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Velvet Digest

What states is it illegal to have a pet raccoon?

Author

Ethan Hayes

Updated on May 17, 2026

Raccoons are illegal in Arizona, Colorado,Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, and Massachusetts among otherstates, and there are specific laws surroundingraccoon ownership in most states. In somestates, while it may be legal to own a raccoonas a pet, it is not legal to import raccoons fromoutside the state.

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Hereof, is it illegal to own a raccoon as a pet?

In many states, it's illegal to own a petraccoon. And in all states, it's illegal to take ananimal from the wild. That means any legal pet raccoon mustcome from a licensed exotic animal breeder. Clever and mischievous,raccoons will get into lots of trouble if they are leftunsupervised.

can you have a pet raccoon in Rhode Island? Canine distemper is not common in Rhode Island,and it is not transmittable to humans. It is important to seekmedical attention immediately if bitten or scratched by araccoon, or any other wild animal.

One may also ask, how do I get a raccoon as a pet?

If they are permitted where you live, the best way toget a pet raccoon is through an established breeder.Raccoons bred and raised in a home with humans can bond moreeasily and adjust faster to life as domestic animals.

Can you have a pet raccoon in Wisconsin?

The species is one of many exotic animals that wouldstill be allowed to be kept as pets in Wisconsin evenif Senate Bill 241 becomes law. Current owners of bannedpets, such as tigers, lions and chimpanzees, would beallowed to keep their animals under the bill.

Related Question Answers

Can you raise a fox?

Although it's perfectly legal, keeping a fox isextremely challenging. They have not been domesticated so they aredifficult to tame, and many people report damage and chaos in thehome. Foxes don't make good pets.

Can you have a hyena as a pet?

Too bad hyenas are dangerous animals, andwouldn't make good pets. Even the Association of Zoos andAquariums agrees. Yes, the famed Hyena Men of Africa walkaround with them on chains, but they also keep them drugged andnever let them get hungry. Those animals are notdomesticated.

Can you own an otter as a pet?

It is also illegal in all states to keep this indigenousotter as a pet in the US. Exotic animals have manyguidelines regarding their ability to be maintained in captivity,but they do depend on the state. For almost all otterspecies in America, it is illegal to keep them as pets withone exception.

Can you own a flamingo?

Mercedes R. Lackey, Owned by 12 parrots, 4 Cats, 4Peafowl. As far as I know, it is not illegal to have aflamingo as a pet. Zoos feed their flamingos a specificfood that is not available to the general public in anyform.

Can I have a bush baby as a pet?

The bushbaby is not a recommended pet.However, before obtaining any non-traditional pet, checkthat it is legal to own one in your state of residence and checkfor permitting requirements. Always keep your pet inside asafe and secure enclosure. Never release a pet into thewild.

Can you domesticate a wolf?

Remember that wolves are not domesticatedanimals. Though people keep wolves as pets when they'veraised them from a puppy, they are still instinctual animals thatcan't completely be tamed. Do not take awolf from the wild. If you are interested in owning awolf, do not get one from thewild.

Can baby raccoons have rabies?

A baby raccoon is not born with rabies,but is exposed at birth by a viral shedding mother as she groomsthe newborn. Once the virus crosses the brain stem, it enters thesalivary glands and multiplies.

What states can you own a wolf?

Sadly, there is no federal law regarding the ownershipof a wolf or wolfdog. Laws are left to be determined by theindividual states. It is illegal to keep them inConnecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Maryland and several otherstates.

Can you potty train a raccoon?

Coons can be trained to use a litter boxjust as cats do. This, unfortunately does not come aseasy to them as it does to cats. It takes alot ofwork!

Are raccoons friendly to humans?

Though raccoons are more than happy to makehuman areas their homes, they can be vicious when approachedby humans. Humans should be particuarlly cautious ofapproaching raccoons because they are common carriers ofrabies, roundworms and leptospirosis, according to The HumanSociety.

Can you train a raccoon?

A raccoon can't be trained like a cat or a dog,and it will never become truly docile.The best place forraccoons is the woods, their natural habitat. If youstill want to adopt a raccoon as a pet you mustalways get it as a juvenile kit, since that way you cantrain it and it will recognize you asfamily.

What do you feed a pet raccoon?

You can supplement kibble with poultry, fish, or eggsalong with fresh vegetables, fruits, and whole prey items such asmice. Just giving dog food will not do. Gut-loaded crickets,mealworms, earthworms, and other invertebrates should also beoffered and double as enrichment if these prey items are stillalive.

Can raccoons come through the ceiling?

Can raccoons break through the ceiling? Itis rare but yes, it has happened. A raccoon that has lived in oneplace for long enough may be able to damage the ceiling withurine, making it softer and weaker over time.

Are raccoons aggressive?

Aggressive raccoons. While a normalraccoon wouldn't attack a person, they will sometimes“bluff” if they feel threatened or cornered.Raccoons may huff, grunt, or “charge” at you,but they're just trying to scare you off so you'll leave themalone.

Is it illegal to own a raccoon in California?

Under the California Department of Fish and Gamelaws, it is illegal for any wildlife, includingraccoons, to be kept as pets, unless you have aprohibited animal permit on file with the agency.

How smart are raccoons?

Raccoons are special kinds of mammals believed tobe some of the smartest animals on the planet. Raccoons arebelieved to be smart because they have incredibly hugebrains. Raccoons can be intelligent and curious and for thisreason, they can be very hard to trap.

Are skunks good pets?

Domestic skunks, on the other hand, can makefriendly companions and skunk owners say they make goodpets. They are very cuddly and playful animals, offering hoursof free entertainment for their pet parents. Petskunks do have a tendency to get into things, though, much likewild skunks enjoy getting into garbage.

Can I own a monkey in Rhode Island?

Wild Animals You Can Legally Own InRhode Island. Turns out with the right permits, Icould totally own a monkey! Rhode Island StateLaws Governing Private Possession of Exotic Animals states that youcan own exotic primates, carnivores, amphibia, reptilia,canidae, and insecta as long as you obtain a permit to doso.

Can you own a sloth in Rhode Island?

Terrestrial amphibians considered native to RhodeIsland and which possession as pets is prohibited include thefollowing: a.