Nevada has a reputation for unusually relaxed exotic pet laws, and that reputation is largely earned. Nevada has some of the most relaxed exotic pet laws in the country, allowing residents to own a variety of unique animals. But relaxed does not mean unlimited, and squirrels sit in a legally complicated corner of that framework.
If you are wondering whether you can keep a squirrel as a pet in Nevada, the answer depends on the species, where in the state you live, and how the animal was obtained. This guide walks through each layer of that question — from state law and species distinctions to housing requirements and the penalties you face if you get it wrong.
Important Note: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Nevada’s exotic pet regulations can change, and county ordinances vary widely. Always verify current rules with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) or a licensed attorney before acquiring any wildlife.
Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Nevada?
The short answer is: it depends on the species. Nevada does not operate on a simple “allowed unless banned” model. The importation, transportation, or possession of any wild species listed in NAC Section 503.110 is prohibited, and these include various types of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Ground squirrels fall squarely within those restrictions.
Other animals that cannot be rehabilitated — and by extension, cannot be legally kept — include coyotes, foxes, skunks, rats, mice, ground squirrels, bats, or any animal whose possession is prohibited under NAC 503.110 or by a county or city ordinance. This is a meaningful distinction: native Nevada ground squirrels are explicitly off the table, both as pets and as rehabilitation animals.
Flying squirrels, however, occupy a different legal position. They are not listed among the prohibited species under NAC 503.110, which means they can potentially be kept without a state-level permit — provided they are lawfully acquired from a licensed source and your county does not impose additional restrictions. You can read more about squirrels found in Nevada to understand which species are native to the region before making any decisions.
Along with Alabama and North Carolina, Nevada is one of three states that does not directly control the private ownership of exotic pets but may regulate some aspect of ownership. That framework means the burden of research falls heavily on you as a prospective owner.
Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Nevada?
Nevada is home to several squirrel species, and their legal status as pets varies considerably. Understanding the difference between native wildlife and non-native captive-bred animals is the first step. For a broader look at squirrel diversity, the different types of squirrels found across North America provides useful context.
Native Nevada ground squirrels — including the Townsend’s ground squirrel and the white-tailed antelope squirrel — are protected under state wildlife law. Keeping any native ground squirrel as a pet is prohibited. Though they make amusing and lively companions when properly cared for, squirrels remain undomesticated wild animals that require permitting in most places across the United States.
The species most commonly kept legally as pets across the country is the Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans). The two species most commonly kept in captivity are the Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) and the Northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus), with the Southern being far more common in the pet trade due to its smaller size and generally more adaptable temperament. Neither species is native to Nevada, which means a captive-bred individual purchased from a licensed breeder does not fall under the state’s native wildlife protections.
| Squirrel Type | Native to Nevada? | Legal as Pet? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ground squirrels (various species) | Yes | No | Explicitly prohibited under NAC 503.110 |
| Tree squirrels (e.g., Western gray) | Yes | No | Protected native wildlife; cannot be kept or rehabilitated privately |
| Southern flying squirrel | No | Generally yes (captive-bred) | Not on prohibited list; must be legally sourced; county rules apply |
| Northern flying squirrel | No | Generally yes (captive-bred) | Less common in pet trade; same sourcing and county rules apply |
For a deeper look at the full range of squirrel species found in the United States, see this guide to types of squirrels in the US. You may also find it useful to compare how other states handle squirrel ownership — for example, squirrels in Michigan and squirrels in Ohio each operate under distinct regulatory frameworks.
Permit and License Requirements in Nevada
For captive-bred flying squirrels obtained from a licensed source, Nevada state law does not currently require a specific permit for private possession — because these animals are not listed on the NAC 503.110 prohibited species list and are not native Nevada wildlife. However, that does not mean no paperwork is involved.
Wildlife may only be obtained from a licensed breeder or dealer in that wildlife, or from collections lawfully made in another state or country. If you bring a flying squirrel into Nevada from out of state, you may need documentation showing it was legally acquired where it originated. Any license or permit issued by a wildlife agency in the state where a species originated that allows possession counts as evidence of lawful possession, as does any other documentation establishing lawful acquisition.
