We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Ideally, they should be allowed to move freely around your living area and provided with branches, shelves, and other items to climb for exercise. the animal is in the position to harm another animalthat permit can be suspended. Freshwater Mussel Restoration. Raccoons require an abundant diet of natural resources. What States Can You Legally Own A Raccoon? - FAQS Clear The raccoon cannot normally forage, establish territory, and perform normal mating rituals. And while they are protected under state law, Arizonas raccoons are considered to be a public nuisance, and it is forbidden to adopt them. You can also not own any member of the genus, including deer, elk, moose, and caribou. Raccoons are best known for their furry grey bodies and black mask-like features around their eyes. One state that does allow pet raccoons is Wyoming. Florida 4. 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. You must keep all raccoons in an approved enclosure, compliant with West Virginia Wildlife Code. Can You Have a Pet Raccoon and Are Raccoons Good Pets? - Reference.com You cannot legally own a raccoon as a pet in Canada. The sixteen states which allow you to own raccoons legally include: Each state has its regulations and rules for owning exotic or wild raccoons. Exotic Animal Laws by U.S. State Mapped - Vivid Maps How hot cities could be in 2050 Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center. Allow your raccoon to feel like it is in the wild with plenty of space, company, places to explore. Make sure that before taking that opportunity to buy an exotic pet you do your thorough research. In parallel, the Department of Natural Resources monitors the number of raccoons to make sure that hunting activities do not impact the raccoon population negatively. Most adult raccoons need two meals per day in the early morning and late evening, though follow your vet's advice on this. 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. Zebra Mussels. But it's still very important to take your pet for regular vet visits. For obvious reasons, crocodiles dont make the safest pets. Youll have to surround yourself with laughter in other ways. Pet raccoons are illegal in many areas, and even where they are legal there are many laws surrounding their ownership. Is It Legal To Have A Pet Raccoon In Virginia - Gegu Pet You may legally own a raccoon as a pet in several states across America. Raccoons | Virginia DWR Melanie Krieps Mergen is an insurance writer who enjoys getting down to the nuts and bolts of all your burning questions. And, in North Carolina, a veterinarian must "approve" the animal before it's brought into the state. There is a continuous open trapping season in the following localities: Arlington, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Henrico, James City, Loudoun, Prince William, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Roanoke and York Counties. Despite Louisiana hosting the Fur and Wildlife Festival every year, the state does not allow its inhabitants to keep a pet raccoon. The state has recently passed legislation that allows year-round hunting and trapping for raccoons (as well as opossums). Coyotes, raccoons, skunks and woodchuck are not protected and can be taken year-round when they are doing or about to do damage on private property. Keeping raccoons as pets has been outlawed in many states because of these risks; individuals who violate this law in Alabama risk facing criminal charges and steep fines. However, they also are generally quick to biteeven their favorite peoplewhen something annoys or scares them. However, for many animal activists out there this isnt accepted well. Exotic Animal Laws by State.Findlaw, https://www.findlaw.com/injury/torts-and-personal-injuries/exotic-animal-laws-by-state.html. Characteristics, Housing, Diet, and Other Information. Based on the leadership principles of George Washington, we provide citizens, voters, and elected officials with the information, insights, and tools that amplify democracy in the modern age. Permits are required by law when possessing any exotic animal. They are wild animals and therefore unpredictable, and should never be left alone with a child or anyone else who is not experienced with handling them. You should learn how much is the right amount to feed them; as raccoons grow older, you should begin to limit their food intake accordingly. Some red flags include a raccoon that is underweight with its ribs showing, as well as a very lethargic animal or one that is not interested in food. In Colorado, it is illegal to own any wild animals, including a domesticated raccoon in order to ensure public health and public safety, to protect domestic livestock, and to protect Colorados wildlife and wildlife resources. Despite their common presence, Virginia laws strictly prohibit its residents from keeping pet raccoons or trying to raise them without a rehabilitation permit. While they are commonly found throughout North America, raccoons also inhabit parts of Central and South America. The average adult raccoon measures between 20 and 40 inches long and typically weighs 10 to 30 pounds. On the other hand, the possession of other forms of wildlife such as foxes is strictly prohibited. The little mammal can also be hunted and trapped during the hunting season. 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. It is only to be expected with keeping them as a pet. In order to acquire a raccoon as a personal pet in Florida (or other wild animals such as opossum, lemur, spider monkey, or zebra), one has to be over 16 years old and get a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Coloring Books, Find cities with a similar climate Beaver Teeth: Their Color, Strength, Sharpness, And More! Not native to this island, pet raccoons are prohibited. , it's illegal to own animals like bears, wolves, crocodiles, and big cat species without a permit. The availability of nearby wild animal veterinarians is something that can make a major impact on your pets livelihood. 