Kinkajous Will NOT Become Montana's 111th Mammal Species

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission on Thursday denied a request to list the kinkajou as a controlled species in the state, which would have allowed the house cat-sized animal to be kept as a pet.

According to National Geographic Magazine, kinkajous, also sometimes called honey bears, are a relative of the raccoon native to Central and South America. The tree-dwelling animal can grip with its tail and uses its long tongue to remove honey from beehives and nectar from flowers.

The legality of owning a kinkajou varies by state.

In order for exotic wildlife to be imported into Montana, it must first be classified as a controlled, non-controlled or prohibited species. A review committee that includes the Montana departments of Livestock, Agriculture and Public Health and Human Services as well as Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks; a representative of the exotic pet trade; and a citizen member makes recommendations when classification is requested.

Kinkajous and other unclassified exotics are considered prohibited unless the classification changes.

The state received a request to classify the kinkajou by someone interested in having one as a pet, Commercial Wildlife Program Manager Mike Lee told the commission. While it was believed the animal could survive for a time in warmer months, the committee determined it would not survive a Montana winter.

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