No, owning a raccoon in Brazil is illegal under federal wildlife protection laws, as the species is classified as invasive by IBAMA (Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis). Exceptions require permits, which are rarely granted for private ownership.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Brazil
- IBAMA Authorization: Federal Law No. 9.605/1998 (Environmental Crimes Law) and Normative Instruction No. 03/2014 prohibit private possession of non-native species without explicit permits, which are reserved for conservation or scientific purposes.
- State-Level Restrictions: Some states, like São Paulo (Decree No. 62.110/2016), impose additional bans under local biodiversity protection acts, criminalizing possession even for “exotic pet” claims.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: A pending IBAMA resolution (Draft Ordinance 2025/001) aims to tighten controls on invasive species, potentially expanding the list of prohibited animals, including raccoons, with stricter enforcement penalties.
Violations may result in fines up to R$50 million (approx. $10 million USD) or imprisonment under Article 29 of Law No. 9.605/1998. Municipalities like Rio de Janeiro also enforce supplementary ordinances, reinforcing federal restrictions.