After reports of a monkey on the loose in Crockett County, many people have asked whether it is legal to keep one. The short answer in Tennessee is that it depends on the species.
How the state sorts wildlife
Tennessee Code Section 70-4-403 and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency's rules divide wildlife into classes. A group of dangerous primates is listed in the top class, Class I. According to the code and WKRN's explainer, that list includes gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, gibbons, siamangs, mandrills, drills, baboons and gelada baboons. Private individuals cannot hold Class I animals; the TWRA says permits for them go only to places such as zoos, circuses and commercial propagators.
Other monkeys
A monkey that is not on one of the restricted lists generally falls into Class III. According to the code and the TWRA, Class III species do not require a TWRA permit, though other permits, such as those from agriculture officials, may apply. Class II animals require a permit and proof that the animal came from a legal source.
What this means for the Crockett County search
Deputies have asked residents for help, as covered in Raw 100.5's earlier story on the sighting, and WMC Action News 5 reported on the search. Officials have not said in the reports Raw 100.5 has seen which species the animal is or who owns it. Anyone who sees the animal should contact the Crockett County Sheriff's Office rather than approach it.
Sources: Tennessee Code Section 70-4-403 as published by Justia, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, WKRN, WMC Action News 5