Texas Laws That Make Owning A Raccoon Tricky Business

We've all seen the videos; cute, furry raccoons who have been domesticated and kept as pets. They're adorable! They've got little hands, a bandit mask, and enough chaotic energy to keep things interesting. But before you start picking out a name like Rascal or Rocket, you should know: Texas law isn’t exactly raccoon-friendly when it comes to pet ownership. In fact, turning a wild critter into a housemate could land you in more trouble than a raccoon with a bag of Cheetos.

That backyard bandit may be adorable, but owning a pet raccoon in Texas is a whole legal mess. Texas law draws a firm line between wildlife and pets- and raccoons fall squarely into the wildlife category. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) classifies raccoons as fur-bearing animals, and that means you can’t just scoop one up and turn it into your new sidekick. Unless you’ve got a special permit, owning a raccoon is a no-go.

So Who Can Own a Raccoon in Texas?

Turns out, unless you’re a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, zookeeper, or part of an educational program, your raccoon dreams are out of reach. Also, Texas doesn’t hand out permits just because you’ve got a soft spot for trash pandas.

To legally own or even temporarily handle a raccoon, you’ll need a special permit from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). These permits are usually reserved for:

• Wildlife rehabilitators who care for injured or orphaned animals with the goal of releasing them back into the wild
• Educational institutions that use wildlife for teaching purposes
• Licensed breeders or exhibitors under strict conditions

In other words, unless your living room doubles as a wildlife education center, you’re probably not getting that permit.

Why the Fuss About Having a Raccoon as a Pet in Texas?

It’s not just red tape for fun- there are real reasons behind the rules. Raccoons are still wild animals, no matter how cute they look carrying your remote. They can be unpredictable, destructive, and potentially dangerous. We’re talking rabies risks, aggressive behavior, and property damage that would make a goat jealous. Texas wildlife laws are designed to protect both the animals and the humans who might get too cozy with them.

What happens if you can’t help yourself and just snatch one up from the woods? Owning one without a permit in Texas isn’t just frowned upon- it’s illegal. Getting caught can lead to fines, misdemeanor charges, and the raccoon being taken away (and probably sent back to the wild where it belongs). Nobody wants to see you or the raccoon in hot water, so it’s best to play by the rules.

But don’t worry- if you love raccoons, there are plenty of ways to enjoy their wild charm without breaking the law like supporting local wildlife rehabilitators, visiting nature centers or just appreciating raccoons from a respectful distance. You could even create a raccoon-friendly yard by providing natural shelter and water, encouraging them to visit without trying to tame them. This way, you can snap some photos, watch their antics, and let them keep their wild independence.