Is it legal to own a raccoon in Louisiana?

VERIFIED 2026-07-03CONFIDENCE: MEDIUMLa. Admin. Code tit. 76 (native/furbearing wildlife rules)

The short answer

Banned

Louisiana does not allow pet raccoons; native furbearer/rabies-vector rules bar private possession..

No. Louisiana does not permit keeping raccoons as pets. Raccoons are native furbearers/rabies-vector wildlife, and the state does not issue personal-possession permits for them for the pet trade.

What Louisiana law says

Louisiana wildlife rules treat raccoons as native furbearers and rabies-vector species; possession as pets is not authorized (LDWF regulations under Title 76).

Which agency regulates raccoons in Louisiana

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Louisiana.

Is there a permit for pet raccoons?

No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Licensed rehabilitators and research/educational facilities operate under separate authorizations.

Penalties for owning a raccoon illegally

Wildlife violation; fines and confiscation.

Local city and county rules

Parishes such as Jefferson Parish add their own exotic-animal bans covering raccoons; check local ordinances.

Legal alternatives in Louisiana

Serval in Louisiana — A tall African wildcat, popular in the exotic cat trade and the parent breed of the Savannah cat.
Fennec Fox in Louisiana — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a pet raccoon in Louisiana?

No. Native raccoons are furbearer/rabies-vector wildlife and not allowed as pets.

Does my parish matter?

Yes. Some parishes ban additional exotics; the raccoon prohibition is statewide.

Sources

More animals in Louisiana

See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Louisiana 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 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.