Squirrels are everywhere in Illinois — darting through parks, raiding bird feeders, and scaling oak trees across the state. It is not surprising that some people wonder whether one of these lively animals could make a good pet.
The answer in Illinois is not a simple yes or no. It is illegal to have a pet squirrel in Illinois without a permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, because nearly all wildlife in Illinois is protected under the Wildlife Code and cannot be held in captivity without one. Understanding exactly what that means — which permits exist, where to get a legal animal, and what happens if you skip the process — can save you from a costly mistake.
Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Illinois
The short answer is that squirrel ownership in Illinois sits in a legal gray area that depends entirely on whether you hold the correct permit and can prove the animal came from a lawful source. In most cases it is illegal to keep wildlife as a pet in Illinois, because most wildlife is protected by the Wildlife Code and cannot be kept in captivity without a permit.
It is legal to keep a squirrel as a pet in Illinois with a fur-bearing mammal breeder permit when the animal is purchased from a USDA breeder. The fur-bearing mammal breeder permit must be renewed yearly. Some community sources list the permit fee differently — one squirrel enthusiast forum notes Illinois is legal to hold with a Class A Wild Game Breeder Permit at $10.50 online — so you should confirm the current fee directly with the IDNR, as fees are subject to change.
What is not in dispute is the baseline rule: without a valid permit, possession of a squirrel is a violation of state law. In Illinois, it is not even legal to kill or trap a squirrel without a hunting license or a nuisance animal removal permit. The state treats squirrels as protected wildlife at every level of interaction.
Important Note: Sources differ on the exact permit name and fee for keeping a pet squirrel in Illinois. Always verify current permit types, fees, and application procedures directly with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources at DNR.wildliferecep@illinois.gov before proceeding.
Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Illinois
Illinois is home to four species of tree squirrel: fox squirrels, gray squirrels, red squirrels, and flying squirrels, but fox and gray squirrels are by far the most numerous and widespread. Each of these species carries a different legal profile when it comes to captive ownership.
In Illinois, all tree squirrels are protected by the Wildlife Code. Fox and gray squirrels are protected as small game species. The Eastern gray squirrel and Eastern fox squirrel are the two species most commonly encountered across the state and the ones most often referenced in permit discussions.
- Eastern Gray Squirrel — The gray squirrel typically weighs 1¼ pound and has a length of 17¼ to 18¼ inches, with gray fur on the back and white to light gray on the belly.
- Eastern Fox Squirrel — Fox squirrels are larger than the other tree squirrels, with large bushy tails, grizzled gray and brown fur, and rusty colored fur on their underside.
- Red Squirrel — The red squirrel weighs approximately ⅖ pound and measures 11½ to 13½ inches. Red squirrels can be found in the northeastern counties of Illinois.
- Southern Flying Squirrel — The southern flying squirrel is the smallest tree squirrel in Illinois, weighing approximately 2 ounces, with a length of 8⅝ to 9¾ inches. You can learn more about this unique species on our flying squirrel overview page.
The permit pathway discussed for Illinois applies specifically to red squirrels, gray squirrels, and fox squirrels. Laws may be different for non-native species of squirrels and flying squirrels. If you are interested in a flying squirrel specifically, contact the IDNR to ask whether a separate permit category applies.
Key Insight: All four squirrel species native to Illinois are protected wildlife. There is no species in the state that you can legally possess as a pet without going through the IDNR permit process.
Permit and License Requirements in Illinois
Navigating the permit system is the most critical step for anyone who wants to keep a squirrel legally in Illinois. In Illinois, the possession of wild or exotic animals is regulated by both state statutes and administrative codes, and the Illinois Wildlife Code generally prohibits the possession of certain wild animals without a permit.
Based on available sources, there are two permit types that appear in discussions about legal squirrel ownership in Illinois:
- Fur-Bearing Mammal Breeder Permit — This permit makes it legal to keep a squirrel as a pet in Illinois when the animal is purchased from a USDA breeder. It must be renewed yearly.
- Class A Wild Game Breeder Permit — Referenced in squirrel owner communities as a permit that makes Illinois legal to hold a squirrel, listed at $10.50 online.
Because these two permit names appear in different sources, it is possible they refer to overlapping or updated versions of the same authorization. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources requires permits for the possession of other species for various purposes, including education, exhibition, and rehabilitation. For personal pet ownership, you will need to contact the IDNR directly to confirm which permit currently applies to your situation.
Squirrels can only legally be bought from USDA-licensed breeders. If someone is trying to sell a squirrel without a USDA license, even if they are licensed by the state or county to possess that squirrel, that is wildlife trafficking and is a federal crime.
To reach the IDNR for permit inquiries, contact them at DNR.wildliferecep@illinois.gov or use the contact form on the Wildlife Illinois website.
Pro Tip: When you contact the IDNR, ask specifically about the permit name, current fee, application timeline, and any facility inspection requirements. Getting this in writing protects you if questions arise later.
Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Illinois
Even if you secure the correct state permit, you cannot simply take a squirrel from your backyard or accept one from a neighbor who found an orphaned animal. The source of the animal is just as important as the permit itself.
Squirrels can only legally be bought from USDA-licensed breeders. This requirement exists at the federal level and applies regardless of what state permits you hold. A USDA breeder license signals that the facility meets federal standards for the housing and care of captive animals.
When looking for a legal source, keep the following in mind:
- Ask any breeder to provide their USDA license number and verify it through the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) database.
- Avoid purchasing from social media listings, classified ads, or anyone who cannot provide documentation. If someone is trying to sell a squirrel without a USDA license, that is wildlife trafficking and is a federal crime.
