Wildlife Laws and 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 and Safety

Advocacy at the MSPCA

GENERAL WILDLIFE PROTECTION

State

Massachusetts law about animals: A compilation of laws, regulations, cases and web sources on animal law

Massachusetts trapping restriction law: The Wildlife Protection Act (M.G.L. c.131 s80A)

Ban on wildlife killing contests

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

ALDF Overview of federal, state, and local animal protection laws

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 restriction law: The Wildlife Protection Act (M.G.L. c.131 s80A)

Massachusetts trapping regulations

Resources for Massachusetts trappers

Guidance for Conservation Commissions Implementing G.L. c.131, s.80A: Threats from Beaver and Muskrat-Related Activities [doc]

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]