Can You Own a Squirrel in California? What State Law Actually Says
May 21, 2026
California is home to more squirrel species than almost any other state, yet it is one of the strictest places in the country when it comes to keeping them as pets. If you have ever spotted a fox squirrel darting through a park or watched a ground squirrel pop out of a hillside burrow, the idea of keeping one may have crossed your mind. The law, however, draws a firm line.
Before you consider rescuing an orphaned squirrel or sourcing one from an out-of-state breeder, it is worth understanding exactly what California prohibits, which agencies enforce those rules, and what consequences you could face. This guide walks through every layer of the law so you can make an informed decision.
Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in California?
In California, it is illegal to keep a squirrel as a pet. The state has strict wildlife laws designed to protect native animals and their habitats. This is not a gray area or a matter of local interpretation — it is a statewide prohibition backed by multiple layers of statute and regulation.
The legality of keeping a pet squirrel is governed by the California Fish and Wildlife Laws, which are designed to protect native wildlife and regulate human interaction with animals. According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), it is generally illegal to keep a squirrel as a pet in the state. Squirrels are classified as wildlife, and California law prohibits the possession of wildlife without the appropriate permits.
Owning a pet squirrel is prohibited by the California Fish and Game Code Section 251.1, which is considered harassment of wildlife. According to this law, no person may herd, drive, or harass any nongame bird, game, or mammals, including feeding, breeding, or sheltering.
Important Note: Even feeding a wild squirrel in California can carry legal consequences. According to the California Fish and Game Code, feeding a wild animal is considered animal harassment and can result in a fine of up to $1,000.
This restriction is in place to prevent the disruption of natural ecosystems, protect public health, and ensure the welfare of the animals themselves. California’s approach is rooted in a broader conservation philosophy: squirrels are not simply small rodents that happen to live outdoors — they are protected wildlife whose removal from the wild carries ecological consequences.
If you are curious about the many different types of squirrels found across North America, or specifically about squirrels in Orange County, California, those resources can give you a sense of just how diverse and ecologically significant these animals are in the state.
Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in California?
The short answer is none — at least not for private pet ownership. California’s prohibition is broad enough to cover both native and non-native squirrel species, though the legal reasoning differs slightly between the two groups.
Native species such as the Western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus), California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi), and Douglas squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii) are protected under Title 14, Section 251.1 of the California Code of Regulations, making it illegal to possess, transport, or confine them without explicit authorization.
Native California ground squirrels are protected under state law and cannot be kept as pets without a rehabilitation permit. Non-native species, such as the Eastern gray squirrel or the fox squirrel, are even more heavily regulated due to their potential to outcompete native species and spread disease.
Flying squirrels fall under California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 671, and importing, transporting, or possessing them without authorization is prohibited. The CDFW enforces these rules to protect native wildlife and prevent ecological disruptions. The state considers non-native species like flying squirrels a threat to local ecosystems, as they could compete with indigenous species or introduce diseases. You can learn more about this species in our overview of the flying squirrel.
Key Insight: There is no squirrel species — native or non-native — that a private California resident can legally keep as a pet. The prohibition covers tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels alike.
While native squirrels are off-limits, the CDFW does not regulate non-native species in the same legal manner. However, keeping non-native squirrels, such as the Eastern gray squirrel, as pets is still discouraged due to the potential risks they pose to local ecosystems. Non-native species can become invasive, outcompeting native wildlife for resources and disrupting natural balances. Therefore, even though there may not be specific laws against owning non-native squirrels in every context, the CDFW strongly advises against it to protect California’s biodiversity.
For a broader look at squirrel diversity, see our guides on types of squirrels in the US and types of ground squirrels.
Permit and License Requirements in California
A common question is whether a permit could make squirrel ownership legal. The answer, for private pet ownership, is no.
California has strict permitting requirements for those seeking to possess native wildlife, including squirrels. The CDFW issues permits primarily for scientific research, rehabilitation, or educational purposes — not private ownership.
