Have you ever wondered if it’s legal to keep a squirrel as a pet? With their big fluffy tails and inquisitive nature, squirrels can seem like they’d make fun and lively companions. But before you run out and try to find a baby squirrel to raise, it’s important to understand the complex laws around private exotic pet ownership.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Only a handful of states, including Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Wisconsin, and West Virginia have laws allowing squirrels as pets.
Overview of Laws on Keeping Squirrels as Pets
Federal Laws
There are no specific federal laws in the United States prohibiting or restricting private citizens from keeping squirrels as pets. However, it is important to check state and local laws, as those may have regulations or bans on possessing wildlife like squirrels.
Additionally, federal laws protect wild squirrels and regulate the import and export of wildlife.
State Laws
State laws regarding pet squirrels vary widely. Several states like Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, and New Hampshire have laws fully allowing pet squirrels. Meanwhile, other states such as California, Georgia, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, and Wyoming completely ban residents from keeping squirrels as pets.
Some states including Texas and Ohio permit pet squirrels but require permits and licenses. Overall, nearly 30 states have some form of restriction or regulation related to keeping or raising squirrels in captivity.
Local Ordinances
Even if a state allows squirrel possession, many municipal governments have enacted local ordinances banning or restricting pet squirrels. For example, while Florida has no statewide law prohibiting pet squirrels, many city and county governments including Miami, Tampa, Orlando do not permit them.
Local ordinances also sometimes regulate the type of squirrel, such as prohibiting keeping wild-caught ones as pets. So owners need to check not only state statutes but also local laws in their city or town before obtaining a squirrel.
States Where It’s Legal to Keep Squirrels as Pets
Alabama
Alabama allows residents to keep squirrels as pets without a permit. However, it is illegal to capture wild squirrels from the state. People must obtain pet squirrels from licensed breeders or dealers. An exception exists for wildlife rehabilitators who take in injured squirrels.
Once rehabilitated, the animals cannot be released back into the wild. So rehabbers may keep them if deemed non-releasable.
Florida
Florida residents can legally own a pet squirrel with a Class III wildlife permit. Permit holders must keep their squirrel enclosures clean and escape-proof. When transporting their pet squirrel, they must use a secure carrier.
Unfortunately, Florida does not allow the import of fox squirrels from other states.
Indiana
In Indiana, gray and fox squirrels are the only species approved as pets with a wild animal possession permit. Permit holders can either purchase a captive-bred squirrel from a licensed breeder or trap a low-risk wild squirrel that would otherwise be euthanized.
Minimum enclosure sizes apply depending on the number of squirrels housed.
Michigan
Michigan has quite liberal laws on pet squirrels. Residents can own Southern flying squirrels and up to 5 Eastern gray squirrels or fox squirrels without a permit. People who wish to keep more than 5 squirrels of the latter two species need a wild animal possession permit.
All pet squirrels must come from legal sources like licensed breeders or rehabilitators.
North Carolina
In North Carolina, gray and fox squirrels are legal to own with a captivity license. However, it is illegal to take squirrels from the wild. Residents must obtain their pet squirrels from a licensed source or wildlife rehabilitator.
Minimum enclosure dimensions apply depending on the species and number of squirrels housed.
South Carolina
South Carolina allows pet squirrels but regulates their ownership quite strictly. Residents must have a wild animal license and can only obtain squirrels from legal sources like licensed breeders or rehabilitators.
Permit holders must keep their pet squirrels in escape-proof cages that meet minimum space requirements.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin has no statewide restrictions on keeping squirrels as pets. However, some municipalities prohibit or regulate pet squirrel ownership. So it’s essential to check local ordinances. When transporting a pet squirrel, Wisconsin residents must use a secure carrier labeled “live animal.”
West Virginia
In West Virginia, residents can legally keep Eastern gray, fox, red, and Southern flying squirrels as pets. They need either a Class III Private Wildlife Permit or a Captive Wildlife Permit, depending on the species. All pet squirrels must be acquired legally and housed in proper enclosures.
Permit and Licence Requirements for Pet Squirrels
Keeping squirrels as pets involves following certain regulations to ensure the animal’s welfare as well as public safety. Though they make amusing and lively companions when properly cared for, squirrels remain undomesticated wild animals that require permitting in most places across the United States.
State Permit Requirements
State departments of natural resources provide permitting for captive wildlife, often with separate regulations for native species versus exotic ones. For example, Indiana offers permits for both categories but restricts native fox and grey squirrels to licensed rehabilitators.
Neighboring states like Ohio and Michigan prohibit keeping any squirrels as pets.
On the other hand, states like Texas, North Carolina and Florida allow pet squirrels but mandate permits for certain species that prove difficult to care for. Common licensing requirements involve minimum enclosure sizes, veterinary exams to ensure the animal’s health, and sometimes mandate owners to carry insurance policies.
Failing to acquire permits often leads to confiscation and relocation or euthanasia for the animal.
| State | Permit Required? | Species Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Yes | Fox squirrels |
| North Carolina | Yes | Southern flying squirrels |
| Florida | Yes | Eastern gray and fox squirrels |
As seen, while certain states allow squirrel ownership, nearly all mandate permits to ensure ethical keeping standards. Prospective owners must research not only state regulations but also county and municipal restrictions on captive wildlife.
