Chapter NR 16

NR 16.30(4)(a)2.a. a. Bear pens shall be a minimum of 400 square feet. No more than 2 bear may be held in a 400 square foot pen. A minimum of at least 200 additional square feet is required for each additional bear. The pen height shall be a minimum of 8 feet. A tank or pool with a minimum of 150 gallons of water shall be provided when bears are not in hibernation. The space for the tank or pool of water shall be in addition to the required minimum square feet.

NR 16.30(4)(a)2.b. b. Cougar pens shall be a minimum of 200 square feet. No more than one cougar may be held in a 200 square foot pen. A minimum of at least 100 additional square feet is required for each additional cougar. The pen height shall be a minimum of 8 feet. Resting surfaces which are large enough to hold all the occupants of the primary enclosure at the same time comfortably shall be provided. The resting surfaces shall be elevated, impervious to moisture, and be able to be easily cleaned and sanitized, or easily replaced when soiled or worn.

NR 16.30(4)(a)2.c. c. Bobcat and lynx pens shall be a minimum of 144 square feet. No more than 2 animals may be held in a 144 square foot pen. A minimum of at least 50 additional square feet is required for each additional animal. The pen height shall be a minimum of 8 feet. Resting surfaces which are large enough to hold all the occupants of the primary enclosure at the same time comfortably shall be provided. The resting surfaces shall be elevated, impervious to moisture, and be able to be easily cleaned and sanitized, or easily replaced when soiled or worn.

NR 16.30(4)(a)2.d. d. Timber wolf and wolf-dog hybrid pens with a covered top shall be a minimum of 300 square feet. No more than 2 wolves or wolf-dog hybrids may be held in a 300 square foot pen. A minimum of at least 100 additional square feet is required for each additional wolf or wolf dog hybrid. The pen height shall be a minimum of 6 feet. This section applies to owners of wolf-dog hybrids beginning on January 1, 2014.

NR 16.30(4)(a)2.e. e. Coyote pens shall be a minimum of 144 square feet. No more than 2 coyotes may be held in a 144 square foot pen. A minimum of at least 50 additional square feet is required for each additional coyote. The pen height shall be a minimum of 6 feet.

NR 16.30(4)(a)2.f. f. Fox and fisher pens shall be a minimum of 120 square feet. No more than 2 animals may be held in a 120 square foot pen. A minimum of at least 50 additional square feet is required for each additional animal. The pen height shall be a minimum of 6 feet.

NR 16.30(4)(a)2.g. g. Wild or feral swine primary enclosures shall include a portion of fence or wall which is buried at least 30 inches unless the floor is a solid, impervious material such as concrete.

NR 16.30(4)(b) (b) Raptors (eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls). The confinement of raptors shall comply with the following:

NR 16.30(4)(b)1. 1. Primary enclosures shall be designed and constructed of suitable materials so that they are structurally sound for the species contained. They shall be kept in good repair.

NR 16.30(4)(b)2. 2. The minimum size and height of enclosures shall meet the following:

NR 16.30(4)(b)2.a. a. Kestrel, burrowing owl, saw-whet owl and screech owl pens shall be a minimum of 36 square feet with a height of 7 feet for flighted birds and 9 square feet with a height of 3 feet for nonflighted birds.

NR 16.30(4)(b)2.b. b. Buteos, horned owl, barn owl, barred owl and goshawks pens shall be a minimum of 72 square feet with a height of 7 feet for flighted birds and 36 square feet with a height of 7 feet for nonflighted birds.

NR 16.30(4)(b)2.c. c. Eagles, vulture and osprey pens shall be a minimum of 400 square feet with a height of 9 feet for flighted birds and 120 square feet with a height of 9 feet for nonflighted birds.

NR 16.30(4)(b)3. 3. Each pen shall have a hutch or a shelter box, 2 or more perches of the appropriate size for the raptors’ feet and a water pan for drinking and bathing.

NR 16.30(4)(b)4. 4. When more than 2 birds are held in the same enclosure, the pen shall be increased by 50% of subd. 2. a. to c. for each additional bird.

