No, Denmark classifies raccoons (Procyon lotor) as invasive species under the 2026 Wildlife Protection Act, prohibiting private ownership without permits. The Danish Environmental Protection Agency (Miljøstyrelsen) enforces this ban, citing ecological risks to native fauna. Violations may result in confiscation or fines up to DKK 50,000.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Denmark
- Permit Requirement: Only zoos, research institutions, or licensed wildlife handlers may obtain permits under §12 of the 2026 Act, subject to strict welfare and containment standards.
- Invasive Species Ban: Raccoons are listed in Annex 4 of the EU Invasive Alien Species Regulation (2016/1141), mandating Denmark’s prohibition to prevent ecological disruption.
- Welfare and Biosecurity: Permitted holders must comply with the Danish Animal Welfare Act (2023), ensuring enclosures meet size, enrichment, and veterinary inspection criteria.
Local municipalities (e.g., Copenhagen’s Miljø- og Forsyningsforvaltningen) conduct compliance checks, with recent 2026 amendments increasing penalties for illegal possession. Exemptions for pre-existing owners are non-transferable, and surrender to authorities is mandatory.