Is it legal to own a raccoon in Alaska?
The short answer
No. Alaska runs a strict 'clean list': only the mammals specifically named in 5 AAC 92.029 may be kept, and the raccoon is not among them. No permit can be issued for an unlisted species.
What Alaska law says
Under 5 AAC 92.029, any mammal, bird, or reptile not on the approved clean list may not be imported or possessed, and the Department of Fish and Game cannot issue a permit for it.
Which agency regulates raccoons in Alaska
Alaska Department of Fish and Game is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Alaska.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Zoos, educational, and scientific permits exist but are not available to private pet owners.
Penalties for owning a raccoon illegally
Possessing an unlisted animal violates state wildlife regulations and can bring citations, fines, and seizure.
Local city and county rules
Boroughs and cities may add restrictions, but none can override the statewide clean-list ban.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a permit for a raccoon in Alaska?
No — ADF&G cannot issue a possession permit for any species that is not on the clean list.
Sources
More animals in Alaska
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Alaska?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Alaska?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Alaska?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Alaska 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 Alaska Department of Fish and Game and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.