Can You Own a Squirrel in Arkansas? What State Law Actually Says

Arkansas is one of a small number of states in the US where owning a squirrel is genuinely permitted under state law. If you have been wondering whether you can keep one as a pet in the Natural State, the short answer is yes — but the full answer involves knowing which species are covered, how you can legally obtain one, and what rules govern its care.

The regulations are set by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), and they draw a clear line between squirrels you hand-catch from the wild, squirrels purchased from licensed breeders, and squirrels brought in from out of state. Each path comes with its own requirements. Reading through this guide will help you understand exactly where you stand before bringing a squirrel home.

Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Arkansas?

Yes, squirrel ownership is legal in Arkansas for private residents. Arkansas is among the states — alongside Idaho, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming — that allow people to own pet squirrels. That puts Arkansas in a relatively permissive category compared to states like California or New York, where squirrel ownership is prohibited outright.

Arkansas regulates exotic and captive animals primarily through its captive wildlife rules, which are maintained and enforced by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. These regulations divide animals into three broad categories: species that are unrestricted, species that require permits or special approval, and species that are prohibited. Squirrels fall into the permitted category, but the specific conditions depend on how the animal was obtained.

Arkansas protects native wildlife through a combination of hunting regulations and captive wildlife rules. Just because a native species is common or familiar does not mean it is legal to keep as a pet without following the proper process. Understanding the sourcing rules is just as important as knowing that squirrels are on the permitted list.

Important Note: Arkansas captive wildlife regulations can change. Always verify current rules directly with the AGFC Captive Wildlife page before acquiring any animal, rather than relying solely on summaries.

Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Arkansas?

There are three species of tree squirrel found in Arkansas: the Southern flying squirrel, the Eastern gray squirrel, and the Eastern fox squirrel. All three are native to the state and are the species most likely to come up in any conversation about pet squirrels in Arkansas.

The Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the species most Arkansans encounter daily. It is the most common of the three native squirrels, measuring 16 to 20 inches in length and weighing just over a pound. Its adaptability to both urban and rural environments makes it the squirrel most often hand-caught or purchased as a pet.

The Eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) is the largest of the three. With its distinctive reddish-brown fur and bushy tail, it is a common sight across the Natural State. It can weigh up to two pounds and measure up to 27 inches in length, including its tail, and is known to be an excellent climber. Fox squirrels tend to prefer more open woodland edges and are often spotted in city parks.

The Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is the smallest and most nocturnal of the three. It measures only 8 to 10 inches long and weighs two to three ounces, with a mousy gray coat and especially large black eyes. Data on legal pet squirrels typically applies to native species such as gray and fox squirrels. Non-native species of squirrel and flying squirrels may be subject to different regulations. If you are specifically interested in a flying squirrel, confirm its status with the AGFC before proceeding. You can also learn more about flying squirrels on our flying squirrel overview page.

Permit and License Requirements in Arkansas

One of the most appealing aspects of squirrel ownership in Arkansas is that, for most residents keeping a small number of squirrels, no wildlife permit is required. Arkansas requires no license for squirrel ownership, with a limit of up to six squirrels, provided the animal has proper housing and care.

However, the permit picture changes depending on how you obtained the animal and what you plan to do with it.

• Hand-caught wild squirrels: Up to six individual animals taken by hand from the wild may be kept per household, including opossums, rabbits, raccoons, or squirrels. No permit is required for this, but the six-animal household cap applies across all permitted species combined.
• Captive-born squirrels from a breeder: Individuals may purchase and own up to six per household of captive-born, commercially obtained native wildlife species as personal pets. There are restrictions on certain species. If you wish to possess more than six, you must obtain a Wildlife Breeder/Dealer Permit.
• Breeding or dealing: Whether or not you need a permit depends on multiple factors. You do need a permit if you intend to breed or deal in captive squirrels in Arkansas.
• Out-of-state squirrels: Squirrel owners may bring captive squirrels legally purchased out of state into Arkansas on a Commission Wildlife Importation Permit.

