Michigan Laws: 7 Prohibited Items

The state of Michigan is pretty laid back. When it comes to owning cool things, Michigan has a stance on certain items we can own legally. Here are 7 things you cannot legally own in Michigan.

Exotic animals seem to be something that Michigan residents want to own. Weapons are another item that Michigan residents would like to own. Michigan has laws in place for the protection of the citizens. Be in the know so you don't get in trouble.

If you've thought about purchasing some cool animals or a weapon, think again.

7 Things You Cannot Legally Own in Michigan

Lion

Sure, who hasn't thought, "I wish I had a pet Lion to play with". Lions are dangerous and they eat a lot. Any Detroit Lions fan would love to own one. Seems like a dangerous combo. Michigan says:

The possession of wolf-dog hybrids, lions, tigers, cougars, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, panthers, and bears is illegal in the state of Michigan. This includes the importation of these animals, except under special exceptions. Please call MDARD at 800-292-3939 for more information.

Tiger

Take away the fact that this animal could tear your head off with ease, they are pretty and who wouldn't want one wandering around the front yard? Die hard Detroit Tigers fans would love to own one, the state says otherwise:

The possession of wolf-dog hybrids, lions, tigers, cougars, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, panthers, and bears is illegal in the state of Michigan. This includes the importation of these animals, except under special exceptions. Please call MDARD at 800-292-3939 for more information.

Kangaroo

That would be sweet to have a pet kangaroo. You could ride it around town to spread the good word and offer it up at the city carnival for rides. Michigan says no, according to AZ Animals:

In Illinois, Idaho, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin it is legal to keep a kangaroo as a pet, while in the rest of the US it is completely illegal.

Stun Gun

The right to protect yourself exists. If you are a convicted felon, these will be illegal for you.

When it comes to owning a stun gun, you can do so, but you will need to obtain it legally and follow the guidelines in Michigan. Stunster says:

First and foremost, you must be 18 years of age or older to possess a stun gun in Michigan. Additionally, if you have been convicted of a felony or any assaultive crime, you are prohibited from possessing a stun gun. It is also illegal to possess a stun gun if you have been deemed mentally incompetent by a court.

Beaver

Yeah, it's illegal to own a beaver, unless you have done your due diligence with Michigan:

A Permit to Hold Game in Captivity is required for the possession of the following game animals: badger, bobcat, fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus and Vulpes vulpes), raccoon, coyote, beaver, otter, muskrat, mink, squirrel, skunk (Mephitis mephitis), woodchuck, opossum, pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), bobwhite quail, ..

Polar Bear

Polar bears are cute and they love cold weather, it seems like it would be a natural fit in Michigan. Like any other bear you might want to own, Michigan says:

The possession of wolf-dog hybrids, lions, tigers, cougars, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, panthers, and bears is illegal in the state of Michigan. This includes the importation of these animals, except under special exceptions. Please call MDARD at 800-292-3939 for more information.

Panda Bear

Owning a panda would be cool. I wouldn't look forward to the upkeep and maintenance though. Michigan isn't a big fan of you not owning one either:

The possession of wolf-dog hybrids, lions, tigers, cougars, cheetahs, leopards, jaguars, panthers, and bears is illegal in the state of Michigan. This includes the importation of these animals, except under special exceptions. Please call MDARD at 800-292-3939 for more information.