In the north, the Idaho Panhandle uses the Pacific Time Zone while the rest of the state uses the Mountain Time Zone. Anyone trapping wildlife outside the regular season requires a Wildlife Control Operator license. Raccoons are on the prohibited list of animals, meaning they are illegal to own as pets in the country. Much like a dog, your raccoon will need to be vaccinated against common diseases, such as rabies. Methods of control must be in compliance with state laws and only live traps may be used outside of trapping season. Expect to pay between $300 and $700 on average, though this can vary widely. According to Wisconsin Watch, no laws regulate private pet ownership in Wisconsin. It is not legal to own raccoons in every state, so you should check the legality in your state before adopting a raccoon. In the states where owning a pet raccoon is legal, those looking for a pet raccoon should look additional regulations for owning . You can not own a . Any person owning property may take nuisance wildlife, or they may authorize another person to take nuisance wildlife on their behalf, on their property. Additionally, it is very rarely permitted to domesticate a raccoon, and only to experts in Canada. North Carolina is considered very unique among the southeast because it has sub-tropical, temperate and boreal habitats. In many ways, the pet raccoon acts similarly to house dogs. Some people who keep raccoons house them in a large dog crate when they aren't home to watch their pet. If the rodents don't get you, the other pest animals just might. Raccoons, opossum, and skunk that are a nuisance, causing damage, or sick may be trapped without a permit by landowners or tenants on their property. Consult your veterinarian for the quantity and variety that is best for your animal, as this can vary based on age, size, and activity level. Even in states where raccoons are legal to own, in most cases, you are required to either obtain a permit or get permission from the state authorities. In a small number of states, certain fox species are legal as pets, although most officials will try to discourage it. These animals can be dangerous to the environment because they can disrupt the ecosystem by introducing new diseases and stealing food. While the average raccoon lifespan in the wild is anywhere from 2 to 10 years, domesticated raccoons can live for up to 20 years. Smith County, Kansas contains the geographic . Exotic Animal Laws by State.Findlaw, https://www.findlaw.com/injury/torts-and-personal-injuries/exotic-animal-laws-by-state.html. 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. In most states, raccoons are considered wild animals. . Nuisance wildlife requires a permit to be taken which may only be obtained after it is determined non-lethal methods of control are ineffective. The state is one of four to have more than 10 distinct ecological regions with a total of 11. Landowners and tenants may trap nuisance wildlife including furbearers on their property without a permit if the wildlife is found to be causing damage or is sick. Especially for a raccoon who are notoriously known to be riddled with disease, it is essential that the owner is able to take care of it in the best way possible. Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is for general use only and is not legal advice. Raccoons are nocturnal after all. However, their enticing features make people start seeing these animals as potential pets. They love to show their human companions attention by sitting on their laps, cuddling at the ends of their beds, and getting belly rubs. Although its precise impact is unknown, distemper may account for up to half of the mortality in unharvested Kansas populations each year. You can legally own a raccoon as a pet in sixteen states. There are strict restrictions placed on them, meaning they can no longer be bred or sold within the borders of the United Kingdom. For example, what happens to your raccoon if it gets loose? All raccoons are vicious, but a wild raccoon can be much more dangerous than a domesticated one. Viral videos of raccoons learning to do unique tricks or playing with dog toys surface on the internet. . Exclusion and live trapping are preferred but nuisance wildlife may be trapped without a permit when found to be causing damage. Landowners and tenants may trap nuisance wildlife (including furbearers) on their property found to be sick or causing damage without a permit during the open season. Despite its small size Rhode Island is home to over 800 native and non-native species. These active and mischievous animals need consistent supervision and lots of toys and other enrichment to keep them entertained. You hear of owning a dog, a cat, some people even own rats and parrots, but have you ever heard of owning a raccoon? Before even considering a pet raccoon, you shouldbe aware of your local and state/provincial laws. There are a few things that you should consider before adopting a pet raccoon. Some raccoons can be trained to use a litter box. To make campsite reservations and purchase state park permits visit, https://www.campitks.com/. A release of more than one exotic pet can cause the beginning of an invasive species epidemic and destroy delicate ecosystem of any location. Protected furbearers (raccoon, weasel, beaver, nutria, and