Is it legal to own a raccoon in West Virginia?
The short answer
No. Raccoons are native West Virginia wildlife, and the Division of Natural Resources has issued no importation permits since 2001 and no pet permits since 2006. As a rabies-vector species, raccoons cannot legally be brought in or kept as pets.
What West Virginia law says
W. Va. Code §20-2-4 bars possessing native wildlife except as allowed by DNR rule, and DNR policy denies all raccoon, fox, and skunk permits over rabies concerns. Raccoons are separate from the Dangerous Wild Animals Act (W. Va. Code 19-34).
Which agency regulates raccoons in West Virginia
West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in West Virginia.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
No. There is no permit pathway that allows private pet ownership. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators and permitted facilities may handle raccoons temporarily.
Penalties for owning a raccoon illegally
Illegal possession or transport can bring fines and confiscation of the animal under WV wildlife law.
Local city and county rules
Cities and counties may add their own bans; none can loosen the state prohibition.
Legal alternatives in West Virginia
- Serval in West Virginia — A tall African wildcat, popular in the exotic cat trade and the parent breed of the Savannah cat.
- Sugar Glider in West Virginia — 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 as a baby?
No. WV prohibits keeping native raccoons as pets; contact a licensed rehabilitator instead.
Sources
More animals in West Virginia
- Is it legal to own a monkey in West Virginia?
- Is it legal to own a serval in West Virginia?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in West Virginia?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in West Virginia 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 West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.