If you take wildlife or wildlife products with you when you travel by land between Alaska and the "lower 48" contiguous States, you need to be aware of U.S. and Canadian laws and regulations that govern the import and export of wildlife.

These laws and regulations apply to you if you travel by car or bus and cross into and out of Canada on your trip. They may affect your ability to take certain belongings with you (for example, a pet bird) or to bring home wildlife items that you acquire while traveling.

The guidelines below can help you enjoy your trip and comply with U.S. and Canadian wildlife protection laws that govern the import and export of live wildlife and wildlife parts and products.

Why do wildlife import/export laws apply to a person traveling between Alaska and another State with wildlife or wildlife products?

Such transactions are imports and exports if you travel by land through Canada - a separate country - even if your destination is either Alaska or one of the lower 48 States.

If you have wildlife or wildlife products with you, you are exporting them from the United States to Canada when you cross the border and enter that country. You are importing wildlife into the United States when you leave Canada and re-enter this country.

Who regulates the import and export of wildlife between the United States and Canada?

On the U.S. side of the border, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulate wildlife imports and exports. Canadian Customs in conjunction with Environment Canada deals with wildlife imports and exports in Canada.

How do I import/export wildlife when I travel by land between Alaska and the lower 48?

In all cases, you must declare any wildlife items to U.S. or Canadian Customs when you enter or leave each country.

Additional requirements apply if you are traveling with live wildlife or your wildlife or wildlife products involve species protected under U.S. or Canadian law.

What additional requirements apply if I am traveling with live wildlife?

If you travel with live wildlife, you must file a special declaration form (Fish & Wildlife Service Form 3-177) when you leave or return to the United States.

What additional requirements apply if I am importing/exporting protected species?

If your wildlife or wildlife items involve species protected under U.S. or Canadian law, you will need to obtain permits and other authorizations in advance before you can transport them through Canada. You will also need to file a Form 3-177 to declare your wildlife when you enter and leave the United States.

What types of wildlife require permits?

Permits may be required under U.S. law to import or export the following types of wildlife:
Species listed as endangered or threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act
Animals and plants regulated under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (e.g., items made from bear, lynx, and bobcat)
Live birds protected under the Wild Bird Conservation Act (e.g., parrots and macaws)
Marine mammals (for example, polar bear rugs and raw walrus ivory)
Migratory birds (including eagles)
Injurious species (such as live snakehead fish and mitten crabs)

Are there any other requirements?

Yes. U.S. regulations require individuals importing or exporting protected species to declare and present their wildlife to the Fish and Wildlife Service for inspection at specific locations called designated ports. Since none of these ports are located on the U.S./Canadian border, you must apply for a designated port exception permit from the Service before you can travel by land through Canada with protected wildlife.

Do wildlife import/export rules affect me if I fly between Alaska and one of the lower 48 States with wildlife or wildlife products?

No. Direct flights between Alaska and any other State are domestic flights. Taking wildlife or wildlife products with you on such a flight does not constitute an import or export.

Do wildlife import/export rules affect me if I mail wildlife items between Alaska and the lower 48?

No. You can send wildlife products by mail between Alaska and another State using either the U.S. Postal Service or an overnight package delivery company. If you are driving through Canada on your way from or to Alaska, you may want to consider mailing or shipping wildlife items instead of carrying them with you.

For additional information, contact:

For import/export issues U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement (703) 358-1949 (703) 358-2271 fax

For further questions concerning CITES U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Division of Management Authority (703) 358-2104 (703) 358-2298 fax