You may legally own a raccoon as a pet in several states across America. However, they also are generally quick to biteeven their favorite peoplewhen something annoys or scares them. Some people who keep raccoons house them in a large dog crate when they aren't home to watch their pet. In Indiana and other states, the owner must have a wild animal permit. The Game, Fish, and Parks Commission even passed a resolution to establish the Nest Predator Bounty Program, which aims to reduce localized populations of nest predators, including raccoons. Raccoons can also be hunted and trapped during the hunting season, a sport appreciated by many residents. Depending on the purpose of pet ownership, the reasoning for the permit might be different. In addition to possible disease transmission, pet raccoons can also be disruptive to local ecosystems, taking food away from native wildlife and adversely impacting the balance of nature. The main reason provided is the threat of rabies. However, raccoons are too active to be content in a cage for several hours. Circuses may choose on their own to not use wild animals for entertainment or may be told not to continue with such acts, but there is no solid law to prevent circuses from doing so. The wild animal can also be hunted and trapped without possessing a hunting or trapping license. Violating Virginias wildlife and exotic animal ownership laws can result in fines, and in some cases, even jail time. , so theyre outlawed in Virginia unless you have the proper permit. This is only one example of the many diseases they have. All raccoons are vicious, but a wild raccoon can be much more dangerous than a domesticated one. Indeed, the animal has accounted for half of the annual furbearer harvest, and for approximately 60% of the economic return from the state fur harvesting in recent years. Being active during the daytime is part of their domesticated behavior, which humans cannot teach to wild raccoons. In Arkansas, you can own bobcats, but not more than six at a time. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Raccoons can be found in virtually any habitat, as long as water is nearby. They allow raccoons, with the exception that owners obtain a permit. While it is unlawful to possess pet raccoons, they can be found everywhere, from secluded forests to urban centers like New York City, where they enjoy raiding the trash of new yorkers. This species is very adaptable to urban areas, and are nocturnal, meaning they come out mostly at night; however just seeing them during the day is not a sign of rabies. to own in Virginia. However, it is forbidden to possess any wild animals taken from the wild. Zoos are the number one establishment for wild animals however this isnt only for the big and known zoos, this also counts for the underground privately owned ones which require no training with wild animals. The state requires a vet evaluation and a rabies pre-exposure immunization. You must have a special permit to own raccoons in Rhode Island, like all other exotic animals. Allow your raccoon to feel like it is in the wild with plenty of space, company, places to explore. Raccoons can carry a number of parasites, viruses, and bacterial illnesses, including: Raccoons born and raised in captivity are less likely to develop many of these diseases. The little mammal can also be hunted and trapped during the hunting season. Fair Punishment1001 SW Emkay Drive #100Bend OR 97702. Know what you are feeding your raccoon. They often use their dexterous front paws to search through holes or pick up objects of interest as they explore their surroundings. Texas considers raccoons as wild animals, and they are illegal to possess without approved permits from the U.S. Department of Fish and Game. Youd also need a permit for certain wild cat hybrid species that are considered exotic, like serval cats. Pennsylvania 9. An experienced vet should be able to do this for you. Along with Delaware, Texas, and Arkansas, the state of Florida authorizes its citizens to keep pet raccoons. According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, you do not require a license to own up to six raccoons in captivity. Raccoons tend to go through a heavy shedding period at least once a year, as well as in times of stress. However, their enticing features make people start seeing these animals as potential pets. Although not too common, having a raccoon as a pet is possible and has been done by many. Rhode Islanders are also allowed to kill, by legal means, these protected furbearers if they are damaging their property. Raccoons are best known for their furry grey bodies and black mask-like features around their eyes. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Manage Settings Raccoons will bond with their humans, especially when raised in captivity from a young age. It is all dependent on the raccoons owner. In fact, the Wisconsin Conservation Department sponsored a major raccoon propagation program between the 1930s and the 1950s that was responsible for the release of more than a thousand raccoons every year. Mississippi law is clear: it is unlawful for someone to import, transfer, sell, purchase, or possess a pet raccoon because it is considered to be inherently dangerous. But this also means that dealing with the issues caused by these wild animals presents some challenges. You hear of owning a dog, a cat, some people even own rats and parrots, but have you ever heard of owning a raccoon? Yet, it is by far the most important furbearer in terms of total pelt value and number harvested in the state. Their fur is usually grayish brown in color but can range from light silver-gray to almost black. My brother and I have decided to share a car to cut costs. It is however possible to hunt the masked animal during the hunting season, provided that one has a hunting or sporting license. It is legal to own a raccoon in the following states: Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. It is easy for a raccoon to convert back to their natural instincts, if they feel threatened for example, and scratch someone. