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

Maine is home to dense forests, abundant wildlife, and some of the strictest animal possession laws in the United States. If you have ever watched a squirrel dart across your yard and wondered whether you could keep one as a pet, you are not alone — but the answer in the Pine Tree State is more complicated than a simple yes or no.

The short answer is that owning a squirrel in Maine without proper authorization is illegal. Maine’s laws regarding the possession of wildlife are among the strictest in the country, and squirrels fall squarely under those restrictions. Before you pursue this any further, understanding exactly what the law says — and what limited exceptions exist — can save you from serious legal trouble.

Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Maine?

It is illegal to own a pet squirrel or any other type of wild animal in Maine without a valid permit or license. This is not a gray area. A person may not import wildlife into or possess wildlife in the state or receive or possess wildlife imported into the state unless they hold a valid permit issued by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW).

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has statutory responsibility for all freshwater fish, reptiles and amphibians, birds, and mammals, regardless of whether they are native to Maine or occur elsewhere in the world. That broad authority covers every squirrel species you are likely to encounter, whether native or not.

According to Squirrel Forum’s state-by-state law tracker, Maine issues no licenses for squirrel ownership except for rehabilitation and education purposes, and Maine’s policy is to seize and destroy all non-rehabilitated squirrels held without a permit. That is a notably hard-line stance compared to many other states.

Important Note: Some sources suggest Maine may allow squirrel ownership with a permit. In practice, the MDIFW does not issue possession permits for squirrels as personal pets — only for rehabilitation, education, and exhibition purposes. Always confirm directly with MDIFW at (207) 287-5261 before taking any action.

If you are curious about the broader world of squirrels as animals or want to understand their natural behavior before making any decisions, that background knowledge is genuinely useful when speaking with wildlife authorities.

Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Maine?

No squirrel species is on Maine’s “unrestricted” list, meaning none can be possessed without some form of permit. Maine harbors five species of squirrels: the Eastern Gray, Red Squirrel, Eastern Fox Squirrel, Southern Flying Squirrel, and Delmarva Fox Squirrel. All of them are classified as wildlife under state law.

The most commonly seen species is the Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). The Eastern gray squirrel is a common sight in Maine with a gray fur coat and a large bushy tail; the color camouflages it within the woods, hiding it from predators, and some individuals are blonde, white, or black.

The American red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is another familiar face in Maine’s forests. It is a small squirrel with reddish-brown fur and a long, bushy tail that makes a harsh scolding sound when disturbed. Red squirrels are fiercely territorial and among the most vocal of all squirrel species.

Maine is also home to two flying squirrel species. Two species of flying squirrels occur in Maine — the Northern Flying Squirrel and Southern Flying Squirrel. The northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) and the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) are both nocturnal and glide from trees on large skin flaps on their sides rather than truly flying. You can read more about their unique biology on our flying squirrel page.

Data on squirrel legality typically applies to native squirrels such as red squirrels, gray squirrels, and fox squirrels; non-native species of squirrel and flying squirrels may be subject to different regulations. That said, in Maine’s framework, the distinction rarely helps — all require a permit that is not issued for personal pet ownership.

For a broader look at the variety of squirrel species across North America, the types of squirrels in the US and our guide to different types of squirrels offer helpful context.

Permit and License Requirements in Maine

A permit is generally required for importation, possession, propagation, rehabilitation, and exhibition of wildlife in the state. Maine’s permitting system classifies regulated wildlife into categories, and the type of permit you need depends on which category a species falls under.

• Category 1 Restricted Species: To possess a Category 1 Restricted Species, a person must acquire either an exhibitor’s or wildlife rehabilitator’s permit, or must be an accredited research facility or a laboratory registered with the United States Department of Agriculture.
• Category 2 Restricted Species: A species is placed in Category 2 when it does not meet the criteria of a Prohibited Species or Category 1 Restricted Species and when it requires special housing or care that cannot be provided by persons without training or experience, or requires a special commitment to ensure proper care and welfare.
• Prohibited Species: The rules must include a category of prohibited species for which a permit is not issued under any circumstances.
• Unrestricted Species: Maine law allows the Department to maintain a list of species of fish and wildlife, including tropical fish and invertebrates, which do not require an importation, exhibition, or possession permit, and may be traded by commercial pet shops. Squirrels are not on this list.

The only exceptions to the general prohibition are animals used for educational purposes, commercial exhibitions, and attracting trade; in these instances, the commissioner issues a permit or license, and you are required to complete an application and pay the required fee.

The permit application process requires you to provide your name, address, and contact information; the address where the animal will be kept; a description of the animal; and the purpose for which the permit is being sought. The department may assess a late fee of $25, in addition to the required permit fee, to a person who does not renew a permit prior to its expiration date.

Pro Tip: Contact the MDIFW Wildlife Division directly at 353 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330, or call (207) 287-5261 to confirm current permit categories and fees before submitting any application. Categories and fee structures are subject to rule changes by the commissioner.

A Wildlife or Fish Importation Permit is required from the Commissioner before any species not listed as “unrestricted” is transported or brought into the State of Maine. This means that even if you legally own a squirrel in another state, you cannot simply bring it into Maine without going through this process first.

Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Maine

Because Maine does not issue personal possession permits for squirrels, there is no straightforward legal path to obtaining one as a private pet. Do not assume that animals for sale in other states, including those states adjacent to Maine, are lawful in Maine. Just because a breeder in New Hampshire or Vermont sells squirrels does not mean you can legally bring one home across the state line.

Be wary of animals advertised for sale on the internet or in newspapers — these animals may or may not be lawful at the point of origin, but illegal to bring into Maine. Online listings are a common source of confusion for prospective exotic pet owners.

