If you’ve spotted a bushy-tailed squirrel darting through an Oregon park and wondered whether you could keep one as a pet, you’re not alone. The question comes up often, and the answer is more layered than a simple yes or no.
Oregon has some of the most protective wildlife possession laws in the country. Squirrels fall squarely under those rules, and the legal landscape shifted significantly in January 2017. Whether you’re a longtime Oregon resident or recently moved from a state where squirrels are legal to keep, understanding where the law stands matters before you make any decisions.
This guide walks through Oregon’s squirrel ownership rules section by section — covering which species are prohibited, what the grandfathering exception means, permit requirements, and what happens if you’re caught in violation.
Important Note: Wildlife laws can change. Always verify the current status of any rule directly with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) before acquiring any animal.
Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Oregon?
The short answer is no — for the vast majority of Oregon residents, owning a pet squirrel is not legal. According to Oregon law, residents are forbidden to own any exotic pets, including squirrels. This places squirrels in the same regulatory category as animals most people would never consider keeping at home.
If you lived in Oregon and had a pet squirrel before January 20, 2017, and can prove that you had the animal before that date, it may be legal to keep it so long as you meet the requirements set by the state. That date marks when the ban on owning native wildlife as pets in Oregon was enacted.
According to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Invasive Species Wildlife Integrity Supervisor Rick Boatner, there are classifications under Oregon statutes that include animals exempt from rules, prohibited species, controlled species, and noncontrolled species. Squirrels land in the restricted category for new ownership, with no new pet permits being issued.
It is illegal in Oregon to keep wildlife unless you hold special permits. Those permits are usually restricted to zoos, research facilities, educational institutions, and wildlife rehabilitators. Private pet ownership does not qualify for a new permit under current rules.
If you’re curious about the broader wildlife that shares Oregon’s landscape, our guide to squirrels in Portland, Oregon covers the species you’re most likely to encounter in urban settings.
Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Oregon?
Oregon is home to a notable variety of squirrel species. There are four species of tree squirrel in Oregon: the western gray squirrel, the Douglas squirrel, the American red squirrel, and the northern flying squirrel. There are also eight species of ground squirrels in Oregon. None of these are available for new private ownership.
Beyond native species, Oregon’s prohibited species list under OAR 635-056-0050 explicitly names several squirrel types that cannot be imported, possessed, sold, or transported in the state. These include the giant flying squirrel (Petaurista spp.), the eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), the eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), the Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), all nonnative ground squirrels of the genus Spermophilus, all nonnative chipmunks of the genus Tamias, and African ground squirrels of the genus Xerus.
The eastern gray squirrel and eastern fox squirrel carry an additional complication: these species, while the most common squirrels found in urban settings, are not protected under any legislation and must be euthanized if trapped. All Oregon rehabilitators and pest control companies must euthanize eastern gray and fox squirrels on intake or risk losing licensure, as these are designated as invasive.
Under an older provision, it was possible to hold certain species of squirrels with a holding permit. These included the northern flying squirrel, golden-mantled ground squirrel, Douglas squirrel, red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), and chipmunks. However, that permit was under review and may no longer be available as a legal course for squirrel ownership in Oregon. You should contact the ODFW directly for information on changes in status.
To learn more about the northern flying squirrel as a species — including its biology and behavior — our dedicated article covers what makes this animal unique. For a broader look at squirrel diversity across North America, see our overview of different types of squirrels.
Key Insight: Even species that were once holdable under older Oregon rules may no longer qualify. Do not rely on outdated information. Confirm current permit availability with ODFW before pursuing any ownership path.
Permit and License Requirements in Oregon
For the overwhelming majority of Oregon residents, no permit pathway exists for owning a new pet squirrel. It is illegal to own a pet squirrel in Oregon, and no permits are issued to new squirrel owners. The only ownership permits available to squirrel owners are permits for animals grandfathered in under the provisions established in 2017.
The grandfathering rule is codified under OAR 635-044-0470. A person who legally held native wildlife — including squirrels and chipmunks — in Oregon prior to and on January 20, 2017, may continue to hold those animals for the remainder of the animal’s life, provided the holder submitted an application for an annual Wildlife Holding, Exhibitor/Animal Entertainment Industry, or Sanctuary Permit by January 21, 2018.
The permit comes with a fee. The application requires remitting to the Department a fee of $29.00 per species held for a Wildlife Holding permit, or $105.00 for a Wildlife Exhibitor/Animal Entertainment Industry or Sanctuary Permit. These figures are set in the administrative rule; contact ODFW to confirm current fee amounts.
Documentation requirements are strict. The state requires that all grandfathered pets have been obtained from an out-of-state legal source, or that the owner can produce a sales receipt, veterinary inspection record, an Oregon Department of Agriculture import permit, or valid transfer papers from a previous owner. Pet owners must also be willing to sign a notarized affidavit regarding the acquisition of their pet.
There is one additional permit category worth knowing about. Oregon offers special permits for wildlife rehabilitation. Only certified wildlife rehab specialists are granted this type of permit. Wildlife rehabilitation permits are temporary, making it legal for someone with training to rehabilitate a squirrel and release it back into the wild. This is not a path to permanent pet ownership.
No person may capture or hold three or more animals listed under the nongame wildlife holding rules, or legally held grandfathered animals, without a valid Wildlife Holding Permit. Even grandfathered owners holding multiple squirrels face additional compliance requirements.
Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Oregon
There is no legal route for a new Oregon resident to purchase, adopt, or otherwise acquire a pet squirrel for personal ownership. Under no circumstances may you buy a pet squirrel in the state of Oregon. It is illegal, and if caught doing so, you could face significant fines or penalties.