Allow up to thirty days for processing when dealing with any license or permit application through the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Even if no state permit is required for your specific animal, it is worth contacting NDOW directly at ndow.org to confirm your situation before purchasing.
Pro Tip: Keep all purchase receipts, breeder licenses, and health certificates from your flying squirrel’s state of origin. Nevada may ask for this documentation, and having it on hand protects you if questions arise from animal control or local authorities.
State departments of natural resources provide permitting for captive wildlife, often with separate regulations for native species versus exotic ones. Because flying squirrels are non-native to Nevada, they fall into the exotic category rather than the native wildlife category — a distinction that works in your favor at the state level.
Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Nevada
The source of your squirrel matters as much as the species. Taking a squirrel from the wild in Nevada is illegal regardless of species. Even in “permissive” states, legal possession almost always requires using a captive wildlife or breeder permit and ensuring the animal is legally sourced, often from a USDA-licensed breeder.
Your best path to a legally obtained flying squirrel is through a USDA-licensed exotic animal breeder. These breeders operate under federal oversight and can provide the documentation Nevada may require. Exotic animal expos and reptile shows held in Nevada occasionally feature flying squirrel breeders, but always ask for breeder credentials and proof of licensing before purchasing.
- Purchase only from USDA-licensed breeders who can provide written proof of captive breeding
- Request a health certificate from the state of origin if the animal is being transported across state lines
- Avoid online classifieds or informal sellers who cannot provide documentation
- Never take a squirrel from the wild, even if it appears injured or orphaned — contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead
- Contact NDOW before your purchase if you have any questions about documentation requirements
If you encounter a wild squirrel that needs help, the correct step is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Animals that cannot be rehabilitated by private individuals include coyotes, foxes, skunks, rats, mice, ground squirrels, and bats. Ground squirrels specifically cannot be taken in even for rehabilitation purposes by private citizens — that restriction reinforces how firmly Nevada separates native squirrels from the pet category. You can also explore the broader context of squirrel behavior and biology to better understand what you are committing to before acquiring one.
Housing and Care Requirements in Nevada
Nevada does not publish a formal state-mandated care standard for privately kept flying squirrels the way some states do for permitted wildlife. That said, providing inadequate care can expose you to animal cruelty charges under NRS 574.100, so understanding proper husbandry is both an ethical and legal concern.
The essential requirements for keeping flying squirrels successfully center on three things: a proper diet with adequate calcium, a tall enclosure with plenty of climbing and gliding space, and dedicated bonding time during their active nighttime hours. Get any one of those wrong and you will have an unhealthy or behaviorally troubled animal.
Enclosures should measure at least 4 to 6 feet tall to allow plenty of room for flying squirrels to get the exercise and stimulation they need. Vertical height matters more than floor space because these animals are built to climb and glide. A suitable enclosure should include a tall cage with multiple levels, nest boxes for sleeping, branches for climbing, toys for mental stimulation, safe bedding materials, and water bottles and feeding dishes.
Regular chicken wire will not work for squirrels, as squirrels can escape through very small spaces and predators will attempt to get in. The ideal mesh is 1/2 x 1/2 inch or smaller to prevent other animals from catching a small arm or leg through the wire.
Diet is another area where many new owners struggle. Squirrels are omnivores and in the wild eat a varied diet of seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, fungi, eggs, insects, and even small vertebrates. As pets, their diet should mimic their natural foods, consisting mainly of nuts, fruits, vegetables, and some seeds and eggs. These pets are susceptible to calcium deficiency, so a calcium block will be needed in your enclosure.
In captivity, with proper care and nutrition, flying squirrels regularly live ten to fifteen years, which represents a serious long-term commitment that many people underestimate when they fall in love with a baby squirrel at a show or from a breeder. Nevada’s desert climate also adds a consideration: indoor temperature control is important, as flying squirrels do not tolerate extreme heat well. Learn more about the flying squirrel’s natural habits and needs before committing to ownership.
Pro Tip: Nevada has very few exotic-animal veterinarians compared to more populated states. Before acquiring a flying squirrel, identify an exotic mammal vet in your area who has experience with small rodents. Because they are exotic pets, finding a qualified veterinarian is important.
