Colorado Raccoon Laws: Key Rules to Know

The mysterious and sometimes mischievous raccoon (Procyon lotor) is a common sight in Colorado's diverse landscapes, including urban areas. If you're a resident or visitor of the Centennial State, you might find yourself encountering or wondering about these masked bandits. Colorado's raccoon laws aim to protect both humans and the wildlife, ensuring harmonious coexistence. Let's delve into the key regulations and guidelines you need to know regarding Colorado's raccoon laws.

The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department (CPW) manages the state's wildlife, including raccoons. They establish laws and regulations to govern the possession, hunting, trapping, and general management of these masked creatures. Understanding and adhering to these guidelines helps maintain Colorado's rich biodiversity and protects both wildlife and residents.

Prohibited Activities and Penalties

Engaging in certain activities involving raccoons is prohibited in Colorado, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. Familiarize yourself with these offenses to avoid potential legal issues:

Feeding or Baiting: It's unlawful to feed or bait raccoons, except during specific trapping seasons and methods. Intentionally attracting these animals can lead to unwanted encounters and negatively impact their natural behaviors.

Hunting and Trapping Laws

Colorado's raccoon hunting and trapping seasons are regulated to protect young kits (babies) and maintain raccoon populations. Hunters and trappers must follow these guidelines:

• Hunting season: Raccoons can only be hunted from mid-September to mid-February, with specific dates varying annually.
• Trapping season: Raccoons can be trapped from mid-December to mid-February, with a few exceptions for nuisance trapping.
• License and permit requirements: All hunters and trappers must possess valid small game hunting and/or fur bearer licenses, with properly set tag numbers.
• Limits: Bag limits are two raccoons per licensed hunter or trapper per day, with a combined annual limit of six.
• Property ownership: A hunter or trapper must have permission from the landowner to pursue raccoons on private property.

Possession of Bodies or Parts

To minimize waste and discourage the commercial trade of raccoons, the following regulations apply to possessor of raccoon bodies or parts:

• Bodies: It is illegal to waste or discard hunted or trapped raccoon bodies. They must be properly salvaged, with the exception of specific scientific research or educational purposes.
• Parts: Possessing certain raccoon parts, such as heads or tails, requires a valid small game hunting or fur bearer license.

Nuisance Raccoons and Human-Wildlife Conflicts

Raccoons may inadvertently find their way into homes, garbage cans, or gardens, leading to unwanted encounters. Colorado's raccoon laws provide guidelines for managing these nuisance situations:

Maintain clean and secure property: Keep trash securely stored, and fix any potential entry points, such as loose vents or gaps in roofs, to discourage raccoons from invading your space. Maintain boundaries to protect both humans and raccoons.

Nuisance Trapping Permits

When nuisance raccoons refuse to take the hint, homeowners or tenants can obtain a permit to trap and relocate these animals. Nuisance trapping permits are available through local CPW offices, with specific guidelines for cage types, locations, and release sites:

• Permit requirements: Applicants must provide proper identification, obtain a small game hunting license, and attend a mandatory nuisance trapping training session.
• Trapping methods: Trapping can only occur during the nuisance trapping season (mid-December to mid-February) using specific cage types and sizes.
• Release protocols: Trapped raccoons must be released within one mile of their capture site, in the same ecosystem or within a specific distance from water sources, to enhance their chances of survival.

By adhering to Colorado's raccoon laws and guidelines, residents and visitors can help maintain a harmonious balance between human populations and our masked neighbors. Appreciate these fascinating creatures from a respectful distance, and remember that coexisting with wildlife requires responsible and considerate behavior. So, the next time you spot a mischievous raccoon leaving its muddy paw prints, enjoy the moment knowing you're contributing to a healthy and thriving Colorado ecosystem.