While homeowners may use exclusion techniques to keep raccoons away from their property, they are persistent and will always stick to it. Homeowners who grow crops sometimes try to scare off raccoons by using lights, dogs, the sound of radios, cloth or plastic banners, plastic windmills or banging pots or lids. Owners also tried activating motion detectors or sprinklers to scare the animals. That, too, varies. Some raccoons are friendly, while others seize every chance of escaping. In addition, you need to realize that raccoons are one of the biggest spreaders of diseases, most often rabies. If it turns out that owning a raccoon is legal in your area, be sure to think carefully about the idea before making a decision. Raccoons, unlike dogs and cats, are not domesticated. As they mature in reproduction, they may adopt hormonal patterns of behavior, including territoriality-driven ferocity. Mature raccoons can wreak havoc on the inside of homes. Adult men are generally more problematic and dangerous than women. Always consider safety when making decisions. Think about your safety, the safety of others around you and the well-being of the wild animal.
A juvenile raccoon may seem cuddly. He is anything but. Other exceptions where exotic animals are allowed are in circuses. Although this is a highly controversial and frowned upon issue, many states have yet to implement any laws. Make sure you keep it in a safe, enclosed place, big enough to have plenty of space and filled with things it can climb on and stay active. Avoid letting him roam freely on the street – you don`t know what he can do. In 2019, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill banning the donation, sale or manufacture of all fur products in the state. Rep. Laura Friedman drafted the bill that applies to all fur products, including clothing, handbags, shoes and other fashion accessories. Anyone who breaks the law should expect civil penalties.
The fur ban comes into effect on January 1, 2023. If the owner does not have the patience, he can call a pest removal service in his area to remove raccoons. However, once the raccoon family is gone, the owner should practice exclusion techniques. You should never try to kill a raccoon with poison – it`s illegal in California. Homeowners with a chronic raccoon problem should instead call a professional pest control company in their area. You have a valid permit to capture and remove animals. These traps do not allow for the selective release of non-target catches, so people attempting to catch a raccoon in an area where non-target catches are more likely to use a box trap should use a box trap instead. These should be grabbed by the body or on twisted bars to prevent dogs from doing so. Raccoons are intelligent animals.
They can solve problems and have a good memory. However, raccoons are wild animals, so taking one from the wild doesn`t have good results and is probably illegal. If you find a raccoon that has been domesticated or rehabilitated, it can be an affectionate and playful pet. However, in the long run, you need to make sure you have enough space to create a large and spacious living space for your new pet. While domesticated raccoons are illegal in most states (especially the wild raccoons you`re trying to domesticate), that doesn`t mean you can`t and shouldn`t own raccoons. If your state allows the possession of raccoons and you want to add one to your family, you`ll need to find a reputable raccoon breeder who breeds domestic raccoons to be pets in homes. Don`t bring wild raccoons into your home, which is illegal almost everywhere. It is legal to own a raccoon in the following states: It is highly recommended to have a large outdoor enclosure so that your raccoon can play unattended. Make sure this unit has a roof over your head. Raccoons need an outdoor pen where they can play and where they can be confined if they cannot be supervised. The enclosure must have a secure roof. Check state and local laws for additional housing requirements.
So, can you keep a raccoon as a pet? Opinions differ, and in many states it is illegal to own raccoons because they belong to the typical category of exotic animals due to the rarity with which they are kept as pets. However, in some states, like Michigan, you can keep a raccoon as a pet as long as it meets two conditions: the raccoon`s ownership must be approved by a veterinarian and the owner must have a wildlife license. Your raccoon needs a spacious pen where they can move and move freely. You can train your raccoon to use a litter box if it is a pet. If your raccoon stays in your home, a large dog crate may work for a short time. But a raccoon must be able to move freely when you are there and be able to supervise. It will be necessary to make your home child-resistant – raccoons will invade everything. Raccoons are not common, but some people have kept domesticated raccoons as pets over the years.
President Calvin Coolidge had two raccoons in the White House. While they may look cute, owning a raccoon can be more effort than it`s worth, and most pet experts don`t recommend keeping them as pets. However, raccoons tend to be mischievous and unpredictable, which is why it is generally advisable not to have them as pets. Plus, they need plenty of space to explore, climb, and roam, so they don`t do well in cages or small rooms. They also tend to be destructive, so you may find that they eat your furniture, bedding, and clothes and spill objects. As a bonus, raccoons can break locks and other secure areas if they wish, which is why they have a “masked bandit call.” In states where raccoon ownership is legal, those looking for a raccoon should follow additional regulations to own a raccoon. For example, in North Carolina, a veterinarian must approve the animal before it is taken to the state. In Arkansas, a person cannot own more than five at a time.
Keep in mind that it is important to check state and local laws before buying an exotic animal. Domesticated raccoons can become home-trained and loving. But raccoons like to play as much as they like to cuddle. Tamed raccoons can be unpredictable and mischievous. They love to climb and explore and are not suitable for cages or small spaces. Owning raccoons can be a big commitment as they require a lot of attention and care. Raccoons are illegal in most states, not only because of the unethical nature of owning an exotic animal, but also for the welfare of the public. They can also be infested with many other parasites, including fleas, ticks and lice. Finding proper veterinary care for your raccoon can be just as difficult as raising properly.
Most veterinarians have no experience in treating raccoons. It`s also illegal to sterilize raccoons in Texas, so if your furry friend escapes, you could end up with a whole litter to take care of. Difficulty finding care. Even in states where owning a domesticated raccoon is legal, it can be difficult to find a veterinarian who specializes in grooming. Look for one with knowledge and experience in exotic animals and ask them specific questions about raccoons. If you`re planning a vacation and need a pet sitter, you probably can`t take your raccoon on board like you would with a cat or dog.