What happens if you are caught with illegal pets in California?

woodsacre: What happens if you are caught with illegal pets in California?
I’ve known people in California who have or had Ferrets and Sugar Gliders and Degus. No one ever bothered them. So, what happens if “the powers that be” catch you with these type of pets? I, too, have thought about having these but am afraid of the consequences.

Answers and Views:

Answer by Tiffy
Depending on the infraction (animal/quantity), probably a hefty fine, maybe time..And they may watch you for a while.

Answer by MechanicalMan
CALIFORNIA CODES
FISH AND GAME CODE

2125. (a) In addition to any other penalty provided by law, any person who violates this chapter or any regulations implementing this chapter, is subject to a civil penalty of not less than five hundred dollars ($ 500) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($ 10,000) for each violation. Except as otherwise provided, any violation of this chapter or of any regulations implementing this chapter is a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than six months, or by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($ 1,000).