It is illegal to have a pet squirrel in most US states, but a handful of states do allow it under specific conditions or with a permit. The rules vary widely, and getting it wrong can mean fines, confiscation, and in some cases a criminal charge.
Most people assume that because squirrels are everywhere, owning one must be fine. That’s one of the most common wildlife law misconceptions in the country. Squirrels are classified as nongame or game wildlife in almost every state, and taking or keeping native wildlife without authorization is a violation of state law in the majority of jurisdictions.
What surprises many readers is the federal layer that sits on top of state laws. The Lacey Act makes it a federal crime to transport wildlife taken in violation of state law across state lines.
This article covers every angle: which states allow pet squirrels, which ban them, what the penalties look like, whether permits are possible, and what the specific rules are for California, Tennessee, and New York.
Is It Illegal to Have a Pet Squirrel
Yes, it is illegal to have a pet squirrel in most US states without proper authorization, because squirrels are classified as wild animals and are protected under state wildlife laws.
The legal framework behind this isn’t complicated. Every state has a fish and game code or wildlife resources statute that classifies animals as either domesticated or wild. Squirrels, including the common gray squirrel and fox squirrel, are wild animals in every state’s classification system. That means taking them from the wild, possessing them, or keeping them as pets without a permit is a wildlife violation.
The reason this surprises so many people is that squirrels are abundant. They’re in parks, backyards, and trees on every street in America. Abundant doesn’t mean unprotected. Deer are abundant too, and you can’t just keep one in your garage.
The states that do allow private squirrel ownership under some conditions include Texas, Florida, Indiana, and a few others. These states either allow certain squirrel species without a permit or offer a permit pathway that private citizens can pursue.
Quick Facts:
- Squirrels are classified as wild or nongame wildlife in all 50 states
- Possession without authorization is a wildlife violation in most states
- Federal law adds another layer when squirrels cross state lines
- Some states allow specific species or issue private possession permits
Is It Legal to Have a Pet Squirrel
It is legal to have a pet squirrel in a limited number of US states, and the states that allow it often impose species restrictions, source requirements, or permit conditions on the practice.
The most permissive states for squirrel ownership are generally in the South and parts of the Midwest. States like Texas, Florida, and Indiana have historically had broader private animal ownership frameworks. However, even in these states, there are conditions.
In states where squirrel ownership is legal, the typical requirements include:
- The squirrel must be obtained from a licensed breeder, not captured from the wild
- The specific species must be on the state’s permitted list
- The animal must receive appropriate veterinary care
- Local ordinances (city and county) may still prohibit it even where state law allows it
The distinction between “legal to purchase from a breeder” and “legal to catch from your yard” is critical. Even in states where keeping a squirrel is permitted, taking one from the wild is almost always a separate violation. The permission applies to captive-bred animals sold through legal channels, not wild-caught animals from your backyard oak tree.
| State | Pet Squirrel Legal | Conditions Apply | Wild Capture Allowed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Yes | Local rules may vary | No |
| Florida | Yes (some species) | Permit may be required | No |
| Indiana | Yes | Source restrictions | No |
| Tennessee | Yes (with permit) | TWRA permit required | No |
| California | No | No exceptions | No |
| New York | No | No private possession permits | No |
Is It Illegal to Have a Squirrel as a Pet
Having a squirrel as a pet is illegal in the majority of US states, and the violation is typically classified as unlawful possession of wildlife, a misdemeanor charge in most jurisdictions.
The specific charge depends on which state you’re in and whether the animal was wild-caught or captive-bred. In states that allow captive-bred squirrels from licensed sources, possessing a wild-caught squirrel is still a separate offense. The animal’s origin matters legally, and wildlife officers can sometimes determine origin through the animal’s behavior, condition, and the owner’s documentation.
States where having a squirrel as a pet is clearly illegal include California, New York, Colorado, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Oregon, among others. These states have no permit pathway for private squirrel ownership and treat possession as a straightforward wildlife violation.
The practical enforcement picture: most people who get caught with illegal squirrel pets are caught because of social media posts, complaints from neighbors or former partners, or because they bring the animal to a veterinarian for care. Vets in some states are required to report wildlife possession to game authorities.