The CDFW will issue special permits to keep certain restricted animals for specific purposes such as research, exhibitions (e.g., zoos, shows), and other reasons. However, these permits are not issued for the purpose of keeping these animals as pets.
The CDFW does not issue permits for personal pet ownership of restricted species. Unlike some states that offer licensing options, California’s regulations are designed to prevent private individuals from obtaining permits altogether. Permits for restricted species are issued primarily for scientific research, educational institutions, or conservation programs. Applicants must demonstrate that their intended use aligns with state conservation or research objectives and comply with strict housing, transportation, and care requirements.
Wildlife rehabilitation is the one narrow exception. A rehabilitation license allows you to care for injured, orphaned, or distressed squirrels and other animals with the goal of releasing them back into their natural habitat. To become a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in California, you must complete training, pass exams, and meet facility requirements set by the CDFW. This ensures that you have the knowledge and resources to provide proper care while adhering to state laws.
Rehabilitation efforts are focused on the animal’s recovery and eventual return to its natural habitat, not on keeping it as a pet. Permitted rehabilitators are prohibited from adopting or permanently keeping the squirrels they care for. Additionally, rehabilitators must report their activities to the CDFW regularly, providing updates on the number of animals admitted, their conditions, and their outcomes.
Pro Tip: If you are passionate about squirrels and want to work with them legally, pursuing a CDFW wildlife rehabilitation license is the most viable path. Contact the CDFW directly at wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing for current application requirements and fees.
Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in California
There is no legal channel through which a private California resident can obtain a squirrel for personal pet ownership. This applies to every possible acquisition method.
- Pet stores: Selling or buying squirrels as pets is illegal in California. Pet stores do not legally sell squirrels due to state wildlife laws.
- Online sellers: Buying squirrels online or from unlicensed sellers is illegal and supports wildlife trafficking.
- Wild capture: Some people think that rescuing a baby squirrel means they can keep it. However, releasing it back to the wild or contacting a licensed rehabilitator is the legal and ethical choice.
- Out-of-state breeders: California state laws generally preempt local ordinances regarding wildlife and exotic pets. Even if another jurisdiction permits flying squirrels or other squirrels as pets, it cannot override California’s state prohibitions.
Even if a squirrel appears abandoned or injured, it is illegal to take it in without contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. The correct step is to call the CDFW or a licensed rehabilitation center in your area and let trained professionals handle the situation.
If you find an injured squirrel and need guidance, organizations like the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association can help connect you with licensed rehabilitators in your region. You can also search for local resources through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
Housing and Care Requirements in California
Because private squirrel ownership is illegal in California, there are no state-sanctioned housing or care standards for pet squirrels in a residential setting. The care requirements that do exist apply exclusively to licensed wildlife rehabilitators and permitted educational or research facilities.
Even if a permit is granted for an authorized purpose, the holder is subject to regular inspections and must adhere to strict guidelines regarding the animal’s care, housing, and transportation.
From a practical standpoint, it is worth understanding why squirrels are considered poor candidates for captivity even in states where ownership is allowed. Wild squirrels require specific diets and environments that are hard to replicate in captivity. Removing squirrels from the wild disrupts local food chains and plant growth. Pet squirrels often suffer from stress, malnutrition, and behavioral problems in homes.
Despite their natural proliferation in California, squirrels are not allowed as pets due to concerns about disease transmission, along with the fact that they will chew anything and can be very destructive inside the home if they are loose.
If you are interested in squirrel behavior and ecology in your region, our articles on squirrels in Chicago and squirrels in Denver offer useful context on how these animals live and behave in urban environments. For those interested in deterring squirrels from gardens rather than keeping them as pets, our guide on plants that repel squirrels may be helpful.
Common Mistake: Some California residents assume that squirrels raised from infancy in captivity become legally “domesticated” and therefore exempt from wildlife laws. This is not the case. California law does not recognize a domestication exception for squirrels regardless of how long they have been in human care.
Local and Municipal Restrictions in California
California’s statewide prohibition is the dominant legal framework, and local ordinances cannot override it. However, municipalities can impose additional restrictions on top of state law.
