (cheetahs)--(D).
             2. b. Domestic cats and hybrids of domestic cats are not restricted.

          2. 2. Family Canidae--All species (W).

             1. a. Wolf hybrids Canis familiaris (domestic dog) x Canis lupus (wolf) are considered F1 generation wolf hybrids and are restricted (W).

                1. i. No state permit is required to possess the progeny of F1 generation wolf hybrids, but cities and counties may prohibit possession or require a permit.
             2. b. Domesticated dogs are not restricted.
          3. 3. Family Viverridae--All species (D).

          4. 4. Family Procyonidae--All species--(D), except:

             1. a. Ailuris fulgens (Lesser panda)--(W).
             2. b. Aiuropoda melanoleuca (Giant panda)--(W).
             3. c. Bassariscus astutus (Ringtail or Ringtailed cat)--(W).
             4. d. Jentinkia sumichrasti (Mexican and Central American cacomistle)--(W).

          5. 5. Family Mustelidae--All species (D), except:.

             1. a. Ambloynx cinerea (Oriental small-clawed otter)--(W).
             2. b. Aonyx capensis (African clawless otter)--(W).
             3. c. Pteronura brasiliensis (Giant otter)--(W).
             4. d. Genus Lutra (River otters)--(W).
          6. 6. All other Families--(W).

      12. (L) Order Tubulidentata--Aardvarks

          All species--(W).

      13. (M) Order Proboscidae--Elephants

          All species--(W).

      14. (N) Order Hyracoidae--Hyraxes

          All species--(W).

      15. (O) Order Sirenia--Dugongs, Manatees

          All species--(W).

      16. (P) Order Perissodactyla--Horses, Zebras, Tapirs, Rhinoceroses, etc.

          All species (W), except Family Equidae are not restricted.

      17. (Q) Order Artiodactyla--Swine, Peccaries, Camels, Deer, Elk, Moose, Antelopes, Cattle, Goats, Sheep, etc.

          1. 1. Bos taurus and Bos indicus (Domestic cattle); Bos grunniens (Yak); Bubalus bulalis (Asian water buffalo); Ovis aries (Domestic sheep); Capra hircus (Domestic goat); Sus scrofa domestica (Domestic swine); Llama glama (Llama); Llama pacos (Alpaca); Llama guanicoe (Guanaco); Hybrids of llama, alpaca and guanacos; Camelus bactrianus and Camelus dromedarius (Camels); and Bison bison (American bison), are not restricted.
          2. 2. Permits may be issued for species of Elk (Genus Cervus) which are already maintained within California; and
          3. 3. Permits may be issued pursuant to Section 676 for importing, breeding, slaughter and sale of the meat and other parts of fallow deer (Dama dama) for commercial purposes.

          All species (D) except:

   3. (3) Class Amphibia--Frogs, Toads, Salamanders

      1. (A) Family Bufonidae--Toads

         1. 1. Genera Rhinella and Rhaebo (formerly Bufo) (giant/marine toad group and all other large toads from Mexico and Central and South America)-(D).

      2. (B) Family Pipidae--Tongueless Toads

         1. 1. Genus Xenopus (clawed frogs)--(D).

      3. (C) Family Ambystomatidae--Mole Salamanders

         1. 1. Genus Ambystoma (nonnative tiger salamander group)-- (D)

      4. (D) Family Eleutherodactylidae--Rain Frogs

         1. 1. Eleutherodactylus coqui--common coquí or coquí -- (D).

   4. (4) Class Agnatha--Jawless Fishes

      1. (A) Family Petromyzontidae--Lampreys

         All nonnative species (D).

   5. (5) Class Osteichthyes--Bony Fishes

      1. (A) Family Percichthyidae--Temperate Basses

         1. 1. Morone americana (White perch) (D).
         2. 2. Morone chrysops (White bass) (D).

      2. (B) Family Clupeidae--Herrings

         Dorosoma cepedianum (Gizzard shad) (D).

      3. (C) Family Sciaenidae--Drums

         Aplodinotus grunniens (freshwater drum) (D).