muskrat) may be trapped with a license during open season. As well as this, you have to recognize that raccoons are one of the largest spreaders of disease, most commonly rabies. These states are: If you are set on owning a pet raccoon and your state permits it, you should first find a reputable raccoon breeder. Poultry, fish, eggs, insects, vegetables, and fruits are recommended for them. Most small nuisance mammals do not require a permit to trap on your property if they are found to be causing damage. In the South and Southeast, raccoon meat is a popular food item, and even here in Kansas, there is limited interest in eating the meat. In states that do allow pet ownership of a raccoon, a wild animal permit is usually required. Rhode Island is the smallest state in area and seventh least populous. You'll need to find out if your state allows them before bringing one into your home. It is important to acknowledge that your raccoon, even though it is domesticated, is a wild animal at heart. In Kansas on September 16, 2000, a 75-year old woman was . They naturally establish latrine sites, making it easy to create animal pins with concentrated mess areas. While they generally only live a few years in the wild, raccoons can live up to 20 years as pets. Attempting to domesticate the wild raccoon who visits your yard is a terrible idea, so, if youre serious about your adoption efforts, youll want to contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian who may know of an injured raccoon in need of a foster home. To own a raccoon as a pet in Michigan, you must have one of several licenses to guarantee that you can care for a game animal. Having been raised to live a domesticated life, throwing itself back into the wild will not be good for it. Rats and mice are under no protections. Kansas allows . Should You Keep a Capuchin Monkey as a Pet? Adult raccoons are excellent swimmers, climbers, voracious fighters, and have few natural enemies. A wildlife depredation permit is required for the taking of any nuisance wildlife found to be causing damage and may only be issued after non-lethal control attempts have been made. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. It is all dependent on the raccoons owner. Like children, raccoons are curious and playful and also destructive, so prepare your home accordingly and play with them accordingly. And captivity can greatly stress a wild animal even to the point of killing it. Alabama's diverse wildlife can be attributed to a large variety of habitats such as the Tennessee Valley, Appalachian Mountains and coastal areas along the Gulf of Mexico. You can legally own a raccoon as a pet in sixteen states. Raccoons don't go about carrying rabies all the time and transmitting them to everyone, as many people seem to think. It is illegal to own a pet raccoon as a pet in Australia. The sixteen states which allow you to own raccoons legally include: Each state has its regulations and rules for owning exotic or wild raccoons. A DMIN. That means your home must be raccoon-proofed. Almost 90 different species of mammal call the state home. It is unlawful for anyone to shelter, breed, or raise raccoons without a permit. For instance, raccoons are relatively clean mammals. And some do enjoy cuddling with their humans. Montana is the fourth largest state by area but the eighth least populated. Idaho features the largest contiguous area of protected wilderness in the continental US called the Frank-Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. Opossum, moles, cotton-tail rabbit, European rabbit, chipmunks, gray squirrel, red squirrel, flying squirrel, muskrat, woodchuck, rats, mice, voles (except those species listed as protected), weasels, raccoons, porcupines and striped skunk may all be trapped at any time with a problem animal control permit. Highly intelligent and adaptable, the raccoon (Procyon lotor) is one of our most abundant furbearers. Coloring Books, Find cities with a similar climate Bats - except when taken as a result of an exclusion device. Their diet, necessary environments, and medical attention are costly. Washington's climate and geography make it an area that allows wildlife to flourish. It is home to 590 native species. There are far better methods to deter and . People believe it to be unethical as wild animals should be out in the open in their natural habitat, it also known that not many vets work with raccoons, and they can also carry all sorts of diseases (a raccoons droppings can contain roundworm which is infectious to even humans). In most states, raccoons are considered wild animals. They enjoy climbing, exploring, and can be destructive. The majority of New York's population lives in the New York metropolitan area, with New York City being the most populous city in the US. Plus, raccoons have dietary needs and health issues that can be difficult to manage. 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, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. A landowner or leaser can take nuisance raccoon, opossum, mink, rabbit, hare, beaver, muskrat, and squirrel at any time provided the animal is damaging private property. But they can also be playful and fun to be around. Approximately 52% of the state is covered by forests. Its total surface area is 121 592 square miles of which only 250 are water. Raccoons, domesticated or not, are prone to biting (and they will bite anything from their family to other animals). So, an aggressive training approach probably isnt the path forward when it comes to raising a raccoon. (A thank you to Randy, @racc.dad on Instagram, who is a Texas wildlife rehabilitator, for reaching out with this information.). 