CAPTIVE SQUIRREL REGULATIONS

Holding of captive squirrels range from unlicensed with stipulations (MN/SC/SD/AR), to licensed (FL/MI/IN/OR), to strictly prohibited (NY/MA/CA/VT). DO NOT call your city, county or state and ask about licensing your “pet” squirrel. This will result in a visit from animal control or State Fish & Wildlife and they will seize it in most states. They will find a way into your house if they have to get a warrant. Do online research first on your state, county and city laws/ordinances and contact us. If you keep a squirrel in a prohibited state do not broadcast it to friends, neighbors or ANYONE or the squirrel will probably be reported, seized and most likely destroyed. Even in captive “squirrel friendly” Florida where an EASY to get permit is required you must have obtained lawfully, provide proper care/housing, not exhibit to public, and not hold a rehab license. Some state F&W Department’s have broader search powers due to exigent circumstances. Take lesson from Pennsylvania where Fish and Game were made aware of “Nutkin” the SC transplanted pet squirrel: https://caselaw.findlaw.com/pa-superior-court/1238226.html

Interstate transportation of captive squirrels ranges from prohibited to import permit required depending on the state you are traveling though. Regardless a current APHIS form 7001 filled out by a licensed veterinarian is required for all interstate travel even where legal: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/library/forms/pdf/APHIS7001.pdf

Interstate travel with squirrels is generally regulated at the state level with exceptions being endangered/threatened species like the Big Cyprus or Southern (Sherman’s) Fox Squirrel and those illegally captured/obtained. You should have a breeder receipt or a letter from your vet stating they are lawfully obtained. Proper documentation will eliminate the possibility of prosecution under The Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. §§ 3371–3378), a federal conservation law that prohibits trade in wildlife, fish, and plants that have been illegally taken, possessed, transported, or sold. This link will give you a general guide but the patchwork of state laws is complicated. The courts have ruled that law enforcement officers may search a “mobile conveyance” or vehicle without a warrant if the officers have established probable cause to believe the vehicle contains contraband or evidence of a crime – IE: you get stopped and a squirrel is spotted in a cage on the rear seat. Please contact us if you need advice on how to transport a squirrel while on vacation, for a squirrel event or during a move. https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/CVI/pages/transporting-wildlife.aspx

I highly recommend if your squirrel is legal in your home state and you want to travel you obtain a USDA Class C exhibitors license. This requires an inspection and your caging, feeding and enrichment needs to be correct. https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/downloads/forms/APHIS_Form_7003-7003A_Class-C_AppKit.pdf

Most states that do issue licenses or permits require an application, inspection and approval by the permitting or law enforcement division. I have been through this process in several less restrictive states and it is a straightforward process.

This link with hovermap will give some insight. References to squirrels in captivity are listed in the laws of many states: https://www.animallaw.info/content/map-private-exotic-pet-ownership-laws

Here is information from one particular page  Pet Squirrel Legal States 2025

	Arkansas	Legal	If they are taken “by hand” from the wild. Once taken, the squirrel must remain in the owner’s custody. The squirrel cannot be sold or rehomed. If the owner wishes to get rid of the squirrel it can only be turned over to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
	Florida	Legal	With a Class III Personal Pet No-Cost Permit when the animal is purchased from a USDA permitted breeder. | Taking squirrels from the wild is illegal in Florida. It is federally illegal to sell squirrels without a permit from the USDA and is considered wildlife trafficking.
	Idaho	Legal	The Idaho State Department of Agriculture does not explicitly mention squirrels on its Household Pet Imports page, but certain exotic species, such as African tree squirrels, are classified as “Deleterious Exotic Animals” and require special permits. While common native squirrels are not listed as deleterious, ownership of native wildlife may still be subject to restrictions. To ensure compliance with state laws, individuals should consult the Idaho State Department of Agriculture or the Idaho Department of Fish and Game before keeping a squirrel as a pet.
	Indiana	Legal	With a Class I Wild Animal Possession permit when the animal is purchased from a USDA permitted breeder.
	Iowa	Legal	With a game breeders license
	Kentucky	Legal	With a permit when purchased from a USDA licensed breeder
	Michigan	Legal	With a permit when purchased from a USDA licensed breeder
	Nebraska	Legal	With a permit when purchased from a USDA licensed breeder
	Ohio	Legal	As long as you obtain them from a USDA breeder. | It is illegal to sell or trade squirrels in Ohio without a state permit, and federally illegal to sell or trade squirrels without a USDA permit as well.
	Oklahoma	Legal	With a permit when purchased from a USDA licensed breeder
	Pennsylvania	Legal	Pet squirrels are legal in Pennsylvania, but they must come from a USDA breeder in Pennsylvania that has been approved by the Pennsylvania Game Commission Special Permits Enforcement Division or from a state where legal with paperwork, import permit and PGC approval.
	South Carolina	Legal	If the squirrel was taken from the wild in South Carolina, it can legally be kept as a pet. Squirrels may not be imported into South Carolina from other states, meaning you cannot move to South Carolina with a squirrel even if it was born in captivity.
	South Dakota	Legal	With a permit when purchased from a USDA licensed breeder
	Tennessee	Legal	It is legal to keep a squirrel as a pet in Tennessee with a permit, as long as the animal is purchased from a USDA licensed breeder. The squirrel must be captive born and cannot be taken from the wild.
	West Virginia	Legal	With a permit when purchased from a USDA licensed breeder
	Wisconsin	Legal	Squirrels are legal in Wisconsin when the squirrels are from a USDA licensed breeder. Red squirrels do not need a permit in Wisconsin, other species like grey and fox squirrels might.
	Wyoming	Legal	With a permit when purchased from a USDA licensed breeder

