There is no restriction on the number of raccoons that you may own. Does this make them more than wild animals? They are protected by law. They are extremely high maintenance and fairly unpredictable, which is why most animal experts advise against keeping them as pets. The raccoons appearance lead people to turn a blind eye on the animals characteristics. Members save $872/year. Raccoons are abundant in the state. The major problems associated with this species involve their ability to invade houses or trashcans. Raccoons can carry a number of parasites, viruses, and bacterial illnesses, including: Raccoons born and raised in captivity are less likely to develop many of these diseases. They may carry diseases, such as rabies or leptospirosis, which can be spread to humans and other animals. These animals require a lot of space, upkeep, and supervision. Raccoons aren't common pets for good reason. , so theyre outlawed in Virginia unless you have the proper permit. This species is very adaptable to urban areas, and are nocturnal, meaning they come out mostly at night; however just seeing them during the day is not a sign of rabies. Brought from Mississippi to be served for the 1926 Thanksgiving dinner, she was saved and kept as a pet by former US president Calvin Coolidge and his wife Grace. Raccoons enjoy exploring their surroundings, so it is important to provide them with somewhere spacious. to people, thanks to their sharp horns and massive strength. And many do become quite cuddly or playful at times. Violating Virginia's wildlife and exotic animal ownership laws can result in fines, and in some cases, even jail time. https://www.addl.purdue.edu/newsletters/1997/fall/raccoon.shtml. Although pet raccoons are illegal in Montana, these wild animals are native to the region and can be found everywhere in the state. Should You Keep Fennec Fox (Desert Fox) as a Pet? If you are caught with a raccoon as a pet, you can face serious fines. When applying for a permit, it is important in Wyoming that you select the permit based on your intention with the individual pet. These diseases can potentially be dangerous for the animals currently living in those environments. Virginia state law states, other than the exotic animals found on, , nonnative or exotic animals can be bought, owned, and sold, as long as theyre not subject to other regulations like. While they do make some vocalizations, raccoons are generally quiet animals. These animals can range from rats (hence the phrase lab rats) to monkeys. That is why laws are put into place. Finding a veterinarian for your exotic pet. And while they are protected under state law, Arizonas raccoons are considered to be a public nuisance, and it is forbidden to adopt them. So anything that might injure them or become damaged must be removed from their area. Indeed, the animal has accounted for half of the annual furbearer harvest, and for approximately 60% of the economic return from the state fur harvesting in recent years. They can be as playful as a puppy, but they can also be unpredictable. Be prepared to invest a lot of time and money in raccoon care. Contact your local DNR office for more specific guidance. Pet raccoons are illegal in Maine because they can carry parasites and rabies, and may cause many problems when it is in close proximity to humans. If an "emergency exists"i.e. Its always vital to know what kinds of conditions an animal needs to allow it to thrive and that youll actually be able to provide that before claiming one for yourself. Due to the animals proximity to the population and its capacity to adapt easily and quickly to urban areas, in certain jurisdictions like Arizona, raccoons are considered to be a public nuisance and a destructive force to homes and landowners. 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). Raccoons can be very amusing and playful pets. Tip This kind of pet is different to your casual dog. Elephants are incredibly complex creatures, and keeping them in captivity doesnt suit them well. Remove bird feeders when problem species have been seen around them. It is illegal to keep raccoons in captivity due to the potential public health risks posed by rabies and other raccoon-borne illnesses. The breeder also should give you thorough information on the animal's origin and health history. You'll need to find out if your state allows them before bringing one into your home. The Secret Life of Red Foxes: How They Fight and Protect Their Families. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Although the number of raccoons has drastically increased since the beginning of the 20th century, it is illegal to keep a pet raccoon in this state. Certain home insurance providers may provide coverage for exotic pets, but, others might require you to purchase separate insurance, to cover your bases. With an appropriate permit, it is legal to keep a pet raccoon. This is important so that your raccoon can stay comfortable and is in an environment appropriate to its species. It is illegal in the State of Virginia to trap and relocate an animal to another area. Arkansas 2. Those are Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Although not too common, having a raccoon as a pet is possible and has been done by many. However, raccoons should not be confused with the Maine Coon, a large domesticated cat breed native to the state of Maine. You also must determine whether there's a vet nearby who can treat raccoons, as well as who could watch your pet if you went out of town or were otherwise unable to care for it. Find insurance savings it's 100% free, Compare Free Quotes (& Save Hundreds per Year! An outdoor pen should be as large as possible with walls and a ceiling that will contain your animal. Oklahoma, in addition to allowing its citizens to possess a pet raccoon (on condition that one has a license from the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation), has designated the wild animal as the official state-furbearing animal in 1989. They can be dangerous, vicious, they can bite. 