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. It may seem like a strange idea to some but there are many people out there who either want to own or already own a raccoon. New Mexico has very little water on its surface. Can you keep a wild raccoon as a pet in Canada? Can I Legally Have A Raccoon As A Pet? Ideally, they should be allowed to move freely around your living area and provided with branches, shelves, and other items to climb for exercise. For example, in Arkansas, a person cant own more than five raccoons at a time. As pets, they don't do well in cages or even in small bedrooms. People like these animals because they are similar to their house pets now. Nearly all of Iowa's land area is used for agriculture, only 7% of the land is forested. The Wildlife Code of Missouri classifies the raccoon as a furbearer and game mammal that may be taken during prescribed hunting and trapping seasons. A valid hunting license and appropriate conditions allows for the year round taking of opossum, red squirrel, gray squirrel, weasel, and porcupine. Raccoons are illegal in the majority of states not only for the unethicalness of possessing an exotic animal, but for the wellbeing of the public. Being active during the daytime is part of their domesticated behavior, which humans cannot teach to wild raccoons. Despite these high densities, raccoons are generally solitary with the exception of mothers with offspring. Plus, they have established latrine areas, which means they are already litterbox trained. You do not need to apply or have a permit to own a raccoon in West Virginia. Adhere to any guidelines that make owning a raccoon legal in your state. Once, Tito even tried his paw at ASMR. Lianne McLeod, DVM, is a small animal and exotic pet expert with over a decade of experience writing about veterinary care. Raccoons are not easy to tame. They are primal and have the instinct to scavenge, including digging through trash. It costs $48 to obtain this license and $48 for each yearly renewal. The raccoon cannot normally forage, establish territory, and perform normal mating rituals. Address: Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campground, 319 W Hills Dr, Chattanooga, TN 37419, USA. %5t"y' &xeK7Mg`HTvO..3>. She currently writes for Demand Studios and Hubpages, with creative works, which are a great joy for her, on other websites. Delaware is known as the first state for being the first to ratify the Constitution of The United States following the revolution. Raccoons are affectionate, and they love to cuddle. Wild animals are much more expensive than domestic animals. The livestock import permit office can provide specific information on all of the entry requirements for any animal species, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Central Standard Time. Approximately 25% of Montana is forest covered and the state has the largest population of grizzly bears of the lower 48. Raccoons are very difficult to care for, as they need regular supervision and ample space. Raccoons are affectionate and cuddly mammals that can form close relationships with humans. Captive raccoons can be prone to obesity if they aren't given enough space to roam. These areas provide refuge for wildlife such as the endangered Mexican gray wolf. Raccoons require a lot of time, space, and resources that most people cannot accommodate! On the other hand, for the right people raccoons can make incredible pets. Furbearers cannot be killed or taken during the running season. Opportunistic nest predators, raccoons also prey on eggs and nesting birds, occasionally even up to the size of waterfowl and turkeys. One of the most common diseases these wild animals may carry is roundworms. Beavers, groundhogs, rats, and mice are not protected and may be trapped at any time. So, which states allow for raccoon domestication? The breeder also should give you thorough information on the animal's origin and health history. Some states also limit the number of raccoons and deem ownership of these animals as partially legal. These are likely signs of ill health. These unique environments were formed by sediment flowing down and washing out of the Mississippi river. Their state animal is the coyote. Alligators and crocodiles are common in Florida but they are considered exotic pets in Kansas. There is no restriction on the number of raccoons that you may own. Raccoons are considered exotic animals in Wyoming, and they require a permit for private ownership. These are contagious to animals and humans, and they can transmit to other mammals through feces. Delaware is the second smallest state and was one of the 13 colonies participating in the American Revolution. There are a number of steps to taking care of your raccoon the correct way. Prior to acquiring a raccoon as a pet, contact exotic veterinarians in your area to find one who specializes in this animal and is willing to take one on as a patient. It is roughly the size