 

This short list is based on in depth research by AI into various state laws and regulations

State	Short status	Key authority / source(s)	Notes
Alabama	Restricted / regulated — native wildlife generally may not be possessed without authorization; nuisance exceptions exist.	Outdoor Alabama — Prohibited Animal Regulation; Nuisance wildlife page. Outdoor Alabama+1	Property owners allowed limited takings for damage; many local ordinances; confirm with Outdoor Alabama.
Alaska	Prohibited except by permit — native fish & wildlife are public resource; possession of native species as pets is generally illegal without permits.	AK Dept. of Fish & Game — Legal Pets / Possession pages. Alaska Department of Fish and Game+1	Permits exist for specific scientific, rehabilitative, or permitted uses only.
Arizona	Generally prohibited; restricted live wildlife requires permit — ARS & Admin Code limit possession of live wildlife to listed exceptions/permits.	Arizona wildlife statutes and administrative rules summaries. Animal Legal & Historical Center+1	Commission may authorize certain live wildlife; taking from wild and possession are tightly regulated.
Arkansas	Permissive (limited) — AGFC allows up to six hand-captured native non-game mammals (including squirrels) per household in specified circumstances.	Arkansas Game & Fish Commission — Captive wildlife regs (Code 09.14 / R §016). AGFC Apps+2Arkansas Game & Fish Commission+2	Many permissive lists cite AR; still subject to state regs and local ordinance.
California	Restrictive / effectively prohibited — possession of many native wild animals (including squirrels) is unlawful except under narrow, revocable permits.	CA Fish & Wildlife — Living with Wildlife & restricted species rules; Fish & Game Code §2118 and regulations. Cal Fish and Wildlife+2Data Portal+2	Only zoos/research/rehab or special permits; strong enforcement and local ordinances reinforce prohibition.
Colorado	Prohibited / permit exceptions — CPW: “wildlife aren’t pets”; live possession prohibited except by special licenses (rehab, falconry, research).	Colorado Parks & Wildlife — “Wildlife Aren’t Pets” & Special Wildlife Licenses pages; CRS references. Colorado Parks and Wildlife+2Colorado Parks and Wildlife+2	Special Wildlife Licenses possible for specific purposes; removing animals from wild is not allowed for pet ownership.
Connecticut	Restrictive — possession of many wild animals is limited; permits only for scientific/educational/commercial reasons.	CT regs and statutes re: possession & sale of game/furbearing animals; exotic pet statutes. eRegulations+1	State does not issue permits for keeping wild animals as pets (per Mass-style approach).
Delaware	Restricted / permit required for exotics — exotic animal permit program; protected species rules (Del. Code §7 & DNREC guidance).	Delaware Dept. Agriculture (exotic animals) & 7 Del. C. §715 (DNREC guidance). Delaware Agriculture+1	Some game species regulated; translocation/import/possession restrictions apply (Delmarva fox squirrel has special rules).
Florida	Permits available — captive wildlife/personal pet permit system (Class III etc.) — squirrels may require permitting depending on classification.	Florida FWC — Wildlife as a Personal Pet, Class III & permitting pages. FWC+2FWC+2	Florida has a clear permitting pathway (personal-pet permits, exhibitor, captive wildlife rules). Documentation and USDA/health requirements often apply.
Georgia	Restrictive / permit required for holding native wildlife — most native species cannot be held without permits; permits generally not for pet ownership.	GA DNR — Laws related to native wildlife; public guidance. Georgia Wildlife+1	“Leave wild animals wild” policy; nuisance/rehab exceptions exist.
Hawaii	Very restrictive / importation & possession tightly controlled — prohibited introductions and strict quarantine/import rules; many animals banned.	Hawaii Dept. of Agriculture / DLNR rules on non-domestic animal introductions; DA plant/animal guidelines. dab.hawaii.gov+2Hawaii Files+2	Hawaii’s import/possession rules make pet wildlife possession (native or nonnative) highly restricted.
Idaho	Permissive in practice for certain squirrels — IDFG guidance treats many tree squirrels as unprotected/non-game and provides nuisance/depredation handling rules; local ordinances may vary.	Idaho Fish & Game handling tree squirrel depredations; ISDA exotic/deleterious animal rules. Idaho Fish and Game+2Idaho State Department of Agriculture+2	Many online summaries list ID as permissive; verify with county/local rules — IDFG handles nuisance/depredation.
Illinois	Restrictive / permits needed for possession — most wildlife protected under IL Wildlife Code; captive possession requires authorization.	Illinois DNR guidance “Can I keep it?” and IL Wildlife Code (520 ILCS 5). Illinois Department of Natural Resources+1	Wildlife generally cannot be kept as pets without permits; nuisance removal permits exist for property owners.