      4. (D) Family Characidae--Characins

         1. 1. Astyanax fasciatus (Banded tetra) (D).
         2. 2. All species of the genera Serrasalmus, Serrasalmo, Pygocentrus, Taddyella, Rooseveltiella, and Pygopristis (Piranhas) (D).
         3. 3. Hoplias malabaricus (Tiger fish) (D).

      5. (E) Family Salmonidae--Trouts

         Salmo salar (Atlantic salmon)--Restricted in the Smith River watershed (D).

      6. (F) Family Lepisosteidae--Gars

         All species (D).

      7. (G) Family Amiidae--Bowfins

         All species (D).

      8. (H) Family Poeciliidae--Livebearers

         Belonesox belizanus (Pike killifish) (D).

      9. (I) Family Channidae--Snakeheads

         All species (D).

      10. (J) Family Cyprinidae--Carps and Minnows

          1. 1. Leuciscus idus (ide) (D).
          2. 2. Ctenopharyngodon idella (Grass carp) (D), except that permits may be issued to a person, organization or agency for possession of triploid grass carp, under conditions set forth in Section 238.6.
          3. 3. Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Silver carp) (D).
          4. 4. Aristichthys nobilis (Bighead carp) (D).
          5. 5. Hypophthalmichthys harmandi (Largescale Silver carp) (D).
          6. 6. Mylopharyngodon piceus (Black carp) (D).

      11. (K) Family Trichomycteridae (Pygidiidae)--Parasitic Catfishes.

          All species (D).

      12. (L) Family Cetopsidae--Whalelike Catfishes.

          All species (D).

      13. (M) Family Clariidae--Labyrinth Catfishes

          All species of the genera Clarias, Dinotopterus, and Heterobranchus (D).

      14. (N) Family Heteropneustidae (Saccobranchidae)--Airsac Catfishes

          All species (D).

      15. (O) Family Cichlidae--Cichlids

          1. 1. Tilapia sparrmani (Banded Tilapia) (D).
          2. 2. Tilapia zillii (Redbelly tilapia) (D), except permits may be issued to a person or agency for importation, transportation, or possession in the counties of San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and Imperial.
          3. 3. Oreochromis aureus (Blue tilapia) (D).
          4. 4. Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) (D).

      16. (P) Family Anguillidae--Freshwater Eels.

          All species of genus Anguilla (D).

      17. (Q) Family Esocidae--Pikes all species (D).

      18. (R) Family Percidae--Perches

          1. 1. Perca flavescens (Yellow perch) (D).
          2. 2. Sander vitreus (Walleye) (D).

      19. (S) Family Catostomidae--Suckers

          All members of the genus Ictiobus (Buffalos) (D).

      20. (T) Family Cyprinodontidae-Killifishes

          Cyprinodon variegatus (Sheepshead minnow) (D).

      21. (U) Family Latidea--Lates perches

          1. 1. All live importation, possession, transportation and sales must also adhere to the conditions set forth in Section 671.7.
          2. 2. Live retail sales for human consumption are allowed for barramundi that range from one to three pounds in weight or 300 mm (11.8 inches) to 500 mm (19.6 inches) in total length.

          Lates calcarifer (Barramundi also known as Barramundi perch or Silver barramundi) (D), except permits may be issued to a person or organization for importation, transportation, possession, or sales of barramundi under the following conditions:

   6. (6) Class Elasmobranchiomorphi--Cartilaginous Fishes

      1. (A) Family Carcharhinidae--Requiem Sharks

         All species of genus Carcharhinus (Freshwater sharks) (D).

      2. (B) Family Potamotrygonidae--River stingrays

         All species (D).

   7. (7) Class Reptilia--Reptiles

      1. (A) Order Crocodilia--Crocodiles, Caimans, Alligators and Gavials

         All species (D).

      2. (B) Family Chelyridae--Snapping Turtles

         All species (D).

      3. (C) Family Elapidae--Cobras, Coral Snakes, Mambas, Kraits, etc.

         All species (D).

      4. (D) Family Viperidae--Adders and Vipers

         All species (D).

