Is it illegal to own a pet raccoon?
Legal in about 15 states, but strictly regulated or banned elsewhere.
Owning a pet raccoon is legal in specific US states, but often requires a captive-born animal and a permit. Most states classify raccoons as 'inherently dangerous' or 'prohibited wildlife' due to concerns regarding rabies and the difficulty of domesticating a wild animal. Even where legal, local municipal ordinances in cities often supersede state law to ban ownership. It is generally illegal everywhere to take a wild raccoon from nature and keep it as a house pet.
RELEVANT LAWS
- Texas Health and Safety Code § 822.101Regulation of Dangerous Wild Animals
- California Code of Regulations Title 14 § 671Importation, Transportation and Possession of Live Non-game Animals
- Florida Administrative Code 68A-6.002Categories of Captive Wildlife
- 18 U.S.C. § 42The Lacey Act (regarding interstate transport of wildlife)
POTENTIAL PENALTIES
- Confiscation and mandatory euthanasia of the animal for rabies testing
- Criminal fines ranging from $500 to $2,000 depending on the state
- Misdemeanor charges for possession of wildlife without a permit
- Civil liability for damages caused by the animal to third parties
JURISDICTION
While states like Arkansas and Florida allow them with permits, states like New York and California maintain a total ban on private ownership.
There is currently no approved rabies vaccine for raccoons in the United States, meaning any pet raccoon that bites a human is legally required to be euthanized for brain tissue testing.
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