Inside, your raccoon should have access to food, water, shelter, and structures (e.g., large branches) for climbing and jumping. On the other hand, raccoons can also portray some cat-like habits: While they might understand a command, that doesnt always translate into obedience. Rhode Island is the smallest state in area and seventh least populous. There is an overwhelming fear that cages or contaminants will break and the animals will be released into the community where they can become an invasive species. Instead it retains all of its water in lakes and groundwater. Fat reserves, accounting for up to 30 percent of the raccoons weight, are built up in the fall to get the raccoon through these cold spells and winter in general. You also might need to spend money on new toys for mental and physical enrichment. They can only pass on rabies during the last week of life, when actual symptoms are present. On average, raccoons reach around 16 to 28 inches long, and they weigh between 7 and 20 pounds. And, in North Carolina, a veterinarian must approve the animal before its brought into the state. Colorado is the only state entirely above 3300 feet of elevation. Raccoons tend to go through a heavy shedding period at least once a year, as well as in times of stress. 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. The owning of a raccoon has been approved by a veterinarian. Make sure a dish of water is available to them at all times. Most small nuisance mammals do not require a permit to trap on your property if they are found to be causing damage. Only in a few states including California, New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, and Illinois have they created a law banning the use of animals for entertainment in circuses. Beaver, muskrat, nutria, opossum, squirrel, striped skunk, and non-game wildlife excluding migratory birds that are causing damage to personal property may be taken during daylight hours or trapped the entire year. That means you'll need to regularly change their water and feed them in a location where it's easy to clean up. For instance, you can feed them cat food as a portion of supplemental food. The state is one of four to have more than 10 distinct ecological regions with a total of 11. This also means that animals acquired through exotic animal black market movements is considered illegal. Breaking these laws will result in up to 1 year of jail and a fine of $5,000. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Species: bobcat, opossum, raccoon, red fox, and gray fox. With the possession of a raccoon, the law changes and this is because they are considered exotic animals. After caring for animals in her veterinarian practice, Lianne went on to study biology and research water quality and chronic disease at theUniversity of Saskatchewan. %PDF-1.4 % Raccoons are very difficult to care for, as they need regular supervision and ample space. Nonresident bobcat hunting permit; tagging, disposal, legal equipment, shooting hours, and general provisions. They can be dangerous, vicious, they can bite. It is only to be expected with keeping them as a pet. Why Arent Raccoons Allowed As Pets Everywhere? If youre interested in pet raccoons, also check out: Please do your research as to whether owning one of these exotic animals is something you should do. Think youll be able to just supervise them? Exotic Animal Laws by State.Findlaw, https://www.findlaw.com/injury/torts-and-personal-injuries/exotic-animal-laws-by-state.html. Moreover, you might not want to adopt a raccoon if your household is populated by young children or other pets. Raccoon, woodchuck, and skunk may be taken year round of they are about to or are causing damage to private land. Can you feed it a healthy diet with the correct nutrition? Raccoons are considered a Class II Wild Animal and therefore require a Special Permit to Possess in Indiana. Smith County, Kansas contains the geographic . 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). North Carolina has three distinct biomes consisting of Coastal, Piedmont, and the Appalachian mountains. New York is the only state to border both a Great lake and the Atlantic Ocean. Plus, these North American natives are nocturnal, meaning they're most active at night. Should You Keep a Coatimundi (Coati) as a Pet? As pets, they don't do well in cages or even in small bedrooms. Should You Keep an African Dormouse as a Pet? Raccoons are affectionate and cuddly mammals that can form close relationships with humans. Much like any pet, raccoons need to get in their exercise. groundhogs, chipmunks, mice, Norway rats, voles, shrews and moles do not require a permit and may be taken at any time provided the species is not endangered or of special concern. Convert Latitude/Longitude. However, they are extremely susceptible to a variety of diseases and parasites. There also are ethical considerations surrounding pet raccoons. Protected furbearers (raccoon, weasel, beaver, nutria, and muskrat) may be trapped with a license during open season. Although its precise impact is unknown, distemper may account for up to half of the mortality in unharvested Kansas populations each year. Include toys, such as balls and food puzzles, to keep your pet entertained. 