Indiana	Permitted via Wild Animal Possession Permit (Class I includes squirrels) — state regs list squirrels as Class I; permit routes exist (312 IAC 9-11).	IN DNR Wild Animal Possession Permit docs & 312 IAC 9-11 regulations. Government of India+1	Class I permit required; animals must be legally obtained and housing standards met; documentation required.
Iowa	Permissive via breeder / regulated — game breeder licensing and other permits exist; many wild species regulated as public resource.	Iowa DNR game breeder license docs and statutes. Department of Natural Resources+1	Game breeder license can provide a legal pathway; unlawful to possess certain dangerous wild animals.
Kansas	Restricted / regulated — state emphasizes wildlife is public; statutes and regs require permits for many possession activities.	Kansas statutes and KDWPT materials on taking/possession & “Leave’m Wild” guidance. Kansas Secretary of State+2Kansas Outdoors+2	Taking young wildlife is broadly discouraged/illegal without authorization; contact KDWPT for captive possession rules.
Kentucky	Restricted / regulated; nuisance exceptions — small game hunting rules exist; captive/live possession governed by regs; some exotic possession permitted if non-prohibited.	KY Fish & Wildlife small game / transportation & holding of exotics pages. Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife+2Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife+2	Kentucky allows lawful acquisition of some non-prohibited exotics; check KY list of prohibited species and permit requirements.
Louisiana	Restricted but nuisance & short-term rehabilitation allowances — statute allows temporary possession of sick/injured/orphaned wildlife (90 days) and nuisance permits exist.	LA wildlife statutes and LDWF pages (Nuisance Squirrel Permit / injured/orphaned wildlife). Louisiana Legislature+2Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries+2	Long-term private pet possession of native squirrels is practically restricted; local municipal ordinances often stricter.
Maine	Restrictive / permit required — Maine IFW requires permits for possession/importation of wildlife; generally not a pet route for native wildlife.	Maine IFW — Fish & Wildlife in Captivity pages and related regs; state exotic regulations summary. Maine+1	Importation and possession require Commissioner permits; rehabilitation exceptions apply.
Maryland	Restricted / permit required for wildlife possession or wildlife damage control permits — DNR guidance discourages possession of wild animals; permits exist for wildlife damage control & specific programs.	Maryland DNR captive/wildlife regs & wildlife damage control guide; Md. exotic pet statutes. Maryland Department of Natural Resources+2Animal Legal & Historical Center+2	Wildlife damage control permits for landowners; private pet possession of native squirrels is generally not permitted.
Michigan	Permitted in limited form (captive game/captive possession permits) — Michigan DNR issues Captive Game permits for possession of animals reared in captivity; wild-taken animals generally not allowed.	Michigan DNR — Captive Game Permit and nuisance/wildlife pages. Michigan+1	Michigan often appears on permissive lists but requires proper permits and source documentation (legal acquisition).
Minnesota	Restrictive / possession generally disallowed without permit — Minnesota statutes/regs treat most wild animals as state property; nuisance exceptions and permits exist for relocation by authorized parties.	MN DNR small game & possession statutes; MN Stat. §97B.655 and livingwith_wildlife guidance. MN DNR+2MN Revisor’s Office+2	Public messaging is clear: in most cases you cannot keep wild animals as pets; permits required for exceptions.
Mississippi	Restrictive / limited exceptions & permits — state statutes prohibit possession/import/transfer of certain wild/inherently dangerous animals without permit; rehabilitator and institutional exceptions.	MS DNR & statutes on prohibited/controlled species & “leave young wild” guidance. Mississippi Wildlife Parks+2Animal Legal & Historical Center+2	Many municipalities add local bans; rehabbers and licensed institutions have narrow exceptions.
Massachusetts	Strictly restrictive / no permit for pet ownership — MassWildlife states permits are not issued for keeping a wild animal as a pet; permits limited to research/education/commercial.	MassWildlife “Wildlife as pets” guide; 321 CMR regs (temporary possession exceptions only). Mass.gov+1	Flying squirrels are an oddity — some lists show exemptions — but overall MA does not permit pet squirrels.

