can you own a raccoon in virginia

They are extremely high maintenance and fairly unpredictable, which is why most animal experts advise against keeping them as pets. It costs significantly more to own raccoons than to own a domestic animal. 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. Expect to pay between $300 and $700 on average, though this can vary widely. They can be dangerous, vicious, they can bite. (Yet you can't own an alligator.) Violating Virginia's wildlife and exotic animal ownership laws can result in fines, and in some cases, even jail time. Raccoons are easy to take care of. West Virginia 13. the animal is in the position to harm another animalthat permit can be suspended. Most adult raccoons need two meals per day in the early morning and late evening, though follow your vet's advice on this. One interesting fact about these animals is that they can remember how to solve complex problems for months at a time. You can already own a raccoon in Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Michigan, Wyoming, Wisconsin, Texas, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, but for some reason Oregon is left out of this. However, providing the right environment for them is difficult. Despite being nocturnal animals, pet raccoons will come out to play with their owners during the daytime. Raccoons can be found in virtually any habitat, as long as water is nearby. But life wont feel quiet with a pet raccoon. The Wildlife Code of Missouri classifies the wild animal as a furbearer and game mammal. There are a few things that you should consider before adopting a pet raccoon. It is forbidden to own a pet raccoon in Nevada despite the fact that the state has a long list of animals that can be kept without a permit (including toucans, lovebirds, monkeys, elephants, camels, or ostrich). Find insurance savings it's 100% free, Compare Free Quotes (& Save Hundreds per Year! And with the development of infrastructure and housing, particularly around the water streams, their population has increased dramatically. They naturally establish latrine sites, making it easy to create animal pins with concentrated mess areas. Melanie Krieps Mergen is an insurance writer who enjoys getting down to the nuts and bolts of all your burning questions. In addition to checking the laws surrounding ownership, look carefully at regulations for raccoon owners. Raccoons make great pets for several reasons, like their lively personalities and how easy they are to care for. Finding a veterinarian for your exotic pet can be difficult, as not all vets have experience in raccoons. 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. 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 animal is in the position to harm another animalthat permit can be suspended. Raccoons are considered exotic animals in Wyoming, and they require a permit for private ownership. Convert Latitude/Longitude. Place various climbing frames raccoons like to climb and it is important that you surround it with familiarities to engage its instincts. Zebra Mussels. While they generally only live a few years in the wild, raccoons can live up to 20 years as pets. It is all dependent on the raccoons owner. And captivity can greatly stress a wild animal even to the point of killing it. I bought my Ford Bronco a year and a half ago, and Im not sure if it is still under warranty. All organizations that accept animals must hold a Permit to Hold Game in Captivity, allowing them to rehabilitate the animal and return them safely to the wild. Raccoons are very difficult to care for, as they need regular supervision and ample space. Include toys, such as balls and food puzzles, to keep your pet entertained. Thanks to their intelligence, most pet raccoons are able to learn their name and even a few commands, such as sit and shake.. Treats, such as nuts and other fatty foods, should be offered sparingly to prevent obesity. This is important so that your raccoon can stay comfortable and is in an environment appropriate to its species. There is no restriction on the number of raccoons that you may own. This isnt only important for the sake of the animals wellbeing, but for the safety of the public. Their cute appearances and cuddly personalities make them seem like the perfect pet. 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. 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. The Secret Life of Red Foxes: How They Fight and Protect Their Families. According to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, you do not require a license to own up to six raccoons in captivity. However, some states may require a special permit or license before you can keep one as your pet. An exotic veterinarian who knows raccoons might be able to point you toward a good breeder. 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. If you are feeding wildlife, stop. States That Have Banned Critical Race Theory, States Where It Is Illegal to Collect Rainwater. This is a great option when you're busy or need to leave your home and want your pet to have a safe space to play. South Carolina 11. are just a text, call, or tap away in the app! Plan to spend between $30 and $50 per month on average, also budgeting for at least an annual veterinary checkup and any emergency medical care. Raccoons are intelligent animals, known for their good memories and problem-solving abilities. Also, as pet raccoons won't be in their natural environment that wears down their nails, they'll likely need regular nail trims. It is known that animals are used for research such as for finding the answer to diseases like cancer. For obvious reasons, crocodiles dont make the safest pets. These permits are either non-game wildlife, educational/scientific, or wildlife rehabilitation. 