By LawInspectsYes, it is illegal to own a crow right here in the United States, especially if you don’t have a permit from the government specifically for that.
You see, crows are truly fascinating birds. They are intelligent birds, curious by nature, and somehow endowed with mysteriously attractive qualities. A few individuals nurture them on a fixed basis, promising a reward of shiny things in return. In case you have ever thought of keeping one as a pet, believe us, you are not the only one. But just before going ahead with such a plan, one must find out what the law states concerning the ownership of crows in the United States.
Is It Legal To Keep a Crow as a Pet?
The straightforward answer: no, it is not legal. Crows are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This law protects many native wild birds, including crows, from being hunted, captured, sold, or kept in captivity without a valid federal permit.
Thus, if anyone attempts to capture a crow and hold it in captivity without having due authorization, it would constitute a federal violation of law, and yes, the matter can definitely be taken to court.
Who Can Legally Keep a Crow?
In the U.S., very few individuals may legally keep crows. Most such persons are employed in the fields of wildlife rehabilitation, scientific research, or education. Though even these people need to apply for and receive a special permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
One can have a crow under no circumstances without a proper license, be it healthy or injured, or even young/newborn.
What If I Want a Permit?
Obtaining the permit simply does not go smoothly, well, most of the time, that’s how it is. Like, it requires direct experience, usually over 100 hours with injured wild birds. Also, you need a proper facility that meets federal standards; a birdcage or spare room is hardly acceptable.
Most of these permits are issued only to those who intend to simply rehabilitate and release the birds back into the wilderness. So, unless you run an animal shelter or are somehow actively engaged in bird care, owning a crow remains out of bounds for you.
Why Crows Aren’t Meant to Be Pets
Wild by nature, crows should be out and about, interacting with fellow crows in open spaces. Confined captivity, even if it means imprisonment in a large backyard, can prove stressful. Such stress is injurious, for crows may turn aggressive, depressed, and even sick.
They’re also kinda earsplitting (very loud) and very vocal animals. This may seem interesting at first, but the volume can become a serious problem, especially indoors. Also being highly intelligent, they seldom entertain themselves; when bored, they begin to damage the furniture, wires, or anything else that piques their interest.
Let’s get it straight, crows are by nature social animals. Yes, they need a flock. Even if they like you, there is one sad fact: the crows will miss their familiar feathered friends.
Can I Own Any Type of Crow?
In a very technical sense, the answer is yes, but of course, only for alien, aka non native species. The American bird laws do not protect the Pied Crow and the White-necked Raven, so it means they are allowed as pets with some restrictions.
These birds, however, remain scarce and expensive (ranging anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000+), and they still seem to pose typical care challenges like the ones that Native crows face, they are noisy, need a lot of space to roam, require lots of care, and very importantly, must be mentally stimulated. Legally feasible? Yes. Practically worth it? Most would say no.