No, owning a raccoon as a pet is illegal in New Jersey under the state’s N.J.S.A. 23:4-1 and N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.1, which classify raccoons as wildlife requiring permits for rehabilitation or educational purposes only. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) enforces these restrictions, and unauthorized possession may result in fines up to $2,500 or confiscation under the 2024 Wildlife Code amendments.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in New Jersey
- Permit Requirement: Only licensed wildlife rehabilitators or educational facilities may temporarily possess raccoons under NJDEP’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Rules (N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.10), with strict documentation of origin and care protocols.
- Prohibited Possession: Private ownership is explicitly banned per N.J.S.A. 23:4-1, with no exceptions for pets, despite lobbying efforts in 2023 for a “pet raccoon” pilot program that stalled in the NJDEP’s 2026 compliance review.
- Enforcement Actions: Violations trigger NJDEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife inspections, where unpermitted raccoons are seized and euthanized if deemed non-releasable, as per N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.11.
Local municipalities may impose additional restrictions, such as municipal ordinances in Bergen County (2025) banning exotic pet ownership entirely, further complicating compliance.