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. Before even considering a pet raccoon, you shouldbe aware of your local and state/provincial laws. It's legal to own a raccoon as a pet in Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Nebraska, North and South Carolina, Michigan, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Texas, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, West Virginia. It is also one of the few species that hunters can legally kill with a firearm at night. Violating Virginias wildlife and exotic animal ownership laws can result in fines, and in some cases, even jail time. They have an expansive diet, and they are not picky eaters. They are extremely high maintenance and fairly unpredictable, which is why most animal experts advise against keeping them as pets. Some raccoons can be trained to use a litter box. Raccoons can be found in virtually any habitat, as long as water is nearby. However, there are some states where one can have a pet raccoon. 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. Raccoons are on the prohibited list of animals, meaning they are illegal to own as pets in the country. Raccoons can also be hunted and trapped during the hunting season, a sport appreciated by many residents. Laws on Exotic Animals for Each State - The Spruce Pets All of the agents are amazingly nice and knowledgeable. Mary Y. For example, in South Dakota, although bears are allowed to be kept on private property in your home, pigs are prohibited. Is It Safe to Have a Raccoon As a Pet? This is the reason why Iowas legislation bans owning, possessing, breeding, and importing raccoons. Plus, animals taken into captivity often can't be released back in the wild if you decide you can't keep your pet because they become too reliant on and comfortable around humans. This native mammal inhabits woodlands and marshes in rural and urban areas throughout North America. Bats play important roles in their ecosystems, but they can be. 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Raccoons are not allowed as pets everywhere because they are considered exotic or wild animals. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Still, a majority of the country allows for coon hunting, sometimes without many restrictions, like in Idaho. In Arkansas, you can own bobcats, but not more than six at a time. If an "emergency exists"i.e. However, it is forbidden to trap or shoot them without a nuisance wildlife permit. The most common and well-known is the North American raccoon from northern Canada and most of the United States from south-to-South America.It has a bright black mask between the eyes and a tail with 5 to 10 black stripes. The state also forbids the adoption and possession of pet raccoons. You can get a pet raccoon by adopting, trapping, or purchasing the raccoon. It has been done by many, but those people raising their raccoons know how to do so in the most responsible way. Raccoons are abundant in Kansas, specifically in the east where water and woodlands can be found but it is illegal to possess a pet raccoon in Kansas. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Being active during the daytime is part of their domesticated behavior, which humans cannot teach to wild raccoons. There are a lot of pet owners in the state of Vermont, but none of them may possess a pet raccoon. And is owning something as exotic as a raccoon legal? Many will damage your home and belongings as part of their daily antics, are difficult to truly tame, and are notorious biters when something bothers them. Adhere to any guidelines that make owning a raccoon legal in your state. The world you establish for the raccoon is very limited. In fact, the noticeable animal, with its bandit mask and tiny hands is considered to be injurious wildlife known to be harmful to the indigenous ecosystems and constitute a nuisance and health hazard. Raccoons are easy to take care of. It is illegal to own a pet raccoon as a pet in Australia. Free Quotes. It only takes about 45 seconds to answer a few quick questions and start comparing customized quotes from top insurance providers.. There is an overwhelming fear that the cages or contaminants will . Do I need a permit to control wildlife on my farm? When a state makes owning certain animals as pets illegal, its usually for the well-being of people, other animals, the local ecosystem, or local agriculture., But since pet laws can vary so much from one place to another, you might not realize your once-legal exotic pet is now an outlaw after youve relocated to a new state. Wisconsin 14. It is illegal to keep raccoons as pets in Alabama. Unfortunately, you can't own a raccoon in the UK. In order to do this, they have to fill out and submit a wild game permit application. You must provide them with much larger cages, and their medical treatment is much more expensive. They are common in the area and can be hunted for their fur during the New Hampshire hunting and trapping season, which runs from September to March. They would therefore be authorized to possess wild game that has been reared in captivity only, and that is native to the region. 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. However, their enticing features make people start seeing these animals as potential pets. Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is for general use only and is not legal advice. While we already dealt with the US states where its legal to own raccoons, how about other countries around the world? And if you have questions about insurance options for your furry, feathered, or scaly companion, Jerrys friendly, experienced team of agents. 7 Kinds of Primates That Are Kept as Pets, Serval Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care. Virginia's Wildlife | Virginia DWR They are agile, and they love to play with humans. After trapping, you can legally make these mammals into pets. Texas 12. not very safe to keep an alligator as a pet. This means that keeping a raccoon dog as a pet is a criminal offence and could result in a fine or even imprisonment. It is unlawful for anyone to shelter, breed, or raise raccoons without a permit. On average, raccoons reach around 16 to 28 inches long, and they weigh between 7 and 20 pounds.