In California, state laws generally preempt local ordinances regarding wildlife and exotic pets. Even if a city passes legislation allowing certain animals as pets, it cannot override state prohibitions. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulates exotic animal ownership statewide. Residents must comply with state laws, which often restrict or ban certain species to protect public safety and native ecosystems.
Jurisdictions within California may ban other types of wild animals as pets beyond the statewide list. For example, many cities forbid owning certain animals that have not been spayed or neutered or impose additional conditions on exotic pet ownership.
Cities and counties may also have their own animal control ordinances that address wildlife possession, noise, sanitation, or zoning restrictions that could affect anyone attempting to house a wild animal. Besides state laws, local counties and cities in California may have extra rules about squirrel control. These can be stricter than state regulations. You should check with local animal control or wildlife agencies before taking any action involving squirrels.
For example, residents of Orange County should be aware that local wildlife management practices may differ from those in rural counties. Our article on squirrels in Orange County covers the species commonly found there and how local residents interact with them. Similarly, if you are comparing California’s approach with other states, our resources on squirrels in Alabama, squirrels in Nebraska, and squirrels in Delaware illustrate how different states handle squirrel populations and ownership rules.
Pro Tip: Always contact your city or county animal control office in addition to reviewing state law. Local rules can add restrictions that go beyond what CDFW regulations require, and enforcement at the municipal level can be more immediate than at the state level.
Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in California
California treats illegal wildlife possession seriously, and the consequences can extend well beyond a simple fine. The penalties operate on several levels simultaneously.
Criminal Charges
Possessing a squirrel without authorization in California can lead to legal consequences. Under California Fish and Game Code Section 12000, violations can be prosecuted as misdemeanors or infractions, depending on the severity of the offense. A misdemeanor conviction can result in fines of up to $1,000 and/or a jail sentence of up to six months. Additional penalties such as community service or probation may also apply, especially for repeat offenses or cases involving animal welfare concerns.
Civil Fines
The penalties you may face can include a civil fine of $500 to $10,000. You must also pay for the costs to remove the animal and store and care for the animal. These costs can accumulate quickly if the animal requires extended rehabilitation before it can be released.
Animal Confiscation
Authorities have the power to seize unlawfully kept squirrels. If the animal is capable of surviving in the wild, it may be released. However, if it has been too domesticated or is in poor health, euthanasia is a possible outcome. This underscores the seriousness of California’s wildlife laws, which prioritize ecological integrity over personal ownership.
Federal Exposure
Violations of federal laws, such as the Lacey Act, which prohibits the illegal trade of wildlife, could result in even more severe penalties, including higher fines and longer prison sentences.
Prosecution Frequency
California Fish and Game laws make it a misdemeanor crime to keep as a pet any animal that is endangered or considered a threat to public health and safety or native fish, wildlife, or agriculture. Notably, however, it is rare for someone to be prosecuted for illegally possessing exotic animals in California. In most cases, the unlawful pet would be taken away from you. Depending on the species, your unlawful pet would be rehabilitated, released into the wild, sent to a particular care facility, or euthanized.
| Penalty Type | Potential Consequence | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor criminal charge | Up to 6 months in jail and/or up to $1,000 fine | California Fish and Game Code Section 12000 |
| Civil fine | $500 to $10,000 | California Fish and Game Code |
| Animal removal costs | Boarding, rehabilitation, relocation, or euthanasia costs billed to owner | CDFW enforcement policy |
| Animal confiscation | Squirrel seized and assessed for release, rehab, or euthanasia | CCR Title 14, Section 671 |
| Federal violation (if applicable) | Higher fines and longer prison sentences under the Lacey Act | Federal Lacey Act |
The clearest takeaway is that no legal path exists for keeping a squirrel as a pet in California. If you have a genuine interest in squirrels, the most rewarding and legally sound options are volunteering with a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center, observing squirrels in their natural habitat, or exploring the rich variety of squirrel species found across the country through resources like our overview of squirrels and our guide to squirrel species in Canada. For those in neighboring states curious about how the rules compare, our state-specific guides for Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin offer useful context on regional squirrel populations.