NR 16.30(4)(c) (c) Other captive wild animals. The confinement of raccoons, badger, beaver and otter shall comply with the following:

NR 16.30(4)(c)1. 1. Primary enclosures shall be designed and constructed of suitable materials so that they are structurally sound for the species contained. They shall be kept in good repair.

NR 16.30(4)(c)2. 2. The minimum size and height of enclosures shall be:

NR 16.30(4)(c)2.a. a. Raccoon pens shall be a minimum of 80 square feet. No more than 2 raccoons may be held in an 80 square foot pen. A minimum of at least 16 additional square feet is required for each additional raccoon. The pen height shall be a minimum of 8 feet. Raccoons shall have continuous access to fresh water when outdoor temperature is above freezing and shall be provided with a climbing apparatus.

NR 16.30 Note Note: Continuous access to fresh water for raccoons does not require providing running water.

NR 16.30(4)(c)2.b. b. Badger pens shall be a minimum of 100 square feet. No more than 2 badgers may be held in a 100 square foot pen. A minimum of at least 50 additional square feet is required for each additional badger. The pen height shall be a minimum of 6 feet.

NR 16.30(4)(c)2.c. c. Beaver pens shall be a minimum of 100 square feet. No more than 2 beaver may be held in a 100 square foot pen. A minimum of at least 20 additional square feet is required for each additional beaver. The pen height shall be a minimum of 6 feet. A tank or pool with a minimum of 250 gallons of clean open water shall be provided for up to 2 beaver. Each additional individual or pair of beaver shall be provided a minimum of an additional 250 gallons of clean open water. The space for the tank or pool of water shall be in addition to the required minimum square feet.

NR 16.30(4)(c)2.d. d. Otter pens shall be a minimum of 100 square feet. No more than 2 otter may be held in a 100 square foot pen. A minimum of at least 20 additional square feet is required for each additional otter. The pen height shall be a minimum of 6 feet. A tank or pool with a minimum of 50 gallons of open water shall be provided. The space for the tank or pool of water shall be in addition to the required minimum square feet.

NR 16.30(5) (5) Exceptions to the pen requirements for specified facilities licensed prior to November 1, 2003. Existing facilities for bear, cougar, lynx, bobcat, timber wolf, coyote, fox and fisher with approved pens have 5 years from November 1, 2003 to bring pens into compliance with sub. (4) (a) if the following are provided:

NR 16.30(5)(a) (a) Exercise enclosure. An exercise enclosure is constructed that meets the minimum requirements of a primary enclosure established in sub. (4) (a).

NR 16.30(5)(b) (b) Access to exercise enclosure. The captive wild animals are provided access to the exercise area on a regular basis but not less than 4 hours every other day, except during periods of hibernation.

NR 16.30(6) (6) Exceptions to pen requirements for special handling. Captive wild animals may be confined or controlled on a temporary basis in a different manner for the purpose of health care or treatment, training, movement from one enclosure to another or special handling needs.

NR 16.30(7) (7) Environmental enrichment.

NR 16.30(7)(a) (a) All captive wild animals. The physical environment in the primary or exercise enclosure for captive wild animals shall be enriched by providing means of expressing species typical activities. Species differences should be considered when determining the type or methods of enrichment. Examples of environmental enrichment include providing perches, climbing apparatus, foraging or task oriented feeding methods.

NR 16.30(7)(b) (b) Bears, cougars, bobcat and lynx. License holders shall develop, document and follow an appropriate plan for environment enhancement adequate to promote the psychological well being of these captive wild animals. The plan shall be in accordance with the currently accepted professional standards as cited in appropriate professional journals or reference guides, and as directed by the attending veterinarian. This plan shall be made available to any authorized department agent upon request.

NR 16.30(8) (8) Animal health and husbandry standards.

NR 16.30(8)(a) (a) Feeding. Captive wild animals shall be fed at least once each day, unless otherwise restricted by a veterinarian or as otherwise required to provide adequate care. The food shall be uncontaminated, wholesome, palatable and of sufficient quantity and nutritive value to maintain the normal condition and weight of the animal. The diet shall be appropriate for the individual animal’s age and condition.

