Is It Legal to Own a Pet Squirrel in Alaska? What You Need to Know
July 25, 2026
Alaska is one of the most wildlife-rich states in the country, and that abundance comes with some of the strictest animal ownership laws in the United States. If you have been wondering whether you can own a squirrel as a pet in Alaska, the short answer is no — and understanding why requires a look at how the state regulates all wildlife possession, not just squirrels.
Unlike many other states where exotic pet laws focus on dangerous animals, Alaska applies a sweeping “Clean List” framework that covers virtually every mammal, bird, and reptile. If a species does not appear on that approved list, it cannot be kept as a pet — and no permit will change that. This article walks you through exactly what Alaska law says, which squirrel species are affected, and what consequences come with breaking the rules.
Important Note: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change. Always verify current regulations directly with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game before acquiring any animal.
Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Alaska?
No, it is not legal to own a squirrel as a pet in Alaska. Alaska has strict statutes and regulations regarding pets and what animals can be held as pets, including holding wild animals as pets. The state uses what is known as a “Clean List” to determine which animals residents may legally possess.
All mammal, bird, and reptile species that have been specifically approved for entry or possession in Alaska appear on the “Clean List” (5 AAC 92.029). If a particular mammal, bird, or reptile species does not appear on this list, it may not be imported into Alaska or possessed as a pet or livestock in Alaska, and the Department of Fish and Game cannot issue a permit allowing its importation or possession.
Squirrels — both native Alaskan species and non-native ones — do not appear on that approved list. According to Squirrel Forum, which tracks state-by-state squirrel ownership laws based on direct outreach to state wildlife officials, Alaska issues no licenses for pet squirrel ownership except for rehabilitation and education purposes. That places Alaska firmly in the most restrictive category for anyone hoping to keep a squirrel at home.
The prohibition also extends to wild squirrels you might encounter outdoors. You may not cage or fence in a wild creature and try to make it your pet, even if you think it is a juvenile that has been abandoned. It is illegal for citizens to possess or export native Alaska species as pets. Even rescuing an injured squirrel and keeping it at home without authorization violates state law. You can learn more about the squirrel species found in Alaska to better understand which animals fall under these protections.
Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Alaska?
No squirrel species is currently approved for private pet ownership in Alaska. This applies to both native and non-native species. Alaska is home to several wild squirrel species, including the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), the northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus), and several ground squirrel species. All of these are classified as game animals under Alaska law and are subject to hunting and trapping seasons — not pet ownership.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game may not issue a permit for the capture, possession, import, or export of any game animal, including a hybrid, for use as a pet. A “game” animal is defined as any species of bird, reptile, and mammal, including feral domestic animals, found or introduced in the state, excepting domestic birds and mammals. Squirrels fit squarely within that definition.
Non-native squirrel species that are popular as pets in other states — such as the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) or the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) — are also prohibited. Because they do not appear on Alaska’s Clean List, the same ban applies. If you are curious about the variety of squirrel species kept as pets in other parts of the country, the different types of squirrels guide covers a wide range of species and their characteristics.
Key Insight: Even non-native squirrel species that are legal pets in dozens of other states are banned in Alaska because they are not on the state’s approved Clean List. There is no permit pathway that changes this for personal pet ownership.
Alaska’s 2025–2026 hunting regulations do list squirrels as a huntable small game species, but this is strictly for harvest under a valid hunting or trapping license — not for capture and domestication. Under Alaska hunting regulations, you may take squirrels under either hunting or trapping regulations, but you must follow the seasons, bag limits, and methods and means permitted by those regulations. Capturing one alive and bringing it home as a pet is a separate and prohibited act. You can read more about types of ground squirrels and flying squirrels to explore the species you might encounter in the wild.
Permit and License Requirements in Alaska
Many people assume there must be some permit or license pathway that allows squirrel ownership in Alaska. There is not — at least not for private pet ownership. If a species does not appear in section (b) of regulation 5 AAC 92.029, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is forbidden from issuing a permit authorizing anyone to possess it as a pet. This is a hard statutory limit, not a discretionary policy.
