Is it legal to own a raccoon in Mississippi?
The short answer
No. Raccoons are native furbearers in Mississippi, and MDWFP does not authorize keeping them as personal pets. They are not on the 'inherently dangerous' permit list, but that framework does not create a pathway to own native wildlife as a pet.
What Mississippi law says
Mississippi regulates native furbearers such as raccoons under its wildlife and trapping rules (Title 40, Part 2); the inherently-dangerous-animal permit (Miss. Code 49-8) covers big cats and large primates, not a pet raccoon.
Which agency regulates raccoons in Mississippi
Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Mississippi.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Licensed rehabilitators and permitted facilities may handle raccoons; wild-caught pets are not allowed.
Penalties for owning a raccoon illegally
Unlawful possession of native wildlife can bring wildlife-code fines and confiscation.
Local city and county rules
Cities and counties may add their own bans; confirm with MDWFP for any pet-possession pathway.
Legal alternatives in Mississippi
- Serval in Mississippi — A tall African wildcat, popular in the exotic cat trade and the parent breed of the Savannah cat.
- Fennec Fox in Mississippi — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep a pet raccoon in Mississippi?
No — MDWFP treats raccoons as native furbearers that may not be kept as personal pets.
Sources
More animals in Mississippi
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Mississippi?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Mississippi?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Mississippi?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Mississippi 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 Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.