Is it OK to have a raccoon as a pet?

Raccoons aren’t common pets for good reason. However, most raccoons always seem to be full of mischief, too. They are extremely high maintenance and fairly unpredictable, which is why most animal experts advise against keeping them as pets. Many will damage your home and belongings as part of their daily antics.

Why is it illegal to have a raccoon as a pet?

Laws. Because raccoons are carriers of rabies, more than 20 states ban pet raccoons. Some states require a permit to keep raccoons as pets, while others, like Arkansas, allow you to keep up to 6 raccoons. If you come across an injured raccoon, contact your local wildlife care center for assistance.

What are the benefits of having raccoons around?

Thanks to their preference for a variety of foods, raccoons help keep your yard free of pests. For example, raccoons will eat wasp larvae, destroying the nest. Raccoons also eat other pests, such as small rodents, keeping your yard free of a variety of problems.

How long do Raccoons live as pets?

Life span: In the wild, a raccoon has a life expectancy of about 2 to 3 years, but in captivity, a raccoon can live up to 20 years.

Is it legal to own a pet raccoon?

Raccoons are wild animals; it is illegal to keep them in many states. States that do allow raccoons as pets usually require permits. Individuals who owned a pet raccoon when laws banning their ownership were enacted may be allowed to maintain ownership.

Does anyone have a pet raccoon?

Pet raccoons aren’t common, but some people have kept domesticated raccoons as pets over the years. President Calvin Coolidge had two pet raccoons while he was in the White House. While they may seem cute, owning a pet raccoon might be more trouble than it’s worth, and most animal experts don’t recommend keeping them as pets.

How do you care for a raccoon?

If you have been keeping the baby raccoon warm with a hot water bottle, replace this with a fresh warm bottle wrapped in a towel. While there are some vets and wildlife rehabilitation specialists that will come to collect the animal, the most important thing is to get the raccoon to the right care.

Can you have Raccoons as pets?

It is best to obtain a pet raccoon from a breeder, although these may be difficult to find. Some people have raised orphan raccoons as pets but this may also be illegal even in areas that you are allowed to have a captive bred pet raccoon. Taking native animals from the wild is not permitted in most areas.