Raccoon Trapping Laws in America

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Trapping a raccoon could land you in hot water in some states and areas across North America, something that many home and property owners are not aware of as they set the traps to hopefully catch the critter. The laws surrounding this animal will vary greatly, usually depending on the time of year, the population of that animal in that one particular area, and also the health of the animal.



There are regulations to cover a whole host of variants, from the types of trap that you use, to what you are permitted to do with the creature once it has been captured. Damage control laws will allow certain things to change outside of hunting seasons, but fur-bearers, which raccoons are, are usually party to hunting seasons and methods, as well as how many you can kill or capture/release.

In the state of California, you must have a license or permit to hunt fur-bearing animals, such as raccoons. If you are trapping, rather than hunting, or perhaps both, you may need a permit for each.

You will have different seasons - early and late open hunting seasons, during which you are permitted to kill and trap raccoons in certain ways, using certain methods. Anywhere out of that season and you could face yourself in legal trouble if you hunt, kill, trap, or injure a raccoon. If the raccoon is a nuisance animal, you must be able to prove that the animal has caused damage to your property before you are then permitted (licensed) to remove it.

These laws are not the same across state lines, however. They change from place to place, but all laws take into account that this animal is a very well-known rabies vector. We recommend that you get advice from a professional before taking any action, or at least make sure you have looked up the appropriate hunting or killing laws in your area.

Go back to the Raccoon Removal page, or learn tips to do it yourself with my How to Get Rid of Raccoons guide.