Is it legal to own a raccoon in Illinois?
The short answer
Yes, with a permit. Illinois allows captive-bred raccoons through the IDNR Fur-bearing Mammal Breeder Permit — the standard pathway Illinois uses for native furbearers kept in captivity. Wild-caught animals can't simply be kept as pets.
What Illinois law says
The Illinois Wildlife Code treats raccoons as fur-bearing mammals under IDNR jurisdiction. The fur-bearing mammal breeder permit authorizes holding and breeding captive furbearers acquired from lawful captive sources, with facility and record requirements. The Dangerous Animals Act doesn't cover raccoons, so IDNR's permit is the controlling requirement.
Which agency regulates raccoons in Illinois
Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Illinois.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
Yes — the Fur-bearing Mammal Breeder Permit, issued by Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) ($25.50/year (verify current fee)). Licensed rehabilitators (temporary) and commercial license holders.
Penalties and enforcement
Unpermitted possession of protected furbearers is a petty offense to misdemeanor under the Wildlife Code, with confiscation; rabies-vector handling rules apply to bite incidents.
Local city and county rules
Chicago and some municipalities prohibit wild or exotic animals regardless of IDNR permits.
Legal alternatives in Illinois
- Fennec Fox in Illinois — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
- Sugar Glider in Illinois — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
How do I legally keep a raccoon in Illinois?
Buy captive-bred from a licensed source and hold an IDNR Fur-bearing Mammal Breeder Permit before taking possession. Keep acquisition records — provenance is what the permit protects.
Does Chicago allow permitted raccoons?
Chicago's ordinance prohibits wild animals regardless of state permits. City residents effectively can't keep raccoons.
Sources
More animals in Illinois
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Illinois?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Illinois?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Illinois?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Illinois page, or compare every state on the pet raccoon laws by state page.
Last verified 2026-07-02 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.