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Animals in Virginia - Animals Around The Globe The Rehabilitation Permit allows humans to house wild animals temporarily while rehabilitating them. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Last Updated on May 11, 2022 by Fair Punishment Team. was wonderful! It costs $48 to obtain this license and $48 for each yearly renewal. Raccoons are legal to own as pets in the US states of Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. No spam calls. Stay up to date on the latest news and events. Additionally, food for your pet raccoon will be costlier than the food needed for domestic animals like dogs or cats. Can you own a sloth in Texas? Raccoons are affectionate and cuddly mammals that can form close relationships with humans. Coloring Books, Find cities with a similar climate But they can also be playful and fun to be around. They are active and intelligent animals that require lots of mental and physical enrichment. Editorial Note: The content of this article is based on the authors opinions and recommendations alone. It also designated the nocturnal mammal as the official wild animal symbol of Tennessee in 1971. Big cat species like lions, tigers, and jaguars. Raccoons are messy eaters. In some cases, there are exceptions when it comes to owning an exotic animal like a raccoon, even in states that forbid them. They are mostly active at night and rely on their keen senses of smell and hearing to detect potential meals. Pet raccoons are illegal in many areas, and even where they are legal there are many laws surrounding their ownership. This is all down to the health and safety of the citizens, and it is safer for all to keep the two separate. Raccoons are a species of mammal that belong to the Procyonidae family. If you do not plan for things such as medical emergencies, it might become catastrophic to your pets health. Raccoons are a common sight in the region. Adhere to any guidelines that make owning a raccoon legal in your state. Experts recommend spending time around raccoons via wildlife rehabilitation or exotic veterinary practices to see what they're really like. Taking them from their environment is cruel and is a major commitment. There is an overwhelming fear that the cages or contaminants will break, thus releasing the animals into the community, where they may become an invasive species. 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. The raccoon must be euthanized or released within the county of capture on private property in which you have permission to release the raccoon. the animal is in the position to harm another animalthat permit can be suspended. There have been seminars that present information about caring for pet raccoons. These exciting behaviors are common for the playful raccoon. Because, wolves can potentially be dangerous to humans. Along with Delaware, Texas, and Arkansas, the state of Florida authorizes its citizens to keep pet raccoons. They are rare, however. Although this is a topic which is highly controversial and frowned upon, there are still many states that have not put law into action. Characteristics, Housing, Diet, and Other Information. Clear overhanging tree limbs and branches which may be providing wildlife access to structures. Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Se Insurance Cost, Cadillac Escalade Esv Platinum Insurance Cost. It's only legal in 16 states to own pet raccoons. Raccoons are intelligent animals, known for their good memories and problem-solving abilities. Raccoons are easy to take care of. One reason for exception is that these wild animals are not kept as home pets but as animals for exhibitions or to be used for educational purposes. 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. Yet, unlike foxes, it is illegal to keep a pet raccoon in the state. How To Get A Pet Raccoon? - Necessary Steps - All About Pets In addition to state-level laws, certain cities and counties in Virginia have additional regulations regarding keeping certain exotic pets, so its a good idea to review whether any apply to you before seeking out an unusual pet. I think it makes sense to get us both on one insurance plan and split the cost. 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. Michigan residents have, if desired, the possibility to own a pet raccoon. Raccoons, like foxes, are common throughout North Dakota. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife considers raccoons to be a prohibited species in the state, meaning that individuals cannot purchase them or possess them except under special circumstances. I want to solve the issue of not legally being able to own raccoons in Oregon. Until July 1 of this year, it was illegal in Virginia to kill raccoons on Sunday except between the hours of midnight and 2 AM, a window presumably intended to allow some leeway for those late-Saturday-night raccoon hunts to finish up). Thus, it's best to acquire a pet raccoon from a reputable breeder. Should You Keep a Panther Chameleon as a Pet? that are both dangerous to humans and hard to contain, considering theyre fast, strong. And is owning something as exotic as a raccoon legal? However, it is forbidden to trap or shoot them without a nuisance wildlife permit. Without the proper understanding of how to care for and handle a crocodile, you could easily get yourself or someone else injured or killed. An exotic animal is defined as an animal which is extremely rare to be kept as a pet, most commonly thought of as a wild species above an indoor house pet. No long forms. Many people build their own pen from wood and screening.