      5. (E) Family Crotalidae--Pitvipers

         All nonnnative species (D).

      6. (F) Family Colubridae--Colubrids

         1. 1. Dispholidus typus (Boomslang) (D).
         2. 2. Genus Thelotornis (Bird, twig, or vine snakes) (D).
         3. 3. Genus Nerodia (watersnakes) (D).

      7. (G) Family Helodermatidae

         1. 1. Heloderma suspectum suspectum (reticulate Gila monster) (D).

   8. (8) Class Malacostraca

      1. (A) All species of Family Cambaridae--Crayfish, etc. (D), except Procambarus clarkii and Orconectes virilis not restricted.
      2. (B) All species of genus Eriocheir (D).
      3. (C) Carcinus maenas (green crab also known as European green crab) (D).

   9. (9) Class Gastropoda--Slugs, Snails

      1. (A) Potamopyrgus antipodarum (New Zealand mudsnail)(D).

      2. (B) All nonnative species of slugs and land snails (D), except:

         1. 1. Rumina decollata (decollate snail) in the counties of San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, Orange, San Diego, Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern, Fresno, Madera, Tulare and Santa Barbara not restricted with the concurrence of the appropriate county agricultural commissioners.
         2. 2. Helix aspersa (brown garden snail) not prohibited.
      3. (C) Pomacea canaliculata (Channel Apple Snail) (D).

      4. (D) All species of genus Haliotis (Abalone) (D), except Haliotis rufescens (Red abalone), Haliotis sorenseni (White abalone), Haliotis corrugata (Pink abalone), Haliotis fulgens (Green abalone), Haliotis cracherodii (Black abalone), Haliotis kamtschatkana (Pinto abalone), Haliotis walallensis (Flat abalone) and Haliotis assimilis (Threaded abalone) are not restricted.

         1. 1. Note: Unpermitted nonnative abalone are determined to be detrimental to native populations, therefore the exemptions provided in Fish and Game Code subsection 2271(b) and subsection 236(b) of these regulations are not applicable.

   10. (10) Class Bivalvia-Bivalves

       1. (A) All members of the genus Dreissena (zebra and quagga mussels) (D).
       2. (B) All members of the genus Limnoperna (golden mussel) (D).
       3. (C) All members of the genus Sinanodonta (pond mussel, also known as Asian pond mussel) (D).
       4. (D) All members of the genus Xenostrobus (axe-head mussel) (D).

   11. (11) Transgenic Aquatic Animals.

       Includes freshwater and marine fishes, invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles (D).

       Note: Unpermitted transgenic aquatic animals are determined to be detrimental to native wildlife, therefore the exemption provided for in Fish and Game Code Section 2150(e) is not applicable.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 2118 and 2120, Fish and Game Code. Reference: Sections 1002, 2116, 2118, 2118.2, 2118.4, 2119, 2120, 2122, 2123, 2124, 2125, 2126, 2127, 2150, 2190 and 2271, Fish and Game Code.

History

1. Amendment of subsection (g)(5) filed 2-9-84; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 84, No. 6). For prior history, see Register 81, No. 29.

2. Amendment of subsection (i) filed 7-8-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 28).

3. Editorial correction of Note filed 9-20-85; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 85, No. 38).

4. Notice of Erroneous Filing filed 3-24-86 by OAL; purported amendment of subsection (g)(5) filed in error on 2-5-86 is null and void and text as filed with Secretary of State on 2-9-84 remains in effect uninterrupted (Register 86, No. 13).

