Are Raccoons Really Illegal To Have As Pets In Louisiana?

With Christmas less than three weeks away, you might be stumped for a gift idea for someone special on your shopping list.

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If the thought occurred to you that maybe what that person would like is a pet raccoon, think again. That's totally against the law in Louisiana.

I know that's a far stretch as a Christmas gift, but the fact that it's actually against Louisiana law to own one surprised me too.

In fact, I once knew a guy who had two pet raccoons.  They were amazing pets, but apparently, while his intentions were honorable, my friend was actually in violation of Louisiana law.

So, if an animal, as seemingly harmless as a raccoon, is illegal to keep as a pet in Louisiana, you might wonder what other animals are also on that "illegal" list?

The list isn't terribly long, but Louisiana law is specific in this area defining why these animals are precluded from being considered as options in the pet department.

All these animals list a clear and present danger to humans and thus are not considered as options for ownership as pets for private owners.

The rules are slightly different for fur bearing farms, zoos, circuses, animal exhibitions and veterinary clinics, but for the general public, they are certainly not an option.

According to brla.gov, there are certain exceptions when a private citizen might be given a "temporary permit" by the Director of the Animal Control and Rescue Center, while they keep injured or infant wild animals. But again, that is ONLY after they've been issued the temporary permit.

Going to the website lasc.libguides.com, we see the actual Louisiana law regarding these animals.

Sec. 18-7. - Wild or exotic animals as pets prohibited.

No person shall keep or permit to be kept any wild, or exotic animal as a pet.

And before you say it, I know that you know someone who's had a pet squirrel or maybe a deer, and while some of those animals can be kept WITH A SPECIAL PERMIT, they are among the animals highlighted as specifically forbidden by law.

Take a look at the following which is just some of the more well known "Wild Animals Illegal To Keep As Pets in Louisiana".