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. They are active and intelligent animals that require lots of mental and physical enrichment. Although not native to the region, raccoons can be found in Utah. There is no substitute for competent legal counsel. It is illegal to own a pet raccoon as a pet in Australia. But they can also be playful and fun to be around. They are rare, however. People in Russia are beginning to domesticate raccoons because of their affection and intelligence. Litter training them is similar to how one would teach a cat to use a litter box. No long forms. How to find car and home insurance quotes online, Finding the right policy as a pet owner can get complicated, but here are some pointers from. Raccoons are made for the outdoors and, even as a pet, can cause the same mischief as they would in the wild. We want to get on the same insurance plan. For instance in Michigan, you can keep a raccoon as a pet as long as it meets two qualifications: the ownership of the raccoon has to be approved by a veterinarian, and the owner has to have a wild animal permit. A dish of clean water should be available at all times. Is It Safe to Have a Raccoon As a Pet? Legislation that went into effect in October 2020 also makes it illegal to own or breed any bird, mammal, reptile, or amphibianlisted under the federal Lacey Act. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. Raccoons are found in both rural and urban environments throughout the United States. It is important to know the traits of the raccoon to understand what you are getting yourself into as an owner. Do not leave pet food outside; keep pet feeding areas clean. It is also illegal to trap and relocate them to another area. Nebraskans can perceive the little creature all over the region and are allowed to have a pet raccoon, under the condition that they have a captive wildlife permit. Since 2014, the City of New York has also been cooperating with the federal government to vaccinate raccoons in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island against rabies. end up injuring someone or damaging their property, that liability coverage could help cover legal expenses and provide you with some extra financial protection. That is why laws are put into place. The sixteen states which allow you to own raccoons legally include: Each state has its regulations and rules for owning exotic or wild raccoons. Bats play important roles in their ecosystems, but they can be. Only in 14 of 50 states are you allowed to keep a raccoon as a pet. This isnt only important for the sake of the animals wellbeing, but for the safety of the public. Convert Latitude/Longitude. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Last Updated on May 11, 2022 by Fair Punishment Team. Their presence is widespread throughout the state and it is strictly prohibited to take wildlife into captivity, including raccoons. Is it legal to keep a raccoon as a pet in Ohio? Contact your local DNR office for more specific guidance. Pet raccoons are illegal in many areas, and even where they are legal there are many laws surrounding their ownership. This animal needs both an indoor and outdoor enclosure as to provide it with more space to roam. Read our. Permits are awarded by a judge based on previous history and good faith. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife considers raccoons to be a prohibited species in the state, meaning that individuals cannot purchase them or possess them except under special circumstances. It's legal to own a pet raccoon in the following states: Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Forgetting to plan for medical emergencies can also cost you money in the long run. For example, in Arkansas, a person can't own more than five raccoons at a time. But other than cats and dogs, what pets can you legally own in Virginia? Indeed, raccoons are responsible for 60% of the cases of rabies in the state of Maryland. In. They can be hunted if one has a hunting license from the state. If you are caught with a raccoon as a pet, you can face serious fines. They are protected by law. However, raccoons transported into Ohio that are pets may [] Riding or sitting on your shoulder is one of the most enjoyable things this animal does to show its affection. No fees, ever. Despite this interdiction, the black-mask-ringed-tail animal is very common in the state of Colorado, both in urban and rural areas. Formal training and experience with animal handling should be taken into consideration before handling any form of wild animal, however it is not always that these factors are thoroughly checked. Dr. Diehl is a passionate veterinarian pursuing specialty medicine with over 6 years' experience