State	Short status	Key authority / source(s)	Notes / caveats / enforcement examples
Nebraska	Permissive via permit / captive wildlife rules	Nebraska Game & Parks “Wildlife as Pets” / Captive Wildlife regulations; state “pet squirrel legal states” summaries. Squirrel Forum+1	Many summaries list NE as legal with permit when purchased from USDA-licensed breeder.
Nevada	Restricted / permit required for exotic / wildlife	Nevada Division of Wildlife statutes & regulations (exotic species, protected wildlife)	Possession of native wildlife as pets often governed by “protected species” rules; require permit or prohibition.
New Hampshire	Restrictive / permit required	NH Fish & Game statutes and rules on possession of live wildlife	Native wildlife generally protected; permit only for special uses (exhibits, rehab).
New Jersey	Restrictive / limited permit / high friction	NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) exotic wildlife rules; New Jersey statutes on wildlife possession	Many native species are prohibited from pet ownership; permits are tightly controlled; enforcement reported.
New Mexico	More permissive / conditional	New Mexico Game & Fish “exotic animals” and captivity rules	Some sources list NM among more permissive states; possession may require permit or meet aquarium/zoo-exhibition criteria.
New York	Highly restrictive / prohibition + strong enforcement	NY Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), DEC regulations, reported seizure cases (Peanut / P’Nut)	Very high enforcement risk; many victims of seizure/ euthanasia in news.
North Carolina	Restricted / permit or ban in many cases	NC Wildlife Resources Commission statutes and captive wildlife rules	Native squirrels often classified as wild, not pets; permits may exist for wildlife rehabilitators or educational institutions.
North Dakota	Moderately restrictive / permit requirement	ND Game & Fish statutes / permit rules for exotic / non-native wildlife	Native wildlife tends to be state property; private possession heavily regulated.
Ohio	Mixed / regulated — not blanket prohibition but many restrictions	Ohio Revised Code Ch. 1531 & 935 (Dangerous Wild Animal Act) Animal Legal & Historical Center+6Ohio Laws+6Ohio Laws+6; Ohio Administrative Code rules (1501:31-19, nuisance wild animal rules) Ohio Laws+1	Ohio’s “Dangerous Wild Animal” statute prohibits many wild/exotic animals but squirrels are not usually classified as “dangerous wild animals.” Animal Legal & Historical Center+1 However general wildlife possession and transport are governed under R.C. §1531.02 (illegal to possess wild animals taken unlawfully) Ohio Laws Also, nuisance wild animal rules: you can possess trapped nuisance animals only briefly (less than 24-96 hours depending) unless licensed. Ohio Laws “Exotic / non-domestic” imports require permits and veterinary certificates. Animal Legal & Historical Center+1 So in practice, keeping a pet squirrel may be possible if acquired legally (USDA breeder) and compliant with state/municipal rules — many public summaries list Ohio as “legal if from USDA breeder.” World Population Review+1
Oklahoma	Permissive / with permits	Oklahoma Department of Wildlife, captive wildlife / permit rules; public “pet squirrel legal” listings World Population Review+1	Many sources list OK among states where pet squirrels are legal when obtained from USDA licensed breeder / under permit.
Oregon	Restrictive / permit required for wildlife possession	Oregon Fish & Wildlife statutes and regulations on possession of live wildlife / exotic species	Private possession of native wildlife is generally not allowed except under carefully regulated permit (education, display, rehab).
Pennsylvania	Restrictive / permit for wild animals	Pennsylvania Game Commission / Fish & Boat Commission statutes & captive wildlife rules	Native wildlife is state property; private possession requires license or permit under limited programs.
