Montana is one of the most wildlife-rich states in the country, and it’s easy to understand why a curious resident might wonder whether one of those bushy-tailed squirrels darting through the pines could become a house companion. The short answer is that squirrel ownership in Montana is tightly restricted — but the full picture is more layered than a flat “no.”
The state classifies exotic and wild animals into three distinct categories — prohibited, controlled, and noncontrolled — and where a squirrel lands in that system depends heavily on species. Before you make any decisions, understanding exactly how Montana law treats squirrels can save you from serious legal and financial consequences.
Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Montana?
The general answer is no — for most squirrel species, private ownership is not permitted in Montana. Montana prohibits the ownership of any kind of wild animal, including squirrels. The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) department enforces this through a tiered classification system that governs all exotic and wild species in the state.
In Montana, there are three separate categories: exotic controlled, noncontrolled, and prohibited. Most squirrels fall into the prohibited category, which means they cannot be possessed, sold, purchased, exchanged, or transported under any circumstances for private pet ownership. According to the FWP, it is illegal to possess most wildlife species without the appropriate permits.
There is one narrow exception worth noting. Massachusetts and Montana allow pet squirrels as long as they are flying squirrels. However, even this exception carries its own complications under state law, which are covered in detail below.
Important Note: Sources on Montana’s flying squirrel rules are not fully consistent. Some sources list the southern flying squirrel as a prohibited exotic species, while others suggest flying squirrels may be permissible. Always contact Montana FWP directly before acquiring any squirrel to confirm current classifications.
Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Montana?
Montana is home to several squirrel species in the wild. The state is home to two native species of tree squirrels: the northern flying squirrel and the red squirrel. Montana also hosts several ground squirrels, including Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs, Columbian Ground Squirrels, Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrels, Hoary Marmots, and Least Chipmunks. None of these native species may be kept as pets.
On the exotic side, the situation is equally restrictive. The southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) falls in the exotic prohibited species category, meaning it cannot be held in captivity, sold, purchased, exchanged, or imported. Other squirrel species are not specifically mentioned in the prohibited species list; however, according to the Montana Code Annotated, “wild animals” includes any animal that comes from the wild, including birds and reptiles.
The northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) is native to Montana and therefore falls under state wildlife protections rather than the exotic species framework. You can learn more about flying squirrels and their natural behaviors before considering any ownership path. For a broader look at squirrel diversity across the country, the types of squirrels in the US is a useful reference.
| Squirrel Type | Native to Montana? | Legal Status for Pet Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Flying Squirrel | Yes | Not permitted as a pet (native wildlife) |
| Red Squirrel | Yes | Not permitted as a pet (native wildlife) |
| Columbian Ground Squirrel | Yes | Not permitted as a pet (native wildlife) |
| Southern Flying Squirrel | No (exotic) | Prohibited exotic species |
| Eastern Gray Squirrel | No (non-native) | Restricted; wild animal classification applies |
If you are interested in squirrels found in neighboring states, you may also want to explore squirrels in Idaho or review the different types of squirrels found across North America.
Permit and License Requirements in Montana
Montana does not issue squirrel ownership permits to private individuals for personal pet purposes. According to Squirrel Forum, Montana issues no licenses except for rehabilitation and education purposes. This means that even if you wanted to go through a formal process, the state will not grant you a personal pet permit for a squirrel.
For controlled exotic species — a different category than squirrels — Montana does have a permit pathway. Controlled species may not be imported, possessed, sold, purchased, or exchanged in Montana unless a person obtains written authorization from the department. Written authorization may be requested by submitting an application that requires information on the exotic species, the intended purpose for possession, where the species will be held, and the enclosures intended to contain it.
If a controlled exotic wildlife permit were applicable to your situation, the fees are relatively modest. An annual fee of $25 is required to obtain or renew a Controlled Exotic Wildlife Permit. An annual fee of $100 is required if the controlled species is being used for breeding and/or sale. However, since squirrels are classified as prohibited rather than controlled for private ownership, these permit pathways do not apply to most squirrel species.
Applicants for any permitted exotic wildlife must submit a detailed plan to Montana FWP demonstrating their ability to meet the animal’s needs, including secure housing, proper nutrition, and veterinary care. The plan must address public safety and environmental risks, outlining measures to prevent escape and protocols for emergencies. A background check may be required to ensure the applicant has no history of animal abuse or wildlife law violations.
Pro Tip: Contact Montana FWP directly at their regional offices before pursuing any permit application. Staff can confirm current species classifications, which can change through administrative rulemaking without broad public notice.
Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Montana
Given the restrictions outlined above, there is no straightforward legal route to obtaining a pet squirrel in Montana for private ownership. You cannot take one from the wild, purchase one from an in-state seller, or import one from another state for personal possession without running into Montana’s prohibited species rules.
