No, typically you cannot own a cormorant. Cormorants are protected under federal law in the United States, making their private ownership, capture, or possession generally illegal.
Legal Protection of Cormorants
Cormorants, along with many other bird species, are safeguarded by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This act prohibits the taking, capturing, killing, or possessing of migratory birds, their eggs, nests, or feathers without a valid permit. This broad protection applies to individuals and is designed to conserve migratory bird populations.
The MBTA is a cornerstone of bird conservation in North America, establishing a federal prohibition on the pursuit, hunt, capture, kill, or sale of migratory birds. This protection aims to ensure the survival and well-being of these species across international borders.
Special Permits and Exceptions
While private ownership is prohibited, there are very limited exceptions under special circumstances, primarily for governmental or tribal entities. The law provides for specific permits that states and tribes can obtain to manage cormorant populations. These permits are not for private pet ownership but are granted for specific, regulated purposes:
- Protecting Human Health and Safety: Addressing situations where cormorants pose a risk to public well-being.
- Protecting Personal Property: Mitigating damage caused by cormorant populations to property, such as aquaculture facilities or fisheries.
- Protecting Endangered or Threatened Species: Managing cormorant numbers if they significantly impact populations of vulnerable species.
These permits are highly regulated and only allow for actions that address conflicts, not for recreational capture or personal keeping of the birds.
Why Are Cormorants Protected?
The protection of cormorants falls under broader wildlife conservation efforts. As migratory birds, their populations are vital for ecosystem health, and uncontrolled taking or possession could lead to declines. The regulations ensure that human activities do not adversely impact these species.
For more information on the protection of migratory birds, you can refer to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Overview of Cormorant Protection and Permitting
To clarify the general prohibition versus specific exceptions, consider the following table:
| Aspect | Private Individuals (General Public) | States & Tribes (with Special Permit) |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership/Possession | Generally Prohibited | Not ownership, but regulated management |
| Legal Basis | Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) | MBTA & Specific Federal Permits |
| Purpose | N/A (Conservation is the goal) | Conflict resolution, e.g., protecting: |
| - Human health & safety | ||
| - Personal property | ||
| - Endangered/threatened species | ||
| Activities Allowed | None (without specific authorization) | Regulated take, harassment, or management activities specified by permit |
In summary, it is not permissible for private citizens to own a cormorant due to their protected status under federal law. Any interactions with these birds are subject to strict regulations designed to ensure their conservation.
