Are Pet Raccoons Legal in my State?

It is legal to keep a raccoon as a pet in Arkansas. 

You can keep up to six animals from Arkansas’s list, which includes raccoons, if they are taken “by hand” from the wild. 

Once taken, the raccoon must remain in the owner’s custody. The raccoon cannot be sold or rehomed. If the owner wishes to get rid of the raccoon it can only be turned over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Males and female raccoons are required to be kept in separate enclosures unless they have been neutered. These raccoons may only leave the state with permission from the Chief of Wildlife Management. 

As far as captive bred raccoons, Arkansas state law states “Individuals may purchase and own up to six per household of captive-born, commercially obtained native wildlife species [including raccoons] as personal pets. Animals must have been purchased from a Commission-permitted Wildlife Breeder/Dealer, brought into Arkansas with a Wildlife Importation Permit, or purchased from a legal owner that registered the sale with the Commission. Owners must have proof of legal ownership. Males and females must be kept in separate pens unless they have been neutered to prevent reproduction. Although breeding of pets held under this regulation is illegal, owners may sell up to 20 individual animals per calendar year without obtaining a Wildlife Breeder/Dealer permit. Such sales need to be registered with the Commission.” 

It is still illegal to purchase from breeders who are not USDA permitted, and federally illegal and considered wildlife trafficking to sell pet raccoons without a USDA permit.