Rhode Island	Restrictive / permit regime	Rhode Island regulation on native animal possession permit (RI Dept. of Environmental Management) RIDEM	RI allows a “native animal possession permit” for import/possession of listed wild animals, though many species may be disallowed.
South Carolina	Permissive in practice / weak restrictions	Public “pet squirrel legal” listings; state wildlife commission rules; captive wildlife rules	Some sources indicate you may keep squirrels captured in the wild within SC (i.e. intrastate) but they may not be imported from other states. Squirrel Forum
South Dakota	Permissive / permit route	Public listings (pet squirrel legal), state wildlife rules on captive wildlife	Many sources list SD as legal with permit from USDA-licensed breeder. Squirrel Forum
Tennessee	Permissive with permit	Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, captive wildlife / permit rules; public legality listings World Population Review+1	Possession allowed if obtained legally and regulated under state captive wildlife statutes.
Texas	Mixed / restrictive for “protected wildlife” but certain exceptions	Texas Parks & Wildlife Code §43 (protected wildlife permit requirement) Texas Statutes; Texas Administrative Code §65.116 (nuisance squirrel permit exemption) Justia Regulations; TPWD non-game wildlife rules & permit frameworks FindLaw Codes+3NARBC+3Texas Parks and Wildlife+3	Protected wildlife requires a permit under §43.022 for collecting, holding, etc. Texas Statutes However, §65.116 states that for “nuisance squirrels,” no permit or report is needed for landowner or agent to live trap, transport, and release them. Justia Regulations Also, squirrels are included under “mammals classified as game or furbearers” in Texas protected wildlife statutes. Texas Parks and Wildlife Because squirrels are considered game / furbearer species, the default assumption is regulated. Many public resources assert that undomesticated wildlife (which includes squirrels) is disallowed as “pets” unless specifically permitted. TVMF
Utah	Moderately permissive / special permit likely	Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, exotic / live wildlife statutes	Some public lists include Utah as permissive; but possession often requires state permit or must comply with exotic wildlife rules.
Vermont	Restrictive / permit required	Vermont Fish & Wildlife statutes and possession rules	Native wildlife often not allowed as pets; permits given only for education, display, rehabilitation.
Virginia	Moderately restrictive / permit needed	Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, statutes on possession of wildlife / exotic animal rules	Native wildlife is state property; private possession requires permit under limited designation (exhibition, education).
Washington	Restrictive / permit regime	Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife and statutes on possession of live wildlife / exotic species	Many native wildlife species are prohibited from private ownership; permits only for special uses.
West Virginia	More permissive than many / permit route	Public “pet squirrel legal” listings; WV wildlife statutes and permit rules	Many sources list WV as allowing pet squirrels via permit from USDA breeder route. Squirrel Forum+1
Wisconsin	Restrictive / permits required	Wisconsin DNR statutes/rules on wildlife possession / exotic animals	Native wildlife generally protected; private possession needs DNR permits or authorization.
Wyoming	Permissive / weak regulation	Public “pet squirrel legal” listings; state wildlife rules	Many sources list Wyoming among states more permissive toward pet squirrels. World Population Review+1
District of Columbia / U.S. territories	Varies / generally restrictive	DC municipal code, territory wildlife rules	DC and territories tend to follow stricter regulation because of federal oversight and limited local wildlife programs; private possession of native wild animals often prohibited or tightly regulated.