Municipal Laws
Independent of statewide permitting, certain counties and cities impose additional restrictions on keeping squirrels as pets. For example, while Texas offers state-level permits for fox squirrels, major counties like Dallas, Houston and Austin specifically prohibit keeping them even with licenses.
It also applies to San Diego and areas of Illinois despite the respective statewide allowance.
The reasons stem from public health and safety issues like the spread of diseases and increased bites. Certain large counties also restrict ownership from welfare perspectives to prevent inappropriate keeping of undomesticated wildlife.
Hence, pet squirrel owners or those considering them as companions must investigate local-level regulations in addition to statewide ones.
Housing, Feeding, and Care of Pet Squirrels
Creating a Squirrel-Proof Enclosure
When keeping a squirrel as a pet, it’s important to create a safe and stimulating home for them. An indoor squirrel enclosure should be at least 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide with platforms for climbing and hiding spots for nesting. The enclosure should have a secure metal mesh top to prevent escapes.
Squirrels are agile escape artists, so any gaps or possible exit points need to be sealed. The enclosure floor can be lined with Aspen wood shavings, recycled paper bedding or fleece blankets. Include branches, ropes, ladders, boxes and tubes for environmental enrichment.
Position the enclosure near a window so the squirrel can look outside. Keeping the squirrel mentally stimulated will prevent problem behaviors like excessive chewing.
Dietary Needs of Squirrels
Squirrels are omnivores and in the wild eat a varied diet of seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, fungi, eggs, insects and even small vertebrates. As pets, their diet should mimic their natural foods. A good squirrel diet consists mainly of nuts, fruits, veggies and some seeds and eggs.
Good nuts choices are hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds and pecans. Healthy fruits include apples, oranges, berries, melons, mangos and bananas. Squirrels enjoy leafy greens, broccoli, beans and corn. Avoid overly salty snacks like peanuts. Always wash produce thoroughly.
Fresh clean water should be available at all times. Squirrel blocks and sprinkling vitamins on food can provide additional nutrition. Quantities will vary based on age and activity level. Watch your pet’s weight and adjust food amounts accordingly.
An overweight squirrel is at risk for serious health issues. Consult an exotic veterinarian for advice on proper dietary guidelines.
Keeping Your Squirrel Stimulated and Happy
Squirrels are highly intelligent and energetic animals. Keeping a squirrel mentally and physically active is vital for their health and happiness as pets. Provide lots of toys and activities in their enclosure like ropes, branches, boxes and tubes to climb on and hide in.
Rotate new toys into the mix to keep things interesting. Supervised time outside of the enclosure allows them to burn off energy. Be sure windows and doors are securely closed and watch closely. Interactive play stimulates their mind and body.
Food puzzles with hidden treats encourage natural foraging behavior. Offer different textures and materials like grass, leaves, pine cones, sand and water for sensory exploration. Social interaction is also very important. Spend time each day handling, playing with and talking to your squirrel.
For total care requirements, veterinary exams, health issues and behavior problems, always consult an experienced exotic animal veterinarian.
Potential Health Risks of Keeping Squirrels
Diseases That Can Spread from Squirrels to Humans
Squirrels may carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, so it’s important to be aware of these risks before bringing one into your home. Some of the most concerning diseases squirrels can potentially spread include:
- Salmonellosis – Caused by Salmonella bacteria, this can lead to diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps in humans. It spreads through contact with contaminated feces.
- Leptospirosis – This bacterial disease attacks the kidneys and liver. Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, and red eyes.
- Lyme Disease – Squirrels do not directly transmit this disease, but they can carry ticks infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme. Ticks can detach from squirrels and bite humans.
- Rabies – Though rare, squirrels can become infected with rabies if they’re exposed to rabid animals. Rabies attacks the central nervous system and is often fatal if left untreated.
- Ringworm – A fungal skin infection that causes itchy, red, circular rashes on the skin.
To protect against disease risks, always wash your hands after handling squirrels or anything in their environment. Have your squirrel checked annually for any signs of disease. Keep their habitat very clean and sanitize frequently.
Injuries from Bites and Scratches
Even friendly, domesticated squirrels can inflict painful bites and scratches, either playfully, defensively, or if they feel threatened. Some risks include:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations from their sharp teeth
- Nasty scratches that can damage skin and cause bleeding
- Bacterial infections from bacteria entering bite/scratch wounds
- Nerve damage or ruptured tendons if they bite down especially hard
- Fractures or broken bones if bitten on the hand or fingers
Children are at particular risk for these injuries as they may playfully interact with squirrels. To prevent injuries:
- Supervise all interactions between children and squirrels
- Teach children safe handling techniques and not to make sudden movements or noises
- Never disturb a sleeping or eating squirrel
- Have first aid supplies ready in case of bites/scratches
- See a doctor for deep punctures or any signs of infection
With proper precautions and training, the chances of injuries can be minimized. But it’s important to remember that squirrels have natural instincts they can’t always control.
Conclusion
While their cute faces may tempt you, carefully consider whether a pet squirrel is right for you. Squirrels are high maintenance exotic pets that require specialized care and housing. Make sure you thoroughly research all state and local laws before attempting to own one.
With proper preparation and understanding of their needs, squirrels can make interesting companions for dedicated owners able to provide them an enriched life.
