Raccoon Removal Laws by State: What Homeowners Need to Know

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Understanding the laws and regulations surrounding raccoon removal is crucial for homeowners and wildlife control professionals. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on state-specific regulations, permits, legal considerations, and contact information for local wildlife authorities.

Want the full picture? Read our complete raccoon guide, or see DIY Raccoon Removal: How to Do It Yourself Safely and Effectively and Raccoon Removal Costs: What to Expect.

Understanding Raccoon Behavior and Risks

Raccoons are nocturnal mammals known for their intelligence and dexterity. They can open doors, unlatch cages, and even manipulate objects to find food or shelter. While they play an essential role in the ecosystem as scavengers, raccoons can become a nuisance when they invade human habitats, causing property damage and posing health risks. Raccoons can carry diseases such as rabies and raccoon roundworm, which can be transmitted to humans and pets.

General Considerations for Raccoon Removal

Before diving into state-specific regulations, it’s important to understand some general principles of raccoon removal:

Humane Methods: Always use humane methods for capturing and relocating raccoons. Inhumane treatment can lead to legal repercussions and unnecessary suffering for the animals.
Prevention: Seal entry points to your home and secure trash cans to prevent raccoons from becoming repeat visitors.
Safety: Wear protective gear when handling raccoons to prevent bites and scratches.

State-Specific Regulations

Note: The following information provides a general overview of raccoon removal regulations by state. Always verify with local wildlife authorities for the most current and accurate information.

Alabama

Regulations: In Alabama, it is legal to trap and remove raccoons without a permit if they are causing damage to property. Permits: No permit is required for homeowners to trap raccoons. Contact Information: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – (334) 242-3465

Alaska

Regulations: Alaska considers raccoons non-native and permits their removal. Permits: A permit is required for relocating raccoons. Contact Information: Alaska Department of Fish and Game – (907) 465-4100

Arizona

Regulations: Raccoons can be trapped and removed, but relocation requires permission. Permits: Permit required for relocation. Contact Information: Arizona Game and Fish Department – (602) 942-3000

Arkansas

Regulations: Raccoons causing property damage can be removed without a permit. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission – (800) 364-4263

California

Regulations: In California, raccoons are considered non-game mammals, and it is legal to trap them. However, relocation is not allowed; they must be released on-site or euthanized humanely. Permits: No permit required for trapping. Contact Information: California Department of Fish and Wildlife – (916) 445-0411

Colorado

Regulations: Homeowners may trap raccoons but must euthanize them or release them on the same property. Permits: No permit required for trapping, but special rules apply for relocation. Contact Information: Colorado Parks and Wildlife – (303) 297-1192

Connecticut

Regulations: Raccoons can be trapped, but relocation requires a permit. Permits: Permit required for relocation. Contact Information: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection – (860) 424-3000

Delaware

Regulations: Homeowners may trap raccoons if they are damaging property. Permits: No permit required for trapping on personal property. Contact Information: Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife – (302) 739-9912

Florida

Regulations: Florida allows for the trapping of raccoons, but they must be euthanized or released on the same property. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – (850) 488-4676

Georgia

Regulations: It is legal to trap and relocate raccoons, but relocation requires landowner permission. Permits: No permit required for trapping. Contact Information: Georgia Department of Natural Resources – (706) 557-3333

Hawaii

Regulations: Raccoons are not native to Hawaii and are rare. Any sightings should be reported immediately. Permits: Special permission required for any handling. Contact Information: Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources – (808) 587-0400

Idaho

Regulations: Raccoons can be trapped and removed if they are causing damage. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Idaho Department of Fish and Game – (208) 334-3700

Illinois

Regulations: Trapping raccoons is allowed, but they must be euthanized or released on-site. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Illinois Department of Natural Resources – (217) 782-6302

Indiana

Regulations: Homeowners may trap raccoons, but they must euthanize or release them on the same property. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Indiana Department of Natural Resources – (317) 232-4200

Iowa

Regulations: It is legal to trap raccoons, but they must be euthanized or released on-site. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Iowa Department of Natural Resources – (515) 725-8200

Kansas

Regulations: Raccoons can be trapped and removed if causing property damage. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism – (620) 672-5911

Kentucky

Regulations: Homeowners may trap raccoons, but relocation requires a permit. Permits: Permit required for relocation. Contact Information: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources – (800) 858-1549

Louisiana

Regulations: Trapping is allowed, but relocation requires permission. Permits: Permit required for relocation. Contact Information: Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries – (225) 765-2800

Maine

Regulations: Raccoons can be trapped if causing damage. Permits: No permit required for trapping. Contact Information: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife – (207) 287-8000

Maryland

Regulations: Homeowners can trap raccoons, but relocation requires a permit. Permits: Permit required for relocation. Contact Information: Maryland Department of Natural Resources – (877) 620-8367

Massachusetts

Regulations: Raccoons can be trapped if they are causing property damage. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife – (508) 389-6300

