No, owning a raccoon as a pet in Idaho is prohibited under Idaho Administrative Code § 13.01.10, enforced by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG). Exotic wildlife possession requires a permit, but raccoons are classified as unprotected species, barring private ownership without explicit IDFG approval, which is rarely granted.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Idaho
- Permit Requirement: Idaho mandates a Captive Wildlife Permit (IDAPA 13.01.10) for exotic animal ownership, but raccoons are excluded from the approved species list unless held for educational or rehabilitative purposes.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Boise and Coeur d’Alene may impose additional restrictions; Boise’s municipal code (Title 6, Chapter 12) explicitly prohibits raccoon possession without IDFG variance.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Pending IDFG rule revisions (effective January 2026) may further restrict raccoon ownership under new “nuisance wildlife” classifications, aligning with regional wildlife management plans.
Violations incur fines up to $1,000 under Idaho Code § 36-1401, with confiscation of the animal. IDFG’s 2024 wildlife possession guidelines clarify that raccoons may only be held by licensed wildlife rehabilitators or research facilities. Prospective owners must petition IDFG for exemptions, demonstrating conservation or educational necessity.