No, owning a raccoon as a pet in New Hampshire is prohibited under state wildlife regulations, which classify raccoons as non-domesticated species requiring a permit for rehabilitation or educational purposes only. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFGD) enforces RSA 212-A, which restricts private ownership to protect native ecosystems and public safety. Exemptions exist solely for licensed wildlife rehabilitators or institutions, with no pathway for personal pet ownership.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in New Hampshire
- Permit Requirement: Only individuals or entities with a valid Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit issued by NHFGD may temporarily possess raccoons for medical care or release. Personal pet ownership is explicitly excluded.
- Species Classification: Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are designated as “unprotected wildlife,” meaning they fall under strict state management protocols to prevent ecological disruption or zoonotic disease transmission.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: NHFGD’s 2026 draft wildlife regulations propose tightening permit conditions, including mandatory disease testing for any raccoon in captivity, further limiting legal ownership pathways.