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)(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)(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)(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 HistoryHistory: 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(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)(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).