5. Amendment of subsection (g)(5) filed 3-24-86; effective thirtieth day thereafter (Register 86, No. 13).

6. Amendment of subsection (h) filed 11-7-86; effective upon filing (Register 86, No. 45).

7. Amendment of subsection (g)(1) filed 5-1-87; operative 5-31-87 (Register 87, No. 19).

8. New subsection (e)(15) filed 2-16-88; operative 3-17-88 (Register 88, No. 9).

9. Amendment of subsection (b) filed 9-8-88; operative 10-8-88 (Register 88, No. 38).

10. Amendment filed 2-26-92; operative 2-26-92 pursuant to Government Code section 11346.2(d) (Register 92, No. 13).

11. Amendment filed 7-21-93; operative 7-21-93 pursuant to section 202, Fish and Game Code (Register 93, No. 30).

12. Amendment of subsection (c)(9)(A) filed 2-28-94; operative 3-30-94 (Register 94, No. 9).

13. New subsection (c)(10) filed 3-7-94; operative 4-6-94 (Register 94, No. 10).

14. Amendment of subsection (c)(1)(I)2 filed 8-23-94; operative 9-22-94 (Register 94, No. 34).

15. Editorial correction of designation of subsection (c)(5)(G) (Register 94, No. 34).

16. Amendment of subsections (c)(2)(Q)2-3 filed 12-7-94; operative 12-7-94 pursuant to Government Code section 11346.2(d) (Register 94, No. 49).

17. Change without regulatory effect amending subsection (c)(1)(C) filed 9-28-95 pursuant to section 100, title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 95, No. 39).

18. Amendment of subsection (c)(5)(J)2. filed 5-5-97; operative 6-4-97 (Register 97, No. 19).

19. Amendment of section heading and section filed 8-27-98; operative 9-26-98 (Register 98, No. 35).

20. New subsection (c)(3)(C) filed 2-27-2001; operative 2-27-2001 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4 (Register 2001, No. 9).

21. New subsection (c)(11) and amendment of Note filed 4-14-2003; operative 5-14-2003 (Register 2003, No. 16).

22. New subsection (c)(9)(A), redesignation of portion of section (c)(9) as new subsection (c)(9)(B) and redesignation of former subsections (c)(9)(A)-(B) as (c)(9)(B)1.-2. filed 9-1-2004; operative 10-1-2004 (Register 2004, No. 36).

23. Amendment of subsection (c)(1)(I), new subsections (c)(1)(N) and (c)(3)(D), amendment of subsections (c)(5)(A) and (c)(5)(J), new subsection (c)(5)(U), amendment of subsection (c)(7)(F), new subsections (c)(9)(C)-(D) and amendment of Note filed 3-13-2008; operative 4-12-2008 (Register 2008, No. 11).

24. Amendment of section and Note filed 3-9-2011; operative 4-8-2011 (Register 2011, No. 10).

25. Amendment of subsection (c)(3)(A), new subsection (c)(3)(A)1., amendment of subsections (c)(3)(B)1., (c)(3)(C)1.-(c)(3)(D)1., (c)(7)(E) and (c)(F)2.-3. filed 2-28-2017; operative 4-1-2017 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(a)(2) (Register 2017, No. 9).

26. Amendment of subsection (c)(10) and new subsections (c)(10)(A)-(B) filed 12-19-2024 as an emergency; operative 12-19-2024 (Register 2024, No. 51). A Certificate of Compliance must be transmitted to OAL by 6-27-2025 or emergency language will be repealed by operation of law on the following day.

27. Amendment of subsection (c)(10) and new subsections (c)(10)(A)-(B) refiled 6-16-2025 as an emergency; operative 6-18-2025 (Register 2025, No. 25). A Certificate of Compliance must be transmitted to OAL by 9-16-2025 or emergency language will be repealed by operation of law on the following day.

28. Amendment of subsection (c)(10) and new subsections (c)(10)(A)-(B), including additional amendment of subsection (c)(10)(B), refiled 9-15-2025 as an emergency; operative 9-17-2025 (Register 2025, No. 38). A Certificate of Compliance must be transmitted to OAL by 12-16-2025 or emergency language will be repealed by operation of law on the following day.

29. Certificate of Compliance as to 9-15-2025 order, including amendment of subsection (c)(8), new subsection (c)(8)(C), repealer and new subsection (c)(10)(B) and new subsections (c)(10)(C)-(D), transmitted to OAL 11-21-2025 and filed 12-30-2025; amendments effective 12-30-2025 pursuant to Government Code section 11343.4(b)(3) (Register 2026, No. 1).