eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'pestlockdown_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_2',152,'0','0']));If you do happen across a raccoon in need of help, contact your local wildlife authority. They can carry several diseases that people can catch (see below). Cats are ok as long as they have enough escape routes. 2. This site contains affiliate links. If it turns out that owning a raccoon is legal in your area, make sure you think the whole idea through extremely carefully before making a decision. There have also been accounts of wild baby raccoons or young raccoons being good pets, but adult raccoons becoming mean. You can let it go in the woods; but there it will die, as it doesn’t have the behaviors to survive. Yes, raccoons can be pets, but only in certain places. This is not a sign of stress but normal behaviour as long as a pistachio is enough to snap them out of it. eval(ez_write_tag([[580,400],'pestlockdown_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',123,'0','0']));Keeping raccoons indoors goes against their nature and while you might think they would appreciate the comforts of a warm home, they require freedom and can become aggressive when cooped up. Fight or flight. You must think about what this animal has to do, why start someone, if you want to torture him? Raccoons can learn their name and other commands, but because they are very clever, they can be selective about when they want to obey. © Copyright 2020, . They also donât provide meat or other edible products. I wouldn’t advise ferrets either, because they’re usually over assertive and too plain stupid to see the danger. Some chicken or fish, or high-quality dog food, should be used to supplement their diet. In the mating season the number of sounds increases with the frequency. For some, it is strange to have a racoon as pets but seriously these animals are just misunderstood. Because of that, they usually need a full room inside that is entirely theirs. They are not the kind of domestic pets you can leave alone for very long; when they get bored, your house can be destroyed in your absence! Raccoons as Pets. In Indiana, a person can own just about any animal as a pet, from skunks or raccoons, to foxes, cougars and even lions. Being virtually unknow doesn’t help much in becoming a popular species. In the Netherlands they’re not considered dogs, so they’re tax-free. Raccoons are most active at night, and most humans are not. Raccoons do require a bit of care and socialization to remain tame and fulfilled, or they can be prone to aggressive behavior. It is a commitment that could last 16 years or more. I can't stress this enough: "Raccoon" and "pet" are mutually exclusive terms. Most people think of raccoons as devilish, garbage-eating jumbo-rodents. This means that attempts to teach them tricks and behaviors contrary to their instincts are not likely to be successful. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'pestlockdown_com-leader-4','ezslot_6',149,'0','0']));But other than as companion animals, raccoons donât really provide much of a benefit to people. People came to me with raccoons, I treated them, made vaccinations. It is best to obtain a pet raccoon from a breeder, although these may be difficult to find. Raccoons can be remarkably affectionate. It goes up in case of agression, fear or sexual arousement. Iowa You cannot possess, own, or breed any dangerous wild animal . They need plenty of toys to keep them occupied, bedding, and things to climb on and explore. If you allow a raccoon to roam outdoors, you might be putting yourself, and the people around you, in danger. However, so far domestication just hasnât been successful. The legalities of owning a raccoon depend on where specifically you live. This holds for the use of antibiotics as well as modern forms of flee and tick prevention. Raccoons are also about the same size as cats and dogs, two of the most popular household pets in the world. Identify Raccoon Poop, Its Danger, and How to Handle It — 2020. Raccoons can be remarkably affectionate. However, the raccoon is a dog animal, it lends itself to training, and people occasionally start raccoons at home. At the same time they develop a winter coat of extremely fine hair, the stuff that comes off in spring, which makes them double their size, at least to the eye. The clearest answer we can give is that, to put it simply, raccoons aren't pets. I’ve had quite a few raccoon dogs, and they differ quite a bit. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'pestlockdown_com-leader-2','ezslot_3',130,'0','0']));And while keeping a raccoon in captivity isnât recommended, and can be illegal depending on where you live, it does happen under certain circumstances â like for rehabilitation. In the case of raccoons, even animals bred in captivity over several generations continue to display instinctual behavior that makes them difficult to keep as pets. However, if they are afraid or become angry, they can and will bite. People who think they can just dump a pet raccoon back into the wild when it gets too wild (surprise!) They will be able to place the animal with a licensed rehabilitation center and increase the chances of the animal returning to the wild. Raccoon dogs are not particularly agressive and show caution and respect, but they will approach and will accept to be hand