No, owning a raccoon in Maine is prohibited without a permit from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW), which enforces strict wildlife possession laws under Title 12 § 12156. Exceptions exist for licensed wildlife rehabilitators or educational facilities, but private ownership is generally illegal due to disease risks and ecological concerns.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Maine
- Permit Requirement: A Class I or Class II wildlife permit is mandatory for any non-rehabilitator possession, with MDIFW evaluating applicant suitability based on facility standards and conservation impact.
- Prohibited Species: Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are classified as unprotected wildlife, barring private ownership unless explicitly permitted under rehabilitation or educational exemptions.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: MDIFW’s 2026 Wildlife Possession Rule (Chapter 10.13) tightens oversight, requiring annual inspections for permitted facilities and mandatory rabies vaccination records for any held raccoons.
Violations may result in fines up to $1,000 or confiscation under MDIFW enforcement protocols. Consult MDIFW’s Wildlife Permitting Portal for updated application criteria.