Raccoon House Pets

April 12, 2012

Question: Is it legal to have a raccoon living in the house? I have seen a raccoon in my friend’s tree during the daytime (which is unusual) and they told me it belongs to their neighbor. My friend has a lot of grandchildren running around outside and so I worry this is a health issue. I am not sure if they have a special permit for this little creature. Should a game warden come out to check on the situation? (Debra M.)

Answer: It is not only illegal to keep raccoons (or any wildlife) as pets or in captivity, but it also may be dangerous. Wild animals such as raccoons can become very aggressive and dangerous to both humans and pets as they mature. In addition, they can carry diseases and parasites that can present health risks to humans. Wildlife need to be kept wild for their safety and well-being, as well as ours. Only people who are permitted by DFG (for example, licensed wildlife rehabilitators or exhibitors) may keep wildlife in captivity. To report this situation, please contact our CalTIP line at 1-888-334-2258.

Anyone who thinks about bucking the law and keeping a raccoon as a house pet should do a quick Google search on Baylisascariasis and see if you still think it's a good endeavor.

I had one as my uncle had an exotic pet permit…

 as well as a mountain lion, a Cervil and a fox, even pirańa's, but I won't vouch for that one…

  he gave me a baby raccoon once and it was so kool for about one day….  lots of noise and got into EVERYTHING….

the best trick was pulling all of the tape to the very end of all my 8 TRACKS…  yes 8 tracks…  some of you remember those days…

" Hello San Antonio!!!… "  Click  Click…  " Hello San Antonio,  this is a little song called Wang Dang SWeet Putang…" Go Ted…     

Anyone who thinks about bucking the law and keeping a raccoon as a house pet should do a quick Google search on Baylisascariasis and see if you still think it's a good endeavor.

Always scare the **** out of me on the rare occasion I clean a raccoon. N99 mask every time I even get near one. The thought of breathing in parasitic eggs to hatch in my lungs makes me want to puke.

I saw a guy years ago walking on the side of the road outside of Mcavoy's harbor with his raccoon walking right beside him. He had to of raised it from a baby and it was sidekick now. Raccoon's  back was up to his thigh ! You know that thing was eating good.