- California Fish and Game Code Section 2118 prohibits possession of most native wildlife
- New York Environmental Conservation Law Section 11-0512 restricts nongame wildlife possession
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife regulations prohibit keeping native squirrels as pets
- Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources prohibits virtually all wildlife possession
Is It Legal to Have a Squirrel as a Pet
It is legal to have a squirrel as a pet in some US states, but the legal pathway almost always requires the animal to come from a licensed captive breeder rather than from the wild.
The species question matters here. Not all squirrels are treated the same by state law. The Southern flying squirrel, for example, has different legal status than the Eastern gray squirrel in several states. Some states permit flying squirrels as pets while prohibiting ground squirrels or tree squirrels entirely.
The states with the clearest legal pathways for squirrel ownership as of 2026 are:
- Texas: No statewide permit required for most squirrel species when sourced from a licensed breeder. Local city and county rules still apply.
- Florida: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission allows some squirrel species with a Class III wildlife permit for personal possession.
- Indiana: State law allows certain wildlife species including squirrels without a special permit when sourced legally.
- Michigan: Allows some squirrel species under specific conditions, with local variation.
The honest reality is that even in permissive states, squirrel ownership is rarely as simple as buying one and bringing it home. Local ordinances in many cities and counties impose additional restrictions, and homeowners association rules can prohibit exotic pets entirely regardless of state law.
Is It Illegal to Keep a Squirrel as a Pet
Keeping a squirrel as a pet is illegal in the majority of US states without specific state authorization, and the prohibition covers both wild-caught and captive-bred animals in many jurisdictions.
The “keeping” element is what many people misunderstand. Some states draw a legal distinction between briefly caring for an injured wild animal (which may be permitted or even encouraged) and actively keeping an animal as a companion pet (which requires authorization). Finding a squirrel in your yard and nursing it for a few days is a different legal situation than building it an enclosure and keeping it for years.
Wildlife rehabilitation is a separate legal category from pet ownership. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators can legally possess injured squirrels temporarily. They cannot legally keep those animals as permanent pets. The rehabilitator’s permit is specific about what the animal is being kept for and requires eventual release or transfer to another licensed facility.
The states where keeping any squirrel species as a pet is categorically prohibited include:
- California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon, Colorado
- Hawaii (strict prohibition on virtually all wildlife)
- Most of New England
- Most of the Pacific Northwest
Key Takeaway: Keeping a squirrel as a pet is illegal in most US states, and even in permissive states the animal must come from a licensed captive breeder and meet local ordinance requirements.
Is It Legal to Keep a Squirrel as a Pet
It is legal to keep a squirrel as a pet in a limited number of states, primarily in parts of the South and Midwest, under conditions that restrict species, require legal sourcing, and may mandate permits.
The distinction between states where it’s legal and states where it’s illegal often comes down to how broadly or narrowly the state defines “wildlife” in its statutes. States with narrower definitions that apply primarily to game species may inadvertently leave some non-game squirrel species in a legal gray zone. States with broad definitions that cover all native wildlife leave no room for private ownership.
Florida’s framework is a good example of a structured permit system. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission categorizes wildlife into classes. Squirrels fall under Class III, meaning they’re considered potentially dangerous to humans or the environment but less so than Class I or II animals. A Class III personal possession permit requires the applicant to demonstrate they can care for the animal properly and have appropriate housing.
The permit process in Florida typically involves:
- An application to the FFWCC
- A fee (typically around $50 to $100)
- An inspection of the housing facility
- Proof the animal was legally obtained
- Compliance with ongoing care standards
This kind of structured permit pathway is what separates Florida, Texas, and Indiana from states like California and New York, where no such private possession pathway exists for squirrels.
Why Is It Illegal to Have a Pet Squirrel
Squirrels are illegal as pets in most states for three core reasons: public health concerns, wildlife conservation policy, and the animals’ welfare in captivity.
The public health argument centers on rabies and other zoonotic diseases. Squirrels are capable of carrying rabies, leptospirosis, and salmonella. While squirrel-to-human rabies transmission is extraordinarily rare, state health agencies and wildlife agencies weigh that risk when setting policy. A squirrel that bites its owner and cannot be tested for rabies creates a genuine public health protocol problem.
