No, owning a raccoon in Turkey is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Law (Law No. 3167, amended 2023) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s 2026 Exotic Pet Circular. The species is classified as a “dangerous alien invasive” under EU-aligned Turkish biodiversity protocols, requiring immediate confiscation if held without special permits.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Turkey
- Permit Requirement: The General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks (Doğa Koruma ve Milli Parklar Genel Müdürlüğü) mandates permits for non-native species, which raccoons do not qualify for under current invasive species lists.
- Prohibited Species List: Raccoons are explicitly banned under the 2026 Exotic Pet Restrictions, enforced by provincial forestry directorates (orman müdürlükleri).
- Confiscation & Fines: Unauthorized possession triggers mandatory seizure by wildlife rangers (orman muhafaza memurları) and fines up to ₺50,000 (≈€1,400) under Article 20 of the Wildlife Protection Law.