You should also be aware of the animals that naturally prey on squirrels in Nevada’s environment. Understanding animals that eat squirrels can help you think through outdoor enclosure security if you ever house your pet in a partially outdoor setup.
Local and Municipal Restrictions in Nevada
State law sets the floor, but county and city ordinances can raise the bar significantly. Many counties and cities have stricter regulations than the state of Nevada when it comes to exotic animals. This is where Nevada’s otherwise permissive framework gets complicated for prospective squirrel owners.
Many of Nevada’s cities and counties have more restrictive regulations on wildlife ownership. For example, the state’s two most populous counties, Clark and Washoe, have a comprehensive application and inspection process for privately owned exotic animals. If you live in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, or the Reno/Sparks area, you face a more demanding regulatory environment than someone living in a rural Nevada county.
Clark County’s exotic animal ordinance (Chapter 10.18) governs what residents of Las Vegas and the surrounding area can keep. Clark County adopted laws that restrict people from owning most wild and exotic animals. Before acquiring any exotic pet in Clark County, contact Clark County Animal Control directly to confirm current rules for your specific species.
In Washoe County, which covers Reno and Sparks, a tiered permit system applies to exotic animals. Tier 1 exotic animals, such as chinchillas, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders, are exempt from the permitting requirement. Flying squirrels are not explicitly categorized in publicly available Washoe County documentation, so contacting Washoe County Animal Services before acquiring one is the safest approach.
- Clark County / Las Vegas: Restrictive exotic animal ordinance; verify species-specific rules with Clark County Animal Control
- Washoe County / Reno: Tiered permit system; contact Washoe County Animal Services for flying squirrel classification
- Henderson: Henderson is among the localities where animals legal under Nevada state law may be illegal at the local level. Check with Henderson Animal Control
- Rural counties: Generally follow state law with fewer additional restrictions, but always confirm with local animal control
Prospective owners must research not only state regulations but also county and municipal restrictions on captive wildlife. Independent of statewide permitting, certain counties and cities impose additional restrictions on keeping squirrels as pets. This two-layer research is not optional — it is the only way to know for certain whether you are in compliance.
Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Nevada
Nevada does not treat illegal exotic pet ownership lightly, even when the animal in question is small. The consequences range from confiscation to criminal charges, and they apply whether you knowingly broke the law or simply failed to do your research.
You are unlikely to be criminally prosecuted for possession of a small illegal pet unless you also violate Nevada animal cruelty laws. But your animal can be confiscated and, in many cases, euthanized. That outcome — the animal being euthanized — is the most serious practical consequence for most owners of small illegal pets like ground squirrels.
If you are prosecuted, it will be for a misdemeanor, which can be punished by up to 6 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense. You may also be required to pay the costs of removing and caring for the animal as well as the county’s legal costs.
Animal cruelty charges carry their own separate penalties. Animal cruelty and abuse is a criminal offense in Nevada under NRS Section 574.100. This applies to all animals, domestic and exotic. Anyone charged with a first offense under this law is usually convicted of a misdemeanor, carrying a sentence of up to six months in jail, 120 hours of community service, and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
The owner is also liable for the costs incurred by the Department to capture, maintain, and dispose of the wildlife. In practice, those costs can add up quickly if an animal requires specialized veterinary care before it can be relocated or euthanized.
Important Note: Penalties apply at both the state and county level. A violation of Clark County’s exotic animal ordinance, for example, can result in separate fines and enforcement actions on top of any state-level consequences. Always resolve both layers of compliance before acquiring any exotic animal.
If you are on the fence about squirrel ownership and want to explore Nevada’s wildlife more broadly before committing, consider reading about other animals in the state — from lizards in Nevada to poisonous animals in Nevada — to get a fuller picture of what the state’s wildlife regulatory environment looks like. For those curious about how squirrel ownership compares in neighboring states, the squirrel situation in Idaho offers a useful point of comparison, as does a look at types of ground squirrels to understand exactly which species are at issue under Nevada law.
The bottom line: native Nevada squirrels are off-limits as pets under any circumstances. Captive-bred flying squirrels from licensed breeders occupy a legal gray area that can work in your favor at the state level — but only if you do the county-level research, source your animal properly, and provide care that meets both ethical and legal standards.