Yes, it is legal to own a squirrel in some parts of the United States, but not everywhere. State wildlife laws decide whether a squirrel may be kept as a pet, whether a permit is required, and whether the animal must come from a captive-bred source. Some states prohibit ordinary pet possession of native squirrels entirely.
The species also matters. A gray squirrel, fox squirrel, or flying squirrel may fall under different rules, and a baby found outdoors is not automatically legal to keep. Before acquiring one, prospective owners should check state wildlife law, local ordinances, and the rules covering the animal’s source.
Pet Squirrel Laws by State
There is no single federal law that makes pet squirrel ownership legal nationwide. States take very different approaches, ranging from prohibition to permit-based possession and relatively permissive rules.
California: Pet Squirrels Are Generally Not Allowed
California is restrictive. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife states that it is unlawful to keep a wild squirrel as a pet. Wildlife and restricted-species permits are generally intended for qualified purposes such as rehabilitation, research, education, exhibition, or approved captive placement, not ordinary pet ownership.
Indiana: A Possession Permit Is Required
Indiana allows certain squirrels in captivity but requires a Wild Animal Possession Permit for fox squirrels, gray squirrels, and southern flying squirrels under its captive-wildlife rules. The animal must be legally obtained, and documentation and housing requirements can apply.
A squirrel trapped as a nuisance animal is a separate matter. Indiana generally requires such animals to be released or euthanized within the period set by its nuisance-wildlife rules rather than converted into pets.
Florida: Squirrels Are More Permissive
Florida is notably more permissive. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lists squirrels among the animals that do not require a personal pet permit. However, protected species, unlawful capture, commercial activity, import rules, or local ordinances can still affect possession.
Arkansas: Limited Ownership Is Allowed
Arkansas allows a household, under specified conditions, to keep a limited number of certain native animals, including squirrels taken by hand from the wild. It also allows limited possession of captive-born native wildlife obtained through lawful channels. Enclosure, ownership, transfer, and breeding rules still apply.
Massachusetts: Species Matters
Massachusetts generally does not allow people to take native mammals from the wild and keep them as pets, and wildlife permits are not issued simply for pet ownership. However, the state’s approved mammal list includes the southern flying squirrel. This is a good example of why the exact species must be checked.
Can You Keep a Baby Squirrel You Find?
Usually, finding a baby squirrel does not give someone a legal right to keep it. Native wildlife may be protected by possession, hunting, trapping, or rehabilitation laws. A young squirrel that appears alone may also not be abandoned; the mother may still be nearby.
If the animal is clearly injured or orphaned, the proper step is normally to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Rehabilitation permits are intended for temporary treatment and eventual release, not for turning rescued wildlife into household pets.
Captive-Bred Squirrels and Interstate Purchases
A captive-bred squirrel may be easier to acquire legally, but lawful breeding does not override the buyer’s state law. Import permits, health certificates, or source records may still be required. Buyers should keep receipts and documentation showing where the animal came from.
Federal law can also matter when wildlife crosses state lines. The Lacey Act can apply when wildlife is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of state, tribal, or foreign law. An illegally obtained squirrel does not become lawful simply because it is shipped to another state.
Practical Risks of Keeping a Squirrel
Even where ownership is legal, squirrels are not domesticated pets. They are active climbers and chewers, may damage furniture, wiring, screens, or woodwork, and can bite or scratch when frightened or territorial. Their care also requires secure housing, enrichment, an appropriate diet, and long-term planning.
Veterinary access can be limited because not every veterinarian treats wildlife or exotic mammals. Prospective owners should identify a qualified veterinarian before acquiring a squirrel and confirm that the animal can be legally treated and housed in their area.
Local Rules Can Be Stricter
State approval is not always the final answer. Cities and counties can impose additional animal-control or zoning rules. Landlords and HOAs may also prohibit wild or exotic animals even where state law permits them.
Conclusion
So, is it legal to own a squirrel in the United States? Yes in some states, but the law can range from permit-free ownership to permit-only possession or a ban on ordinary pet keeping. Species and source are often just as important as location.
Before acquiring a squirrel, contact the state Department of Natural Resources, Fish and Wildlife agency, or equivalent authority. Confirm whether the species is legal, whether a possession or import permit is required, and whether city or county rules add further restrictions.
