can you own a raccoon in virginia
You hear of owning a dog, a cat, some people even own rats and parrots, but have you ever heard of owning a raccoon? For the crate interior where your raccoon might temporarily spend time, an easily washable blanket or dog bed on the floor should keep the animal comfortable. The raccoons appearance lead people to turn a blind eye on the animals characteristics. There is no limit to the number of exotic or wild animals you can possess in Florida. Be prepared to invest a lot of time and money in raccoon care. This is why Minnesota has put an emphasis on damage prevention. Coloring Books, Find cities with a similar climate 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. Violating Virginia's wildlife and exotic animal ownership laws can result in fines, and in some cases, even jail time. For example, what happens to your raccoon if it gets loose? Manage Settings However, they also are generally quick to biteeven their favorite peoplewhen something annoys or scares them. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. Raccoons enjoy exploring their surroundings, so it is important to provide them with somewhere spacious. 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. Having been raised to live a domesticated life, throwing itself back into the wild will not be good for it. Nebraska 7. Permits are required by law when possessing any exotic animal. Aquatic Wildlife Conservation Center. There also are ethical considerations surrounding pet raccoons. It is unlawful to possess 6 or more bobcat, coyote, deer, gray fox, red fox, opossum, quail, rabbit, raccoon and squirrel. Abiding by regulations may include obtaining licensure or something else to ensure the animal remains safe while in human captivity. Still, a majority of the country allows for coon hunting, sometimes without many restrictions, like in Idaho. Thus, it's best to acquire a pet raccoon from a reputable breeder. 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. You may legally own a raccoon as a pet in several states across America. Meanwhile, no permit is needed to hunt and trap these wild animals during legal harvest seasons if one already holds a hunting or trapping license. What Should I Consider Before Getting A Pet Raccoon? Since 2016, the Britain government has strictly forbidden keeping a raccoon as a pet. It is easy for a raccoon to convert back to their natural instincts, if they feel threatened for example, and scratch someone. Idaho belongs to the top five states that have the highest pet ownership rates but do not allow pet raccoons despite the fact that raccoons are native to the region and found all over the state. 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. Close up all openings under and into your buildings. No spam calls. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you do not plan for things such as medical emergencies, it might become catastrophic to your pets health. This is only one example of the many diseases they have. Mississippi law is clear: it is unlawful for someone to import, transfer, sell, purchase, or possess a pet raccoon because it is considered to be inherently dangerous. Depending on the species, it could harm other people or animalsor it could establish itself as an invasive species in the local environment and create problems for local wildlife and agriculture. 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. 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. This is due to the fact that they are wild animals and could potentially be dangerous if kept in captivity. Indeed, raccoons are responsible for 60% of the cases of rabies in the state of Maryland. In most states, raccoons are considered wild animals. 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. And some do enjoy cuddling with their humans. Even though there are circumstances where its legal to own raccoons in Texas, theyre not considered pets. These animals have a mischievous appearance, often sporting a bandit-like mask over their eyes. She recently received her MFA in creative writing (nonfiction) from Columbia University and has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Raccoons are best known for their furry grey bodies and black mask-like features around their eyes. They enjoy climbing, exploring, and can be destructive. Virginia. Laws on Exotic Animals for Each State - The Spruce Pets The sixteen states which allow you to own raccoons legally include: Each state has its regulations and rules for owning exotic or wild raccoons. 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. , so theyre outlawed in Virginia unless you have the proper permit. That is why laws are put into place. There are restrictions in some cases, like how states require licensure and permits for owning a raccoon. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Last Updated on May 11, 2022 by Fair Punishment Team. Opossum, porcupine, weasel, red squirrel, ground squirrel and feral swine can also be taken year-round with a valid Michigan hunting license. Can you own a raccoon in Pennsylvania? - Pet Store Animals Because they are living so close to Oregonians, conflicts may appear. If a provider discovers you own a pet they consider dangerous and you havent informed them of it, they could deem the animal too much of a risk and, Final tip: by using the Jerry app, you could, on your search for pet-friendly home insurance. They often use their dexterous front paws to search through holes or pick up objects of interest as they explore their surroundings. They are mostly active at night and rely on their keen senses of smell and hearing to detect potential meals. Viral videos of raccoons learning to do unique tricks or playing with dog toys surface on the internet. 