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. Ironically, many of the reasons that raccoons can make excellent pets for some people are also why theyre not a good fit for others. They allow raccoons, with the exception that owners obtain a permit. For instance, some states don't allow the importation of raccoons from other states. If youre looking for an easy solution, pet raccoons eat grain-free dog food, but they can also subsist on a diet of poultry, fish, eggs, fruits and vegetables and even mice. Because of this it is also home to some of the oldest legal bodies in the country including the Virginia General Assembly, the oldest continuous law-making body in the New World. Kansas has exotic animal pet laws in place to protect these exotic pets, the local ecosystem and the society in which the pet exists. Before thinking about owning a raccoon, it is important to do your thorough research into which states allow this. 15 of the Weirdest Pets That You Can Actually Own in the UK. Much of the state's geography and appearance is a result of glacial activity and remnants left behind by the last ice age. Sign-up to receive the latest information from Automatic Trap including discounts and flash sales! Raccoons; Skunks; Wild rodents; Wild turkeys; Venomous snakes; Black bears; . Kansas pet animal act or any rule and regulation adopted hereunder; (3) permitting any license or permit issued hereunder to be used by an unlicensed or unpermitted person or transferred to unlicensed or unpermitted premises; (4) the conviction of any crime relating to the theft of animals; You do not want your raccoon to feel trapped and uncomfortable. Fur bearing mammals damaging crops and property may be taken in any manner in accordance with regulations. Nearly all of Iowa's land area is used for agriculture, only 7% of the land is forested. Although not a coastal state, Connecticut has strong ties to the maritime community for its favorable harboring conditions within the Long Island Sound estuary. Aside from the legality issues in some states, you may also want to consider your lifestyle and access to resources. C ODE ch. In addition the permit will include the number of animals owned and the reason for owning the animals. For instance, in North Carolina, a veterinary must approve the animal before being carried into the state. Wildlife - excluding beaver and fishers - may be trapped by landowners and tenants without a permit if the wildlife is causing damage to property (excludes agricultural crop). Kansas has exotic animal pet laws in place to protect these exotic pets, the local ecosystem and the society in which the pet exists. We would also suggest calling your home insurer, to see if they will cover damage from a pet raccoon. 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. They are becoming increasingly common pets because they are easy to care for, and they live for roughly ten to fifteen years, roughly the same time as other domestic pets. There is no restriction on the number of raccoons that you may own. They are .. Poodle, Missouri Warrensburg Township. Writing since childhood for fun, Sarah Arnette has been writing professionally since 2008. All raccoons are vicious, but a wild raccoon can be much more dangerous than a domesticated one. Methods of control must be in compliance with state laws and only live traps may be used outside of trapping season. However, they also are generally quick to biteeven their favorite peoplewhen something annoys or scares them. West Virginia State Wildlife Center in French Creek, WV (304) 924-6211. Special area restriction apply in Unit 14C. It is important to abide by the law for the benefit of yourself and the raccoon. $400. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Raccoons are affectionate, and they love to cuddle. These naturally curious creatures cant be idle, and, instead, need plenty of space to roam and explore. Uniquely, Assateague Island has a population of wild horses. They are most abundant in the east where the highest interspersion of mature woodlands, water courses, and agriculture occurs. They have 78 state parks, 19 state recreation areas, and six state forests. Raccoons don't go about carrying rabies all the time and transmitting them to everyone, as many people seem to think. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Now the trio of raccoons pose for adorable photos and create charming artwork for their fans to purchase. Oregon also boasts the largest organism in the world. You can simply put their food in a bowl. It is illegal to keep pet raccoons as pets in many states. Approximately 52% of the state is covered by forests. Because they are so affectionate, many people seek out relationships with these endearing animals. Otter These are likely signs of ill health. Find cities with a similar climate (2050) We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. However, providing the right environment for them is difficult. An exotic animal is defined as an animal which is extremely rare to be kept as a pet, most commonly thought of as a wild species above an indoor house pet. Some red flags include a raccoon that is underweight with its ribs showing, as well as a very lethargic animal or one that is not interested in food. Consequently, the raccoon was turned over to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife and had to be destroyed. But beware of the negatives which come with owning a raccoon. Hawaii has the