Michigan

Regulations: Homeowners may trap raccoons, but they must be released on-site or euthanized. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Michigan Department of Natural Resources – (517) 284-9453

Minnesota

Regulations: Trapping and removal are allowed, but relocation requires permission. Permits: Permit required for relocation. Contact Information: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources – (888) 646-6367

Mississippi

Regulations: Homeowners can trap raccoons without a permit if causing damage. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks – (601) 432-2400

Missouri

Regulations: Raccoons can be trapped if causing property damage. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Missouri Department of Conservation – (573) 751-4115

Montana

Regulations: Homeowners may trap raccoons without a permit if they are causing damage. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks – (406) 444-2535

Nebraska

Regulations: It is legal to trap raccoons, but they must be euthanized or released on-site. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission – (402) 471-0641

Nevada

Regulations: Raccoons can be trapped if causing property damage, but relocation requires a permit. Permits: Permit required for relocation. Contact Information: Nevada Department of Wildlife – (775) 688-1500

New Hampshire

Regulations: Homeowners can trap raccoons, but relocation requires a permit. Permits: Permit required for relocation. Contact Information: New Hampshire Fish and Game Department – (603) 271-3421

New Jersey

Regulations: It is legal to trap raccoons, but they must be euthanized or released on-site. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife – (609) 292-2965

New Mexico

Regulations: Homeowners may trap raccoons if they are causing damage. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: New Mexico Department of Game and Fish – (505) 476-8000

New York

Regulations: Raccoons can be trapped, but relocation requires a permit. Permits: Permit required for relocation. Contact Information: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation – (518) 402-8924

North Carolina

Regulations: Homeowners can trap raccoons, but relocation requires a permit. Permits: Permit required for relocation. Contact Information: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission – (919) 707-0010

North Dakota

Regulations: Raccoons can be trapped if causing property damage. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: North Dakota Game and Fish Department – (701) 328-6300

Ohio

Regulations: It is legal to trap raccoons, but they must be euthanized or released on-site. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Ohio Department of Natural Resources – (614) 265-6565

Oklahoma

Regulations: Homeowners may trap raccoons if they are causing damage. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation – (405) 521-3851

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Regulations: Homeowners can trap raccoons, but relocation requires a permit. Permits: Permit required for relocation. Contact Information: Pennsylvania Game Commission – (717) 787-4250

Rhode Island

Regulations: It is legal to trap raccoons, but they must be euthanized or released on-site. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management – (401) 222-2781

South Carolina

Regulations: Homeowners may trap raccoons if they are causing damage. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources – (803) 734-3886

South Dakota

Regulations: Raccoons can be trapped if causing property damage. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: South Dakota Game, Fish, and Parks – (605) 223-7660

Tennessee

Regulations: Homeowners may trap raccoons, but relocation requires a permit. Permits: Permit required for relocation. Contact Information: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency – (615) 781-6500

Texas

Regulations: It is legal to trap raccoons, but they must be euthanized or released on-site. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – (512) 389-4800

Utah

Regulations: Homeowners may trap raccoons if they are causing damage. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources – (801) 538-4700

Vermont

Regulations: Raccoons can be trapped, but relocation requires a permit. Permits: Permit required for relocation. Contact Information: Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department – (802) 828-1000

Virginia

Regulations: Homeowners may trap raccoons if they are causing damage. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources – (804) 367-1000

Washington

Regulations: It is legal to trap raccoons, but relocation requires a permit. Permits: Permit required for relocation. Contact Information: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife – (360) 902-2200

West Virginia

Regulations: Homeowners may trap raccoons if they are causing damage. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources – (304) 558-2758

Wisconsin

Regulations: Raccoons can be trapped if causing property damage. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – (888) 936-7463

Wyoming

Regulations: Homeowners may trap raccoons if they are causing damage. Permits: No permit required for homeowners. Contact Information: Wyoming Game and Fish Department – (307) 777-4600

Legal Considerations and Permits

In many states, homeowners can trap raccoons without a permit if they are causing property damage. However, the legality of relocating raccoons varies significantly by state, often requiring special permits. It’s crucial to check local regulations before attempting to trap or relocate raccoons.

Humane Trapping and Euthanasia

Relocation is often illegal or restricted, and wildlife experts discourage it because most relocated animals die. Check your state wildlife agency and local law before trapping or moving any raccoon, and prefer exclusion and humane eviction. Some states require that trapped raccoons be released on the same property or euthanized. Always adhere to state regulations to avoid legal issues and ensure humane treatment.

Contact Information for Wildlife Authorities

It’s essential to contact local wildlife authorities for guidance and to ensure compliance with state laws. They can provide specific information about regulations, permits, and humane trapping methods. Use the contact information provided in the state-specific sections above to reach out to your local authorities.

Conclusion

Understanding raccoon removal laws by state is essential for responsible and legal wildlife control. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of state-specific regulations, permits, and contact information for local authorities. Always prioritize humane methods and consult with local wildlife authorities to ensure compliance with state laws and the well-being of the animals.