fed. When they sexually mature at 6 months of age, they can suddenly become very aggressive, and attack. The best thing you can do is research raccoons’ needs and behaviors thoroughly before bringing one home. Natural prey like small rodents or even rabbits don’t mix well with raccoon dogs. Indiana is one example of a state that allows pet raccoons, but solely with permits. An educational pal to show the raccoon dog how a dog is supposed to behave, or to remind the domasticated dog of it’s wild ancestry. All rights reserved. Although raccoons are common sights for many people, they’re definitely not the most common pets around. Adult males are usually more problematic, and hazardous, than females. The males make different chucking sounds, to impress both males and females, and there’s a lot of growling and hissing going on. Rabies vaccination poses no problems and Snowy, according to his vaccination papers, has had a shot against parvovirosis and leptospirosis. When a raccoon is young, it can be amicable and will play and run around like a cat or dog. Keep pet doors secure from raccoons. Aggression Towards Pets Raccoons prefer to avoid most other animals as well, especially larger ones that they may perceive as predators. They can easily become fiercely distempered without hesitation. In the latter case I use drops on the skin of the neck, because spraying or powdering a raccoon dog may be a bit problematic. Punishment won’t help! Check your state and your county laws; even if your state allows you to keep a raccoon, some city ordinances will prohibit it. The difference is that she’s not agressive, but my son Falco must watch his back, because she considers him to be a «biteable brother». Raccoons donât lose their natural instincts and can be aggressive and destructive in captivity. At best they will tolerate their own kind. Itâs not surprising that people would want to keep raccoons as pets. Historically, wild animals were domesticated because of the benefits they provided to humans. A youthful raccoon might seem cuddly. If you raise a raccoon as a pet with an incredible amount of attention, love and care, you still won’t be able to override its wild instincts. If you can keep a raccoon only with a permit, apply for one as soon as possible. Think about your safety, the safety of other people around you, and the well-being of the wild animal. Parasites are a possibility in raccoons. Take advantage of the raccoon's nocturnal habits to target them at night when your cats are safe and sound indoors. However, domestication is a process that takes generations and isnât always successful. Mature raccoons can wreak havoc on the interiors of peoples’ houses. Even several generations of captive bred raccoons still exhibit all of their wild instincts throughout their lives. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'pestlockdown_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_7',151,'0','0']));Raccoons are solitary creatures that have a tendency to become aggressive and destructive when mishandled. Famous Pet Raccoons. If you’re passionate about owning a raccoon, however, find out whether you are allowed to do so by calling your area’s law enforcement centers. Misty was bottle-raised and exceptionally tame. If you want a pet raccoon, you need to find a private breeder who sells captive-bred tame ones. There have actually been many attempts to domesticate raccoons over the years â but theyâre different from cats and dogs in that they cannot be domesticated. If such a situation escalates, it may become a nuisance, so it’s better to separate males in spring. And though there have been instances of raccoons forming temporary packs in dense populations, they are mostly independent and usually prefer to roam on their own. Raccoons can be loving and sweet pets, but they require a great deal of work and maintenance as they are still wild animals. Some states might only allow captive raccoons who were acquired from licensed breeders, for instance. As wild animals, raccoons can have diseases such as rabies. While they might remain in one place temporarily to mate, raise young or hibernate, they donât consider a single place home. Raccoons are foragers, so itâs natural for them to wander about and explore their surroundings in search of food. If youâre not able to meet their needs, they can become problematic quickly. They’re never in a hurry either, and one particular flagstone may suddenly and for no particular reason require minutes of investigation. A qualified veterinarian will also be needed to provide your raccoon with vaccinations, address all medical issues, and possibly neuter or spay the animal. It’s all part of the normal winter preparation, where an option to hibernate is kept open. They’re not great jumpers, but they do climb to a degree, so a wire fence should be higher. Both young and adult wild raccoons can shield viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can result in infections and diseases for both humans and other pet … If left unsupervised, they can make messes, opening and emptying drawers, stealing food from your refrigerator, tearing up your couch, gnawing on your furniture, and so on. I grew up on a farm and have dealt with more animals than I can count. I’m sure I can get him to accept a leash. If youâre not able to meet their needs, they can become problematic quickly. They can