The one legitimate avenue most closely related to squirrel ownership in Maine is wildlife rehabilitation. The best way to help injured or orphaned squirrels is by becoming a wildlife rehabilitator; to do so, you must possess a Maine Wildlife Rehabilitator’s Permit. The minimum requirements include being at least 18 years old, passing a state examination on wildlife rehabilitation, providing evidence of working with a licensed veterinarian, and demonstrating the ability to provide adequate housing for the species you intend to rehabilitate.

Rehabilitators work with squirrels temporarily with the goal of returning them to the wild — not keeping them as pets. If you find an injured or orphaned squirrel, contact the MDIFW or a game warden to alert them about the animal rather than attempting to care for it yourself.

If you are drawn to squirrels because of their intelligence and personality, it may be worth exploring what other small mammals are on Maine’s unrestricted list. Maine pet stores are regulated and inspected by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and purchasers can reasonably assume that an animal for sale in a Maine pet store is legal.

Housing and Care Requirements in Maine

Even though personal squirrel ownership is not permitted in Maine, understanding the care standards the state sets for permitted wildlife helps illustrate why these animals are so heavily regulated. Wildlife held in captivity must be confined, contained, controlled, and sheltered in such a way as to protect it, and to protect the property of others and the health and safety of the public.

For anyone holding a legitimate rehabilitation or exhibition permit, Maine’s Chapter 7 regulations set detailed minimum standards. All cages and enclosures must be kept in a sanitary condition, regular cleaning schedules must be maintained, and trash, spilled food, and fecal materials must be removed at least once each day and more often if necessary.

Squirrels are highly active, gnawing animals. As with all creatures that belong to the order Rodentia, squirrels constantly chew on things using their overgrown incisors. Any enclosure must be built from materials that can withstand persistent chewing — standard wire mesh and thin wood panels are not adequate for long-term containment.

Flying squirrels present additional complexity. Thanks to their superb gliding abilities, flying squirrels are great escape artists. An enclosure for a flying squirrel needs significant vertical height to allow gliding behavior, along with a secure, escape-proof design. The commissioner may adopt rules necessary for the administration of this section, including provisions to ensure that all wildlife possessed under these permits receives humane treatment and proper husbandry and security, and to safeguard the interests of the wildlife and citizens of the state.

Pro Tip: If you are a permitted wildlife rehabilitator caring for squirrels temporarily, a diet that mirrors their natural foraging — including nuts, seeds, fruits, and occasional protein — supports healthy development before release. The MDIFW can connect you with licensed veterinarians experienced in native wildlife care.

For context on the natural predators and ecological role of squirrels in Maine’s environment, our article on animals that eat squirrels is a useful read. You may also want to explore plants that repel squirrels if wild squirrels are causing problems around your property rather than being considered as pets.

Local and Municipal Restrictions in Maine

State law sets the floor, but individual municipalities in Maine can go further. Some towns may have municipal ordinances which prohibit certain animals or further regulate the keeping of animals which the Department otherwise allows, so you should check with your city or town to comply with both state and local laws.

State laws set the basics, but cities and counties can add their own restrictions — so even if your state allows pet squirrels, your city or HOA might not. In Maine’s case, where the state already prohibits personal squirrel ownership, a local ordinance could make an already-restricted situation even more constrained.

If you rent your home, your landlord’s pet policy is a separate layer of restriction entirely. If you are renting, check with your landlord to see if it is acceptable to have a pet — while a squirrel may be legal in your state, you will need to ensure it is permitted in the home. In Maine, where squirrels are not legal as pets, this conversation becomes moot, but it is a useful reminder for anyone considering relocating to a more permissive state.

If you need a permit, local officials can walk you through the steps, tell you what kind of enclosure you will need, and explain inspection or vet requirements — and local rules can also affect how you transport, sell, or breed squirrels.

Maine residents interested in the state’s broader wildlife landscape can explore related guides on hawks in Maine, owls in Maine, and snakes in Maine to better understand the native species that share the state with its squirrel populations.

Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Maine

Maine takes violations of its wildlife possession laws seriously. Each day a person violates the possession statute, that person commits a Class E crime for which a minimum fine of $50 and an amount equal to twice the applicable permit fee must be imposed. Because the violation is counted per day, costs can accumulate quickly.

Penalties for violations incur fines that range from $100 to $500, and three or more such violations within a five-year period are considered to be a Class E criminal offense. A Class E crime in Maine is the lowest level of criminal offense, but it still results in a criminal record.

Beyond fines, the consequences extend to the animal itself. Anyone caught violating the laws is subject to civil or criminal penalties, and the captive animal may be confiscated, euthanized, or released back into the wild. The possibility of euthanasia is a sobering outcome for anyone who has bonded with an animal.

Escaped wildlife carries its own criminal exposure. Failing to immediately notify a law enforcement officer that unpermitted wildlife has escaped constitutes a Class D crime — a more serious offense than the underlying possession violation. Maine also has the authority to charge the responsible party for removal or euthanasia costs. The rules allow the department to charge a responsible party for the cost incurred to remove or euthanize unpermitted regulated fish or wildlife species.

The state can also suspend, revoke, or deny a permit for any reason, which means even legitimately permitted holders are not guaranteed continued authorization. Anyone considering the rehabilitation path should understand that permit status is not permanent.

If you are genuinely passionate about Maine wildlife and want a legal way to stay connected with squirrels and other native species, consider wildlife observation, photography, or supporting licensed rehabilitation organizations. Maine’s forests and backyards offer plenty of opportunity to watch eastern gray squirrels, red squirrels, and flying squirrels in their natural habitat — and that experience carries no legal risk at all. For more on Maine’s wildlife, see our guides on butterflies in Maine and caterpillars in Maine, or explore the types of squirrels in Canada to see what species live just north of the border.