No, owning a raccoon as a pet in Nebraska is prohibited under Nebraska Administrative Code Title 163, Chapter 2, which classifies raccoons as wild animals. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission enforces these restrictions, requiring permits for wildlife rehabilitation or educational use only. Recent 2026 legislative updates reinforced these prohibitions to mitigate zoonotic disease risks and ecological disruption.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Nebraska
- Permit Requirements: Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators or educational facilities may possess raccoons, and even then, strict housing and veterinary standards apply under Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC) guidelines.
- Prohibited Species: Raccoons are listed as “prohibited species” under NGPC regulations, meaning private ownership is illegal without exception for licensed entities.
- Enforcement and Penalties: Violations may result in fines up to $1,000 per offense, confiscation of the animal, and potential misdemeanor charges under Nebraska Revised Statute § 37-416.