Risks Associated With Pet Raccoons

Raccoons are wild animals, and thus, should remain in the wild.  It is common for people to stumble across a baby raccoon and feel the urge to adopt and care for the critter, but the truth is, they would be doing more harm than good with that idea.

Raccoons Need to Roam

Having a pet raccoon is a lifestyle, and not anything like owning a dog or cat.  In the wild, raccoons are accustomed to roaming free, and tend to prefer solidarity.  Even if a raccoon is domesticated at birth, this trait is instilled in them from thousands of years ago; it is a natural instinct to not want to be caged.  The problem with a roaming raccoon is that they are very clever and curious, and what starts out as cute, ends up a big inconvenience.  Raccoons will climb and get into trash cans, potted plants, cabinets, baby cribs, drawers, closets, and more.  They will constantly knock over everything in sight and hide items they find, like car keys and wallets.  Having a pet raccoon is a huge commitment.  A person has to basically dedicate an entire room in their home to accommodate the needs of one little raccoon.  If this is not provided, the raccoon will use the home as its own, digging holes into bed mattresses, couches, recliners, and sofas to nest in.

Health Concerns

Raccoons are known to be carriers of many viral diseases like rabies, canine hepatitis, distemper, and more.  These illnesses can easily be contracted and passed on to family and pets.   Other unpleasant infections include roundworm, scabies, lice, and ticks.

The Law

The law in most states prohibits people from owning and domesticating raccoons and other wild animals.  This ordinance is in place to protect humans and animals, alike.  Consequences of being caught owning a raccoon without a permit can result in large fines and stripping of animal ownership rights.  Raccoons bite, and this is a serious concern for local governments and communities.  This is why we have laws on domesticating wild animals.

If you find an injured or stray raccoon, or if you have raccoons that visit your property often, contact our professional raccoon removal specialists.  We promote safe and humane strategies to capture, release, and relocate raccoons in Indiana.  We can take care of the raccoons the professional way, and allow them to have a happy life in their own habitat, not in someone’s garage.  Visit our Indianapolis Raccoon Control website, or call us today at 317-535-4605.