I Really Want a Pet Raccoon! But is it Legal in Iowa?
Just look at that cute little face. And those adorable paws! Who hasn't looked at a raccoon at some point and thought, "Can I have one as a pet?" Yes, raccoons are wild animals, but science says they might be getting closer to cuddling with you than you think!
A new study from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock found that raccoons are physically changing in response to being around humans. After looking through over 20,000 pictures of raccoons from across the U.S., researchers found that raccoons living in urban areas had snouts that were, on average, 3.5 inches shorter than those living in the woods. The study found that this is called 'domestication syndrome'. It's when animals develop traits to help them survive around humans.
And it's happening to other animals too! The study notes that foxes and mice that live in urban settings have shorter snouts. Animals are literally getting cuter the longer they're around humans.
According to Iowa Code, it is illegal to own dangerous, wild animals in Iowa. And while raccoons aren't categorized as a dangerous, wild animal, the Des Moines Register reports that they are still illegal to own as a pet. If a raccoon is found in a home, the animal can be removed by law enforcement, and a citation can be given. The Register reports that certain raccoons obtained by a licensed breeder are legal in the state.
It's important to remember that raccoons are wild animals. They can be messy and destructive. But you also see plenty of stories of raccoons becoming domesticated and eating food out of someone's hand. We had the chance to hold a baby raccoon several years ago, and I'm not sure I'll ever look at them the same way again.
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