Is it legal to own a raccoon in Minnesota?
The short answer
No. Minnesota's DNR does not allow native wild animals like raccoons to be kept as pets — possession runs through rehabilitation and game-farm licensing that excludes personal pets.
What Minnesota law says
Minnesota's game and fish laws protect native furbearers; the 'regulated animal' statute (346.155) covers cats, bears, and primates, but raccoons are blocked by the older native-wildlife rules instead.
Which agency regulates raccoons in Minnesota
Minnesota DNR is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Minnesota.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership.
Penalties for owning a raccoon illegally
Misdemeanor possession of protected wildlife, with confiscation; rabies-vector protocols apply.
Local city and county rules
Statewide rules control; municipalities add restrictions.
Legal alternatives in Minnesota
- Sugar Glider in Minnesota — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep a raccoon I found in Minnesota?
No — transfer it to a DNR-permitted wildlife rehabilitator.
Does Minnesota issue any pet permit for raccoons?
No. Game farm and rehab licenses exist for other purposes, not pets.
Sources
More animals in Minnesota
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Minnesota?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Minnesota?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Minnesota?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Minnesota 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 Minnesota DNR and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.