No. Connecticut prohibits private ownership of raccoons as wildlife without permits, classifying them as regulated species under the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Exceptions exist for licensed wildlife rehabilitators or educational facilities, but home possession remains illegal without strict compliance.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Connecticut
- Permit Requirement: A DEEP-issued wildlife rehabilitation or educational permit is mandatory; pet ownership is not recognized.
- Species Classification: Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are listed as “unprotected wildlife,” restricting possession to licensed entities only.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: DEEP’s 2025-2026 regulatory review may tighten permit issuance, requiring additional veterinary and habitat compliance documentation.
Local municipalities, such as Stamford and Hartford, enforce supplementary ordinances, often banning exotic pets outright. Violations incur fines up to $1,000 per offense under Connecticut General Statutes §26-40a. Exotic pet dealers must adhere to federal Lacey Act provisions, further complicating legal acquisition. Consult DEEP’s Wildlife Division for updated permit criteria before considering any raccoon-related activity.