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

Owning a pet squirrel in Nebraska is legal — but only under a specific set of conditions that the state enforces through its captive wildlife permit system. If you have been wondering whether you can keep one of these energetic animals at home, the short answer is yes, provided you follow the rules established by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The rules are clear on one foundational point: the squirrel must come from a licensed breeder, not from the wild. Nebraska draws a firm line between captive-raised animals and wild-caught ones, and that distinction shapes every part of the ownership process. Before you commit to this pet, understanding those requirements will save you time, money, and potential legal trouble.

Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Nebraska

It is legal to own a pet squirrel in Nebraska, but only if the squirrel was raised in captivity. This places Nebraska among the states that allow squirrel ownership with conditions, rather than banning it outright or permitting it without any oversight. You can learn more about squirrels native to Nebraska to get a sense of which species you might encounter before deciding on a pet.

Nebraska strictly regulates what captive wildlife residents can keep as pets. It is only legal to keep fox squirrels, gray squirrels, and flying squirrels under a captive wildlife permit. Under Nebraska law, it is illegal to capture any native wildlife and keep it as a pet — this includes squirrels.

Nebraska operates under a partial ban system for exotic animals, meaning the state prohibits certain dangerous species while allowing others with appropriate permits. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission oversees most exotic pet regulations through the Captive Wildlife Permit system established under Nebraska Revised Statute 37-477.

Important Note: Even if squirrel ownership is legal at the state level, local city and county ordinances can impose stricter rules. Always check with your municipality before applying for a permit.

Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Nebraska

Nebraska has four types of tree squirrel native to the area — these include the Eastern Gray Squirrel, the American Red Squirrel, the fox squirrel, and the southern flying squirrel. Of these, only three are approved for captive ownership under a permit. You can explore the full range of different types of squirrels to compare species before making a decision.

The three species permitted for captive ownership in Nebraska are the fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), the Eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), and the Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans). Each of these is native to parts of Nebraska and can be legally kept when sourced from a licensed breeder. For a closer look at the flying squirrel specifically, see our guide to flying squirrel care and characteristics.

There is some disagreement over whether the American Red Squirrel is seen in Nebraska. Nebraska also has four types of ground squirrel in the area — these include Franklin’s ground squirrel, the Spotted ground squirrel, the thirteen-lined ground squirrel, and the Wyoming ground squirrel. Ground squirrels are not listed among the approved captive species, so you should not assume they fall under the same permit.

Data on pet squirrel legality typically applies to native squirrels such as red squirrels, grey squirrels, and fox squirrels. Non-native species of squirrel and flying squirrels may be subject to different regulations. If you are considering a non-native or exotic squirrel species, contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission directly for clarification before purchasing. You can also browse types of squirrels found across the US to see what species exist beyond Nebraska’s borders.

Permit and License Requirements in Nebraska

A Captive Wildlife Permit is required to retain any wild birds or wild mammals in captivity for personal use. This applies to squirrels. You must secure this permit before you acquire the animal — not after. The permit must be acquired before you obtain the squirrel.

The application process involves several concrete steps:

1. To obtain a captive wildlife permit in Nebraska, you must contact the Commission District or Service Center Office, who will furnish you with information and an application packet.
2. To apply for a Captive Wildlife Permit, visit www.gooutdoorsne.com and select “Commercial Hobbyist” or download and fill out an application form and send payment of $33 to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
3. Before a permit is issued, a Conservation Officer will come to your property and inspect pens or enclosures to ensure there is adequate shelter and structures for the animals you wish to acquire. After you pass inspection, a permit will be issued, and you can purchase the animals you indicated you want to raise.

Permits expire on December 31 of the designated permit year. Animal reporting and renewal is due no later than January 15 of the next year. Annual reporting is required even if you do not have captive wildlife in your possession.

Nebraska requires captive wildlife permit holders to submit an annual accounting of animal inventory and a renewal form for their permit to the Commission District or Service Center Office by the last day of the year, every year. An annual accounting of animal inventory is a form that states how many captive wildlife animals you currently have and their species. This form also requires that you report any changes to your previously approved enclosure, and it will ask that you list newly acquired captive wildlife in a separate section.

Pro Tip: Start the permit process at least 60 days before you plan to acquire your squirrel. Enclosure construction takes time, and conservation officer inspection scheduling depends on local availability.

At the federal level, squirrels may 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.

Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Nebraska

To obtain a pet squirrel in Nebraska, you must first secure a captive wildlife license, then find a breeder who is licensed by the state to breed captive squirrels. You should not buy your squirrel from anyone other than a licensed breeder. This rule exists to ensure animals have not been taken from the wild and that the ownership chain is fully documented.

You may not purchase a pet squirrel from anyone who does not have a state license. When you complete your annual inventory report, you will need to enter the name and address of the seller, as well as their permit number. This paper trail is a built-in enforcement mechanism, so purchasing from an unlicensed seller creates immediate legal risk for you as the buyer.

You may also purchase a squirrel that was bred legally in another state and import it into Nebraska. When importing exotic animals into Nebraska, animals must be accompanied by sufficient proof of legal origin, including appropriate state and federal permit numbers from the source state. This documentation demonstrates the animal was not illegally captured or transported. Many species also require certificates of veterinary inspection showing the animal is free from dangerous or contagious diseases.

