Is it legal to own a raccoon in New Hampshire?
The short answer
Not for pets. New Hampshire lists the raccoon (Procyon lotor) as a controlled species, so a Fish & Game permit is required, and those permits go to qualified categories — not ordinary pet owners. As a rabies-vector native mammal, casual possession isn't allowed.
What New Hampshire law says
N.H. Admin. Code Fis 804.05 designates raccoons as controlled wildlife requiring a possession permit, issued only to defined permittee categories under Fis 802.01 (largely scientific, educational, and propagation uses).
Which agency regulates raccoons in New Hampshire
New Hampshire Fish & Game Dept. is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in New Hampshire.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
Yes — the Controlled Species Possession Permit, issued by New Hampshire Fish & Game Dept. (Set by Fish & Game; permit-category dependent). Permittee categories (scientific, educational, propagation, etc.) may qualify.
Penalties and enforcement
Unpermitted possession of controlled wildlife is a violation with fines and seizure; rabies protocols apply.
Local city and county rules
Municipalities may add stricter animal ordinances on top of state rules.
Legal alternatives in New Hampshire
- Sugar Glider in New Hampshire — 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 pet raccoon in New Hampshire?
No — it's controlled, and permits aren't issued for casual pet ownership.
What about an orphaned raccoon?
Route it to a licensed rehabilitator; you can't keep it yourself.
Sources
More animals in New Hampshire
- Is it legal to own a monkey in New Hampshire?
- Is it legal to own a serval in New Hampshire?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in New Hampshire?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire Fish & Game Dept. and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.