No, owning a raccoon is illegal in Norway under the Regulation on the Keeping of Wild Animals (FOR-2017-06-16-890), enforced by the Norwegian Environment Agency (Miljødirektoratet). The species is classified as an invasive alien species, and private ownership is prohibited to prevent ecological harm. Exemptions require extraordinary permits, rarely granted.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Norway
- Invasive Species Ban: Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are listed under the Alien Species Regulation (FOR-2015-06-19-700), barring private possession without a permit from the Norwegian Environment Agency.
- Permit Requirements: Exemptions may be considered for research, education, or conservation, but applicants must demonstrate rigorous containment protocols and ecological justification.
- Enforcement: Local police (Politiet) and environmental inspectors (Miljøpolitiet) actively monitor compliance, with penalties including fines up to NOK 100,000 or confiscation under the Nature Diversity Act (LOV-2009-06-19-100).