Alaska regulation provides that, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person may possess, import, release, export, or assist in those actions, live game, unless the person holds a possession permit issued by the department. But for squirrels specifically, that possession permit for pet use simply cannot be issued.
The only limited exceptions involve institutional or educational use. A few permits are issued to professional operations that demonstrate legitimate educational purposes, such as the Alaska Zoo and the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. Private individuals claiming educational intent do not qualify. Some people wanting permits to keep wild animals claim the possession is for educational purposes, but there is no evidence to support this.
| Permit Type | Available for Squirrel Pet Ownership? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Possession Permit | No | Cannot be issued for species not on the Clean List |
| Educational/Exhibit Permit | Rarely, institutions only | Zoos and wildlife centers; not private individuals |
| Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit | Temporary only | For licensed rehabilitators; animal must be released |
| Cultural/Traditional Use Permit | No | Applies to specific game for traditional practices only |
For questions about any permit pathway, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s Wildlife Permits Section can be reached at dfg.dwc.permits@alaska.gov or by phone at (907) 465-4148.
Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Alaska
There is no legal source from which you can obtain a pet squirrel for private ownership in Alaska. Because the state prohibits possession entirely — regardless of how the animal was acquired — the question of sourcing does not apply in the same way it does in states where squirrel ownership is permitted with proper documentation.
In states where squirrel ownership is legal, animals must typically come from USDA-licensed breeders to be considered lawfully acquired. Even in permissive states, legal possession almost always requires using a captive wildlife or breeder or exotic pet permit and ensuring the animal is legally sourced, often from a USDA-licensed breeder. But none of that framework applies in Alaska, because the possession itself is what is prohibited.
Bringing a squirrel into Alaska from another state where it was legally owned also violates state law. If a particular mammal, bird, or reptile species does not appear on the Clean List, it may not be imported into Alaska or possessed as a pet or livestock in Alaska, and the Department of Fish and Game cannot issue a permit allowing its importation or possession. Moving to Alaska with a pet squirrel from another state puts you in violation from the moment you cross the border.
If you are passionate about squirrels and wildlife, consider supporting licensed wildlife rehabilitation organizations in Alaska, which do work with injured native squirrels under state authorization. You can also explore types of squirrels in the US to learn more about the species found across the country.
Housing and Care Requirements in Alaska
Because squirrel ownership is not legal in Alaska, there are no state-approved housing or care standards for pet squirrels. The question of enclosure size, diet, enrichment, or veterinary care simply does not arise within a legal framework — there is no framework to reference.
That said, understanding proper squirrel care is still relevant for two groups of people in Alaska: licensed wildlife rehabilitators who temporarily house injured squirrels, and residents who may be considering relocating to a state where squirrel ownership is permitted. In either case, general best practices for squirrel care apply.
- Enclosure size: Squirrels are highly active and need large, vertically oriented enclosures with branches, platforms, and hiding spots.
- Diet: A species-appropriate diet includes nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens. Sugary or processed foods are harmful.
- Enrichment: Squirrels require daily mental and physical stimulation; without it, they can develop stress-related behaviors.
- Veterinary care: Exotic animal vets with squirrel experience are rare in Alaska, which adds another practical barrier to ownership even if laws were different.
- Social needs: Many squirrel species do better with companionship, though this varies by species.
If you are interested in wildlife-friendly gardening rather than ownership, learning about plants that repel squirrels or understanding animals that eat squirrels can help you engage with Alaska’s wild squirrel populations responsibly. The squirrel resource hub also covers species behavior and ecology in depth.
Pro Tip: If you encounter an injured squirrel in Alaska, do not attempt to care for it at home. Contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Keeping the animal, even temporarily and with good intentions, constitutes illegal possession under state law.