become very attached to their owners and spend long periods of time snuggling. Even several generations of captive bred raccoons still exhibit all of their wild instincts throughout their lives. Can raccoons be pets ? Raccoons can also carry zoonotic parasites and infectious diseases (including rabies) that pose a threat to you, your family, and other pets. Raccoons are not like cats or dogs. They also like fruits, grapes in particular, nuts, pistachios, raisins and cheese. In states where they are native they are generally illegal. To reduce the attraction of a pet door, never place the pet's food or water near the inside of the door. And attempts at domestication repeatedly fail. Keeping raccoons indoors goes against their nature and while you might think they would appreciate the comforts of a warm home, they require freedom and can become aggressive when cooped up. This can create problems for the people the animal comes into contact with later and may eventually lead to the raccoonâs death. eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'pestlockdown_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',143,'0','0']));Their mischievous natures can lead to damage both inside and outside your home. Everything counts in small amounts, and there’s ample room for experiments because it guarantees the dog’s full attention. But other than as companion animals, raccoons donât really provide much of a benefit to people. And if they do escape, you may not get them back, leaving a raccoon who has little fear of people and little experience with other raccoons loose. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'pestlockdown_com-netboard-1','ezslot_12',141,'0','0']));To prevent disease, youâll need work with a veterinarian with special knowledge and training. However, any pup used to people can be raised to an acceptable level of domestication. I know this because I actually had a pet raccoon named “Ethel”. Raccoons are not pets in the sense of cats and dogs, and do not have companion instincts. But while these wily creatures are certainly cute and cuddly looking, they’re not exactly the easiest pets in the world. It needs to be considered whether the benefits of domesticating raccoons outweighs the challenges. Some people do not even have dogs. The curve is always downward. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'pestlockdown_com-portrait-1','ezslot_14',139,'0','0']));If you allow a raccoon to roam outdoors, you might be putting yourself, and the people around you, in danger. At night they’re active, but not noisy. With its unpredictable, aggressive nature and sharp claws, raccoons can be quite harmful for humans - especially children, and hence are best avoided. They are the most playful and intelligent species. There have been many attempts to keep raccoons and other wild animals as companion animals over the years. In captivity, raccoons can live to 10-15 years old. Submission is never an option! If they are not given enough space to roam and enough toys to play with, they can become very destructive and inquisitive, getting into places you wouldn’t expect and causing damage. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'pestlockdown_com-netboard-2','ezslot_13',132,'0','0']));Raccoons are curious and inquisitive. While it isnât possible to domesticate raccoons there are still instances of people keeping tame raccoons. Raccoons require things most people canât provide for them and when they lack these things they become increasingly destructive and even aggressive. 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.If you have a pet raccoon in a state that prohibits this, authorities may remove the animal from your home and issue a fine. All photos courtesy of Remo’s Raccoon Home. Raccoons, unlike dogs and cats, aren’t domesticated. A raccoon dog grabs its prey and immediately shakes its head violently, filleting it. While baby raccoons, or cubs, are mostly immobile, as they mature their instincts require them to roam in search of food and eventually to mate. Another reason why raccoons were never domesticated is that they are not social creatures. If they feel trapped, they will become aggressive and more likely to bite you. Left alone, a raccoon can damage your various belongings and destroy your property. Bushes, shrubs and hedges with a northern signature are favorite for rubbing against. Some of these diseases can be transmit to animals and humans — severe danger. 2. They should eat a diet primarily made up of fresh vegetables and fruits. WATCH NOW: Trouper the Raccoon Is Now a Wildlife Ambassador. Raccoons are solitary creatures that have a tendency to become aggressive and destructive when mishandled. In the Netherlands they never use that option. Raccoons are curious and inquisitive. One needss little more that an enclosed section of a garden. When people ask about getting a racoon as a pet I always tell them not to do it. You will typically have to look for an exotic or wild animal vet. A qualified veterinarian will also be needed to provide your raccoon with vaccinations, address all medical issues, and possibly neuter or spay the animal. All one needs is the proper permit. I’ll echo what many others have already said; it is possible to keep a raccoon as a pet, but they will never be domesticated like a dog or cat.
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