Observations & patterns from the full Chat GPT-5 AI audit

• Most restrictive states (strong prohibitions / high enforcement risk) tend to be in the Northeast, Pacific, or states with dense regulation (e.g. New York, California, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington).

• Most permissive states often appear in the Midwest, Mountain, or parts of the South, where permitting is lighter or enforcement is lax (e.g. Arkansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, South Carolina, West Virginia).

• Permit pathways dominate: even in “permissive” states, legal possession almost always requires using a captive wildlife / breeder / exotic pet permit and ensuring the animal is legally sourced (often from USDA-licensed breeder).

• Local ordinances: even if state law permits, counties or municipalities frequently impose bans or additional restrictions (e.g. exotic pet ordinances, house pet bans).

• Enforcement and case law: In strictly regulated states, seizures, euthanasia, or legal action are known (e.g. New York’s “Peanut” case). In permissive states, enforcement is often minimal unless abuse or escape occurs.

This is our list based on personal real-world experience and calls to all state DNR/DEC officials.

This our research. Do due diligence but don’t call your fish and game and ask if you can get a permit for your squirrel

Key to state laws: RED Highly restrictive, will seize and destroy. YELLOW May issue license depending on circumstances, contact Squirrel Forum for assistance. GREEN No license required, very few restrictions. Please contact us if you have updated information.

• Alabama – No licenses issued except for rehab and education
• Alaska – No licenses issued except for rehab and education
• Arizona – Legal with license, easy to obtain. Must have proper housing and care.
• Arkansas – No license needed. Up to 6 squirrels only. Must have proper housing and care
• California – No licenses issued except for rehab and education. CA policy is seize and destroy.
  
• Colorado – No licenses issued except for rehab and education – CO policy is seize and destroy.
  
• Connecticut – No licenses issued except for rehab and education
• Delaware – No licenses issued except for rehab and education
• Florida – Florida now requires a free “Class 3” license, easy to obtain and not aggressively enforced by Fish & Wildlife. Must have proper housing/care, not exhibit, and may not be taken from the wild
• Georgia – No licenses issued except for rehab and exhibition
• Hawaii – Not legal except for zoos – no squirrels are native to Hawaii and therefore not allowed for import.
• Idaho – No licenses issued, Idaho doesn’t enforce or go after pet squirrels
• Illinois – Legal to hold with Class A Wild Game Breeder Permit ($10.50 online)*
  
• Indiana – Legal with license if not taken from the wild. Must have proper housing and inspection
• Iowa – Legal if lawfully acquired and hold an education permit. Illegal to catch & hold Iowa native wildlife
• Kansas – No licenses issued except for rehab and education
• Kentucky – May issue license if not taken from wild (with documentation) and after application/inspection.
  
• Louisiana – No licenses issued except for rehab and education
• Maine – No licenses issued except for rehab and education. Maine’s policy is to seize & destroy all NR squirrels.
• Maryland – No licenses issued except for rehab and education
• Massachusetts – No licenses issued except for rehab and education
• Michigan – Legal with license. Must have proper care, housing and inspection
• Minnesota – No license required for lawfully obtained with proof. License req for rehab
• Mississippi – No licenses issued except for rehab and zoo. Transport through permit may be issued for travel*
  
• Missouri – No licenses issued except for rehab and education
• Montana – No licenses issued except for rehab and education
• Nebraska – No licenses issued except for rehab and education
• Nevada – Unrestricted in rural areas except Las Vegas and Reno, must provide proper care and housing
• New Hampshire – No licenses issued except for rehab and education
• New Jersey – Legal with Captive Game Permit and for rehabbers – must be lawfully obtained.
  
• New Mexico – Legal with license, difficult to obtain
• New York – No licenses issued except for rehab and education
• North Carolina – No licenses issued except for rehab and education
• North Dakota – License for lawfully obtained only (USDA breeder or from state where legal). Inspection req*
  
• Ohio – No licenses issued except for rehab, propagation and education. For prop lic must not be taken from wild*
  
• Oklahoma – No licenses issued except for rehab. OK to import if lawfully acquired from breeder. Must obtain import license and have annual inspection*
  
• Oregon – Legal with license. Must have proper housing and inspection
• Pennsylvania – Legal with propagators or menagerie license. Must come from PA licensed breeder. Must have proper housing and inspection. “Possibly” covered if brought into PA from a state where legal (Nutkin’s case law).
• Rhode Island – No licenses issued except for rehab and education
• South Carolina – Legal to hold without license – must be lawfully acquired and have proper housing and care.
• South Dakota – Legal if lawfully acquired out of state w/ documentation. Illegal to catch & hold S Dakota native wildlife
  
• Tennessee – Legal by statute interpretation to hold but director of TWRA states no.
• Texas – Legal with license, difficult to obtain.
• Utah – No licenses issued except for rehab and education – rare exception for education. Seizure state*
  
• Vermont – No licenses issued except for rehab and education, very few issued and only to facilities, they seize and destroy as per director.
  
