Raccoons are a common sight in the region. Raccoons are best known for their furry grey bodies and black mask-like features around their eyes. Is It True That Raccoons Are Common As Pets In Russia? Some people who keep raccoons house them in a large dog crate when they aren't home to watch their pet. Pennsylvania is one of the few states that allow its residents to own a pet raccoon, and other kinds of exotic animals, under the condition that one obtains a permit. The legislation that prevents owning a raccoon dog is the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it illegal to keep or release any animal which is not a traditional pet. If youre interested in pet raccoons, also check out: Please do your research as to whether owning one of these exotic animals is something you should do. Today, it is illegal to keep any wild animals as pets in the District of Columbia. Know what you are feeding your raccoon. Visit with the animal in person before you commit; don't acquire an animal over the internet or via a classified ad. Since 2014, the City of New York has also been cooperating with the federal government to vaccinate raccoons in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island against rabies. (A thank you to Randy, @racc.dad on Instagram, who is a Texas wildlife rehabilitator, for reaching out with this information.). In California, it is illegal to keep raccoons as pets due to their classification as wild animals. Thats probably for the best, considering theyre incredibly strong and hard to contain, and their excellent hunting skills would pose a public safety threat to people if they were to get loose. Make sure that before taking that opportunity to buy an exotic pet you do your thorough research. They can be dangerous, vicious, they can bite. West Virginia 13. https://www.addl.purdue.edu/newsletters/1997/fall/raccoon.shtml. The raccoon does not make a bad pet, however, the raccoon can be hard work. The Wyoming law authorizes Wyomingites to keep pet raccoons as well as other animals such as ostriches, coyotes, and red foxes without any permits. I trusted it so much that I signed up my homeowners insurance under Jerry as well. Indeed, raccoon hunting is widely popular in the region and there are many raccoon hunter clubs and competitions being held yearly. It is therefore illegal to possess, import, propagate, or sell raccoons. Despite Louisiana hosting the Fur and Wildlife Festival every year, the state does not allow its inhabitants to keep a pet raccoon. They would therefore be authorized to possess wild game that has been reared in captivity only, and that is native to the region. But it's still very important to take your pet for regular vet visits. After caring for animals in her veterinarian practice, Lianne went on to study biology and research water quality and chronic disease at theUniversity of Saskatchewan. Unfortunately, you can't own a raccoon in the UK. Plus, these North American natives are nocturnal, meaning they're most active at night. What happens if you have an illegal pet in Virginia? 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. Zebra Mussels. 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. 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. When Rashida Banks renovated the small rear patio of her Washington, D.C., home, she wanted to include a space where her pit bulls, Jax and Chase, could "do their business." "We, of course, walk . The state classifies raccoons as furbearers, it is possible to hunt them from October to February with no limit, on condition that one possesses a hunting permit. 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'll need to find out if your state allows them before bringing one into your home. that are both dangerous to humans and hard to contain, considering theyre fast, strong. Despite all of the risks and safety protocols, however, still 14 states allow raccoons to be kept as pets, so long as: Although there are some that allow the ownership of a raccoon, the majority of the states deem this illegal. But they can also be playful and fun to be around. You may also donate them to a science or educational research facility. It is illegal to own a pet raccoon as a pet in Australia. Raccoons can easily introduce new diseases to the environments they are not from. Raccoon (Coon, Racoon, Ringtail) Raccoons are easy to recognize, with a prominent black mask across the eyes, grizzled gray and black coat, and ringed tail. You must contact the Commonwealth Attorneys office in your county/city for information regarding legal methods of animal removal. It is unlawful to possess 6 or more bobcat, coyote, deer, gray fox, red fox, opossum, quail, rabbit, raccoon and squirrel. Adult Size: 16 to 28 inches long, and 7 to 20 pounds on average. The raccoon is found throughout the state, the majority being found in northwestern and central Ohio. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Taking them from their environment is cruel and is a major commitment. Tip Residents of Washington may encounter raccoons often but it is unlawful to adopt a pet raccoon: like coyotes, squirrels, or foxes, raccoons are protected under state laws. Wyoming. They are primal and have the instinct to scavenge, including digging through trash. Disclaimer: The information contained on this website is for general use only and is not legal advice. This is all down to the health and safety of the citizens, and it is safer for all to keep the two separate. 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. In fact, the Wisconsin Conservation Department sponsored a major raccoon propagation program between the 1930s and the 1950s that was responsible for the release of more than a thousand raccoons every year. But if you have the knowledge and time to properly care for a raccoon, they can be fascinating and funny companions. I want to solve the issue of not legally being able to own raccoons in Oregon. For instance, you can feed them cat food as a portion of supplemental food. Why Arent Raccoons Allowed As Pets Everywhere? Raccoons can be very amusing and playful pets. Youll have to surround yourself with laughter in other ways. As well as this, if your pet raccoon was to get lost and find itself having to live with other raccoons in the wild, they will more than likely not live a long life. The sixteen states which allow you to own raccoons legally include: Each state has its regulations and rules for owning exotic or wild raccoons. That is why laws are put into place. On the contrary, they have been recently reclassified as predatory wildlife, and can therefore be hunted in any number, at any time, all year round; under the condition that one possesses an Idaho hunting or trapping license. In any case, they must be released into the same county they were found. Citation: A RK. Without permits, people in Indiana cannot own the following: foxes, raccoons, skunks, wolves, bears, wild cats, venomous reptiles, or crocodiles. 