Is it legal to own a raccoon in Alabama?
The short answer
It depends. Alabama bans importing raccoons (and other native furbearers) from outside the state under Rule 220-2-.26. Keeping a native raccoon in-state generally requires a state license/permit, and pulling one from the wild for a pet is not allowed.
What Alabama law says
Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.26 prohibits bringing raccoons into Alabama from out of state and restricts possession of protected wildlife without a permit issued under the game-breeder statute (Code of Ala. 9-11-31).
Which agency regulates raccoons in Alabama
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Alabama.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
Yes — the Game Breeder's License / Restricted Species Possession Permit, issued by Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (Varies (game breeder license fees apply)). Accredited educational, research, and rehabilitation facilities are exempt with written permission.
Penalties and enforcement
Class C misdemeanor for wildlife violations; fines, confiscation, and possible license revocation.
Local city and county rules
Cities and counties may ban raccoons or all wild animals outright regardless of state rules; check local ordinances.
Legal alternatives in Alabama
- Sugar Glider in Alabama — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Fennec Fox in Alabama — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import a pet raccoon into Alabama?
No. Rule 220-2-.26 specifically bans bringing raccoons into the state from anywhere outside Alabama.
Can I take a wild raccoon as a pet?
No. Removing protected wildlife from the wild for a pet is not permitted; possession requires a permit.
Sources
- Ala. Admin. Code r. 220-2-.26 (Animal Legal & Historical Center)
- Restricted Species Possession | Outdoor Alabama
More animals in Alabama
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Alabama?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Alabama?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Alabama?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Alabama page, or compare every state on the pet raccoon laws by state page.
Last verified 2026-07-03 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.