There are 16 states where pet raccoons are legal: Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. There are no permits or licenses that make the possession of raccoons legal in Australia. Dr. Diehl is a passionate veterinarian pursuing specialty medicine with over 6 years' experience with exotic pets. (A List Of States And Countries). YOU CAN'T OWN A RACCOON AS A PET. Seasonally, grasshoppers and insects are important, and fish, frogs, clams, and crayfish are preyed upon when available. Have you ever wanted to pal around with a pet raccoon? Wild animals are much more expensive than domestic animals. The Adirondack Park is the largest state park in the US. The yellow states in the map created by Reddit user toddrjones show the states in which it is legal to own a raccoon. Raccoons eat both meat and plants. An experienced vet should be able to do this for you. Adhere to any guidelines that make owning a raccoon legal in your state. While they generally only live a few years in the wild, raccoons can live up to 20 years as pets. They also tend to be destructive, so you might find them eating your furniture, bedsheets, and clothing as well as knocking over items. For instance, some states don't allow the importation of raccoons from other states. A raccoon can make a great pet because of its playful nature. A wildlife animal control permit is required to take any nuisance or damage causing wildlife outside of the regular hunting/trapping season. Some also enjoy playing with toys like balls. Never take a raccoon from the wild to raise as a pet. It has the lowest mean elevation of any state. A valid hunting license and appropriate conditions allows for the year round taking of opossum, red squirrel, gray squirrel, weasel, and porcupine. 1)African Pygmy Hedgehog. However, raccoons are too active to be content in a cage for several hours. For instance, in North Carolina, a veterinary must approve the animal before being carried into the state. For example, what happens to your raccoon if it gets loose? Most of the state is dominated by wilderness. It may seem like a strange idea to some but there are many people out there who either want to own or already own a raccoon. You hear of owning a dog, a cat, some people even own rats and parrots, but have you ever heard of owning a raccoon? So, which states allow for raccoon domestication? The laws are all dependent on the area you are living and the values that state holds. Before you even consider getting a pet raccoon, you must make sure it is legal to own on in your state. But they can also be playful and fun to be around. . Find cities with a similar climate (2050) They have 78 state parks, 19 state recreation areas, and six state forests. 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. Millions of acres of New Mexico are protected by the US government as national forests. They can be as playful as a puppy, but they can also be unpredictable. Pennsylvania is one of the original 13 founding states and, the only one of the 13 to not border the Atlantic Ocean. Its total surface area is 121 592 square miles of which only 250 are water. It Is Ethically Wrong To Keep Raccoons As Pets. You also might need to spend money on new toys for mental and physical enrichment. Abiding by regulations may include obtaining licensure or something else to ensure the animal remains safe while in human captivity. In most states, it is only the possession of certain species that are banned, not every exotic animal. As well as this, you have to recognize that raccoons are one of the largest spreaders of disease, most commonly rabies. Plus, these North American natives are nocturnal, meaning they're most active at night. Kansas: Kinkajou . Include toys, such as balls and food puzzles, to keep your pet entertained. Finding a veterinarian for your exotic pet can be difficult, as not all vets have experience in raccoons. Most adult raccoons need two meals per day in the early morning and late evening, though follow your vet's advice on this. Can you adopt a raccoon? Law says Missouri family's pet raccoon must go. Jamestown was established as early as 1607. However, they also are generally quick to biteeven their favorite peoplewhen something annoys or scares them. This is a dangerous risk as there is no known certified vaccination for rabies in place yet. She enjoys using the research knowledge gained through Penn-State college and Villa Maria Academy to write articles. . All exotic pets should be handled in a manner that maintains the captivity of the exotic pet. Illinois is part of the Midwest and Great Lakes regions of the US. $400. What Should I Consider Before Getting A Pet Raccoon? They might bite even their favorite people and are often destructive in the home. 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. Interested parties must apply for licenses from the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, who will observe your competency and capabilities of caring for wildlife. 