Can You Own a Squirrel in Connecticut? Laws, Permits, and What to Know

Squirrels are clever, curious animals that have caught the attention of many Connecticut residents who wonder whether one could make a good pet. Before you act on that idea, though, you need to understand exactly where Connecticut law stands — and the answer is more restrictive than most people expect.

Connecticut treats all native wild mammals, including squirrels, as protected wildlife under state statute. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 26-55, no person shall import or introduce into the state, possess, or let loose any live wild mammal unless that person has obtained a permit. For squirrels specifically, the state’s position is even stricter: according to Squirrel Forum, which has tracked state-by-state squirrel laws through direct contact with state officials, Connecticut issues no licenses for private squirrel ownership except for rehabilitation and education purposes.

This article walks you through what Connecticut law actually says, which squirrel species are affected, what permit pathways exist, and what happens if you ignore the rules.

Important Note: Exotic pet laws can change, and local ordinances add another layer of complexity. Always verify the current rules directly with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) before acquiring any wild animal.

Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Connecticut?

For the vast majority of Connecticut residents, the short answer is no. Connecticut is one of roughly 10 states with a partial ban on private ownership of exotic animals, and permits are required for anyone seeking to possess wild mammals. Squirrels fall squarely into that “wild mammal” category under state law.

In all states not listed as permit-friendly or permit-required for squirrels — and Connecticut is among them — you are not allowed to keep a squirrel as a pet. The World Population Review’s 2026 pet squirrel legal states summary confirms Connecticut does not appear on the list of states where squirrel ownership is permitted with or without a permit for private individuals.

The governing framework comes from Connecticut Regulation § 26-55-6, which places restrictions on who may import or possess certain categories of wild animals, dividing them into one of four categories based on risk to people, endangered status, and environmental impact. Wild squirrels — as native mammals — are regulated under this framework, and private possession without authorization is prohibited. You can learn more about squirrels as a species and their natural behaviors before deciding whether pursuing legal ownership elsewhere might suit you.

Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Connecticut?

Connecticut is home to several squirrel species, and none of them are legal to keep as private pets without proper authorization. The different types of squirrels found across North America include tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels — each with different legal statuses depending on the state.

The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the species most commonly encountered in Connecticut backyards, parks, and wooded neighborhoods. As a native wild mammal, it receives full protection under state wildlife law, and capturing or keeping one as a pet is not permitted for private individuals.

The situation is slightly different for the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans). One older source lists Connecticut among states where flying squirrels are legal to keep as pets; however, this conflicts with the Squirrel Forum’s direct findings that Connecticut issues no private squirrel licenses. It is also worth noting that data on pet squirrel legality typically applies to native tree squirrels, and non-native species or flying squirrels may be subject to different regulations. Given this conflict, you should contact Connecticut DEEP directly before assuming a flying squirrel is permitted. You can read more about flying squirrels to understand their care needs and natural history.

Key Insight: Even if a particular squirrel species appears to fall into a legal gray area in Connecticut, possessing it without explicit DEEP authorization still exposes you to enforcement action under § 26-55.

The American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and the eastern fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) are also found in or near Connecticut. Both are native wild mammals and are not legal for private ownership. If you are curious about the full range of species, explore types of squirrels in the US for a broader picture.

Permit and License Requirements in Connecticut

Connecticut does not offer a standard private-ownership permit for squirrels the way some other states do. The state only issues licenses related to squirrels for rehabilitation and education purposes — not for keeping them as personal pets. This puts Connecticut firmly in the restrictive column compared to states like Indiana or Michigan, where a wildlife possession permit can authorize private squirrel ownership.

The DEEP commissioner may issue permits without fee authorizing possession of legally acquired wild birds or quadrupeds as pets or for the purpose of training dogs, and the commissioner may regulate the number and species of birds or animals held under such permits, as well as the type and size of pens used in their confinement and care. In practice, however, squirrels are not among the species for which such pet permits are granted to private individuals in Connecticut.

Two permit categories do exist for those with professional or educational purposes:

• Wildlife Rehabilitator Permit: In Connecticut, only those possessing a state custodial permit are allowed to temporarily keep recuperating animals. This permit is intended for injured or orphaned animals with the goal of releasing them back into the wild — not for keeping them permanently.
• Education/Exhibition Permit: Organizations and individuals conducting public educational programs may apply for authorization through DEEP. This is distinct from private pet ownership and carries its own requirements, including USDA licensing in some cases.

Under Connecticut General Statutes Title 26, Fisheries and Game, sections 26-40a, 26-55, and 26-55-6, no specific animals are explicitly banned by name in a single list, but permits are generally required to possess wild and exotic animals. The absence of an explicit ban does not mean ownership is freely permitted — it means the permit system controls access, and squirrel permits for private individuals are simply not issued.

Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Connecticut

Because Connecticut does not issue private squirrel ownership permits, there is no legal pathway for a Connecticut resident to obtain a pet squirrel within the state’s framework. You cannot capture one from the wild, purchase one from a breeder for personal keeping, or import one from another state for use as a pet.

Even in states where squirrel permits exist, legal possession almost always requires using a captive wildlife or breeder permit and ensuring the animal is legally sourced. Squirrel Forum strongly advises against calling your city, county, or state to ask about licensing a pet squirrel, as this will likely result in a visit from animal control or state Fish and Wildlife, who will seize the animal in most states.

