Wildlife Laws & Regulations

State and federal laws and regulations protect wildlife in Massachusetts. Click below to learn more about how specific laws and regulations impact our wild neighbors. Additionally, find out more about the MSPCA’s advocacy efforts and how you can contribute to peaceful coexistence in Massachusetts and beyond.

General Wildlife Protection

Trapping Information

Hunting Information & Safety

Advocacy at the MSPCA

GENERAL WILDLIFE PROTECTION

State

Massachusetts law about animals (Mass.gov)

General Laws of Massachusetts (Chapter 131: Section 80A) – Leghold Traps and Certain Other Devices

Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) Regulations

Massachusetts Endangered Species Act

Massachusetts Wildlife Protection Act

Federal

Facts About Federal Wildlife Laws

Endangered Species Act

Lacey Act

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

TRAPPING INFORMATION

View the full text of trapping wildlife laws and regulations, and learn more about humanely preventing and addressing conflict with wildlife without trapping.

Beavers and the Law: A Citizen’s Guide to Addressing Beaver Conflicts

Massachusetts Trapping Information

General Laws of Massachusetts (Chapter 131: Section 80A) – Leghold Traps and Certain Other Devices

Department of Public Health’s Beaver Trapping Guidelines

Guidance for Conservation Commission’s Implementation of State Trapping Law

Flowchart for Alleviating Beaver and Muskrat Conflicts

Learn about Beavers

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Standard Operating Procedure for Determining Beaver or Muskrat Threats to Public Water Supply [doc]