No, owning a raccoon in Greece is prohibited under national wildlife protection laws, specifically Law 1650/1986 and Presidential Decree 67/1981, which classify raccoons as non-native invasive species. The Hellenic Ministry for Environment and Energy (YPEKA) enforces these restrictions, aligning with EU Regulation 1143/2014 on invasive alien species. Violations may result in fines up to €30,000 or confiscation under the 2026 amendments to Law 4736/2020.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Greece
- Prohibition under Law 1650/1986: Raccoons are listed in Annex I as protected species, barring private ownership without special permits, which are rarely granted.
- EU Invasive Species Regulation: Greece enforces EU-wide bans on species like raccoons, mandating immediate confiscation if detected in captivity.
- YPEKA Enforcement: The ministry conducts inspections via the Hellenic Wildlife Service, with penalties escalating under the 2026 enforcement framework for illegal possession.
Exemptions require proof of research or conservation purposes, validated by YPEKA and the Hellenic Zoological Society, but even these are subject to strict ethical and ecological review.