Is it a good idea to have a raccoon as a pet?

They can be affectionate and playful with their favorite humans. However, most raccoons always seem to be full of mischief, too. They are extremely high maintenance and fairly unpredictable, which is why most animal experts advise against keeping them as pets.

Why is it bad to own a raccoon?

Raccoons can carry and transmit distemper, Salmonella, and leptospirosis, as well as parasites like fleas, to humans. Baylisascaris is caused by roundworms from raccoons and can be deadly in people.

Are pet raccoons high maintenance?

Raccoons are wild animals, not pets, and even “tamed” are extremely high maintenance and require an experienced, knowledgeable guardian. Even several generations of captive bred raccoons still exhibit all of their wild instincts throughout their lives. 2.

What are the pros of raccoons?

Thanks to their preference for a variety of foods, raccoons help keep your yard free of pests. For example, raccoons will eat wasp larvae, destroying the nest. Raccoons also eat other pests, such as small rodents, keeping your yard free of a variety of problems.

Are raccoons friendly to cats?

They are opportunistic predators. Fortunately, most cats seem to understand the danger a raccoon poses. As such, they tend to tolerate the bandits. On the raccoon’s part, as long as a cat does not bother them, they are highly unlikely to attack it.

What states are pet raccoons legal?

It’s legal to own a pet raccoon in the following states:

• Arkansas.
• Delaware.
• Florida.
• Indiana.
• Nebraska.
• South Carolina.
• Michigan.
• Wyoming.

Do raccoons stink?

Raccoons are the number one “nuisance animal”. Raccoons have a very strong smelling urine that is can sometimes be detected from within the house, not to mention their feces, which is also very foul and strong smelling. They tear through insulation, matting it down, and causing energy loss.

What type of food does a raccoon eat?

Habits and Diet Raccoons are omnivores, meaning they will eat both plants and other animals. This includes fruits, berries, nuts, fish, frogs, mussels, crayfish, insects, turtles, mice, rabbits, muskrats and bird eggs.

Are racoons destructive?

Raccoons can be extremely destructive due to their curiosity, intelligence, dexterity and climbing skills.