Raccoons are wild animals that are not typically kept as pets. However, some people may choose to keep raccoons as pets because they are intelligent, playful, and curious creatures. However, there are a number of reasons why raccoons are not good pets, including their wild nature, their tendency to be destructive, and their potential to carry diseases.

Are Raccoons Good Pets?

Wild Nature

Raccoons are wild animals and they do not make good pets for inexperienced owners. They can be aggressive, destructive, and even dangerous if they are not properly socialized and trained. Even a well-socialized raccoon may still retain some of its wild instincts, such as the desire to explore and climb. This can make it difficult to keep a raccoon as a pet, as it may try to escape or cause damage to your home.

Tendency to be Destructive

Raccoons are naturally curious and playful creatures. They love to explore and climb, and they are known for being destructive. They may chew on furniture, walls, and electrical cords. They may also knock over objects and make a mess. This can be a major problem if you are not prepared to deal with the mess and damage that a raccoon can cause.

Potential to Carry Diseases

Raccoons can carry a number of diseases that can be transmitted to humans, including rabies, raccoon roundworm, and tularemia. These diseases can be serious and even fatal. It is important to take precautions to avoid being bitten or scratched by a raccoon, and to wash your hands thoroughly after handling a raccoon.

Conclusion

For all of these reasons, raccoons are not good pets. They are wild animals that can be aggressive, destructive, and even dangerous. They can also carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. If you are considering getting a pet, there are many other animals that would make better companions.