The conservation argument is about population impact and ecological disruption. If private ownership of native wildlife becomes widespread, it creates demand that can incentivize wild capture, even when captive breeding is supposed to be the legal source. Wild capture, even at small scale, can disrupt local wildlife populations. It also creates pathways for disease transmission between captive and wild populations.
The animal welfare argument is perhaps the most straightforward. Squirrels are not domesticated animals. They have not been selectively bred over generations to live comfortably with humans the way dogs and cats have. A pet squirrel is essentially a wild animal in a cage. Wildlife experts consistently note that squirrels in captivity frequently develop behavioral problems, self-injurious behaviors, and suffer from improper nutrition when kept as pets by people without specialized knowledge.
- Public health: Zoonotic disease risk, rabies protocol complications
- Conservation: Demand for wild capture, disease transmission risk
- Animal welfare: Behavioral problems, nutritional deficiencies, stress in captivity
- Ecological: Risk of escaped animals establishing new populations in non-native areas
What States Allow Pet Squirrels
The states that allow pet squirrels as of 2026 include Texas, Florida, Indiana, and a small number of others, typically with conditions related to species, sourcing, and local ordinances.
Flying squirrels, specifically the Southern flying squirrel, have the broadest legal status as pets across the US. This is partly because they are small, relatively non-aggressive, and have a long history of being kept in captivity. Several states that prohibit tree squirrels and ground squirrels specifically permit flying squirrels.
| State | Squirrel Ownership | Species Permitted | Permit Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Yes | Most species from licensed breeders | No state permit, local rules vary |
| Florida | Yes | Most species | Class III permit from FFWCC |
| Indiana | Yes | Some species | No, if legally sourced |
| Michigan | Limited | Flying squirrel | Check local rules |
| Tennessee | Yes (with permit) | Some species | TWRA permit required |
| Oklahoma | Limited | Flying squirrel | State permit may apply |
| California | No | None | No permit pathway |
| New York | No | None | No permit pathway |
| New Jersey | No | None | No permit pathway |
The “local rules vary” note on Texas is important. Texas is a large and decentralized state. Houston, Austin, and San Antonio all have their own municipal codes that may restrict exotic pet ownership beyond what state law requires. Always check city ordinances before relying solely on state-level permission.
Pet Squirrel Laws by State
Pet squirrel laws are set at the state level through wildlife resource codes, and then layered with county and municipal ordinances that can restrict or expand what the state allows.
The legal framework differs between states in three main ways: which agency regulates wildlife ownership, how wildlife is classified, and whether a permit pathway exists for private individuals.
States with clear prohibition (no permit pathway for squirrels):
California, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, and most of New England.
States with conditional permission:
| State | Governing Agency | Key Statute/Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept | TPWD Exotic Animal Rules | No state permit, local ordinances vary |
| Florida | Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission | FAC 68A-6.002 | Class III permit required |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency | TCA 70-4-403 | Special permit required |
| Indiana | Division of Fish and Wildlife | IC 14-22-26 | Limited to certain species, legal source |
| Oklahoma | Dept of Wildlife Conservation | OAC 800:25 | Flying squirrel permitted |
| Michigan | DNR | Part 401, Natural Resources | Flying squirrel with restrictions |
The most important practical point: state law is the floor, not the ceiling. A state that permits squirrel ownership cannot stop a city or county from prohibiting it within its jurisdiction. Urban pet owners in permissive states face additional hurdles that rural residents in the same state do not.
Key Takeaway: Pet squirrel laws vary dramatically by state, with a small number of states permitting ownership under specific conditions and the majority prohibiting it outright through wildlife codes with no private permit pathway.
Is It Legal to Have a Pet Squirrel in California
No, it is not legal to have a pet squirrel in California. California Fish and Game Code Section 2118 prohibits the possession of most native wildlife, and squirrels are specifically included on California’s list of restricted animals.
California has one of the strictest exotic and native animal ownership frameworks in the US. The state’s restricted species list covers virtually every native squirrel species found in California, including the Western gray squirrel, the fox squirrel, and various ground squirrel species. There is no private possession permit available for these animals.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife enforces these restrictions. Violations are treated as misdemeanor wildlife offenses under the Fish and Game Code. First-offense penalties can include fines of $250 to $1,000 and potential confiscation of the animal.