of Vermont and larger than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Olympic national parks combined. It's only legal in 16 states to own pet raccoons. They can be dangerous, vicious, they can bite. They are known to travel a circumpolar migration route, experiencing summer twice per year, once in the northern hemisphere and once in the southern hemisphere. You might want to reconsider. Raccoons are made for the outdoors and, even as a pet, can cause the same mischief as they would in the wild. With over 80% of its land covered by forest, Maine is the most forest covered state. Small mammals (chipmunks, ground squirrels, marmots, or rabbits) may be trapped by landowners if found to be causing property damage. A nuisance wildlife control permit is required for the taking of any nuisance wildlife. They'll reach their full size between 4 months and 1 year old. However, providing the right environment for them is difficult. Riding or sitting on your shoulder is one of the most enjoyable things this animal does to show its affection. It is only to be expected with keeping them as a pet. Woodall Mountain is the highest point at 807 feet above sea level. Only in a few states including California, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Illinois have they created a law banning the use of animals for entertainment in circuses. In other words, they might be quick to bite when annoyed or scared. That is why laws are put into place. Mississippi experiences active weather with frequent thunderstorms, an average of around 27 tornadoes per year and the odd hurricane travelling inland from the Gulf of Mexico. Some of the most deadly tornadoes on record have occurred in Illinois. And many do become quite cuddly or playful at times. Dens most often consist of hollow trees, but old buildings, abandoned burrows of other animals, or other available cavities are also used. Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (S.C.O.R.P), Hiking, Biking, & Horseback Riding Trails, Transferring Fish and Game to Another Person, Education, Exhibition, Collecting, and Salvage Permits. Question: Can you own a raccoon in California? You may purchase raccoons from the following exotic pet stores: Exotic Jungle Pet Supply in Morgantown, WV (304) 296-8552. There are more white-tail deer per square mile in New Jersey than any other state. Heavily pursued by both houndsmen and trappers, the raccoon has accounted for about half of the annual furbearer harvest and from 50-75% of the economic return from Kansas furharvesting in recent years. For instance, you can feed them cat food as a portion of supplemental food. Can I own a pet raccoon? As well as this, you will not be able to have your wild pet taken care of by a vet if these permits are not provided. In reality, our animal friends are more than happy living on their own, in nature. When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. New Hampshire's land is 84% covered by forest which is second only to Maine. Alaska's unique geography makes it different than any other state in the union. It is easy for a raccoon to convert back to their natural instincts, if they feel threatened for example, and scratch someone. Do not bring a wild raccoon into your home. It wouldnt know how to protect itself, scavenge, get used to the changed environment and climate. They need lots of safe space to roam and consistent supervision. However, they are extremely susceptible to a variety of diseases and parasites. Avoid letting it roam free on the streets you dont know what it can do. Beaver, muskrat, western gray squirrel, rabbits, rodents, gophers, mountain beaver (boomers), marmot, nutria and porcupine causing damage on private land are defined as predatory and may be taken by the land owner or tenant without a permit at any time. Florida laws actively forbid the killing of wild animals like raccoons. These animals require a lot of space, upkeep, and supervision. Colorado is the only state entirely above 3300 feet of elevation. It features the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains of North America. Eventually, the two became friends. Seriously. Raccoons can become relatively tame around people, but they'll never become fully domesticated. The only wildlife not requiring a permit are rock squirrels, gophers, and packrats. Raccoons are easy to take care of. For example, South Carolina prohibits owning lions as pets, but you can still own a monkey. In order to mimic a wild raccoons diet, try giving your pet nuts and seeds as treats. Typically, three or four young are born in April or May. The raccoon is also an economically important species of urban wildlife, and is the primary species responsible for the rapidly growing animal damage control industry. Weve trapped millions (seriously, millions) of rats and mice and the knowledge of what it takes to achieve success is highlighted in this guide. Some also enjoy playing with toys like balls. This is mostly due to a bias against 'unusual' animals being kept as pets and the perception that owning anything other than a dog or cat is "unnecessary". $400. They need to be treated differently and accordingly to their species. The seconds one raccoon Hercules literally loves cuddling his owner. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. So they are best kept solo.