Owners must maintain records of proof of legal ownership, including licenses, bills of sale, receipts, invoices, and copies of Wildlife Importation Permits. The date of acquisition, place of origin, and the name, address, and telephone number of the person from whom the wildlife was acquired must be recorded. Owners must provide these records to the Commission upon demand.

Pro Tip: Keep every document you receive when purchasing or obtaining a squirrel — bills of sale, breeder permits, and importation records. The AGFC can request proof of legal ownership at any time, and having organized paperwork protects you.

Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Arkansas

There are two primary legal routes to obtaining a pet squirrel in Arkansas: capturing one by hand from the wild or purchasing one from a licensed source. Each path has different implications for the animal’s temperament, health, and your legal standing.

Hand-capturing from the wild is permitted under AGFC Code 09.14. Native wildlife captured by hand from the wild in Arkansas may be possessed as personal pets, with no more than six per household of any combination of permitted animals including opossums, rabbits, raccoons, and squirrels. The capture must be done by hand — meaning hand-held or manually operated aids like tongs may be used, but traps are not permitted under this provision.

Purchasing from a licensed breeder or dealer is the cleaner legal path for most people. Animals must have been purchased from a Commission-permitted Wildlife Breeder/Dealer, brought into Arkansas with a Wildlife Importation Permit, or purchased from a legal owner that registered the sale with the Commission. Legitimate Wildlife Breeder/Dealers in Arkansas undergo inspections. The AGFC conducts inspections to examine cages, aquariums, and enclosures to ensure they are appropriately sized, humane, and clean.

From a health standpoint, captive-bred animals carry less risk. Wild squirrel populations can carry numerous diseases or fleas that transmit diseases, including plague, typhus, ringworm, and tularemia. These are not only diseases that can affect humans but can also be fatal if left untreated.

If you are curious about the broader world of squirrels before committing, explore our guide to different types of squirrels or browse squirrel species found across the US. For those interested in the full range of wildlife in Arkansas, our petting zoos in Arkansas page is a good starting point.

Housing and Care Requirements in Arkansas

The AGFC sets baseline standards for how captive wildlife must be housed, and squirrels are no exception. Meeting these requirements is not optional — it is a condition of legal ownership.

The state requires that any wildlife species kept as a pet must have a safe enclosure that keeps the animal secure and prevents escape. Males and females of the same species may not live together unless they have been sterilized. Arkansas also has specific regulations that forbid owners from housing captive-born and bred squirrels with squirrels captured from the wild.

Beyond the legal minimums, squirrels have demanding physical and behavioral needs that any responsible owner should understand.

• Enclosure size: Squirrels are active, climbing animals. A large, multi-level wire cage — at minimum 2 feet wide by 2 feet deep by 4 feet tall — gives them room to move. Larger is always better.
• Enrichment: Branches, nesting boxes, and foraging puzzles help prevent boredom and stress-related behaviors. In rehabilitation settings, multiple hide boxes, ample space, and natural perching are provided so squirrels can perfect their running, jumping, and climbing skills.
• Diet: Squirrels eat a variety of foods, but their favorites are nuts such as acorns, walnuts, and hazelnuts. A balanced captive diet also includes fresh vegetables, fruits, and limited protein sources. Avoid processed human foods.
• Veterinary care: Finding an exotic-animal veterinarian familiar with rodents before you bring a squirrel home is strongly advisable. Most general-practice vets do not treat squirrels.
• Temperament: Squirrels are wild animals, and despite captive breeding, they still harbor wild instincts. Your captive-bred squirrel may be slightly less “wild,” but do not expect an animal that is as easy to train as a domestic dog.

Flying squirrels have additional care considerations because of their nocturnal nature. Flying squirrels are nocturnal and feed mostly on insects, nuts, fruits, seeds, and berries. They do not hibernate but may stay in the nest during bad weather. Matching their activity cycle to your household schedule is something to think through carefully before choosing this species.

