The legality of owning a raccoon depends on exactly where you live. Keeping a raccoon is strictly illegal in many states, including but not limited to New York, Tennessee, Colorado, Illinois, and Kentucky. If you live in an area where the possession of raccoons is prohibited, you are not allowed to spot a raccoon in the wild, bring it home and care for it. However, if you`re passionate about owning a raccoon, find out if you`re allowed to do so by calling law enforcement in your area. This has been done by many, but people who raise their raccoons know how to do it in the most responsible way. They understand their nutritional needs, dangers, disease potential and malevolence. However, despite all the risks and safety protocols, 14 states still allow raccoons to be kept as pets, provided that: If it turns out that owning a raccoon is legal in your area, be sure to think carefully about the idea before making a decision. Raccoons, unlike dogs and cats, are not domesticated. As they mature in reproduction, they may adopt hormonal patterns of behavior, including territoriality-driven ferocity.
Mature raccoons can wreak havoc on the inside of homes. Adult men are generally more problematic and dangerous than women. Always consider safety when making decisions. Think about your safety, the safety of others around you and the well-being of the wild animal. A juvenile raccoon may seem cuddly. He is anything but. Some states do not allow the importation of raccoons, even though they can be kept as pets. For example, while Pennsylvania and Michigan issue permits for raccoon ownership, neither of them allow raccoons to be imported into the state. You want to make your home child-resistant and set up a litter box. Like children, raccoons are curious, playful and destructive, so prepare your home accordingly and play with them accordingly.
Why are raccoons in a city? When will I see a raccoon? What do raccoons eat? Can a raccoon make me or my pet sick? What should I do if I find raccoons on my property? While domesticated raccoons are illegal in most states (especially the wild raccoons you`re trying to domesticate), that doesn`t mean you can`t and shouldn`t own raccoons. Raccoons need an outdoor pen where they can play and where they can be confined if they cannot be supervised. The enclosure must have a secure roof. Check state and local laws for additional housing requirements. Most raccoons are healthy and pose no risk of disease transmission to humans. Raccoons can carry rabies (risk to humans and pets), distemper (risk to pets) and roundworms (risk to pets, some risks to humans), but the incidence of rabies in the New York raccoon population is very low. In fact, New York City has been working with the federal government since 2014 to vaccinate raccoons against rabies in Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens. This has made the raccoon population healthier and even safer for humans. But regardless, it`s important to report all sick or injured raccoons to 311.
Raccoons may seem cuddly and cute at first glance. They even look like cartoon bandits and have a reputation for it, but raccoons are wild animals, not pets. They are notoriously difficult to domesticate and belong to their natural habitat. Since he was raised to live a domesticated life, it will not be good for them to throw themselves into the desert again. It will not know how to protect itself, plunder, get used to the change of the environment and climate. All raccoons are vicious, but a wild raccoon can be much more dangerous than a domesticated raccoon. In states where raccoon ownership is legal, those looking for a raccoon should follow additional regulations to own a raccoon. For example, in North Carolina, a veterinarian must approve the animal before it is taken to the state.
In Arkansas, a person cannot own more than five at a time. Keep in mind that it is important to check state and local laws before buying an exotic animal. While the possession of raccoons is prohibited in many states, it is not in others. Some states allow their residents to own raccoons without permission. However, many states require permits for the possession of raccoons. Other types of restrictions often apply to the possession of a raccoon. For example, some states only allow captive raccoons purchased from licensed breeders. Other states might have restrictions on the number of raccoons a person can keep in their home. Make sure you understand the laws in your area before trying to take a raccoon as a pet. If you can only keep a raccoon with a permit, apply for one as soon as possible. Indiana is an example of a state that allows raccoons, but only with permits. Failure to obtain proper permits may result in a fine and confiscation of your pet.
In addition, many veterinarians do not treat raccoons without the necessary permits, as this can compromise their license to practice medicine. Many states do not allow the possession of raccoons. Some states where the possession of raccoons is prohibited by law include Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, and Massachusetts. However, this list is only incomplete. Nevertheless, raccoons are very intelligent creatures and great problem solvers. They can also be a lot of fun – once your raccoon has been domesticated, you`ll find that it`s very playful. And is it legal to own something as exotic as a raccoon? It may sound strange to some, but there are many people who want to own a raccoon or already own one.