10 SERIOUS Reasons to NEVER Adopt a Pet Raccoon

Raccoons / By /

Curious about keeping a pet raccoon?

Think again. In this eye-opening exploration, we unveil 10 truly alarming reasons why adopting a pet raccoon should never be on your list of considerations.

From safety concerns to ethical considerations, these revelations will make you reconsider bringing a raccoon into your home.

10 Reasons Why You Should Never Adopt a Pet Raccoon

Consider the following ten compelling reasons why adopting a pet raccoon should never be a consideration:

1. Legal Restrictions

It’s only legal in 16 states to own pet raccoons. You’ll need to find out if your state allows them before bringing one into your home.

In Canada, it is illegal to keep raccoons as pets, as they are on the ‘prohibited animals list’, alongside several other exotic species.

Violating these laws can result in serious legal consequences, including fines and the confiscation of your pet raccoon, making it crucial to be aware of and adhere to the regulations in your area.

Always prioritize responsible and lawful pet ownership.

2. Ethical Considerations

Removing a robust, wild animal from its natural habitat and subjecting it to a life of confinement not only raises ethical concerns but also infringes upon established legal regulations designed to protect wildlife.

The inherent right of wild animals to thrive in their natural environments is a fundamental principle that underscores our collective responsibility to respect and preserve the integrity of their habitats.

3. Domesticating a Raccoon Could Cause Wider Problems

If your pet raccoon escapes the house, it may scare your neighbors, their pets, and their children.

Furthermore, if the raccoon does escape and break free into the wild, as a result of being domesticated, it will not have the necessary survival skills to live in the wild.

4. Raccoons Are Not Bred to Coexist With Humans

Raccoons are wild animals that can cause severe harm and damage under the confines of a home.

The innate wild nature of raccoons makes them unsuitable for domestication.

Attempting to keep them as pets not only endangers human safety and property but also places undue stress on the raccoon, which is fundamentally ill-suited for life in captivity.

5. Raccoons Are Unpredictable

They are smart, curious, active, and playful animals, but they are also attention-seeking and unpredictable.

When trapped in confinement, they will use their long, dexterous, tapered fingers and nails to pry their way out.

Their behavior can be unpredictable, posing risks to both people and other pets.

6. It’s Not Possible to Domesticate Raccoons

Real scientific research has unequivocally demonstrated that raccoons cannot be domesticated.

People claiming otherwise often selectively focus on the positive aspects, but the stark truth is that raccoons retain their wild instincts, making them unsuitable for domestic life.

Attempting to domesticate these creatures can result in unforeseen and often hazardous consequences for both the raccoon and its human caretakers.

7. Raccoons Are High Maintenance

Raccoons demand a level of care and attention that rivals some of the most high-maintenance pets.

Their needs extend beyond just daily feeding, as they require mental stimulation and physical exercise.

Additionally, their veterinary care can be quite costly, encompassing vaccinations, preventive measures, and potential emergency treatments.

Moreover, the specialized care that raccoons necessitate often exceeds the capabilities of the average pet owner, making them a challenging and impractical choice for a household companion.

8. Raccoons Can Be Aggressive

They can bite anyone, including family, pets, strangers, and other animals. Their aggressive behavior can pose serious risks, leading to injuries and potential transmission of diseases.

It’s essential to recognize the inherent unpredictability in their demeanor and prioritize safety when it comes to raccoons as potential pets.

9. Lifespan Commitment

Raccoons have long lifespans and can live up to 20 years, requiring a significant long-term commitment.

This commitment goes beyond mere short-term pet ownership, and individuals must be prepared for the many years of dedicated care that lie ahead when considering raccoons as companions.

10. Environmental Impact

The decision to keep raccoons as pets extends its consequences beyond the confines of one’s home, potentially wreaking havoc on local ecosystems and upsetting the delicate equilibrium of wildlife.

The introduction of non-native species into an environment can lead to unforeseen ecological disruptions, making it imperative to avoid such actions in the interest of preserving our natural habitats.

Can wild raccoons be tamed?

While it is technically feasible to partially domesticate raccoons, it is strongly discouraged to consider them as suitable pets. Raccoons are inherently wild creatures with instincts and behaviors ill-suited for domestication. They exhibit high levels of activity, curiosity, and independence, demanding a substantial amount of living space, mental stimulation, and attentive care.

Can you befriend a wild raccoon?

Raccoons, in particular, face a significant threat from individuals attempting to befriend and domesticate them.

Do raccoons get attached to humans?

Raccoons have the capacity to form strong bonds with their human companions, particularly when they are raised in captivity from an early age.

Is it okay to domesticate a raccoon?

While raccoons may appear adorable and endearing, it is crucial to emphasize that they are unequivocally not suitable as domesticated pets and must not be regarded as such. Raccoons are inherently wild creatures, possessing the potential to inflict significant harm and inflict considerable damage when confined within a household environment. Regrettably, the rarity of raccoon ownership as pets is a testament to the very real risks and challenges associated with this practice.

Can you train a wild raccoon?

Training raccoons differs significantly from training conventional pets due to their inherent independence and mischievous nature. While traditional pets can typically be taught to use litter boxes, the task of training a raccoon to do so is exceedingly challenging, often requiring several months of dedicated effort.

Can you touch a wild raccoon?

Caution: It is advisable to refrain from attempting to feed or make physical contact with raccoons. Raccoons have the potential to carry numerous zoonotic diseases and parasites that could pose risks to both humans and pets. Examples of these include rabies, distemper, and roundworm infections.

What is the lifespan of a domesticated raccoon?

In natural environments, raccoons typically have a life expectancy ranging from 2 to 3 years. However, when kept in captivity, raccoons can thrive and enjoy a significantly extended lifespan, often reaching up to 20 years of age.

Will a raccoon use a litter box?

Absolutely! One of the standout advantages of having a pet raccoon is their ability to use litter boxes. In contrast to pet foxes, raccoons can be trained to use litter boxes. While it may require some initial effort to teach them, once they grasp the concept, raccoons tend to excel at maintaining good litter box habits!

Final Word

Raccoons are inherently wild creatures and should never be considered suitable pets.

These animals demand an extensive level of attention and care, exhibit unpredictable and potentially aggressive behavior, and it is both illegal and morally indefensible to capture a healthy wild animal and subject it to a life in captivity.