Ravens are remarkable birds that have captivated humans for centuries with their intelligence, playfulness, and mysterious nature. Their jet black plumage and raucous “caw” are a familiar sight across much of North America. Ravens belong to the Corvidae family, which includes crows, jays, magpies, and nutcrackers. Of all the corvid species, the Common Raven may be the most iconic and is found in many myths, legends, and popular culture.
While ravens are widespread in the wild, some people wish to keep them as pets. Ravens are social, playful, and intelligent, making them appealing companion animals. However, owning a raven poses some complicated legal and ethical issues. In the United States and Canada, laws regarding raven ownership vary significantly between federal, state/provincial, and local jurisdictions.
Federal Laws on Raven Ownership in the U.S.
At the federal level in the United States, ravens are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA). The MBTA makes it illegal to harm, kill, capture, possess, transport, or sell any of over 1,000 bird species native to the country without a permit. Permits are only issued in special cases, like for scientific research, education, falconry, or other specific purposes. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers and enforces the MBTA.
So under federal law, it is illegal for a private citizen to own a raven as a pet without a permit. The permit exceptions do not cover companion animal ownership. Fines for violating the MBTA can be up to $15,000 per individual bird illegally possessed and up to six months imprisonment. However, state and local laws may impose additional restrictions or requirements on raven ownership.
State Laws on Raven Ownership in the U.S.
Many states have additional regulations regarding raven ownership and possession. For example, in Oregon it is completely illegal for private citizens to own or possess a raven. California, Washington, Idaho, and Texas also prohibit private raven ownership under state wildlife laws, with some exceptions for zoos, research, or rehabilitation. Other states like Colorado, Arizona, and Montana allow ownership with proper state and federal permits.
State | Law Summary |
---|---|
California | Illegal to own without state and federal permits |
Texas | Illegal to own without state and federal permits |
Montana | Permits allow private ownership |
Some states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Kansas have no additional restrictions, so federal MBTA rules apply. Always check both federal and state laws before attempting to own a raven. Many states classify ravens as protected non-game wildlife, so possession limits, permits, registration, banding, and habitat restrictions come into play.
Local Laws on Raven Ownership
Cities, municipalities, and counties occasionally enact local ordinances prohibiting or restricting possession of certain bird species. For example, New York City prohibits possession of ravens within city limits. Chicago considers ravens a “dangerous animal” which cannot be kept as a pet. Some cities only allow ownership if the ravens are used for educational purposes. Always check municipal codes before obtaining a raven.
Laws on Raven Ownership in Canada
In Canada, a similar legal framework governs raven ownership. Nationally, ravens are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act (MBCA). The MBCA prohibits harming, capturing, killing, trading, or possessing migratory birds or eggs. As in the U.S., permits can be obtained but are reserved for specific purposes like science, education, falconry, or captivity breeding.
Provinces and territories have additional regulations on top of the federal MBCA. For example, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories prohibit private ownership of ravens. Exception permits may be available in some cases. Local municipalities also sometimes restrict raven possession.
Other Legal Considerations
Aside from the illegal possession issue, prospective raven owners should carefully consider other laws and regulations:
- Local noise ordinances – Raven calls can be loud and persistent.
- Zoning regulations on exotic pets.
- Restrictions on native wildlife capture.
- Requirement for state and federal banding/registration.
- Caging/enclosure regulations and inspections.
- Public health and disease transmission concerns.
- Need for state importation permits.
- Veterinary regulations on corvid care.
Ravens are also long-lived birds, with lifespans over 20 years in captivity. Caring for a raven is a decades-long commitment requiring extensive expertise and specialized housing/diet. Removing a baby raven from the wild also raises additional conservation concerns.
Enforcement Reality
While owning a raven is illegal without permits in most areas, enforcement is often complaint-driven. Authorities have limited resources to proactively identify unpermitted raven possession. So some raven owners may fly under the radar if they properly care for the bird, keep it on private property, and do not cause problems. However, posting images publicly or complaints from neighbors could still result in consequences like fines or confiscation.
Exceptions Allowing Raven Ownership
There are some exceptions where private individuals can legally own ravens in the United States and Canada:
- Native American Religious Use – Some Native American tribes have religious and cultural practices involving raven feathers, parts, or live birds. Tribes may seek exemptions from wildlife laws restricting raven possession or use.
- Educational Use – Zoos, aviaries, nature centers, and some schools can get permits to keep live ravens for display and educational programing.
- Rehabilitation – Licensed wildlife rehabilitators may temporarily house injured, sick, or orphaned ravens until they can be released back to the wild.
- Research – Scientists may study ravens and require permits to capture and band wild ravens or keep them in captivity.
- Falconry – In some areas, licensed falconers may possess a raven for use in falconry hunting, though this is very rare.
These exceptions require specialized facilities, expertise, and stringent regulation. They do not extend to regular individuals seeking a raven as a pet.
Ethical Concerns With Keeping Ravens
Aside from legal restrictions, there are valid ethical arguments against private citizens owning ravens even if they could obtain permits:
- Ravens are highly intelligent, social birds that may suffer in solitary confinement situations.
- They have very specialized care, diet, housing, and enrichment needs.
- Removing ravens from the wild negatively impacts wild populations.
- Ravens can live over 20 years, demanding a lifelong commitment.
- They are wild animals, not domesticated for human companionship.
- When released or escaped, hand-reared ravens may not survive in the wild.
For these reasons, raven ownership raises serious ethical questions even if legal loopholes exist in some areas. Conservation and animal welfare should be prioritized over exotic pet ownership.
Conclusion
In summary, it is illegal for private individuals to own ravens as pets in the United States and Canada in most cases. Ravens are federally protected under the MBTA in the U.S. and MBCA in Canada, with additional provincial and state regulations prohibiting possession. Some exceptions exist for Native American religious use, education, research, rehabilitation, and falconry. However, these are tightly regulated activities not meant for general pet ownership.
Prospective raven owners should carefully research all federal, state/provincial, and local laws before attempting to acquire a bird. Even if ownership is technically legal through certain permit loopholes, serious ethical concerns remain about confining these intelligent, social, long-lived birds. For raven admirers, the best option is to enjoy them wild and free, not under a permit in your home.