If you find an injured or orphaned squirrel in Connecticut, the correct action is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator rather than keeping it yourself. A standard rehabilitator appointment in Connecticut authorizes a person to rehabilitate injured, sick, or immature nonmigratory birds and mammals until they can be released. You can find authorized rehabilitators through the Connecticut DEEP Wildlife Rehabilitator page.

If you are genuinely interested in squirrel behavior and want a legal connection to these animals, supporting a licensed rehabilitation organization is one option. Wildlife rehabilitation is the care of injured, sick, or orphaned wildlife by trained state-appointed volunteers with the goal of releasing that wildlife back into the wild. Volunteering with such groups gives you close contact with squirrels in a fully legal context. You might also enjoy reading about animals that eat squirrels to understand their place in Connecticut’s ecosystem.

Housing and Care Requirements in Connecticut

Because private squirrel ownership is not permitted in Connecticut, there are no official housing standards published by DEEP for private squirrel keepers. The pen and care specifications that do exist under Connecticut law apply to permitted rehabilitators and exhibitors, not to private pet owners.

Connecticut regulation 26-54-1 gives the wildlife pen specifications for any bird or quadruped possessed under the provisions of section 26-54 or 26-55 of the General Statutes. These standards govern the physical enclosures that licensed rehabilitators and exhibitors must maintain. They are not a blueprint for private ownership — they are a compliance requirement for those who hold state authorization.

For context on what responsible squirrel care looks like in states where it is legal, reputable sources describe the following general requirements:

• Enclosure size: Squirrels need tall, multi-level enclosures with ample climbing space — a minimum of 2 feet wide by 2 feet deep by 4 feet tall is often cited as a starting point, with larger being better.
• Diet: A balanced diet includes nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and protein sources. Feeding only peanuts or sunflower seeds leads to nutritional deficiencies.
• Veterinary care: Exotic animal veterinarians familiar with squirrels are rare in many areas. Finding one before acquiring any wild animal is essential.
• Enrichment: Squirrels are highly active and intelligent. Without mental stimulation and physical outlets, they become stressed and destructive.

If you are interested in managing squirrels around your property rather than owning one, see our guide on plants that repel squirrels for humane deterrent options. Connecticut also has rich wildlife to observe, from owls to frogs — all best appreciated in their natural habitats.

Local and Municipal Restrictions in Connecticut

State law is only one layer of regulation you need to consider. Local municipalities can also have restrictions on exotic animals, and squirrels are considered exotic animals. You should check with your local municipality before you seek any squirrel permit.

Laws regarding pet squirrels can change at any time, and pet squirrels may be regulated at the county, municipal, or local level even in states where they are legal at the state level. In Connecticut, where state law already restricts private ownership, local ordinances may add further prohibitions on top of the state framework — not relax them.

Connecticut’s cities and towns each have their own animal control ordinances. Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, and other municipalities frequently have broader exotic animal restrictions that apply independently of state law. Even if you somehow obtained state authorization, a local ordinance could still prohibit possession within city or town limits.

Pro Tip: Contact your town’s animal control officer directly to ask about local ordinances before pursuing any wildlife permit. Local rules can be stricter than state law and are not always published in easily searchable formats.

Renters face an additional layer: if you are renting, check with your landlord to see if it is okay for you to have a pet, because while an animal may be legal in your state, you will need to ensure it is permitted in the home. A lease that prohibits exotic animals would apply regardless of any state or local permits you hold. Connecticut residents interested in other local wildlife regulations might also find our coverage of dog breed restrictions in Connecticut useful for understanding how local animal law works in the state.

Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Connecticut

Keeping a squirrel without authorization in Connecticut is not a minor infraction. The consequences can include civil fines, criminal charges, and the forced removal of the animal — often at your expense.

Any person who violates the provisions of Connecticut’s wildlife possession laws shall be assessed a civil penalty not to exceed $2,000 and is guilty of a class A misdemeanor. A Class A misdemeanor in Connecticut carries a potential sentence of up to one year in jail, in addition to fines.

If you own a prohibited or unpermitted animal as a pet, you can face a fine of $1,000 according to the Connecticut General Assembly, and the owner is then billed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for seizing, caring for, maintaining, and disposing of the animal. That billing can add up quickly — DEEP’s costs for housing and veterinary care of a seized animal are passed directly to the owner.

For a second violation of any of the relevant laws or regulations, the commissioner may suspend any permit, license, or registration and the right to obtain any such permit, license, or registration for not more than two years. Repeat violations carry progressively longer suspension periods, potentially cutting off your ability to legally keep any permitted wildlife for years.

These laws do not apply to zoos, national parks, nature centers, museums, labs, or research facilities — but they apply fully to private individuals. If you keep a squirrel in a prohibited state, do not broadcast it to friends, neighbors, or anyone, as the squirrel will probably be reported, seized, and most likely destroyed. The risk extends to the animal itself, not just to you.

Connecticut’s wildlife laws reflect a broader conservation philosophy. The state’s ecosystem includes species that interact with squirrels in important ways — from eagles to snakes — and maintaining those ecological relationships depends on keeping wild animals in the wild. If you want to explore Connecticut’s wildlife legally, consider observing the state’s native squirrel species in parks and natural areas, or supporting licensed rehabilitators who work within the law to care for animals that genuinely need help.