Is it legal to own a raccoon in Wyoming?
The short answer
Yes, if it's a Wyoming raccoon. Game & Fish's Chapter 10 quick-reference guide lists the raccoon as possession allowed, no permit required - but importation into Wyoming is prohibited. So you can't bring one in from out of state.
What Wyoming law says
Under Wyoming Game & Fish Commission Regulation Chapter 10, the raccoon is listed as allowed for possession without a Chapter 10 permit, while importation is expressly prohibited.
Which agency regulates raccoons in Wyoming
Wyoming Game & Fish Department is the authority for raccoon (Procyon lotor) possession in Wyoming.
Is there a permit for pet raccoons?
No permit is required at the state level. Importation is prohibited - lawful possession assumes a Wyoming-sourced animal.
Penalties and enforcement
Illegal importation is a wildlife violation with penalties and seizure; rabies-vector handling applies.
Local city and county rules
Local ordinances, the Livestock Board, and the Dept. of Health may impose stricter rules; the import ban means the animal must be Wyoming-origin.
Legal alternatives in Wyoming
- Sugar Glider in Wyoming — A palm-sized gliding marsupial, legal in most states but banned in a handful of cities and states.
- Serval in Wyoming — A tall African wildcat, popular in the exotic cat trade and the parent breed of the Savannah cat.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my pet raccoon to Wyoming?
No - importation of raccoons is prohibited even though in-state possession needs no Chapter 10 permit.
Do I need a permit to keep a Wyoming raccoon?
Not a Chapter 10 permit for personal possession, though commercial use of nongame wildlife does require one.
Sources
- Wyoming Possessing Live Warm-Blooded Wildlife Quick Reference (Chapter 10)
- WGFD - Possessing Wildlife
More animals in Wyoming
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Wyoming?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Wyoming?
- Is it legal to own a fennec fox in Wyoming?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Wyoming 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 Wyoming Game & Fish Department and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.