One narrow theoretical path exists for those who already hold a grandfathered squirrel. An owner of a grandfathered squirrel may legally transfer ownership to another person, but this requires a legal transfer of ownership and collaboration with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. This is not a general adoption process — it is a tightly regulated administrative transfer.
Grandfathered wildlife held as pets may not be bred. Two or more grandfathered squirrels or chipmunks of different sexes requires sterilization of either sex for animals older than six months of age. This means the existing grandfathered population cannot grow through breeding, and no new animals can enter the pet trade through that channel.
If you’re interested in Oregon’s wildlife more broadly, you might enjoy learning about other native animals in the state, including woodpeckers in Oregon, types of owls in Oregon, and types of frogs in Oregon. None of these are legal to keep as pets without proper authorization either.
Pro Tip: If you’re moving to Oregon from a state where squirrel ownership is legal, contact ODFW before your move. Bringing a squirrel across state lines into Oregon without prior authorization can result in confiscation at the border.
Housing and Care Requirements in Oregon
If you hold a valid grandfathered permit, Oregon sets specific enclosure standards through the Oregon Enclosure and Caging Standards for Holding Wildlife. These are not suggestions — they are legal minimums that permit holders must meet and maintain.
The habitat requirements for squirrels are detailed. Every squirrel must have its own nest box. Tree squirrels must have access to a central climbing tree with at least three branches of three inches in diameter. Ground squirrels must be provided with appropriate soil substrate and have wire mesh across the cage floor that connects to the floor and extends a minimum of 18 inches below the cage, buried in the soil.
A squirrel’s habitat must also incorporate complexity in enclosure design, including structures to climb and secluded areas where the squirrel can hide. These requirements reflect the animals’ natural behavioral needs — squirrels are active, agile animals that do not thrive in simple, bare enclosures.
The facilities housing legally acquired grandfathered squirrels and chipmunks must meet the minimum facility standards defined in the Oregon Enclosure and Caging Standards for Holding Wildlife. ODFW can inspect these facilities, and permit renewal depends on maintaining compliance.
Veterinary care is another practical consideration. Because squirrels are not legal pets for new owners, finding a veterinarian experienced in treating them in Oregon can be difficult. Even for grandfathered animals, access to qualified exotic animal veterinary care is not guaranteed in all parts of the state.
For context on what squirrels eat and how predator-prey dynamics work in the wild, see our article on animals that eat squirrels and our broader squirrel resource hub.
Local and Municipal Restrictions in Oregon
State law sets the floor, but Oregon cities and counties can layer additional restrictions on top of it. Some cities and counties within Oregon may have their own ordinances that further restrict exotic animal ownership. Always check local regulations.
Local municipalities can also have restrictions on exotic animals, and squirrels are considered exotic animals. Check with your local municipality before you seek a squirrel permit. This applies even to grandfathered permit holders — a state permit does not automatically override a city or county ordinance.
If you rent your home, there is an additional layer to consider. If you are renting, check with your landlord to see if it is acceptable to have a pet. While a squirrel may be permissible under a state grandfathered permit, you still need to ensure it is permitted in the home.
Oregon’s broader approach to invasive species also has local implications. It is unlawful to relocate squirrels from the property where they were trapped to anywhere in the state without a permit or written approval from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. This rule applies even to common pest-control scenarios in residential areas.
Other wildlife regulations in Oregon vary by region as well. If you’re researching what animals are native to your part of the state, our guides on types of bats in Oregon, types of salamanders in Oregon, and types of spiders in Oregon provide useful regional breakdowns.
Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Oregon
Oregon treats illegal wildlife possession seriously. Ignoring these laws can result in hefty fines, animal confiscation, and even criminal charges. The consequences scale with the nature and severity of the violation.
The penalties for being found to break Oregon’s wildlife possession laws are steep. Under Oregon Revised Statutes, wildlife violations can be charged as Class A violations, Class A misdemeanors, or in more serious cases, Class C felonies. In addition to any other penalty authorized by law, a court shall order the revocation of all licenses, tags, and permits issued to a person if they are convicted of a Class A misdemeanor involving unlawful taking of wildlife with intent to sell, barter, trade, import, or export, or a Class C felony.
Beyond criminal penalties, the animal itself will be confiscated. Only a police or wildlife officer may legally confiscate wildlife. If a squirrel is seized, the outcome for the animal is rarely positive — particularly for invasive species like the eastern gray or fox squirrel, which face mandatory euthanasia under ODFW policy.
If a court imposes a fine as a penalty for an offense involving a violation of a rule related to the list of prohibited species, the court shall order that the defendant pay all or a portion of the fine separately to the Fish and Wildlife Commission. This means fines go directly toward wildlife protection programs, and the financial consequences can be significant.
There is also a practical medical risk that illegal owners face. Allowing ownership of pet squirrels puts the native squirrel population of Oregon at risk. It also puts the health of Oregon residents at risk when you consider the diseases that wild squirrels and their fleas can spread.
If you find a squirrel that appears injured or orphaned, the right step is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator rather than attempting to keep the animal. Oregon maintains a network of permitted rehabilitators through ODFW. You can also explore our guide to plants that repel squirrels if your concern is managing squirrel activity around your property rather than ownership.
Common Mistake: Do not contact your city, county, or state wildlife office to ask about licensing a “pet” squirrel. Doing so may trigger a visit from animal control or state Fish and Wildlife officers who have the authority to seize the animal.
Oregon’s wildlife laws reflect a deliberate policy choice to protect native ecosystems over private ownership interests. If you want to experience squirrels up close, supporting a local wildlife rehabilitation center or visiting a nature preserve is the safest — and fully legal — way to do it. For those who have moved from squirrel-friendly states, the message is clear: contact ODFW before bringing any squirrel into Oregon, and do not assume that what was legal elsewhere carries over automatically.