Can I buy a raccoon as a pet?

Yes! In many areas of the United States, keeping a captive raccoon as a pet is perfectly legal. … Raccoons bred and raised in a home with humans can bond more easily and adjust faster to life as domestic animals as opposed to a wild raccoon.

How much does it cost to buy a baby racoon?

An exotic veterinarian who knows raccoons might be able to point you toward a good breeder. Visit with the animal in person before you commit; don’t acquire an animal over the internet or via a classified ad. Expect to pay between $300 and $700 on average, though this can vary widely.

Can I get a baby raccoon?

However, raccoons are wild animals, so taking one from the wild won’t have good results and is likely illegal. If you find a raccoon that has been domesticated or rehabilitated, they can be a loving and playful pet. It’s only legal in 16 states to own pet raccoons. … Tame raccoons can be unpredictable and mischievous.

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.

How long can raccoons live?

2 – 3 years
Raccoon / Lifespan (In the wild)

Can you adopt a raccoon?

Do not adopt a wild raccoon.

Most breeders require you to make a deposit on a kit and will send you the raccoon while the animal is young and still bottle feeding. … Raccoons are playful and inquisitive and can be destructive in their explorations. Provide safe toys, such as stuffed animals and balls.

Why is it illegal to have a pet raccoon?

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.

Why are raccoons illegal as pets?

Keeping Raccoons as Pets

It does not allow people to keep wild animals due to their special dietary and housing needs. They also pose a risk to the public, as they can transmit dangerous diseases to domestic animals and humans. In California, it is a misdemeanor to own a raccoon.

Are raccoons violent?

It isn’t uncommon for a healthy raccoon to be active in the daytime, but it’s highly unusual for a raccoon to be aggressive toward a person. A female may boldly defend her young, arching her back and growling or giving a loud “whoof,” and perhaps lunging at a person she deems threatening.

Do raccoons eat cats?

When it comes to the subject of raccoons eating cats, it is highly unlikely. As mentioned, raccoons do not see cats as prey. However, you cannot put it past a raccoon to attack and eat kittens. They are opportunistic predators.

Is a possum a pet?

Question: Can I keep an opossum as a pet? Answer: No. All wild animals belong in the wild. Give the opossum the chance to live the life nature intended…in the wild.

Will raccoons bite you?

Raccoons can be very aggressive and will bite or scratch if they feel threatened.

Are raccoons intelligent?

According to a variety of studies, raccoons are very intelligent. Vanderbilt University researchers found that raccoons have an average of 438 million neurons in a relatively small brain, which places them on the higher end of the mammal intelligence scale.

What does it mean when a raccoon stares at you?

Bold raccoons

Raccoons are very curious and used to living near people, so they can sometimes seem very bold. A raccoon’s natural response to a confrontation is to freeze and stare at you. It’s still afraid of you, it’s just waiting to see what your next move is.

Can you befriend a raccoon?

It’s not uncommon for people to attempt to befriend wildlife. Raccoons in particular are at risk from people trying to befriend and tame them. … As one of the more common carriers for rabies, raccoons are quickly euthanized when they appear to show unusual or fearless behavior.

Are racoons dirty?

Though these animals look like the outlaws of the outdoors, raccoons are very clean creatures. They are known to wash their food in streams and even dig latrines in areas they frequent regularly.

Do raccoons fight cats?

Do raccoons eliminate cats? Raccoon and cat fights are not common but can happen. In general, cats tend to ignore raccoons and raccoons frequently avoid cats. If, however, a cat is chasing a raccoon then the furry bandit will defend itself – especially if cornered – and the fight could go badly for the cat.

What are raccoons favorite food?

In the wild, raccoons eat birds and other mammals, but they prefer to hunt for easier meals if they are available. Some of their favorite foods include nuts, berries, insects, and eggs. They also catch fish, shellfish, reptiles, and amphibians if their denning site is near a body of water.

What should I do if I find a baby raccoon?

Place it as close as safely possible to where it was found (e.g. at the base of its nest tree). Make sure the baby raccoon is protected from the elements (i.e. rain) and leave it out overnight. Check the box/container in the morning. If the baby raccoon is still there, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for help.