Is it legal to own a raccoon in Michigan?
The short answer
Yes, with a permit. Michigan allows pet raccoons under a DNR Permit to Hold Game/Wildlife in Captivity when the animal comes from a permitted USDA breeder. Wild-caught raccoons can't be kept, and importing raccoons into Michigan is prohibited (rabies control) — so the breeder must be in-state.
What Michigan law says
Raccoons are native game/furbearer species under DNR jurisdiction; the captive wildlife permit covers lawfully sourced captive-bred animals with enclosure standards. The import ban makes sourcing the practical constraint.
Which agency regulates raccoons in Michigan
Michigan DNR — Wildlife Division is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Michigan.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
Yes — the Permit to Hold Game in Captivity, issued by Michigan DNR — Wildlife Division (Modest DNR fee; verify current schedule).
Penalties and enforcement
Unpermitted possession of protected wildlife is a misdemeanor with confiscation; bite incidents trigger rabies testing.
Local city and county rules
Cities and townships may add exotic-animal restrictions.
Legal alternatives in Michigan
- Sugar Glider in Michigan — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a raccoon into Michigan from another state?
No — raccoon importation is prohibited. The permit pathway only works with a Michigan USDA-licensed breeder.
Can I keep a raccoon I found?
No. Wild raccoons go to licensed rehabilitators only.
Sources
More animals in Michigan
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Michigan?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Michigan?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Michigan?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Michigan 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 Michigan DNR — Wildlife Division and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.