It is unlawful to keep a raccoon as a pet in California.
Raccoons are adaptable animals, thriving in urban and wilderness areas alike; in fact, there is a particularly large population of them in California's Orange Country. Raccoons can cause damage to buildings, gardens and lawns, and are prone to diseases and parasites. The California Department of Fish and Game is responsible for determining and regulating all laws pertaining to the protection, trapping and keeping of raccoons.
Trapping
Raccoons that have caused property damage can be trapped with humane traps that must be checked every 24 hours. The raccoons can either be brought into the local animal control office for euthanization or released into the immediate area. To prevent the spread of disease, raccoons should not be relocated long distances from where they were initially trapped. The California Department of Fish and Game regulations prohibit the relocation of raccoons without written permission.
Keeping
Under the California Department of Fish and Game laws, it is illegal for any wildlife, including raccoons, to be kept as pets, unless you have a prohibited animal permit on file with the agency.
Protection
Although it is not an endangered species, the raccoon is classified by the California Department of Fish and Game as a furbearer and is protected by law against being relocated after trapping or killed by inhumane means. You must have a hunting license to kill a raccoon for its fur.
Rehabilitation
Only authorized wildlife rehabilitation facilities may keep injured raccoons for a limited period of time.
Tags: California Department, California Department Fish, Department Fish, Department Fish Game, Fish Game