California’s reasoning is tied to both conservation and public health policy. The state is a biodiversity hotspot with multiple endemic squirrel species. State wildlife managers have historically taken an aggressive stance against private wildlife ownership to prevent the exotic pet trade from creating pathways for wild capture or population disruption.
Even captive-bred squirrels cannot legally be brought into California from other states. Importing a squirrel purchased legally in Texas and transporting it to California would violate California law and, because it crosses state lines, implicate the federal Lacey Act.
- Governing statute: California Fish and Game Code Section 2118
- Enforcing agency: California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW)
- Penalty range: $250 to $1,000 fine, possible confiscation
- Permit pathway: None for private individuals
Is It Legal to Have a Pet Squirrel in Tennessee
It is legal to have a pet squirrel in Tennessee, but only with a specific permit issued by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), and only for squirrels obtained from a licensed source.
Tennessee Code Annotated Section 70-4-403 governs possession of wildlife in Tennessee. Under this framework, squirrels are classified as nongame wildlife and require a captive wildlife permit for private possession. The TWRA issues these permits and sets the conditions under which the animals can be kept.
The permit process through the TWRA requires applicants to demonstrate appropriate housing, identify the legal source of the animal, and agree to TWRA inspection of the keeping facility if requested. The annual permit fee is modest, typically under $100, but the application and compliance requirements are real.
Tennessee is one of the more squirrel-permissive states in the Southeast because of its strong tradition of small game hunting and rural wildlife interaction. The permit pathway reflects a pragmatic approach: allow private ownership under supervision rather than drive it underground with a blanket prohibition.
Squirrels brought into Tennessee from other states must comply with both the origin state’s laws and Tennessee’s importation requirements. A squirrel legally purchased in Texas cannot simply be driven into Tennessee without first securing the appropriate Tennessee permit.
Quick Facts:
- Legal status: Permitted with TWRA captive wildlife permit
- Governing law: Tennessee Code Annotated 70-4-403
- Enforcing agency: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
- Source requirement: Must be from a licensed captive breeder
- Wild capture: Prohibited even with a permit
Is It Legal to Have a Pet Squirrel in New York
No, it is not legal to have a pet squirrel in New York. New York Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) Section 11-0512 prohibits the possession of most native wildlife species, including squirrels, as pets.
New York’s wildlife possession framework is one of the strictest in the eastern US. The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) does not issue private possession permits for squirrels to regular citizens. The only authorized squirrel possession is through licensed wildlife rehabilitators and educational facilities, and even those permits come with strict conditions about eventual disposition of the animals.
Think of New York’s wildlife laws like New York City’s zoning laws: highly structured, strictly enforced, and with very limited exceptions for private individuals. The state’s position is that native wildlife belongs in the wild, not in apartments or suburban homes.
The penalties for illegal squirrel possession in New York fall under the ECL’s wildlife violation framework. First-time violations are typically class A misdemeanors, carrying fines up to $1,000 and possible jail time of up to one year. The animal is subject to immediate confiscation by the DEC.
New York City adds an additional layer of prohibition through its health code, which restricts keeping wild animals as pets within the five boroughs. Even if state law somehow permitted it, NYC’s local rules would not.
- Governing statute: New York ECL Section 11-0512
- Enforcing agency: New York DEC
- Penalty: Up to $1,000 fine, class A misdemeanor, confiscation
- Permit pathway: None for private individuals
Can You Get a Permit to Keep a Squirrel
Yes, you can get a permit to keep a squirrel in some states, but the permit is only available in states that have established a private possession or captive wildlife permit program for squirrels.
The states with functioning permit pathways for private squirrel ownership include Florida, Tennessee, and Oklahoma, among others. Each state’s permit program has its own application process, fee structure, and compliance requirements.
The permit process generally involves:
- Application: Submitted to the state wildlife agency with proof of legal animal sourcing
- Facility inspection: Some states require an inspection of the enclosure before the permit is issued
- Fee payment: Typically $50 to $150 annually depending on the state
- Ongoing compliance: Annual permit renewal, record-keeping requirements, and potential random inspections
- Species specificity: The permit covers a specific species. A permit for a flying squirrel does not authorize possession of a gray squirrel.
In states without a permit pathway (California, New York, New Jersey, and most others), there is no mechanism for a private individual to obtain legal authorization to keep a squirrel as a pet. The prohibition is categorical.