Local and Municipal Restrictions in Alaska
State law already makes squirrel ownership illegal across Alaska, but it is worth knowing that local governments can layer additional restrictions on top of state rules. Just because an animal is legal to own in a state 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 which are not.
It is your responsibility to comply with all local laws, ordinances, and covenants before importing or possessing live wildlife. In Alaska’s case, this means that even if the state law were somehow different, municipalities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, or Juneau could still independently prohibit squirrel ownership through local ordinance.
Anchorage, for example, has its own municipal animal control code that governs which animals may be kept within city limits. These codes typically align with or exceed state restrictions. Renters also face an additional layer: landlord agreements and housing covenants can prohibit any exotic or non-traditional pet regardless of what state or local law allows.
Local ordinances can mean that even if state law permits an animal, counties or municipalities frequently impose bans or additional restrictions, including exotic pet ordinances and house pet bans. In Alaska, where state law already prohibits squirrel ownership, these local layers simply reinforce the prohibition. Alaska is also home to other unique wildlife worth understanding — from the interior Alaskan wolf to venomous animals in Alaska — all of which fall under similar protective frameworks.
Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Alaska
Alaska takes wildlife law violations seriously, and the consequences for illegally possessing a squirrel can be significant. Alaska’s laws on possessing native and nonnative wild animals, including as pets, are strict, and they differ from laws in other states. Enforcement is carried out by Alaska Wildlife Troopers, who have broad authority to investigate and cite violations.
Fish and game violations in Alaska can result in fines up to $25,000, equipment forfeiture, and even jail time. A single illegal possession situation can also generate multiple charges. One illegal situation commonly generates separate charges for unlawful take, unlawful possession, unlawful transportation, wanton waste, and false reporting, and each charge carries separate penalties.
Beyond fines and potential criminal charges, there are broader consequences to consider:
- Animal seizure: The squirrel will be confiscated by wildlife authorities. Depending on the circumstances, the animal may be euthanized if it cannot be safely released or placed with a licensed facility.
- Loss of hunting and fishing privileges: Alaska violations affect hunting and fishing privileges in 48 participating states under the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, meaning an Alaska violation becomes a nationwide problem.
- Equipment forfeiture: Vehicles, boats, aircraft, and hunting and fishing equipment face immediate civil forfeiture proceedings that often begin before criminal charges are filed.
- Criminal record: Depending on the severity of the charge, a conviction can result in a permanent criminal record with long-term consequences for employment and licensing.
Alaska’s laws on possessing native and nonnative wild animals are strict and differ from laws in other states. The goal of these laws is to protect Alaska’s valuable wildlife populations from diseases, parasites, and a variety of other negative effects that can result from contact of native species with nonnative species. The state’s position is clear: the ecological risk is not worth the accommodation.
If you are curious about Alaska’s broader wildlife landscape, exploring topics like butterflies in Alaska, types of bees in Alaska, or types of woodpeckers in Alaska can deepen your appreciation for the state’s biodiversity without running afoul of its wildlife laws. For those interested in squirrels from a purely observational standpoint, the types of squirrels in Canada article offers a look at species that share Alaska’s northern ecosystem.
The Bottom Line on Squirrel Ownership in Alaska
Alaska’s answer to the question of pet squirrel ownership is an unambiguous no. The state’s Clean List system means that squirrels — native or non-native, wild-caught or captive-bred — cannot be legally kept as pets by private individuals. No permit exists that changes this, and importing a squirrel from another state where it was legally owned does not make it legal in Alaska.
The law exists for a clear reason: Alaska’s laws on possessing native and nonnative wild animals are strict and differ from laws in other states, with the goal of protecting Alaska’s valuable wildlife populations from diseases, parasites, and a variety of other negative effects that can result from contact of native species with nonnative species. If you love squirrels and want to stay on the right side of Alaska law, the best path is observation, education, and supporting licensed wildlife programs — not ownership.