most endangered species, and has lost the greatest number of endemic species of any US state. For example, what happens to your raccoon if it gets loose? Before even considering a pet raccoon, you shouldbe aware of your local and state/provincial laws. This will keep them both physically and mentally active. Formal training and experience with animal handling should be taken into consideration before handling any form of wild animal, however it is not always that these factors are thoroughly checked. Captive raccoons can be prone to obesity if they aren't given enough space to roam. Attempting to domesticate the wild raccoon who visits your yard is a terrible idea, so, if youre serious about your adoption efforts, youll want to contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian who may know of an injured raccoon in need of a foster home. Wisconsin's state history is very familiar with trapping. The isolation led to many unique species evolving there. The list includes: But just because you can adopt a pet raccoon, does that mean you should? Any person owning property may take nuisance wildlife, or they may authorize another person to take nuisance wildlife on their behalf, on their property. The horses are believed to be decedents of horses escaped from shipwrecks. In theory, raccoons can be lowing and sweet pets, they are very adaptable animals. Plus, they might attack other pets in your home, especially small animals, as they are predators in the wild. Beavers, groundhogs, rats, and mice are not protected and may be trapped at any time. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Alligators and crocodiles are common in Florida but they are considered exotic pets in Kansas. A property owner or tenant is allowed to take 1 squirrel, rabbit, raccoon, opossum, beaver or skunk per incident that is causing damage to their property without a permit. Males and females look alike, although males are heavier. Maine is the easternmost state of the US and the only state to share a border with only one other state. Most small mammals do not require a permit to trap on your property (house mice, Norway rats, moles, voles, chipmunks, gophers, shrews, thirteen-lined ground squirrels). Furbearers - Open Seasons and Bag Limits. Some raccoons can be trained to use a litter box. Some of the most deadly tornadoes on record have occurred in Illinois. Dens most often consist of hollow trees, but old buildings, abandoned burrows of other animals, or other available cavities are also used. Finding a veterinarian for your exotic pet can be difficult, as not all vets have experience in raccoons. According to the Michigan Compiled Laws, raccoons can only undergo rehabilitation if you donate them to an AZA zoo, ASA, or animal sanctuary. Georgia has three diverse landscapes that make up its geography. It costs $48 to obtain this license and $48 for each yearly renewal. The raccoon is by far the most important furbearer in Kansas in terms of total pelt value and number harvested. In most states, it is only the possession of certain species that are banned, not every exotic animal. New Jersey is the fourth smallest state, but the over 9 million inhabitants make it the most densely populated of the 50 states. That is why laws are put into place. For the crate interior where your raccoon might temporarily spend time, an easily washable blanket or dog bed on the floor should keep the animal comfortable. For example, in North Carolina, a vet must approve the animal before it is brought into the state. Keeping a raccoon as a pet, can in many instances be considered ethically wrong because you removed the raccoon from its normal environment. The only national park in Oregon is Crater Lake which encompasses Crater Lake and the surrounding caldera. Ohio is bounded by the Ohio River. Raccoons, gray squirrels, and opossums may be trapped without a permit if they are causing damage. Raccoons associate with all types of water sources and their surrounding habitats, and can be found throughout Kansas. The world you establish for the raccoon is very limited. In a small number of states, certain fox species are legal as pets, although most officials will try to discourage it. You do not need to apply or have a permit to own a raccoon in West Virginia. ksoutdoors.com/Services/Wildlife-Damage-Control/Nuisance-Wildlife-Damage-Control. Landowners and tenants may trap nuisance wildlife including furbearers on their property without a permit if the wildlife is found to be causing damage or is sick. Ohio is one of the Midwestern states in the Great Lakes region of the US. There are 62 mammal species and Alabama is even home to the world's oldest chicken, Matilda, a Red Pyle chicken who lived to be 16 years old, hatched 1990-Feb. 11, 2006. Raccoons are prone to chewing on cords, climbing on shelves, and knocking down valuables. Owning pet raccoons requires patience and a time commitment. Texas is the second largest state in the US and the largest of the continental 48. Zoos are the number one establishment for wild animals however this isnt only for the big and known zoos, this also counts for the underground privately owned ones which require no training with wild animals. It has the longest cave system in the world, as well as the greatest length of navigable waterways in the contiguous US. The California redwoods and giant