Is it legal to own a raccoon in Montana?
The short answer
No. Montana's exotic-wildlife scheme classifies non-native species; the raccoon is a native furbearer handled under separate wildlife rules that provide no pet-possession pathway. Practically, you can't keep one as a pet.
What Montana law says
The ARM 12.6.22 exotic-wildlife lists (noncontrolled/controlled/prohibited) apply to species not native to Montana; raccoons are native furbearers regulated under Title 87 wildlife rules, which don't authorize keeping them as pets.
Which agency regulates raccoons in Montana
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Montana.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Licensed rehabilitation and scientific handling, not personal pets.
Penalties for owning a raccoon illegally
Wildlife-possession penalties with seizure; rabies-vector handling applies.
Local city and county rules
Local ordinances may bar captive native wildlife outright.
Legal alternatives in Montana
- Sugar Glider in Montana — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Serval in Montana — A tall African wildcat, popular in the exotic cat trade and the parent breed of the Savannah cat.
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep a pet raccoon in Montana?
No practical pathway - raccoons are native wildlife, not part of the exotic-pet permitting scheme.
Sources
More animals in Montana
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Montana?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Montana?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Montana?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Montana 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 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.