Having a Pet Skunk In Minnesota Could Result in a $1000 Fine

I'm not sure why anyone would want or need a pet skunk, but they definitely aren't allowed here. While researching the legitimacy of a weird law I had come across, I found a totally different one that caught my eye from the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Turns out that trafficking skunks in or out of Minnesota can result in a misdemeanor which is punishable by up to 90 days in jail, or a fine of up to $1,000.

Subdivision 1.Prohibition.
In order to protect the public health and prevent human and domestic animal exposure to rabies, it shall be unlawful to:
(1) import into or export out of this state any live skunk, for sale, barter, exchange or gift for any purpose whatsoever;
(2) acquire, sell, barter, exchange, give, or purchase any live skunks.

So that pet skunk your kid innocently asked for could land you in jail. Isn't that a wonderful thought?

As with any rule, there is an exception. Zoos, circuses, or places doing educational or scientific research are allowed to have and transport their skunks, so long as those skunks are not in physical contact with the public.

One of my biggest flaws is that I love animals and want to domesticate ones that don't want the attention. Laws like this are meant to stop people like me from acting on their impulses. Even though they look cute and fluffy, I do know better than to want to be anywhere near one. It is legal to own a skunk as a pet in Wisconsin and South Dakota, so if you want one, you better move to a neighboring state.