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Russians are pioneering a movement to shift the stigma of raccoons as mischievous pests to domesticated pets.
Supporters hosted a festival in St. Petersburg to educate the public on caring for the masked mammal as a pet, according to India Today. They recommend purchasing the raccoon from a breeder at a young age so it can adapt to humans and prevent defensive biting.
Cultivate the ‘coons
- Raccoons are very intelligent, and they’ve proven their ability to break into garbage cans.
- They are worth the investment since they can live up to 15 years.
- Food is not a concern — these critters can eat just about anything.
Beware of their behaviors
- Domestic life is new to this species, so they still have a tendency to be temperamental if not properly trained.
- They are not called the “masked bandit” for no reason — they are mischievous.
- It might be smart to get a mop too because they will probably make a mess.
The trend has even reached U.S. soil. Although owning a pet raccoon is illegal in most states, some local and state governments will allow it with the correct permit, according to Born Free USA, which provides a list of regulations.
It is also important to make sure a local veterinarian is willing to treat a raccoon, because most are not trained to care for them.
So, is it a raccoon a pest, or a pet? Comment below.
Richard
If you purchase a raccoon for a pet, you will have to become a minimalist living household, as these critters love getting into everything. You will have to lock up all your drawers, cupboard doors and not have anything on tables, window sills, anything that could be knocked over by them climbing on them. After you have trained them well you could start to set things out on tables & Etc. You will still have to keep doors & Etc. locked up because they are very curious animals. They are very loveable animals. GOOD LUCK!!