No, owning a raccoon in Argentina is prohibited under federal wildlife protection laws, as they are classified as invasive species under the 2026 Ley de Conservación de la Biodiversidad amendments. The Secretaría de Ambiente y Desarrollo Sustentable enforces strict bans, with violators facing fines up to ARS 1.5 million or confiscation.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Argentina
- Federal Prohibition: The Ley 22.421 and its 2026 updates explicitly prohibit private ownership of native or invasive wildlife, including raccoons (Procyon lotor), without special permits.
- Provincial Enforcement: Buenos Aires, Córdoba, and Santa Fe provinces align with federal bans, requiring exotic pet owners to surrender animals to wildlife rehabilitation centers (e.g., Fundación Temaiken).
- Permit Exceptions: Only licensed zoos, research institutions, or conservation programs may hold raccoons under Resolución 1029/2023, subject to annual inspections by the Dirección Nacional de Fauna Silvestre.
Non-compliance triggers administrative penalties under the Código Civil y Comercial, with courts prioritizing animal welfare over private ownership claims. Import permits from CITES-listed sources do not override domestic restrictions.