Raccoons are a fixture of Arizona life — raiding trash cans in Phoenix, denning in Scottsdale attics, and wandering through Tucson backyards with surprising regularity. When one shows up and starts causing damage, the instinct to deal with it yourself is understandable. But Arizona’s wildlife laws are strict, and acting without the right permits can turn a nuisance problem into a criminal matter.
So, can you kill raccoons in Arizona? The short answer is: sometimes, but only under specific legal conditions and with proper authorization. Under ARS Title 17, it is unlawful to possess, kill, harass, hunt, or handle wildlife that is protected by state or federal law without proper permits. Raccoons fall squarely within that framework. This guide walks through exactly what the law allows, when removal is permitted, and what steps keep you on the right side of Arizona regulations.
Are Raccoons Protected in Arizona?
Yes — raccoons receive legal protection in Arizona, though the nature of that protection is sometimes misunderstood. Arizona classifies raccoons as nongame wildlife, which means you can’t simply trap or remove them without the proper permits. In Arizona, they’re legally classified as nongame wildlife protected from unlicensed removal.
Raccoons are also classified as furbearers — a category that includes badger, beaver, muskrat, otter, ringtail, and weasel — and are often trapped rather than hunted. That furbearer designation carries real legal weight. The use of traps for rodent control or poisons for rodent control is permitted for controlling wild and domestic rodents, but this explicitly excludes any fur-bearing animals as defined in section 17-101. In plain terms, the standard rodent-control exception does not cover raccoons.
The only mammals that can be killed or harassed in Arizona without a permit are rock squirrels, gophers, and packrats. Raccoons are not on that list. Most of the wildlife you are likely to encounter — coyotes, javelinas, raccoons, skunks, bobcats, snakes, and birds — fall under protected classifications that require permits or professional involvement. These cannot be handled, relocated, or killed without proper authorization.
Pro Tip: When in doubt about a species’ legal status, call the AZGFD at 602-942-3000 or visit azgfd.com before attempting any removal. A quick call can save you from a costly violation.
When Can You Legally Kill a Raccoon in Arizona?
There are two main legal pathways for killing a raccoon in Arizona: hunting during an open season with a valid license, and responding to an immediate health or safety threat under an emergency exception.
Raccoons can be taken from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 during daylight hours under the applicable Commission Order for predatory and fur-bearing animals. This requires a valid Arizona hunting or trapping license. Outside of authorized seasons, Arizona’s open season for nongame wildlife generally runs from September through February, which is when you can trap raccoons with a valid permit. Outside those months you’re in closed season, meaning capture or relocation requires an emergency or nuisance permit from the Arizona Game and Fish Department.
Emergency exceptions exist if a raccoon poses an immediate threat to health or safety — think aggressive attacks or rabies concerns. In those rare cases, you must still report the incident to the proper authorities within 24 hours to stay compliant.
Penalties for acting outside these windows are real. Attempting your own removal or exclusion without any permit carries fines up to $500 per animal and potential misdemeanor charges. Individuals caught illegally hunting or trapping protected species may face fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and in some cases may also be required to appear in court and could potentially face jail time.
Legal Methods for Killing Raccoons in Arizona
When killing a raccoon is legally authorized — whether through a hunting license during open season or under an emergency nuisance permit — Arizona law specifies which methods are permitted. The AZGFD 2026–2027 Arizona Hunting Regulations outline legal methods of take for predatory and fur-bearing animals, including firearms and trapping.
Firearms — including centerfire rifles, centerfire handguns, and shotguns — are listed among the legal methods for taking raccoons during authorized seasons. Archery equipment is also permitted under the applicable Commission Order. You must hold a valid hunting license and comply with all shooting-hour restrictions tied to the current Commission Order.
Poisons are not a legal option. It is unlawful to take wildlife with any leghold trap, any instant kill body gripping design trap, or by a poison or a snare on any public land, including state-owned or state-leased land, lands administered by the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the U.S. Department of Defense, the State Parks Board, and any county or municipality. This means poison use is restricted to private land and only in circumstances specifically authorized by law — which does not include general nuisance raccoon control.
Important Note: Season dates and open areas are set by Arizona Game and Fish Commission Orders, which can change from year to year. Always confirm current dates and legal methods at azgfd.gov before taking any action.
Trapping Raccoons in Arizona: Rules and Restrictions
Trapping is a legal method for taking raccoons in Arizona, but it comes with a detailed set of requirements you must follow to stay compliant. An Arizona trapping license permits a person to trap predatory and fur-bearing animals. A trapping license is required for any person 10 years of age and older.
A person born on or after January 1, 1967 must successfully complete a Department-approved trapping education course before applying for a trapping license. This course covers humane trapping practices, species identification, and trap placement rules. The trapper registration number is not transferable.
Once licensed, you face specific placement restrictions. Trappers cannot set traps within certain distances of roads, public trails, or occupied residences without permission. Traps may not be placed within one-half mile of any occupied farmhouse or other residence, cabin, lodge, or building without permission of the owner or resident; within 100 yards of an interstate highway or any other highway maintained by the Arizona Department of Transportation; or within 50 feet of any trail maintained for public use by a government agency.
Each trap must have either the name and address or the registration number of the trapper marked on a metal tag attached to the trap. The registration number assigned by the Department is the only acceptable registration number. Traps must also be checked regularly — leaving a trapped animal unattended for extended periods violates both state regulations and basic humane standards.