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. If you live in Alabama and did not obtain a permit before January 13th, 2021, you are not allowed to own a variety of exotic animals including Giant African Land Snails, most non-native wildlife like bobcats, black bears, foxes, and raccoons, and venomous reptiles. They need to be treated differently and accordingly to their species. It is legal to own a raccoon in the following states: Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Raccoons are made for the outdoors and, even as a pet, can cause the same mischief as they would in the wild. Can you own a sloth in Texas? Despite their intelligence, some states consider raccoons an invasive species due to their habit of destroying crops and gardens in search for food or shelter. The Wildlife Code of Missouri classifies the wild animal as a furbearer and game mammal. Being active during the daytime is part of their domesticated behavior, which humans cannot teach to wild raccoons. Is It Safe to Have a Raccoon As a Pet? Texas considers raccoons as wild animals, and they are illegal to possess without approved permits from the U.S. Department of Fish and Game. Certain home insurance providers may provide coverage for exotic pets, but, others might require you to purchase separate insurance, to cover your bases. In any case, they must be released into the same county they were found. , read on to find out the answers to these questions and moreplus, how to easily find pet-friendly home insurance. Find cities with a similar climate (2050) With an appropriate permit, it is legal to keep a pet raccoon. The Wyoming law authorizes Wyomingites to keep pet raccoons as well as other animals such as ostriches, coyotes, and red foxes without any permits. Does this make them more than wild animals? Often, certain pets are illegal because of the risks they can present to people, other animals, the local environment, or local agriculture. It costs $48 to obtain this license and $48 for each yearly renewal. 1. Virginia Freshwater Mussel Restoration Strategy: Upper Tennessee River Basin. To put it simply: yes, foxes are legal in Pennsylvania, butu2026 Note: In order to get a permit, you must have at least two years of experience with foxes (other exotics will not count), a letter from someone who already has a permit that will confirm your experience, and an enclosure built to the PGC's specifications. How to deal with problem Raccoon in West Virginia they live for roughly ten to fifteen years. Without the proper understanding of how to care for and handle a crocodile, you could easily get yourself or someone else injured or killed. The best way to prevent them from becoming a problem is to not give them a reason to come. The state also forbids the adoption and possession of pet raccoons. The basic diet of a raccoon consists of both poultry and plants. If an "emergency exists"i.e. For long term, however, you will need to make sure that you have enough room to create a large and spacious living space for your new pet. Virginians! You Now Have an Extra 22 Hours to Kill Raccoons on Sunday Without permits, people in Indiana cannot own the following: foxes, raccoons, skunks, wolves, bears, wild cats, venomous reptiles, or crocodiles. Exotic pet stores, breeders, and online services are the most common ways to get pet raccoons. Because of the danger inherent in animal ownership, some states prohibit the possession of wild or exotic animals altogether, while most simply restrict possession to certain species. You'll need to find out if your state allows them before bringing one into your home. Michigan residents have, if desired, the possibility to own a pet raccoon. Raccoons aren't common pets for good reason. If you want to own pets that are native to your state, pack your bags and move to Arkansas where you can own native animals such as bobcats, foxes, raccoons, and coyotes. This isnt only important for the sake of the animals wellbeing, but for the safety of the public. In the state of Delaware, Raccoons are considered wild animals that require a permit to own or rehabilitate. Depending on the purpose of pet ownership, the reasoning for the permit might be different. One interesting fact about these animals is that they can remember how to solve complex problems for months at a time. Zoos are the number one establishment for wild animals however this isnt only for the big and known zoos, this also counts for the underground privately owned ones which require no training with wild animals. The main reason provided is the threat of rabies. Economically, this wild animal is an important furbearer in Connecticut and is harvested during the hunting and trapping seasons each year. They are agile, and they love to play with humans. Pennsylvania regulates the ownership of raccoons. It is also illegal to trap and relocate them to another area. A strong animal with short legs, a sharp mouth, and small erect ears, the North American raccoon is 75 to 90 inches long, with a 25 cm tail. 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. Raccoons are considered a Class II Wild Animal and therefore require a Special Permit to Possess in Indiana. The little creatures have adapted well to Oregons urban and suburban environments where it is forbidden to own a pet raccoon. Raccoons are easy to take care of. Do not leave pet food outside; keep pet feeding areas clean. A Game Breeders License is required for people breeding raccoons in Indiana. West Virginia Exotic Animal Laws - UAPPEAL Additionally, their natural behaviors can make them difficult to care for, such as frequent nocturnal activity and the tendency to bite when startled or provoked. Only in 14 of 50 states are you allowed to keep a raccoon as a pet. Raccoons can be found in virtually any habitat, as long as water is nearby. It is illegal to own a pet raccoon as a pet in Australia. The state of Florida also authorizes its citizens to keep a raccoon as a pet under the condition that one gets a permit from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