• Virginia – No licenses issued except for rehab and education holding (must have actual program)
  
• Washington – No licenses issued except for rehab and education
• West Virginia – No license needed. Must have proper housing and care
• Wisconsin – Legal with license. Must have proper housing and care
• Wyoming – Legal with license, difficult to obtain

* Denotes recent update of information

The truth about “Squirrel Friendly” Florida

Squirrel holders talk about how “pet squirrel friendly” Florida is. It is one of the better states for holding properly cared for captive squirrels but there are limitations & restrictions – let’s look at it:

68A-6 Captive Wildlife rules

Wildlife Not Requiring a Permit

The following species do not require a permit for personal possession as long as no other Rule or Statute applies.  Examples include, but are not limited to, rules for Threatened or Endangered Species, hunting regulations, rehabilitation regulations, and sale regulations:

• Squirrels; Chipmunks

Exceptions to this rule include squirrels not lawfully acquired – IE: taken from the wild, rehabilitated without a rehabilitator’s license, threatened; Big Cyprus Fox Squirrel. Technically your squirrel has to be the progeny of a lawfully captive bred squirrel by a USDA breeder licensee. Again FL F&W will not bother you unless there is a complaint, someone gets bitten or you do something stupid like putting a squirrel for sale on Craigslist. 

Example from FL Statutes:

Game Mammals and Birds

A Game Farm License is required for captive rearing of native or nonnative game birds and game mammals.  This license does not authorize the taking of or keeping of any game removed from the wild. Game mammals include:  deer, gray squirrel, rabbits, wild hogs in those areas where specified, and nonnative species generally considered game such as elk, antelope and buffalo.

You could loose your squirrel if it came from the wild and you do not have a rehabilitator’s license. So basically all “pet” squirrels in Florida came from someone who gave it to you who lawfully received it from a USDA licensed breeder – you get the idea….

Caging requirements 68A-6.0126 Caging requirements for squirrels

(e) Squirrels and tree shrews.

1. Arboreal squirrels/tree shrews.
2. For up to two animals, a cage 4 feet by 4 feet, 6 feet high. For each additional animal, increase cage size by 25 percent of original floor area.
3. Each cage shall have climbing apparatus and gnawing items.

If there is a complaint and FL F&W wants to make your life miserable they can inspect you for meeting the minimum housing standards and size. If it does not they may seize and/or fine you. In reality you will not lose your squirrel if it is in a clean double critter nation with a nest box/bag, gnawing toys, proper food and water. If it is in a small hamster cage or your house is a filthy pig stye they will seize it. 

I have polled MANY FL F&W officers and they are not concerned about pet squirrels unless you are causing a problem or not properly caring for them. Seizures of squirrels in FL are usually tied to other complaints. Don’t be a hoarder, live like a pig and not expect a seizure if someone complains. 

Note: FL Licensed Rehabilitators must have an education permit to hold. 

Rehabbers Are Not Exempt

Vermont went after excellent rehabber Amy Brown for keeping an NR blind squirrel after being told she could by a F&W Officer: https://www.wcax.com/2021/03/03/rehabilitator-says-state-threatening-to-shut-her-down-over-squirrel/

Vermont is so bad they threatened to come after her after she moved out of state with the squirrel! Luckily her new home state of New Hampshire (Live Free or Die) granted her a license. 

Seizure Cases

Do not put your squirrel in this position! Do your research and follow state & federal law. Many states allow possession and import if you simply follow the rules. If you live in an unfriendly state do not broadcast that you have a “pet” squirrel.

Family in Trouble for Bringing Squirrel Across State Lines

Elizabeth Nolan Brown

 

 

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In the case of “Nutkin” these Pennsylvania people got off lucky on a loophole. Don’t put yourself in this position!