Is it legal to own big cats in North Carolina?

According to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, it is illegal to possess any Class A or Class B wildlife without a permit. Class A wildlife includes cougars, lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, and hybrids of any of these species. Class B wildlife includes wolves, bears, or hybrids of any of these species.

There are very few exceptions to this rule, such as for accredited zoos and wildlife rehabilitators. Additionally, permits are not issued to individuals.