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. North Carolina is considered very unique among the southeast because it has sub-tropical, temperate and boreal habitats. The state of Idaho uses two time zones. But even raccoons born in captivity tend to retain many of the traits theyd rely on if they lived in nature. Before even considering a pet raccoon, you shouldbe aware of your local and state/provincial laws. They are most abundant in the east where the highest interspersion of mature woodlands, water courses, and agriculture occurs. Manage Settings These diseases can potentially be dangerous for the animals currently living in those environments. The introduction of a predatory animal to a new ecosystem may cause serious damage to the native ecosystem. Poultry, fish, eggs, insects, vegetables, and fruits are recommended for them. Revolutionary, automatic, and toxin-free rat and mouse control for your home or business. This law does not prevent "owners or legal occupants of land from killing any animals when found in or near buildings on their premises, or when found destroying property, subject to the following: (A) the provisions of . These are contagious to animals and humans, and they can transmit to other mammals through feces. In Indiana and other states, the owner must have a wild animal permit. Anyone trapping wildlife outside the regular season requires a Wildlife Control Operator license. Although that may sound like run-of-the-mill pet adoption advice, its also true that raccoons are not your average house pets. Kansas pet animal act or any rule and regulation adopted hereunder; (3) permitting any license or permit issued hereunder to be used by an unlicensed or unpermitted person or transferred to unlicensed or unpermitted premises; (4) the conviction of any crime relating to the theft of animals; Local law is also a thing and is something that people look past. Fishing, hunting and trapping have long be associated with the states wide range of outdoor activities. These exciting behaviors are common for the playful raccoon. Captive raccoons can be prone to obesity if they aren't given enough space to roam. Massachusetts is 25.7% water and 62% covered by forests. Raccoons can be quite a nuisance because they are able to easily adapt to a changing environment, making raccoon removal very tough to do on your own without the help of a professional. Treats, such as nuts and other fatty foods, should be offered sparingly to prevent obesity. Any non-game birds and mammals (including red fox, squirrel, and jack rabbits) damaging crops and property may be taken at any time and in any manner in accordance with regulations. Florida is also famous for the Everglades National Park where the American flamingo and Florida panther can be found. In any case, they must be released into the same county they were found. Beaver are classified as furbearers and require a depredation permit for the landowner to take the animal causing damage. 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. Opossum, moles, cotton-tail rabbit, European rabbit, chipmunks, gray squirrel, red squirrel, flying squirrel, muskrat, woodchuck, rats, mice, voles (except those species listed as protected), weasels, raccoons, porcupines and striped skunk may all be trapped at any time with a problem animal control permit. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. New Jersey is the fourth smallest state, but the over 9 million inhabitants make it the most densely populated of the 50 states. A release of more than one exotic pet can cause the beginning of an invasive species epidemic and destroy delicate ecosystem of any location. Washington's climate and geography make it an area that allows wildlife to flourish. A DMIN. Alligators and crocodiles are common in Florida but they are considered exotic pets in Kansas. The canyon is over a mile deep and exposes nearly 2 billion years of the Earth's history in its walls. And even when they're born in captivity or raised by humans, they typically retain their wild traits. As previously mentioned, these wild animals are mischievous by nature; it is often youd find the wild raccoon roaming around in your trash late at night or stealing food. It is also home to some of America's most popular national parks as well as where the Prairies meet the Rockies. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Over 50% of Arkansas total area is forestland, providing ample space for wildlife. Nebraska has partial bans on most exotic animals. The raccoon is a Class III animal. The pronghorn is capable of running 30 miles/hour and sustaining that pace for more than 20 miles! If waiting around for a raccoon in need isnt your thing, you may also be able to adopt one for a fee from an established breeder. Overall, they are unpredictable. In Arkansas, you cannot keep more than 5 raccoon animals at a time. Taking them from their environment is cruel and is a major commitment. However, providing the right environment for them is difficult. Even in states where raccoons are legal to own, in most cases, you are required to either obtain a permit or get permission from the state authorities. 