The initial appeal of a baby raccoon is understandable, given their intelligent, masked faces and small, dexterous paws. However, the reality of keeping a raccoon is far removed from the image of a cuddly pet. Raccoons are wild animals whose complex needs, unpredictable behavior, and potential for disease transmission make them unsuitable for a domestic environment. Understanding the legal, health, and practical challenges is necessary before considering raising one.
The Legal Reality of Raccoon Ownership
In most jurisdictions across the United States, keeping a raccoon as a pet is illegal because they are classified as wild animals or furbearers. This legal status reflects a consensus that these animals cannot be safely or ethically integrated into a typical home setting. While a few states permit ownership, this allowance is contingent upon meeting stringent requirements difficult for the average person to satisfy.
The laws governing wild animal ownership are complex, varying significantly by state, county, and municipality. Even where state law allows it, local ordinances may prohibit ownership. In states that do allow ownership, a special permit or license is almost always required, mandating specific enclosure sizes and standards. These permits are typically reserved for licensed wildlife rehabilitators, educational facilities, or those who purchase from a USDA-licensed breeder.
Significant Health and Safety Risks
Raccoons pose serious health risks to humans and other pets, which is a primary reason for legal restrictions on ownership. The most serious concern is rabies, as raccoons are a primary vector for the virus in many regions. Since there is no approved rabies vaccine for domestic use in raccoons, any bite or scratch may result in the animal being confiscated and euthanized for testing, even if the animal appears healthy.
Another parasitic risk is Raccoon Roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), which is shed in the animal’s feces. The eggs become infectious after two to four weeks and can cause severe neurological disease in humans if accidentally ingested. The larvae migrate through the body, potentially causing neural larva migrans, which can lead to symptoms like blindness, loss of coordination, and coma.
Beyond disease, the raccoon’s natural behavior presents a safety hazard as they mature. The baby phase is short-lived; by six months of age, wild instincts often lead to unpredictable and aggressive behavior. Their intelligence translates into destructive tendencies, as they are not reliably house-trainable and may bite or scratch when startled, territorial, or bored.
Specialized Care and Housing Requirements
The practical demands of caring for a raccoon are immense, highlighting why they are not suitable pets. Raccoons require a highly varied, omnivorous diet that changes as they age. A proper diet includes high-quality dog food, boiled eggs, steamed vegetables, and small amounts of fruit, often needing to be presented in enrichment toys to encourage natural foraging behavior.
Housing must accommodate their destructive nature and need for constant mental stimulation. They require large, secure, outdoor enclosures, not just a cage, with minimum sizes often specified by law (e.g., 80 square feet and eight feet high for two animals). These enclosures must include climbing apparatus and foraging opportunities, as their dexterity and problem-solving skills make them expert escape artists.
Finding a veterinarian willing or licensed to treat a wild animal is difficult, and the lack of approved vaccines complicates routine care. Boredom quickly leads to destructive behaviors like chewing through wires, shredding furniture, and opening cabinets. The commitment required is closer to that of a zoo animal than a typical house pet.
What to Do If You Find an Orphan
If a baby raccoon is found alone, the first step is to assess whether it is truly orphaned, as mothers often leave their young while foraging. Since raccoons are nocturnal, a baby found during the day may simply be waiting for its mother to return after dark. It is best to observe the baby for up to 24 hours, especially overnight, before intervening, unless the animal is visibly injured, cold to the touch, or crying continuously.
If intervention is necessary, wear thick gloves and place the baby in a secure container with a heat source, such as a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Do not attempt to feed the baby any food or water, as incorrect feeding can cause aspiration pneumonia or fatal digestive issues. The correct action is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, animal control, or a state wildlife agency. These professionals are trained, equipped, and legally permitted to provide the specialized care necessary for the animal’s survival and eventual release.