DWR warns public against keeping ‘wild’ pets

SALT LAKE City — Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources desires the public to know that even if a wild critter seems like it would make a lovable pet, it really is risky and illegal to do so in most scenarios.

This warning will come immediately after four raccoons have been recently seized from a property in Roosevelt.

DWR conservation officers acquired a report about a family members trying to keep the raccoons as animals, and discovered that the household had also illegally transported them from yet another condition.

It is illegal to maintain any guarded wildlife captive in Utah, which involves deer, cottontail rabbits, many hen species, bears, cougars and other people.

Quite a few birds are also protected underneath the Migratory Chicken Treaty Act. 

Some wild animals are not guarded beneath Utah condition legislation, but involve a allow to keep them in captivity, this kind of as coyotes, field mice, squirrels, jack rabbits, gophers, and raccoons.

Illegal possession of these animals is a Class B misdemeanor.

“It’s important to protect the wellbeing, welfare and basic safety of the general public, as very well as wildlife,” DWR Legislation Enforcement Capt. Chad Bettridge explained.

“These animals are wild and need to be taken care of as this kind of, even when they are toddlers.”

Ailments, viruses and parasites from wildlife can be transmitted to individuals and pets by way of saliva, feces, or urine.

Viral health conditions of raccoons include things like rabies and canine distemper.

They can have and transmit leptospirosis and toxoplasmosis, which can be lethal for unborn babies.

For a lot more facts about secure interactions with wildlife, stop by the Wild Mindful Utah web page.