For context on what squirrels naturally eat and what threatens them in the wild, see our page on animals that eat squirrels and our resource on plants that repel squirrels if you are managing outdoor spaces alongside a pet.

Pro Tip: Locate an exotic-animal veterinarian who treats rodents before you acquire your squirrel, not after. Squirrels can decline quickly when ill, and having a vet relationship in place ahead of time can make a real difference.

Local and Municipal Restrictions in Arkansas

State law sets the floor, not the ceiling. Even if the AGFC permits squirrel ownership under its captive wildlife rules, your city or county may have separate ordinances that are more restrictive.

Even if state law allows a species, local city or county laws may ban or more tightly regulate exotic pets. Major cities often impose restrictions beyond state requirements, particularly for animals perceived as dangerous or nuisance-prone. In Arkansas, cities like Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Jonesboro each have their own animal control codes that may address exotic or wild-caught animals differently than state law does.

Pet squirrels may be regulated at the county, municipal, or local level even in states where they are legal at the state level. This means a squirrel that is perfectly legal under AGFC rules could still be prohibited within a specific city limit.

A few additional layers to check before acquiring a squirrel:

• City or county animal control: Contact your local animal control office or city clerk to confirm whether any ordinances restrict squirrel or exotic-animal ownership in your municipality.
• Rental agreements and HOAs: Homeowners associations may also restrict exotic pet ownership regardless of legal status. If you rent, check your lease as well.
• Federal law: The Lacey Act prohibits transport of illegally obtained wildlife across state lines, which can create complications if you are relocating to Arkansas with exotic pets. Make sure any squirrel you bring from another state was legally obtained there and that you have the proper AGFC importation permit.

Be aware that the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission, the Arkansas Department of Health, the federal government, and local city or county governments may also have regulations affecting ownership or use of certain wildlife. Checking all of these layers is part of responsible ownership.

Arkansas is also home to a rich variety of wildlife beyond squirrels. If you are interested in the state’s broader natural character, browse our guides to snakes in Arkansas, owls in Arkansas, hawks in Arkansas, and spiders in Arkansas.

Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Arkansas

Arkansas takes captive wildlife violations seriously, and the consequences of non-compliance go beyond a simple fine.

Breaking captive wildlife laws in Arkansas can result in confiscation of the animal and serious criminal penalties. Violating captive wildlife laws can result in confiscation of animals, fines, criminal charges, and permanent loss of eligibility to hold wildlife permits. Owners may also be held financially responsible for the costs of caring for seized animals.

Common violations that lead to enforcement action include:

• Possessing more than six squirrels without a Wildlife Breeder/Dealer Permit
• Purchasing a squirrel from an unlicensed seller without proper documentation
• Bringing a squirrel into Arkansas from another state without a Wildlife Importation Permit
• Housing males and females together without proof of neutering
• Failing to maintain or produce ownership records when requested by the Commission

Purchasing exotic animals from unlicensed sellers — even if the species is legal to own — can result in confiscation of your pet and legal penalties. Always verify your source holds proper permits.

An animal that enters the state without proper authorization may be seized, regardless of the owner’s intent or understanding of the law. Ignorance of the regulations is not a defense, which is why reviewing the AGFC’s Code 09.14 directly — rather than relying on secondhand summaries — is the safest approach.

If you are considering squirrel ownership as part of a broader interest in the animals themselves, our main squirrels resource page covers behavior, biology, and more. You may also find our pages on ground squirrel species and squirrels found in Africa interesting for comparison. For more on Arkansas wildlife in general, see our guides to woodpeckers in Arkansas, bees in Arkansas, bats in Arkansas, and butterflies in Arkansas.

Owning a squirrel in Arkansas is a realistic option for residents who follow the rules carefully. The state’s framework — whether you hand-catch from the wild or buy from a licensed breeder — gives you a legal path forward, provided you stay within the six-animal household limit, keep proper records, and meet the enclosure and care standards the AGFC requires. Taking the time to understand those requirements before acquiring an animal is what separates a smooth ownership experience from a costly legal problem.