(Photo by Sergey Shpakovsky/Flickr)

It’s an unfortunate fact, truly a heartbreaking one. It’s a shame really- I mean they are so, so cute and look oh so very cuddly. Like little dogs, just maybe a bit more mischievous. You just want to hold them, and squish them, and pet them. And what’s the problem with that? What’s the problem with wanting a pet raccoon?

As of right now, owning a raccoon is illegal in the state of Kansas, and violators can be hit with a fine and the terrible news that they can’t keep their furry friend. However, one man, 

Lenexa resident Stephen Kaspar, has been on a mission to have Kansas join 20 other states in finally having the right to be able to have these lovable creatures as pets. 

“They are extremely intelligent,” Kraspar told NPR. “They problem-solve. They are phenomenal little creatures. But then there’s the other part of it is, when you really get to know them, they are the most affectionate, goofy little things on the face of the Earth. There’s been some naysayers, but I would tell you that, overwhelmingly, this is a very popular movement. So it’s not going away.”

After much lobbying, this prospect of raccoon ownership is very much on the table here in Kansas, as House Bill 2297 introduced by Kansas Rep. Joe Seiwert, if passed, would allow for raccoon ownership with some restrictions. 

“We’ve [Seiwert’s family] had raccoons, we’ve had possums, and a lot of different animals,” Rep. Seiwert told the Topeka Capital-Journal. “A lot of people have them and they didn’t realize they’re not a legal pet. And that’s the question that we’re putting forth with the bill, so that the people that already have them as pets, they’re not going to be persecuted.”

Imagine if you will, you walk out onto your deck with a small bucket of hotdogs, tossing them out to your new found family of raccoons all with names that match their own attitude. That is a world I want to live in, a Kansas I want to live in. The bill was introduced on February 5 and a hearing was held on the 17th, but if we want to ensure that this bill doesn’t die in committee and makes it to vote, then you need to let your local representative know.

Keeping in touch with local bills up for vote and consideration is always recommended, and helps you know what the people you voted for are doing in Topeka. You’d be surprised to learn that raccoons are not the only thing up for vote, with trans rights, a plan to make Supreme Court justices elected, and so much more. Take this opportunity to find out who your representative is, and what bills are still to be voted on this 2025 session. And of course, voice your support for the raccoons.