- A valid Arizona trapping license or hunting license is required
- Trapper education course completion is mandatory for anyone born after January 1, 1967
- All traps must be tagged with your name, address, or AZGFD registration number
- Leghold traps, instant-kill body-gripping traps, poisons, and snares are banned on all public land
- Trapping is restricted near roads, public trails, and occupied residences
- An annual harvest report must be filed with AZGFD by April 1 each year
You can find trapping license applications and current season information directly through the AZGFD regulations page. For a broader look at how Arizona handles wildlife removal across species, see this guide on wildlife removal laws in Arizona.
Can You Relocate a Raccoon Instead of Killing It in Arizona?
Relocation sounds like the humane alternative, but Arizona’s rules on it are strict — and in many cases, relocation is not as straightforward as it seems. In Arizona, raccoons are classified as restricted live wildlife, which means it’s illegal for homeowners to trap or relocate them without proper authorization. According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), individuals must have a nuisance wildlife control permit to handle or remove raccoons from residential property, and relocation typically requires approval due to the risk of disease transmission and ecological disruption.
Using unapproved traps, relocating raccoons across city lines, or causing harm can lead to legal consequences. Beyond the legal risk, there’s a biological reality to consider. Relocation is not always the humane solution it appears to be. Animals relocated to unfamiliar territory often struggle to survive, and some species may return or cause problems in new areas.
The AZGFD and licensed wildlife professionals can advise on the most appropriate resolution for your specific situation, which may include exclusion rather than relocation. Exclusion — sealing entry points and removing attractants — is often the most effective long-term solution and doesn’t require a permit in the way that trapping does.
If you’re dealing with a raccoon problem in a neighboring state, the rules differ significantly. See how other states handle this issue: California raccoon laws, Texas raccoon laws, and Nevada raccoon laws.
Hiring a Licensed Wildlife Control Operator in Arizona
For most Arizona homeowners, hiring a licensed wildlife control operator is the safest and most legally sound path. Businesses that hold a Wildlife Service License from the Arizona Game and Fish Department can remove and relocate nuisance wildlife or give advice to resolve conflicts with wildlife for a fee.
Wildlife Service companies are licensed to remove specific species, so it’s best to make sure you hire a company licensed for your type of wildlife. A company licensed to handle coyotes may not hold the authorization needed for bat removal or raptor exclusion. Always confirm the specific species coverage before signing a service agreement.
You can find a current list of licensed Wildlife Service businesses organized by region — including Mesa, Kingman, and Tucson service areas — directly on the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s website. This list is maintained by AZGFD and is the most reliable way to verify a company’s credentials before hiring.
When you contact a licensed operator, they will typically assess the situation, apply for any necessary permits, set and monitor traps, and handle disposal or relocation according to state guidelines. Arizona law requires that raccoons be trapped using humane methods, and relocation or euthanasia must follow state guidelines. A licensed operator handles all of that compliance on your behalf.
Raccoons aren’t the only wildlife concern in the state. If you’ve encountered other animals posing a threat on your property, the dangerous animals in Arizona guide covers the full range of species you may encounter.
Local Ordinances That May Override State Law in Arizona
State law sets the baseline for raccoon management in Arizona, but local ordinances can add additional restrictions — and in some cases, those local rules are stricter than what the state requires.
One significant example involves wildlife feeding. Feeding of wildlife is unlawful in Arizona. You can’t intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly feed, attract, or otherwise entice wildlife into an area in counties with a population of more than 280,000 persons. If you live in Maricopa County, Pima County, or Pinal County, this law applies. Feeding raccoons — even unintentionally through unsecured trash or pet food left outside — can result in fines and may complicate any removal permit application.
It is unlawful to feed bears, coyotes, and other designated wildlife in Maricopa County. The City of Surprise has also enacted its own ordinance banning the feeding of wildlife on all city property. Other municipalities across the Valley have adopted similar measures. Before taking any action involving raccoons on your property, check with your city or county government to confirm whether local rules impose additional restrictions beyond state law.
Some municipalities also restrict discharge of firearms within city limits, which would affect your legal options for lethal control even if you hold a valid hunting license. A licensed wildlife control operator familiar with your specific area will know which local ordinances apply.
Key Insight: Local ordinances in Arizona cities and counties can be stricter than state wildlife law. Always verify the rules for your specific municipality before attempting any raccoon removal — what’s permitted in a rural county may be prohibited within city limits.
If you’ve found a dead raccoon on a road near your property and are wondering about your obligations, Arizona also has specific rules that apply. The roadkill laws in Arizona article explains what you can and cannot do in those situations.
Raccoon laws vary significantly from state to state. For comparison, see how neighboring and other U.S. states handle raccoon removal: Virginia, Washington, Florida, Ohio, and Georgia.
The Bottom Line on Killing Raccoons in Arizona
Arizona does allow raccoons to be killed, but only within a tightly defined legal framework. You need a valid hunting or trapping license, must operate within authorized seasons, and must follow all AZGFD rules on methods, trap placement, and reporting. Killing a raccoon outside those parameters — even on your own property — can result in fines, misdemeanor charges, and loss of hunting privileges.
For most homeowners, the practical answer is to contact a licensed Wildlife Service operator who holds the right permits for raccoon removal in your area. They handle the paperwork, the trapping, and the disposal — all in compliance with both state law and any local ordinances that apply. You can also explore other raccoon laws across the country, including Tennessee, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Illinois to see how Arizona’s rules compare.