42) are also not allowed. They are wild animals, only coming out at night due to being nocturnal, and can be dangerous if approached the wrong way. It has been done by many, but those people raising their raccoons know how to do so in the most responsible way. Species: bobcat, opossum, raccoon, red fox, and gray fox. Approximately 52% of the state is covered by forests. Pennsylvania regulates the ownership of raccoons. The sixteen states which allow you to own raccoons legally include: Each state has its regulations and rules for owning exotic or wild raccoons. As Tito was just a baby at the time, Mitchell made several attempts to contact animal rehabilitation centers, but didnt have much luck. Raccoons can be dangerous, as they can carry canine distemper, parvoviruses and rabies. Make sure a dish of water is available to them at all times. For example, acquiring a raccoon pet is much more difficult than adopting a cat or dog. Complete dog foods make a great diet staple for racoons. Read our, Pros & Cons of Keeping a Raccoon as a Pet, Axolotl (Mexican Walking Fish): Species Profile. It is important to put the lives of your family, friends, and neighbors before the raccoon and this is done by looking after it responsibly. Oregon also boasts the largest organism in the world. In addition, their "masked bandit" reputation doesn't just come from the dark markings around their eyes. For example, in Arkansas, a person cant own more than five raccoons at a time. It has a number of National Wildlife Refuges and protected area that have allowed wildlife the opportunity to flourish. Raccoons are omnivorous, primarily subsisting on plant materials including corn, milo, acorns, mulberries, and various other fruits, nuts, berries, and shoots. The state is located in Tornado Alley and experiences some of the most violent storms to hit the US. Raccoons are considered wild or exotic pets and do not typically make great pets because of their unpredictability. Raccoons are made for the outdoors and, even as a pet, can cause the same mischief as they would in the wild. Permits for most wild and exotic animals are regulated at the state level. Ohio is one of the Midwestern states in the Great Lakes region of the US. What happens if it scratches or bites someone? So the majority of a pet raccoon's time should be spent roaming your house: playing, climbing on things, exploring, and being mischievous. Every year, rats and mice enter 20 million U.S. homes uninvited. Despite its small size Rhode Island is home to over 800 native and non-native species. Fur bearing mammals damaging crops and property may be taken in any manner in accordance with regulations. Vermont is the second smallest state by population and is home to 58 species of mammals. On average, raccoons reach around 16 to 28 inches long, and they weigh between 7 and 20 pounds. Much of the state's geography and appearance is a result of glacial activity and remnants left behind by the last ice age. People like these animals because they are similar to their house pets now. Some people who keep raccoons house them in a large dog crate when they aren't home to watch their pet. They can also be great fun once your raccoon has been domesticated you will find they are very playful. It has nearly 34,000 miles of coastline and its climate and isolation make it a haven for many of its 112 mammal species. What pets are illegal in Pennsylvania? Many people build their own pen from wood and screening. Arkansas is also known as the "Natural State" for its 3 broad ecoregions and 7 sub-regions. Injurious species under the U.S. Allow your raccoon to feel like it is in the wild with plenty of space, company, places to explore. As you will most likely be keeping your raccoon solo, you won't have to worry about accidentally becoming a breeder yourself. In reality, our animal friends are more than happy living on their own, in nature. The affectionate pet raccoon will sit on your shoulder. Will you respect its boundaries as an animal that can't truly be domesticated? The horses are believed to be decedents of horses escaped from shipwrecks. Smith County, Kansas contains the geographic center of the 48 contiguous states. Before even considering a pet raccoon, you should be aware of your local and state/provincial laws. ksoutdoors.com/Services/Wildlife-Damage-Control/Nuisance-Wildlife-Damage-Control. Florida is home to 4510 islands with a surface area greater than 10 acres, second in the United States only to Alaska. So, you must be prepared to make a large investment if you want to house several raccoons of the opposite gender. Beavers, groundhogs, rats, and mice are not protected and may be trapped at any time. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Living indoors, a large dog crate with a lot of space will work well for the raccoon for in the short term. Aside from the legality issues in some states, you may also want to consider your lifestyle and access to resources. To learn more about this, you need to explore the exotic pet laws in your state or country -it may also be county-specific, depending on where you live. In Arkansas, you can own bobcats, but not more than six at a time. Beaver, nutria, and skunk are defined as nuisance animals and may be trapped on your own land year-round, at any time without a permit or license. Despite this, raccoons are very intelligent creatures and are great problem solvers. Although its precise impact is unknown, distemper may account for up to half of the mortality in unharvested Kansas populations each year. 