Colorado has specific laws regarding animal ownership, notably prohibiting residents from owning raccoons as pets despite allowing ownership of other exotic animals like water buffalo and emus. While trapping raccoons on private property is permitted with notification and approval from the Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, relocating them is restricted to within a 10-mile radius. Hunting raccoons is also allowed with a proper permit during designated months. Neighboring states vary in their regulations, with some allowing raccoon ownership with permits and fees, while others prohibit it outright.

In addition to raccoon laws, Colorado has several unusual animal-related regulations, such as prohibiting cats from meowing in the dark, banning dyed pet fur, and requiring tail lights on roaming cats in Sterling. The state is home to many potentially dangerous wildlife species, including mountain lions, rattlesnakes, and black bears, which pose risks if provoked. Colorado also hosts The Wild Animal Sanctuary, which notably rescued 25 malnourished lions from Bolivian circuses, providing them with a safe and expansive habitat, highlighting the state’s role in exotic animal rescue and welfare.