One important note: wildlife rehabilitation permits are not the same as private possession permits. A wildlife rehabilitator’s permit allows temporary possession of injured wild animals for the purpose of rehabilitation and release. It does not authorize keeping an animal permanently as a companion.
Can You Keep a Baby Squirrel You Found
No, you generally cannot legally keep a baby squirrel you found in most US states, even if the animal appears to have been abandoned or injured. Keeping it without authorization is still a wildlife possession violation.
This is one of the most emotionally charged wildlife law questions. Finding a tiny, helpless baby squirrel on the ground triggers a natural impulse to help. The law, however, draws a clear line between rescuing an animal and keeping it.
The legally correct action when you find an injured or orphaned baby squirrel is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or your state’s wildlife agency. Licensed rehabilitators have the legal authorization to care for these animals. They also have the specialized knowledge to properly feed, house, and eventually release them.
Keeping the squirrel yourself, even with the best intentions, is a wildlife violation in most states. The longer the animal is in your care, the harder it becomes to release it successfully, and the more attached people become, which is exactly how “temporary rescue” becomes illegal permanent pet ownership.
What to do if you find a baby squirrel:
- Call your state wildlife agency: They maintain lists of licensed rehabilitators in your area
- Contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center: Many operate as nonprofits and take drop-offs
- Keep it warm and quiet in the short term: A cardboard box with air holes and a light heat source is appropriate for a few hours
- Do not feed it: Baby squirrels have specific nutritional needs, and improper feeding can be fatal
Key Takeaway: Finding a baby squirrel does not create a legal right to keep it. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately rather than attempting to raise it yourself.
What Squirrel Species Can You Legally Own
The squirrel species most commonly permitted as pets in states that allow squirrel ownership are the Southern flying squirrel and certain captive-bred exotic squirrel species. Native tree squirrels and ground squirrels face the most restrictions.
The Southern flying squirrel has wider legal acceptance as a pet than any other squirrel species in the US. Its small size, relatively calm temperament compared to tree squirrels, and long history of captive breeding make it the most frequently discussed legally available option.
| Species | Legal Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Southern flying squirrel | Legal in more states | Captive-bred specimens available; check state rules |
| Eastern gray squirrel | Illegal in most states | Native wildlife, heavily restricted |
| Fox squirrel | Illegal in most states | Native wildlife, protected in many states |
| Western gray squirrel | Illegal in California and most western states | California protected species |
| Prevost’s squirrel | Legal in some states (exotic species) | Non-native, different regulatory treatment |
| African pygmy squirrel | Legal in some states (exotic species) | Non-native, less regulated |
The exotic squirrel category is important. Non-native squirrel species, meaning squirrels that are not native to the United States, are sometimes regulated differently than native species. A Prevost’s squirrel from Southeast Asia or an African pygmy squirrel may face import regulations under USDA and USFWS rules rather than state wildlife codes. In some states, these exotic species can be purchased from licensed exotic animal dealers without the restrictions that apply to native squirrels.
Always verify the specific species and its legal status with your state wildlife agency before purchase.
What Happens If You Get Caught with a Pet Squirrel
If you get caught with an illegal pet squirrel, the consequences typically include confiscation of the animal, a wildlife violation citation, and fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 or more depending on the state and the circumstances.
The most immediate and certain consequence is confiscation. When a wildlife officer determines that you are illegally possessing a squirrel, the animal is seized immediately. It may be transferred to a wildlife rehabilitator, placed in an educational facility, or in some cases euthanized if it cannot be safely returned to the wild or placed in a licensed facility.
The criminal charge dimension varies by state:
| State | Typical Charge | Fine Range | Criminal Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Misdemeanor wildlife violation | $250 to $1,000+ | Yes |
| New York | Class A misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Yes |
| Florida | Non-criminal citation (without permit) | $50 to $500 | No, for first offense |
| Texas | Class C misdemeanor (local ordinance) | $50 to $500 | Possible |
| Tennessee | Wildlife violation | $50 to $200 | Possible |
The federal dimension activates when squirrels cross state lines. If you purchased a squirrel in a state where it’s legal, transported it to a state where it’s illegal, and are caught there, the Lacey Act (16 U.S.C. 3371) creates federal exposure on top of the state violation. Lacey Act violations can result in fines up to $10,000 and up to five years in prison for knowing violations, though enforcement at this level is rare for individual pet owners.