- Do not attempt to raise a wild-caught or orphaned squirrel as a pet. Wildlife rehabilitators licensed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are allowed to keep wildlife in captivity with the goal of rehabilitation and release. If you have found an injured or orphaned animal, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
Wild squirrels are very difficult to tame. They just do not want to be tamed, and it could cause many problems in your home and for the squirrel. A captive-bred animal from a licensed source will be significantly more accustomed to human interaction than any wild-caught squirrel. You can explore the broader world of squirrel species and behavior to better understand what you would be taking on as an owner.
Housing and Care Requirements in Illinois
Illinois does not publish a single, detailed care standard document specifically for pet squirrels, but the permit system implies that adequate housing is a baseline expectation. The application process involves demonstrating adequate facilities and care for the animal. Understanding what responsible squirrel care looks like will help you meet those expectations.
Squirrels have physical and behavioral needs that are very different from traditional pets. Consider the following care requirements before applying for a permit:
| Care Category | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Enclosure Size | Squirrels need large, multi-level enclosures with room to climb, jump, and forage. A minimum of 2 feet wide by 2 feet deep by 4 feet tall is often cited as a starting point, but bigger is always better. |
| Diet | Squirrels eat a more varied diet than most people realize. In the wild, they consume berries, fruits, vegetables, insects, and worms in addition to nuts. |
| Enrichment | Branches, nesting boxes, foraging toys, and regular out-of-cage time in a secure space are essential for mental stimulation. |
| Veterinary Care | Most standard vets do not treat squirrels. You will need to locate an exotic animal veterinarian experienced with rodents before you bring an animal home. |
| Free-Roaming | You would have to keep a squirrel in a cage most of the time, as unsupervised free-roaming in a home poses risks both to the animal and to your property. |
Squirrels are wild animals and are not domesticated like dogs and cats. Wild animals will be happiest when they are free in the wild, not confined to a cage or your home. This is not a reason to dismiss the idea entirely, but it is an honest starting point for evaluating whether this is the right pet for your lifestyle.
If you are curious about the range of squirrel species and their natural behaviors across North America, browsing our guides on types of squirrels in the US and different types of squirrels can give you useful context.
Common Mistake: Many prospective owners underestimate the chewing behavior of squirrels. Squirrels will taste anything — furniture, shoes, wallpaper, drywall, plastics, and toys. Unlike dogs, they can climb their way to reach almost anything. Squirrel-proofing a room requires significant preparation.
Local and Municipal Restrictions in Illinois
Even if you obtain a valid state permit and a legally sourced squirrel, your work is not finished. Illinois gives counties and municipalities the authority to layer additional restrictions on top of state law, and those local rules can effectively prohibit what the state permits.
Just because an animal is legal to own in the 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. You should consider checking with your local city and county for their regulations.
McHenry County, for example, takes a stricter stance than the state baseline. No person shall be permitted to own, harbor, or keep in his or her custody any wildlife indigenous to the State of Illinois for the purpose of selling, giving, or trading the animal as a pet, irrespective of holding a fur-bearing mammal permit or game breeders permit from the Illinois Department of Conservation.
Even in permissive states, legal possession almost always requires using a captive wildlife or breeder permit and ensuring the animal is legally sourced. Local ordinances mean that even if state law permits, counties or municipalities frequently impose bans or additional restrictions.
Cities with dense populations — including Chicago — tend to have stricter exotic pet ordinances. If you live in or near a major urban area, check with your city’s animal control office or municipal code before investing time and money in the permit process. Our guide to squirrels in Chicago covers more about how squirrels interact with urban Illinois environments.
You should also check with your landlord if you rent. It is illegal to own a squirrel without a permit, and beyond state fines, you face potential fines from your county or city and, if you do not own your home, potential eviction from your landlord.
Important Note: Always verify local ordinances independently of state law. Call your city’s animal control office and your county’s zoning or code enforcement office. State permits do not override stricter local rules.
Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Illinois
The consequences of keeping a squirrel without the proper permit in Illinois are real and can compound quickly. Understanding them is important whether you are considering getting a squirrel or you already have one and are unsure of your legal standing.
At the state level, it is illegal to own a squirrel without a permit, and you will be facing a $1,500 fine from the state of Illinois, as well as potential fines from your county or city.
Beyond the financial penalties, consider these additional consequences:
- Animal seizure — The IDNR has the authority to confiscate an illegally held animal. Depending on the circumstances, the animal may not be returned to you.
- Federal charges — If the squirrel was obtained from an unlicensed seller, both you and the seller could face federal wildlife trafficking charges under the Lacey Act.
- Housing consequences — If you do not own your home, you face potential eviction from your landlord in addition to state and local fines.
- Repeat violations — Multiple violations of the Illinois Wildlife Code can result in escalating penalties and the loss of any existing hunting or trapping licenses.
In most cases it is illegal to keep wildlife as a pet in Illinois, because most wildlife is protected by the Wildlife Code and cannot be kept in captivity without a permit. Enforcement can come from IDNR officers, local animal control, or even a complaint from a neighbor or veterinarian who notices the animal during a visit.
If you have already taken in a wild squirrel — perhaps a juvenile that fell from a nest — the right step is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator rather than attempting to keep it. Having wildlife as pets in Illinois is illegal unless you have a permit from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and a rehabber or vet may ask you how you came to have the squirrel.
For broader context on squirrel behavior and wildlife across Illinois and neighboring states, you may find our articles on squirrels in Ohio, squirrels in Wisconsin, and squirrels in Michigan useful for comparison. You can also explore types of ground squirrels if you are curious about the full range of squirrel diversity.
The bottom line is straightforward: if you want to own a squirrel in Illinois, the legal path exists, but it requires a valid IDNR permit, a USDA-licensed breeder, local ordinance clearance, and a serious commitment to proper care. Skipping any one of those steps puts both you and the animal at risk. Reaching out to the IDNR before you do anything else is always the right first move.