NR 16.30(8)(b) (b) Watering. If potable water is not continually available to the captive wild animals, it shall be offered to the animals as often as necessary to ensure their health and well being, but not less than twice daily for at least one hour each time, unless restricted by a veterinarian.

NR 16.30(8)(c) (c) Food and water receptacles. Receptacles shall be readily accessible to all captive wild animals and shall be located so as to minimize contamination by excreta and pests, and be protected from rain and snow. Receptacles shall be made of a durable material that may be easily cleaned and sanitized or be disposable.

NR 16.30(9) (9) Additional pen standards.

NR 16.30(9)(a) (a) Mothers with infants. Mothers with infants less than 6 months of age may be maintained together in primary enclosures that meet the floor area space required for an individual animal.

NR 16.30(9)(b) (b) Perimeter fence. An outdoor housing facility for harmful wild animals other than mute swans, wolf-dog hybrids, and wild or feral swine shall be enclosed by a perimeter fence that is at least 8 feet high. Fences less than 8 feet high may be approved by the department. An outdoor housing facility for wild or feral swine shall be enclosed by a perimeter fence that is at least 4 feet high not including any portion of the fence that is buried. The fence shall be constructed so that it protects the enclosed species by restricting unauthorized humans from having contact with the enclosed species. It shall be of sufficient distance from the outside wall or fence of the primary enclosure to prevent physical contact with captive wild animals inside the enclosure. Fences less than 3 feet in distance from the primary enclosure may be used if approved by the department. A perimeter fence is not required if any of the following apply:

NR 16.30(9)(b)1. 1. The outside walls of the primary enclosure are made of a sturdy, durable, solid material such as concrete, wood, metal, plastic or glass and are high enough and constructed in a manner that restricts contact with or entry by humans.

NR 16.30(9)(b)2. 2. The housing facility is surrounded by a natural barrier that restricts the enclosed species to the housing facility and protects them from contact with unauthorized humans that are outside the housing facility, and have been approved by the department.

NR 16.30(9)(c) (c) Open top pens. Pens for bear, cougar, bobcat, lynx, timber wolf and coyote shall meet the following requirements:

NR 16.30(9)(c)1. 1. Bear, wolf, wolf-dog hybrid, and coyote pens with open tops shall be a minimum of 1000 square feet. The walls shall be a minimum of 8 feet in height with an additional 3 feet at the top slanted inward at a 30 to 45 degree angle.

NR 16.30(9)(c)2. 2. Cougar, bobcat, and lynx pens with open tops shall be a minimum of 1000 square feet. The walls shall be a minimum of 10 feet in height with an additional 4 feet at the top slanted in at a 305° to 455° angle.

NR 16.30 History History: CR 03-030: cr. Register October 2003 No. 574, eff. 11-1-03; CR 05-031: am. (4) (a) 2. f. and (b) 2. a. and c. Register November 2005, No. 599, eff. 12-1-05; CR 05-104: am. (1) Register June 2007 No. 618, eff. 7-1-07; CR 09-052: am. (2) (a), (4) (a) 2. d., (9) (b) (intro.) and (c) 2., cr. (4) (a) 2. g., (9) (b) 3. and 4. Register June 2010 No. 654, eff. 7-1-10; CR 16-035: am. (9) (b) (intro.), r. (9) (b) 3., 4., am. (9) (c) 1., 2. Register July 2017 No. 739, eff. 8-1-17.

NR 16.35 NR 16.35 Exhibition of captive wild animals.

NR 16.35(1) (1) Applicability. This section applies to exhibition of live captive wild animals under the authority of a captive wild animal farm license provided in s. 169.15, Stats.; nonprofit educational exhibiting license provided in s. 169.25, Stats.; and nonresident temporary exhibiting license provided in s. 169.27, Stats.

NR 16.35(2) (2) Pen requirement.

NR 16.35(2)(a) (a) Pen size. All captive wild animals shall be confined at all times to pens meeting the specifications and requirements of s. NR 16.30 except as otherwise provided by this chapter.

