It is illegal to keep a wild animal in captivity in Mississippi for several reasons according to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. One is that proper care for a wild animal cannot be given by most people. Both the animal and the care giver are susceptible to diseases from one another. There have also been instances where people have been severely injured and sometimes killed by a captive buck deer. Steve Adcock of the Enforcement Division of Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks in Jackson.
Wild animals are difficult to raise in captivity, even if found at a very young age.
Natural instincts do not disappear in a captivity, including the self-preserving fear of humans. Another factor is that diseases that can threaten humans are common among wild animals. Rabies is one example. There are few effective vaccines for animals to combat many of these diseases. Fur-bearing animals, like racoons, foxes and skunks commonly carry rabies.