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. Many wild and exotic animals just arent meant to live in captivity, while others require highly specialized care. That means you'll need to regularly change their water and feed them in a location where it's easy to clean up. Pet raccoons are illegal in many areas, and even where they are legal there are many laws surrounding their ownership. These animals have a mischievous appearance, often sporting a bandit-like mask over their eyes. You can also not own any member of the genus, including deer, elk, moose, and caribou. Raccoons are made for the outdoors and, even as a pet, can cause the same mischief as they would in the wild. However, it is forbidden to possess any wild animals taken from the wild. They are wild animals, only coming out at night due to being nocturnal, and can be dangerous if approached the wrong way. 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. , so theyre outlawed in Virginia unless you have the proper permit. 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). If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Raccoons live in close proximity to humans in urban and rural communities, they can adapt very easily to their environment, and consequently may become a nuisance for the inhabitants. The world you establish for the raccoon is very limited. 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. One state that does allow pet raccoons is Wyoming. Courtesy of. Raccoons as Neighbors. It also designated the nocturnal mammal as the official wild animal symbol of Tennessee in 1971. Taking them from their environment is cruel and is a major commitment. 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. Are there any legal exotic pets in Virginia you can own without needing a permit? July 23, 2018. The Game, Fish, and Parks Commission even passed a resolution to establish the Nest Predator Bounty Program, which aims to reduce localized populations of nest predators, including raccoons. Legislation that went into effect in October 2020 also makes it illegal to own or breed any bird, mammal, reptile, or amphibianlisted under the federal Lacey Act. Although in most states the domesticated raccoon is illegal (especially wild raccoons which you try to domesticate), that is not to say that you cannot and should not own a raccoon. 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). If a person wishes to possess other animals not originally from the state and not listed above then the person must show upon request verification that the animal was legally acquired in the previous state. 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. These animals can be dangerous to the environment because they can disrupt the ecosystem by introducing new diseases and stealing food. A Game Breeders License is required for people breeding raccoons in Indiana. In any case, they must be released into the same county they were found. Massachusetts state enforces a bag limit, restricting the number of hunted raccoons to six per day. It is not legal to own raccoons in every state, so you should check the legality in your state before adopting a raccoon. I want to solve the issue of not legally being able to own raccoons in Oregon. It is only to be expected with keeping them as a pet. You can simply put their food in a bowl. Nebraskans can perceive the little creature all over the region and are allowed to have a pet raccoon, under the condition that they have a captive wildlife permit. For example, in South Dakota, although bears are allowed to be kept on private property in your home, pigs are prohibited. Raccoons will bond with their humans, especially when raised in captivity from a young age. In order to legally possess, transport, raise, or release raccoons in Texas, you have to be a permitted wildlife rehabber, and furthermore, if you intend to keep the animal in your possession, you need permission from the state with a vet that confirming that the raccoon is non-releasable. It costs $48 to obtain this license and $48 for each yearly renewal. Raccoons are generally very clean animals and will groom themselves much like cats do. They are common in the area and can be hunted for their fur during the New Hampshire hunting and trapping season, which runs from September to March. Answer: Absolutely not. Lianne McLeod, DVM, is a small animal and exotic pet expert with over a decade of experience writing about veterinary care. It is easy for a raccoon to convert back to their natural instincts, if they feel threatened for example, and scratch someone. We want to get on the same insurance plan. end up injuring someone or damaging their property, that liability coverage could help cover legal expenses and provide you with some extra financial protection. Raccoons are prone to chewing on cords, climbing on shelves, and knocking down valuables. However, it is forbidden to trap or shoot them without a nuisance wildlife permit. They were most likely introduced at the beginning of the 20th century. 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. They need to be treated differently and accordingly to their species. In addition, raccoons often raid trash cans and pet food left outside. So they are best kept solo. Despite their common presence, Virginia laws strictly prohibit its residents from keeping pet raccoons or trying to raise them without a rehabilitation permit. Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants. In Florida, you must possess a Captive Wildlife License, which claims you can care for an exotic animal. The raccoon cannot normally forage, establish territory, and perform normal mating rituals. Citation: A RK. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners. 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. As well as this, you will not be able to have your wild pet taken care of by a vet if these permits are not provided. However, their enticing features make people start seeing these animals as potential pets.
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