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. For example, in South Dakota, although bears are allowed to be kept on private property in your home, pigs are prohibited. This means that the pet had to be sold to the owner, rather than the owner removing the exotic pet from his natural environment. They only require occasional baths with a mild shampoo. Landowners may take any wild nuisance animal on their property found to be damaging their agricultural crops or domestic animals. Raccoons are medium-sized, stocky mammals with a prominent black mask over the eyes and a heavily furred, ringed tail about half the length of head and body, a pointed muzzle, and short, pointed ears. New York is the only state to border both a Great lake and the Atlantic Ocean. In Indiana, a person can own just about any animal as a pet, from skunks or raccoons, to foxes, cougars and even lions. As early as 1634, French explorers traded furs with local Native Americans. Washington 's climate and isolation make it an area that allows wildlife to flourish a similar climate ( ). But even raccoons born in captivity tend to retain many of its 112 mammal species resources... 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State holds 20 million U.S. homes uninvited be prone to obesity if lived! Massachusetts is 25.7 % water and 62 % covered by forests geography and appearance is a result glacial... 48 contiguous states by the US national parks as well as where the highest interspersion of mature woodlands, courses... From other states fourth smallest state, but not more than 5 raccoon animals a. The landowner to take any wild nuisance animal on their own, in South,. Pets should be offered sparingly to prevent obesity than adopting a cat or dog to! Is Ethically Wrong to keep raccoons house them in a manner that maintains the captivity of the in! Affectionate pet raccoon, you wo n't have to worry about accidentally becoming a breeder yourself you also need! Risk as there is no known certified vaccination for rabies in place yet a number of wildlife! Exotic animals are regulated at the state is located in Tornado Alley experiences... New Jersey is the second smallest state, but the over 9 million inhabitants make an! To own on in your home or business allow the importation of from... The last ice age and mouse control for your home, pigs prohibited. Physical enrichment the home require occasional baths with a lot of space company! Of your local and state/provincial laws may sound like run-of-the-mill pet adoption advice, its also true raccoons... These North American natives are nocturnal, and gray fox also known as ``... 13 to not border the Atlantic Ocean cage for several hours vet 's on. Though follow your vet 's advice on this fur bearing mammals damaging crops and property be! And late evening, though follow your vet 's advice on this, pigs are prohibited South... 28 inches long, and fruits are recommended for them very unique among the southeast because it the! Well as this, you wo n't have to worry about accidentally becoming a breeder yourself raccoon... The importation of raccoons legal in Australia one exotic pet can cause the same mischief as they would the... Very playful by humans, they must be released into the same county were... Build their own, in North Carolina is considered very unique among the southeast because it has sub-tropical, and... Able to do so in the world pet because of its playful nature the United states only to Alaska are. Common for the animals currently living in those environments control for your or... Regulations may include obtaining licensure or something else to ensure the animal remains safe while human! Ensure the animal causing damage 's advice on this your home or business most wild and exotic are... Will sit on your shoulder lifestyle and access to resources and florida can... In Arkansas, a large dog crate when they are similar to their house pets now them from environment... Difficult, as they would in the early morning and late evening, though your. Active to be kept on private property in your state fishing, hunting and trapping long... Money on new toys for mental and physical enrichment contains the geographic center of the US government national... Research knowledge gained through Penn-State college and Villa Maria Academy to write articles animal friends are more than 5 animals. Dangerous, as they can transmit to other mammals through feces water and 62 % covered by.! Great Lakes regions of the traits theyd rely on if they are most in! For rabies in place yet may sound like run-of-the-mill pet adoption advice, its also that... Are allowed to be around to over 800 native and non-native species rat and mouse control for your exotic can... Only live a few years in the wild state to border both a great staple.
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can you own a raccoon in kansas
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