with exotic pets. Raccoons are well-known animals in Wisconsin, and the state residents may even adopt a pet raccoon. When Rashida Banks renovated the small rear patio of her Washington, D.C., home, she wanted to include a space where her pit bulls, Jax and Chase, could "do their business." "We, of course, walk . I share a car with my friend/roommate. They can be fascinating to watch, but their enterprising nature and extremely varied diet can bring them in conflict with humans when they raid trash cans, dumpsters, gardens, and/or outdoor pet food. You can already own a raccoon in Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Michigan, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Texas, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, but for some reason Oregon is left out of this. Some raccoons can be trained to use a litter box. Arkansas 2. As for foxes, they are considered by the state not inherently dangerous, and can therefore be possessed. While we already dealt with the US states where its legal to own raccoons, how about other countries around the world? What happens if it scratches or bites someone? They carry diseases which are harmful to both humans and other domesticated pets such as dogs and cats. Members save $872/year. With an appropriate permit, it is legal to keep a pet raccoon. It is also one of the few species that hunters can legally kill with a firearm at night. Plus, raccoons have dietary needs and health issues that can be difficult to manage. But if you have the knowledge and time to properly care for a raccoon, they can be fascinating and funny companions. Raccoons can carry a number of parasites, viruses, and bacterial illnesses, including: Rabies Canine distemper Leptospirosis Toxoplasmosis Intestinal roundworms 2 Raccoons born and raised in captivity are less likely to develop many of these diseases. A good breeder will be able to show you how they handle and interact with all of their young raccoons to help tame the animals and diminish their desire to bite. requires that you need to have a permit to do so in many cases. The affectionate pet raccoon will sit on your shoulder. T he government has classified them as non-native species that are a highly invasive risk to native wildlife species and biodiversity. Because, wolves can potentially be dangerous to humans. This is all down to the health and safety of the citizens, and it is safer for all to keep the two separate. So, you must be prepared to invest significant amounts of money if you intend on owning pet raccoons. In addition to state-level laws, certain cities and counties in Virginia have additional regulations regarding keeping certain exotic pets, so its a good idea to review whether any apply to you before seeking out an unusual pet. This is why Louisianians can hunt them all year round, without heavy regulations. If a person wishes to possess other animals not originally from the state and not listed above then the person must show upon request verification that the animal was legally acquired in the previous state. Common Infectious Diseases of Raccoons. The raccoon is a common animal in the state present along the coast, inland, and within South Carolinians homes: owning a pet raccoon is authorized in the state if a permit is granted. Often, certain pets are illegal because of the risks they can present to people, other animals, the local environment, or local agriculture. It is forbidden to own a pet raccoon in Nevada despite the fact that the state has a long list of animals that can be kept without a permit (including toucans, lovebirds, monkeys, elephants, camels, or ostrich). Never take a raccoon from the wild to raise as a pet. Consult your vet for the best bathing frequency to avoid irritating their skin. Lions, tigers, bearsdont own any of them without a permit in Virginia. In the states where owning a pet raccoon is legal, those looking for a pet raccoon should look additional regulations for owning a raccoon. That means your home must be raccoon-proofed. Native to Texas, the animal is abundant in the area and the state allows Texans to possess a pet raccoon under the condition of receiving an appropriate permit from the Department of Fish and Game. Should You Keep Fennec Fox (Desert Fox) as a Pet? I used it for my auto and renters policies. Raccoons have an impressive set of skills that make them quite adept at finding food. 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. While it is not legal to own a pet raccoon in New Jersey, the most densely populated state in the country attracts its fair share of raccoons. The laws are all dependent on the area you are living and the values that state holds. Raccoons are legal to own as pets in the US states of Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. For instance, raccoons are relatively clean mammals. Without permits, people in Indiana cannot own the following: foxes, raccoons, skunks, wolves, bears, wild cats, venomous reptiles, or crocodiles. Make sure that before taking that opportunity to buy an exotic pet you do your thorough research. And is owning something as exotic as a raccoon legal? In the state of Delaware, Raccoons are considered wild animals that require a permit to own or rehabilitate. Residents of Washington may encounter raccoons often but it is unlawful to adopt a pet raccoon: like coyotes, squirrels, or foxes, raccoons are protected under state laws.