Is it legal to own a raccoon in Delaware?
The short answer
No. Delaware's exotic-permit program covers only animals not native to the state, and raccoons are native — so they fall under DNREC, which prohibits keeping them as pets. As a rabies-vector native mammal, a pet raccoon isn't allowed. The Dept. of Agriculture's exotic permit can't cover it.
What Delaware law says
Delaware's exotic-animal permit under 3 Del. C. Ch. 72 applies only to species not native to Delaware; native species like the raccoon are regulated by DNREC and are prohibited from being kept as pets.
Which agency regulates raccoons in Delaware
Delaware DNREC, Division of Fish & Wildlife is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Delaware.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Licensed rehabilitators and permitted institutions only.
Penalties for owning a raccoon illegally
Unlawful possession of native wildlife carries DNREC penalties, seizure, and rabies protocols.
Local city and county rules
County codes (e.g., New Castle) separately bar raccoons in residential areas; local rules add up.
Legal alternatives in Delaware
- Sugar Glider in Delaware — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Fennec Fox in Delaware — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
Frequently asked questions
Can the Delaware exotic permit cover a raccoon?
No — that permit is only for non-native species; raccoons are native and DNREC-regulated as prohibited pets.
What if I find a baby raccoon?
Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator; you can't keep it.
Sources
More animals in Delaware
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Delaware?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Delaware?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Delaware?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Delaware 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 Delaware DNREC, Division of Fish & Wildlife and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.