If you find an injured wild squirrel and want to help it, do not attempt to keep it as a pet. It is not possible or legal to obtain a permit to own a wild squirrel as a pet. Someone can only hold a wild squirrel in captivity if that person has a wildlife rehabilitation license. Contact Nebraska Game and Parks or Nebraska Wildlife Rehab for guidance on injured animals.

Housing and Care Requirements in Nebraska

Before your permit is issued, a conservation officer will inspect your property to confirm that your enclosure meets state standards. Nebraska does not openly provide information on what constitutes a suitable enclosure for a squirrel, so it is a good idea to call the Game and Parks Commission Center to find out their requirements.

As a baseline reference, the requirements for a pet squirrel enclosure in the state of Michigan include an enclosure measuring a minimum of 4 ft x 4 ft x 8 ft high for one squirrel. This enclosure should have a nest box 1 ft x 1 ft x 2 ft elevated 5 ft above ground for each animal. The enclosure should also have a central climbing tree with at least three branches that measure 3 inches or longer. While Nebraska has not published identical specifications, this framework gives you a reasonable starting point when building your enclosure before the officer’s visit.

When your enclosure is complete, a conservation officer from the Game and Parks Commission will come and inspect it. If your enclosure meets the necessary standards, you will be issued a captive wildlife permit. If your enclosure does not meet the state requirements, the conservation officer will tell you what you need to adjust or change.

Beyond the physical structure, squirrels are active, intelligent animals that need daily mental stimulation. Branches, tunnels, foraging opportunities, and a varied diet of nuts, seeds, vegetables, and occasional protein sources all contribute to a healthy captive environment. Squirrels are not domesticated animals, and their care demands are meaningfully different from those of a dog or cat. Before committing, review what predators squirrels face in the wild to understand their natural stress responses and what that means for captive housing security.

Local and Municipal Restrictions in Nebraska

Nebraska’s state laws provide baseline regulations, but local governments can impose stricter rules. This layered approach means an animal legal at the state level might be prohibited in your city or county. This is one of the most important factors Nebraska residents overlook when researching squirrel ownership.

Two of Nebraska’s largest cities have notable restrictions:

• Omaha — Omaha bans all exotic pets defined as non-domesticated animals. This restriction is more stringent than state law and affects many species legal elsewhere in Nebraska.
• Kearney — Kearney prohibits all wild animals within city limits, regardless of state permits. Even animals legal at the state level cannot be kept within Kearney city boundaries.

If you live within city limits, check with your local Animal Control Office, City Attorney, or applicable city office to determine if a specific animal may be kept in captivity. Animals such as raccoons are not allowed in some cities and towns. The same logic applies to squirrels.

Laws regarding pet squirrels can change at any time. Pet squirrels may also be regulated at the county, municipal, or local level even in states in which they are legal at the state level. If you rent your home, your landlord’s pet policy adds yet another layer to check before you proceed. Nebraska wildlife is also part of a broader regional ecosystem — you can explore other wildlife found in the state, such as hawks in Nebraska or snakes in Nebraska, to understand the environment your pet squirrel comes from.

Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Nebraska

Nebraska takes captive wildlife violations seriously, and the consequences of non-compliance extend well beyond a simple fine. The state uses a tiered penalty structure based on the nature and severity of the offense.

Monetary penalties are common for violating Nebraska’s wildlife laws. The Nebraska Revised Statutes outline specific fines for various infractions, varying based on offense severity and nature. Hunting without a valid permit, for example, can result in fines from $100 to $500, depending on the species and repeat offenses.

For violations tied directly to captive wildlife permit rules, the penalties are steeper. Any person violating Nebraska’s captive wildlife permit provisions shall be guilty of a Class II misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be fined at least one thousand dollars. Under Nebraska’s misdemeanor classification system, Class II misdemeanors carry punishments of up to six months in jail or fines of up to $1,000, or both.

When violations cross into federal territory — such as purchasing from an unlicensed USDA seller — the consequences escalate significantly. A felony conviction for illegal wildlife trafficking can result in a fine of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to five years.

Violators may also face license suspension or revocation. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission can suspend licenses from one year to a lifetime, depending on violation severity. Repeated offenses or egregious acts can lead to permanent revocation.

Important Note: Purchasing a squirrel from an unlicensed seller — even if you hold a valid captive wildlife permit — can expose you to federal wildlife trafficking charges. Always verify the seller’s USDA license number before completing any transaction.

If you are caught with a wild-caught squirrel and no rehabilitation permit, conservation officers have the authority to seize the animal. The squirrel will likely be transferred to a licensed rehabilitator rather than returned to you. Beyond the legal penalties, you also risk a permanent mark on your record that could affect future permit applications. For context on Nebraska’s broader wildlife framework, the Animal Legal & Historical Center’s summary of Nebraska’s captive wildlife regulations provides a detailed breakdown of the statutes that govern these cases.

Owning a squirrel in Nebraska is genuinely possible for residents who are willing to follow the process. Secure your captive wildlife permit first, build an approved enclosure, buy only from a USDA-licensed breeder, and confirm that your city allows exotic pets. Taking those steps in order keeps you on the right side of both state and federal law — and gives your squirrel the stable, legal home it needs. For more on Nebraska’s wildlife and the animals that share the state, explore our guides to hummingbirds in Nebraska and venomous animals in Nebraska.