No, owning a raccoon as a pet is illegal in South Carolina without a Class II wildlife permit issued by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), which requires proof of specialized enclosures and veterinary compliance. Exemptions exist for licensed wildlife rehabilitators or educational facilities, but private ownership remains prohibited under SCDNR’s 2024 Wildlife Management Regulations, aligning with the state’s 2026 conservation priorities to curb invasive species risks.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in South Carolina
- Permit Requirement: A Class II wildlife permit from SCDNR is mandatory for any non-rehabilitative ownership, with applications scrutinized for enclosure standards and zoonotic disease mitigation plans.
- Prohibited Species Status: Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are classified as unprotected wildlife, meaning their private possession is restricted to licensed entities under SCDNR’s 2024 Wildlife Code §50-11-170.
- Local Ordinance Overrides: Municipalities like Charleston and Greenville may impose additional restrictions, including outright bans, despite state-level exemptions for permitted facilities.