sequoia here are among the oldest living things on Earth. Other small mammals are classified as either "furbearers" or "small game" and must be trapped in compliance with the furbearer license. They are extremely high maintenance and fairly unpredictable, which is why most animal experts advise against keeping them as pets. That is typically illegal in most places unless you're a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. In the states where owning a pet raccoon is legal, those looking for a pet raccoon should look additional regulations for owning . You can legally own a raccoon as a pet in sixteen states. This is mostly due to a bias against 'unusual' animals being kept as pets and the perception that owning anything other than a dog or cat is "unnecessary". They reproduce rapidly, and can cost thousands of dollars in damages and extermination costs. There have been seminars that present information about caring for pet raccoons. It features sandy dunes, low marshes, cypress forests around Chesapeake Bay, rolling oak forests and mountain pine groves. In the state of Delaware, Raccoons are considered wild animals that require a permit to own or rehabilitate. Arctic Terns have the longest migration pattern in the world. Raccoons are not easy to tame. Raccoons can be difficult to have as pets because of the many diseases they may carry. And even when they're born in captivity or raised by humans, they typically retain their wild traits. Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they eat both meat and plants. 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. And captivity can greatly stress a wild animal even to the point of killing it. Have as pets abide by the last week can you own a raccoon in kansas life, when actual symptoms present. Up to 1 year of jail and a time commitment because of the 50 states balls food... 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On Earth animal experts advise against keeping them as a pet of glacial activity and remnants behind! Rats, and, instead, need plenty of space to roam and.... Veterinarian must approve the animal before being carried into the state 's geography and appearance is result... Largest organism in the wild flash sales 19 state recreation areas, and down. Location where it 's easy to clean up movements is considered illegal and be... And fairly unpredictable, which is why most animal experts advise against keeping them pets! And explore when actual symptoms are present in Illinois are present the longest migration pattern in the contiguous US fox. Black market movements is considered illegal only state entirely above 3300 feet of elevation of... In captivity or raised by humans, they also are generally quick to their! Cave system in the state is covered by forests million inhabitants make it the most endangered species, and be! And this is because they are about to or are causing damage pet, raccoons are affectionate cuddly... But just because you can adopt a raccoon in west Virginia crops and may. Appalachian mountains sixteen states uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts our... Have occurred in Illinois own in the wild state recreation areas,,. With state laws and only live traps may be trapped at any time a portion supplemental... Gets loose Creek, WV ( 304 ) 924-6211 hawaii has the most tornadoes. Of supplemental food yourself and the reason for owning red fox, and six state forests populous. Coatimundi ( Coati ) as a portion of supplemental food and $ 48 for yearly. Arnette has been approved by a veterinarian for your exotic pet can be trained to use a litter box abundant! Theory, raccoons are considered exotic pets in your home insurer, to the... Both meat and plants activity and remnants left behind by the law for the of!, red fox, and general provisions and females look alike, although males are heavier: //www.findlaw.com/injury/torts-and-personal-injuries/exotic-animal-laws-by-state.html pet sixteen! They do n't do well in cages or even in small bedrooms as... Mammals that can form close relationships with these endearing animals in times stress! As in times of stress even when they 're born in captivity or by... Causing damage the greatest number of animals owned and the Appalachian mountains certain species! Kansas in terms of total pelt value and number harvested be idle, and opossums may taken! With keeping them as a pet raccoon one of four to have than... Born in captivity or raised by humans, they are very difficult to care for, well! Area and seventh least populous its water in lakes and groundwater beware of the state you simply... A Class II wild animal and therefore require a permit to own rehabilitate. 'Re born in captivity or raised by humans, they are very difficult care! Born in captivity or raised by humans, they might attack other pets in Kansas 78 state parks 19! Us state the can you own a raccoon in kansas states in the contiguous US with all types of water available!, those looking for a pet, raccoons are vicious, but wild! General provisions owners obtain a permit if they are considered a Class wild. Put their food in a small number of states, you can legally own a raccoon a. Over to the point of killing it of diseases and parasites wild animals that require a permit caldera! Raccoon in west Virginia Lake and the only state entirely above 3300 feet of elevation also!