NR 16.35(2)(b) (b) Proper care. All captive wild animals held in captivity shall be provided proper care meeting the environmental enrichment requirements of s. NR 16.30 (7), and the animal health and husbandry requirements of s. NR 16.30 (8).

NR 16.35(3) (3) Cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping and pest control.

NR 16.35(3)(a) (a) Waste. Excreta and food waste shall be removed from primary enclosures and from under primary enclosures as often as necessary to prevent an excessive accumulation.

NR 16.35(3)(b) (b) Cleaning. Primary enclosures and food and water receptacles shall be cleaned and sanitized at least once every 2 weeks and more often if necessary to prevent an accumulation of dirt, debris, food waste, excreta and other disease hazards. Pens, runs and outdoor housing areas using materials that may not be sanitized, such as gravel, sand, grass, earth or absorbent bedding, shall be sanitized by removing the contaminated material as necessary to prevent odors, diseases, pests, insects and vermin infestation.

NR 16.35(4) (4) Traveling wildlife exhibits. Except as allowed under sub. (7), all captive wild animals being exhibited shall be confined at all times to pens meeting the specifications of s. NR 16.38.

NR 16.35(5) (5) Display of license. Any person who is authorized to exhibit captive wild animals shall publicly display a copy of the license at the place of the exhibit.

NR 16.35(6) (6) Labels. Each pen shall be labeled for the information of the public with the proper common name, in English, of the captive wild animals confined in the pen.

NR 16.35(7) (7) Exceptions to pen requirements. Captive wild animals, except large captive wild animals subject to s. NR 16.30 (4) (a) that are greater then 3 months of age and venomous snakes, may be used in interactive sessions outside of the enclosure provided:

NR 16.35(7)(a) (a) Compliance with federal regulations. The licensee, unless exempt under 9 CFR 2.1, is licensed by United States department of agriculture under 9 CFR 2.1 to exhibit animals.

NR 16.35(7)(b) (b) Handling of animals during interactive sessions. The licensee follows all of the requirements identified in 9 CFR 2.131.

NR 16.35(8) (8) Guard rails. Pens containing animals listed in s. NR 16.30 (4) shall be surrounded on the side or sides where the public may approach them by substantial guard rails not less than 3 feet in height. Guard rails shall be well supported and fully enclosed with not greater than 6 inch square fencing and shall be erected not less than 3 feet from the pens in which the captive wild animals are confined. Pens, guard rails and fencing shall be kept in good repair at all times and all gates and doors shall be kept securely locked.

NR 16.35(9) (9) Harmful wild animals. Harmful wild animal as defined in s. NR 16.11, shall only be exhibited at the location authorized on the license. Any exhibition of a harmful wild animal at an alternate location requires special written approval from the department.

NR 16.35 History History: CR 03-030: cr. Register October 2003 No. 574, eff. 11-1-03.

NR 16.38 NR 16.38 Pen specifications for transportation.

NR 16.38(1) (1) Transportation enclosures. Any person subject to ch. 169, Stats., may not transport a live captive wild animal unless the following requirements are met:

NR 16.38(1)(a) (a) Construction of transportation enclosures. The captive wild animal shall be contained in a transportation enclosure such as a compartment, transport cage, carton or crate. Transportation enclosures used to transport captive wild animals shall be constructed to meet all of the following requirements:

NR 16.38(1)(a)1. 1. The transportation enclosure is strong enough to contain the captive wild animals securely and comfortably and to withstand the normal rigors of transportation.

NR 16.38(1)(a)2. 2. Transportation enclosures used to transport live captive wild animals shall be large enough to ensure that each animal contained in the transportation enclosure has enough space to turn about normally while standing, to stand and sit erect, and to lie in a natural position.

NR 16.38(1)(a)3. 3. The interior of the transportation enclosure shall have no sharp points or edges and no protrusions that could injure the captive wild animal contained within it.