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. It is also illegal to trap and relocate them to another area. Lianne McLeod, DVM, is a small animal and exotic pet expert with over a decade of experience writing about veterinary care. 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. On average, raccoons reach around 16 to 28 inches long, and they weigh between 7 and 20 pounds. And many do become quite cuddly or playful at times. What happens if it scratches or bites someone? We would also suggest calling your home insurer, to see if they will cover damage from a pet raccoon. Despite their common presence, Virginia laws strictly prohibit its residents from keeping pet raccoons or trying to raise them without a rehabilitation permit. If youre hoping to own a wild or exotic animal in Virginia. These animals have a mischievous appearance, often sporting a bandit-like mask over their eyes. 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. There is no substitute for competent legal counsel. In Florida, you must possess a Captive Wildlife License, which claims you can care for an exotic animal. 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. Some raccoons can be trained to use a litter box. Freshwater Mussels. Despite this interdiction, the black-mask-ringed-tail animal is very common in the state of Colorado, both in urban and rural areas. It is strictly illegal to own a pet raccoon in Kentucky, and no individual is allowed to have the wild animal as a pet in their home. the animal is in the position to harm another animalthat permit can be suspended. Although not too common, having a raccoon as a pet is possible and has been done by many. Often, certain pets are illegal because of the risks they can present to people, other animals, the local environment, or local agriculture. Jerry automatically shops for your insurance before every renewal. 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, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Is it legal to own a pet raccoon in Michigan? This native mammal inhabits woodlands and marshes in rural and urban areas throughout North America. And if you have questions about insurance options for your furry, feathered, or scaly companion, Jerrys friendly, experienced team of agents. So, there are plenty of animals you cant keep as pets in Virginia. In order to do this, they have to fill out and submit a wild game permit application. It is important to know the traits of the raccoon to understand what you are getting yourself into as an owner. 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. Iowans have most certainly met the masked animal before, but it is forbidden to have a pet raccoon in this state. There are a number of steps to taking care of your raccoon the correct way. This is only one example of the many diseases they have. July 23, 2018. When applying for a permit, it is important in Wyoming that you select the permit based on your intention with the individual pet. Close up all openings under and into your buildings. 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. Virginia Freshwater Mussel Restoration Strategy: Upper Tennessee River Basin. Other exceptions in which exotic animals are allowed are in circuses. All raccoons are vicious, but a wild raccoon can be much more dangerous than a domesticated one. However, raccoons should not be confused with the Maine Coon, a large domesticated cat breed native to the state of Maine. This means that keeping a raccoon dog as a pet is a criminal offence and could result in a fine or even imprisonment. If an "emergency exists"i.e. If you were hoping to legally make one of these animals your own as a Virginia resident, without the necessary permission, you might be out of luck. You must keep all raccoons in an approved enclosure, compliant with West Virginia Wildlife Code. Place various climbing frames raccoons like to climb and it is important that you surround it with familiarities to engage its instincts. Raccoons are found in both rural and urban environments throughout the United States. This kind of pet is different to your casual dog. While owning a pet raccoon is unlawful, it is possible to hunt them. Bats play important roles in their ecosystems, but they can be. The basic diet of a raccoon consists of both poultry and plants. With the possession of a raccoon, the law changes and this is because they are considered exotic animals. 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. In the states where owning a pet raccoon is legal, those looking for a pet raccoon should look additional regulations for owning a raccoon. The permits cost $10 each. They allow raccoons, with the exception that owners obtain a permit. They carry diseases which are harmful to both humans and other domesticated pets such as dogs and cats. Along with Delaware, Texas, and Arkansas, the state of Florida authorizes its citizens to keep pet raccoons. 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. Adhere to any guidelines that make owning a raccoon legal in your state. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Most of these sixteen states have special permits or regulations for owning a raccoon, however, and raccoon ownership may still be considered illegal as a general rule. While they do make some vocalizations, raccoons are generally quiet animals. In some cases, there are exceptions when it comes to owning an exotic animal like a raccoon, even in states that forbid them. Raccoons are affectionate, and they love to cuddle. More than rats, raccoons are the most widespread animal in New York State. Rhode Islanders are also allowed to kill, by legal means, these protected furbearers if they are damaging their property.