According to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, owning squirrels is a bad idea. Small mammals such as squirrels, rabbits, and raccoons carry zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted to pets and humans. This public health concern is one of the primary reasons FWP maintains these restrictions.
In states where squirrel ownership is legal, captive-bred animals from USDA-licensed breeders are typically the only legal source. You usually need to prove where your squirrel came from — often a bill of sale from a USDA-licensed breeder. But bringing such an animal into Montana would still violate state law if the species is classified as prohibited here.
If you find an injured or orphaned squirrel in Montana, do not attempt to keep it. Only facilities are permitted to rehabilitate animals. Contact your local Montana FWP office or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to ensure the animal receives proper care. You can also learn about animals that eat squirrels to better understand the ecological role these animals play in Montana’s ecosystem.
Housing and Care Requirements in Montana
Because squirrel ownership is not legally available to private residents in Montana, there are no state-issued housing or care standards specifically designed for pet squirrels in a home setting. The care and housing rules that do exist under Montana law apply to permitted exotic wildlife held by licensed facilities.
Under ARM 12.6.2203, exotic wildlife held in captivity must be treated in a humane manner and cannot be restrained with a chain, rope, or other holding device except when necessary to provide appropriate care. These standards govern licensed facilities, zoos, sanctuaries, and rehabilitation operations — not private residences.
For anyone researching squirrel care out of general interest, it helps to understand what these animals need in captivity. Squirrels are highly active, require significant vertical space, and need environmental enrichment to avoid stress behaviors. Flying squirrels in particular are nocturnal, social animals that do poorly in isolation. You can explore the broader world of squirrels to understand their natural habits and needs.
If you are interested in discouraging wild squirrels from your property rather than keeping them as pets, learning about plants that repel squirrels may be a more practical and legally sound approach in Montana.
Local and Municipal Restrictions in Montana
Even in cases where state law might leave any ambiguity, local governments in Montana can impose additional restrictions. Just because an animal is legal to own at the state level does not mean the city you live in allows it. Many local cities and counties have their own restrictions on which animals are legal to keep, and you should check with your local city and/or county for their regulations.
It is your responsibility to comply with all local laws, ordinances, and covenants before importing or possessing live wildlife. Cities like Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman each maintain their own animal control ordinances, and some may be more restrictive than state law on exotic and wild animals.
Pet squirrels may be regulated at the county, municipal, or local level even in states where they are legal at the state level. In Montana, where they are generally not legal to begin with, local ordinances add another layer of restriction rather than creating any openings. State laws set the basics, but cities and counties can add their own restrictions — so even if your state allows pet squirrels, your city or HOA might not.
Montana’s wildlife is diverse and fascinating to observe in its natural setting. If you are curious about other wild animals in the state, you may enjoy reading about the types of hawks in Montana, the types of bats in Montana, or the types of snakes in Montana.
Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Montana
Montana takes wildlife law violations seriously, and the penalties for illegal squirrel ownership reflect that. According to the Montana Legislature, anyone who purposely violates any law regarding fish and game is subject to a misdemeanor charge. If found guilty, you are subject to fines not exceeding $1,000 and imprisonment for no more than six months. In addition, if convicted, you forfeit your hunting, trapping, and fishing license for a period set by the court.
Criminal charges can apply, especially if illegal pets cause harm. Violations may be classified as misdemeanors, with penalties including up to six months in jail. Repeat offenders or those involved in wildlife trafficking face harsher punishments, underscoring Montana’s efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade.
Beyond criminal penalties, you would also lose the animal. Wildlife authorities have the power to seize any illegally held animal, and the squirrel would likely be transferred to a licensed rehabilitation facility or, in some circumstances, euthanized if it cannot be safely returned to the wild. If you keep a squirrel illegally, you could face fines, lose the animal, or even get criminal charges if it’s serious. Bringing a squirrel into a state that bans them can get you in more trouble.
The department may suspend or cancel a permit if the permittee violates or fails to comply with a permit condition or is convicted of violating a federal or state law, or county or city ordinance associated with possession of the exotic wildlife species. For those who hold other FWP licenses — hunting, fishing, or trapping — an illegal wildlife possession conviction puts all of those at risk as well.
Montana’s wildlife laws exist to protect both native ecosystems and public health. If you live in Montana and love squirrels, the best path is to enjoy them in their natural environment. You can also explore related wildlife topics, including types of ground squirrels found across North America, or compare regulations in neighboring states by reading about squirrels in Ohio or squirrels in Michigan where permit pathways do exist. For further information on Montana’s official wildlife classifications, visit Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks or review the Animal Legal & Historical Center’s full breakdown of Montana’s exotic wildlife sub-chapter.