First of all, they are illegal in these states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. Some of the states I didn't mention require licenses or permits to keep raccoons as pets. http://exoticpets.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=exoticpets&cdn=homegarden&tm=99&gps=209_229_1276_844&f=22&su=p284.8.150.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.mnsi.net/%7Eremocoon/regulats.htm
From what I've heard, raccoons make really funny and fascinating companions, however can cause a great deal of mischief and don't usually make the best pets. They need a lot of care, attention, and supervision. If properly raised and handled by humans from an early age, they are less likely to go back to their 'wild' ways. It will also make them more sociable and less prone to biting. They are, however, known for biting when threatened, even after being properly handled and socialized by humans. Even with the best handling, they still might become very destructive and vicious as they get older. Pet raccoons should have run of the house, not be caged. They can be caged for short periods, but the cage has to be very big. They can be litter trained, but when angered, they might decide to go elsewhere (usually on something of yours). They're also known to mark during mating season, but will go back to using the litter box after mating season.
Check out the links I have listed below, they have some good info. The first link is where I got most of my info.
2007-10-27 17:20:38
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answer #1
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answered by Love 4
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Check with your state department of natural resources, they may have them classified as wildlife and you'd need a permit.
They're NOT domesticated, they can and will bite. No on the litter box (and the poop really stinks). The Vets In Practice show had a short piece on a colony of raccoons in the Caribbean, they were being fed dry dog food for the most part, but nutritional needs may require apples, fruit, meat and other things--you can find that out online with the Rehab specialists sites.
If the raccoon isn't neutered/spayed, once they reach maturity they'll disappear into the woods and not be seen again.
They have hands, they can open all the cupboards, refrigerator, drawers, etc. They can climb anything in the closet. They can pull out window screens. They can empty any garbage bin you have in your kitchen. There's a good reason they're not considered good pet potential.
2007-10-27 12:56:35
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answer #2
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answered by Elaine M 7
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well I have one, and they are equal to trying to raise and train 2 two year old. they will try to get into everything ,you can no longer have Nick knacks ,or leave anything out that you aren't willing to loose,there is not a cabinet they cant open or door or lock they cant pick they are masters....In a lot of states it is illegal to keep a raccoon in captivity mine is free to come and go as he pleases by way of the doggy doors ,I did have him fixed and all his shots but he is not captive and recently he is now two yr. and is off chasing some skirt,and like a typical man has gotten lost and wont ask directions home,I have several photos of the good and the bad if you need more help deciding,they say that they cant be domesticated but i disagree. My email is larsonhuggins@aol.com
2007-10-27 19:40:43
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answer #3
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answered by larsonhuggins 2
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I have a pet raccoon.
They can be trained to use the litter box,but its hard. They are like a 2 year old. You always have to watch them.They ae not the pet for everyone. The best place to get one is from a breeder.
Check & see if they are legal in your state:
http://www.mnsi.net/~remocoon/regulats.htm
2007-10-27 18:31:49
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answer #4
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answered by Akasha 3
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Raccoons are wild animals. They cannot, should not be kept as pets. Doing so is unethical and illegal. Period.
I used to be involved in wildlife rehabilitation, and our center was always overflowing with "pet" raccoons that were dumped on us once their owners realized they were not suitable as pets. Most of them had to be destroyed because they were too tame to be released but too wild to be kept.
You can find many wildlife rehabilitators at nwrawildlife.org .
Instead of asking yahoo answerers about keeping "pet" raccoons, perhaps you should ask one of these people for their advice. They are the experts.
2007-10-28 05:23:12
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answer #5
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answered by Rain Dear 5
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First thing you need to do is find out if it is even legal to own one as a pet in your state. It is illegal in most places. I think you are in for a surprise if you think raccoons make good pets..please do a LOT more research before you make any decisions.
2007-10-27 14:22:07
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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I had a raccoon,and it was like taking care of 6 three year olds...all at once...they have very long sharp razor nails,and will rip you to ribbons..
it is easy-er if you get a baby one so it will grow to know you...they can be very lovable..if tamed.
2007-10-27 12:55:37
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answer #7
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answered by harleygirl 3
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NO!!! They are wild! respect nature. You think it will be nice, but I know from a friends previous expirement wild animals can never be pets. They might seem cute when little, but as they grow they will continue to become wild. You sicken me by getting one.
2007-10-27 15:24:20
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answer #8
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answered by nicole j 2
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no,no, NO! raccoons are wild animals and they should stay that way.they may start out cute and cuddly, but they WILL revert to their wild ways.please pick out a different pet!
2007-10-27 12:53:35
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answer #9
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answered by Anonymous
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Listen to 'blue flower'!!! Just because you keep it as a pet, doesn't mean it's gonna act like one.
2007-10-27 12:57:24
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answer #10
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answered by **Bella** 4
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