Many people find raccoons charming, with their black masks and ringed tails. Some may have even considered keeping a raccoon as a pet. But there are many reasons why this isn’t a good idea, even if you have the best of intentions!
Let’s check them out:
For starters, it’s illegal to keep wildlife as pets in Canada, including raccoons. In some cases, a permit may be issued under provincial laws but this would be for extenuating circumstances.
Raccoons are wild animals and therefore belong in the wild.
If you find a young raccoon that appears injured or orphaned, you might consider raising it. Let me stop you there! They require very special care that only licensed wildlife rehabilitation centres can provide.
While they can appear cute and gentle when they are young, they are wild animals. Wild animals that are full of mischief, can be quite destructive and won’t hesitate to defend themselves as they get older.
They can also carry diseases that can be dangerous to you and your family, as well as to other pets you may have. For instance, their feces can have raccoon roundworm and they can be carriers of rabies.
Enjoy wildlife as they are meant to be – wild! If you’re looking for a pet, consider a more traditional option – perhaps a dog or a cat!