How violations are typically discovered: veterinary reports in states with mandatory reporting, social media posts, neighbor complaints, or routine animal control response calls.
Federal Law on Keeping Wild Squirrels as Pets
The Lacey Act is the primary federal law affecting squirrel ownership, and it makes it a federal crime to transport, sell, or receive any wildlife taken or possessed in violation of any state law.
The Lacey Act, codified at 16 U.S.C. 3371 through 3378, was originally passed in 1900 and has been amended multiple times since. Its core function is to add federal enforcement power to state wildlife laws. If your state says it’s illegal to possess a squirrel, taking that squirrel across a state line turns a state violation into a federal one.
The practical effect for pet owners: you cannot legally buy a squirrel in Texas (where it may be legal) and transport it to California (where it is not). The moment you cross the state line with an animal that is illegal in the destination state, you’ve potentially violated federal law.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) enforces the Lacey Act. For individual pet owners, federal prosecution is rare in low-level cases. But the law exists and has been used in wildlife trafficking prosecutions involving common species when the interstate element is present.
Beyond the Lacey Act, the USDA regulates importation of certain animals into the United States. Non-native squirrel species brought in from other countries face USDA import permit requirements and health certification standards.
No federal law specifically prohibits keeping a squirrel as a pet at the personal level in the way state laws do. The federal framework operates as an amplifier of state law rather than an independent prohibition for most domestic squirrel ownership situations.
- Lacey Act: 16 U.S.C. 3371, prohibits interstate transport of wildlife taken in violation of state law
- Enforcing agency: US Fish and Wildlife Service
- Penalty for knowing violation: Up to $10,000 fine and up to 5 years imprisonment
- Practical risk for individual owners: Low unless interstate transport is involved
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal to have a pet squirrel in the United States?
It is illegal to have a pet squirrel without authorization in most US states.
Squirrels are classified as wild or nongame wildlife under state law in all 50 states.
A small number of states including Texas, Florida, Indiana, and Tennessee allow squirrel ownership under specific permit or sourcing conditions.
There is no federal law that specifically bans or allows squirrel ownership at the personal level.
What states allow you to legally keep a pet squirrel?
The states that most clearly allow pet squirrel ownership as of 2026 are Texas, Florida, Indiana, Tennessee (with a permit), Oklahoma, and Michigan for certain species.
Flying squirrels have the broadest legal acceptance and are permitted in more states than other squirrel species.
Even in permissive states, the squirrel must come from a licensed captive breeder, not from the wild.
Local city and county ordinances can prohibit squirrel ownership even where state law allows it.
Can you keep a baby squirrel you found outside?
No, you cannot legally keep a baby squirrel you found in most US states, even if it appears orphaned or injured.
The correct action is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or your state wildlife agency immediately.
Keeping the animal, even temporarily with good intentions, is a wildlife possession violation in most jurisdictions.
Wildlife rehabilitators have the legal authority and specialized training to care for these animals properly.
What happens if you get caught with an illegal pet squirrel?
Getting caught with an illegal pet squirrel typically results in immediate confiscation of the animal and a wildlife violation citation.
Fines range from $100 to $1,000 or more depending on the state, and some states classify it as a criminal misdemeanor.
In New York, illegal wildlife possession is a Class A misdemeanor carrying fines up to $1,000.
If the animal was transported across state lines, the federal Lacey Act may apply, creating additional legal exposure.
Are flying squirrels legal to own as pets?
Flying squirrels, specifically the Southern flying squirrel, are legal to own as pets in more US states than any other squirrel species.
States including Texas, Florida, Indiana, and several others allow flying squirrel ownership from captive-bred sources.
Even where flying squirrels are permitted, they must be obtained from a licensed breeder rather than captured from the wild.
California, New York, New Jersey, and most northeastern and Pacific states still prohibit flying squirrel ownership.
Squirrel ownership laws are a patchwork across the US, and the rules are stricter than most people expect. The legal answer almost always depends on your specific state and city.
Bookmark this page for future reference or share it with someone who’s thinking about getting a squirrel before they make a decision they can’t walk back. State laws in this area don’t change often, but checking your local ordinances remains the safest first step.
