No, owning a raccoon in Australia is illegal under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and state/territory biosecurity laws, classifying them as prohibited invasive species. The Australian Government’s 2026 Invasive Species Action Plan reinforces strict import bans, with no exemptions for private ownership. Unauthorized possession risks fines up to $220,000 or imprisonment under the EPBC Act, while state penalties (e.g., NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016) add further liability.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Australia
- Federal Ban: The EPBC Act prohibits the import, keeping, or breeding of raccoons without a special permit, which is near-impossible to obtain for private individuals.
- State/Territory Enforcement: Jurisdictions like Queensland (Biosecurity Act 2014) and Victoria (Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988) criminalize possession, with mandatory reporting of sightings to local biosecurity officers.
- Permit Exceptions: Only research institutions or zoos may apply for permits under Section 303DG of the EPBC Act, subject to rigorous risk assessments and containment protocols.
Non-compliance triggers escalated enforcement, including confiscation and destruction of animals. The 2026 National Biosecurity Strategy further tightens controls, emphasizing eradication over coexistence. Prospective owners should consult the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and state agencies before considering any exotic pet.