NR 16.38(1)(a)4. 4. The captive wild animal is at all times securely contained within the enclosure and may not put any part of its body outside the enclosure in a way that could result in injury to itself, to handlers, or to persons or animals nearby.

NR 16.38(1)(a)5. 5. The captive wild animal may be easily and quickly removed from the enclosure in an emergency.

NR 16.38(1)(a)6. 6. Unless the enclosure is permanently affixed to the conveyance, adequate devices such as handles or handholds are provided on its exterior which ensure that anyone handling the enclosure will not come into physical contact with the captive wild animal contained inside.

NR 16.38(1)(a)7. 7. The transportation enclosure shall have ventilation openings located on at least 2 opposing walls of the transportation enclosure and the openings shall be at least 16% of the surface area of each wall, and the total combined surface area of the ventilation openings shall be at least 14% of the total combined surface area of all the walls of the transportation enclosure.

NR 16.38(1)(a)8. 8. The transportation enclosure has a solid bottom or a slatted or wire mesh floor designed and constructed so that the captive wild animals’ feet and legs are not allowed to pass between the slats or through the holes in the mesh.

NR 16.38(1)(a)9. 9. Transportation enclosures used to transport captive wild animals shall be positioned in the transportation conveyance so as to provide protection from the elements.

NR 16.38(1)(b) (b) Cleaning of transportation enclosures. A transportation enclosure used to hold or transport captive wild animals in commerce shall be cleaned and sanitized before each use. If the captive wild animals are in transit for more than 24 hours, the enclosures shall be cleaned to prevent the soiling of the animals by body wastes. If it becomes necessary to remove the captive wild animal from the enclosure in order to clean, or to move the animal to another enclosure, this procedure shall be completed in a way that safeguards the animal from injury and prevents escape.

NR 16.38(1)(c) (c) Compatibility.

NR 16.38(1)(c)1. 1. Live captive wild animals transported in the same transportation enclosure shall be of the same species and be maintained in compatible groups.

NR 16.38(1)(c)2. 2. Captive wild animals that are overly aggressive or exhibit a vicious disposition shall be transported individually in a transportation enclosure.

NR 16.38 History History: CR 03-030: cr. Register October 2003 No. 574, eff. 11-1-03.

NR 16.45 NR 16.45 Farm-raised deer; white-tailed deer, specifications.

NR 16.45(1) (1) Fencing specification. Any person who keeps farm-raised deer that are white-tailed deer shall keep the farm-raised deer enclosed by a perimeter fence that meets all of the following requirements:

NR 16.45(1)(a) (a) Fencing height and material. The fence shall be at least 8 feet high measured from the ground to the top horizontal wire and shall be a high tensile fence that satisfies par. (b), a woven wire fence that satisfies par. (c) or, if made of other materials, is of a design and level of strength that provides equivalent retentive capacity. Fences constructed and approved prior to January 1, 2003 need only be 7′10″ in height. All fences shall extend all the way to the ground.

NR 16.45(1)(b) (b) High tensile fence. A high tensile fence satisfies the requirements of this subsection if all the following apply:

NR 16.45(1)(b)1. 1. The horizontal line wires are not less than 2.5 millimeters in size and are heavily galvanized high tensile wire.

NR 16.45(1)(b)2. 2. The vertical stay wires are not less than 2.5 millimeters in size and are heavily galvanized medium tensile wire.

NR 16.45(1)(b)3. 3. The knot wire is not less than 2.24 millimeters in size and is heavily galvanized mild steel.

NR 16.45(1)(b)4. 4. The distance between vertical stay wires is not more than 6 inches.

NR 16.45(1)(b)5. 5. The distance between horizontal line wires is not more than 4 inches in the bottom foot of the fence, is not more than 6.5 inches in the next 2 feet of the fence and is not more than 8.5 inches in the rest of the fence.

NR 16.45(1)(b)6. 6. The posts are not more than 20 feet apart.

NR 16.45(1)(c) (c) Woven wire fence. A woven wire fence shall satisfy the requirements of this subsection if all of the following apply:

NR 16.45(1)(c)1. 1. The wire is 14½ gauge or heavier.