Can You Own a Squirrel in South Carolina? What the Law Actually Says

Squirrels are everywhere in South Carolina — darting through live oaks, raiding bird feeders, and scampering across backyard fences. It is no surprise that some residents wonder whether one could legally share their home with one. The short answer is yes, but the legal path is narrower than most people expect, and the rules carry real consequences if you get them wrong.

South Carolina sits in a gray zone when it comes to squirrel ownership. The state is one of the laxer states when considering exotic pets, but there are rules and regulations that apply. Understanding exactly what those rules are — and where they come from — is the first step before you consider bringing any squirrel home.

Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in South Carolina?

Under some circumstances, pet squirrels are legal in South Carolina. If the squirrel was taken from the wild in South Carolina, it can legally be kept as a pet. Squirrels may not be imported into South Carolina from other states, meaning you cannot move to South Carolina with a squirrel even if it was born in captivity.

South Carolina classifies squirrels as “game animals.” That classification matters because it places them under the authority of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), not just general animal control. What you can do is apply for a permit to keep a squirrel as a pet through the SCDNR. Keep in mind that the department will first conduct an investigation to ensure that the wild animal in question has been acquired lawfully.

It is important to note that, although technically legal, South Carolina is not a safe state for pet squirrels. The primary reason is a public health concern that runs through much of the state’s exotic pet framework. There are no approved rabies vaccines for exotic pets, and South Carolina sees this as a significant risk. If your squirrel bites someone and that person reports it, the outcome can be serious for the animal.

Important Note: South Carolina’s squirrel ownership laws are genuinely unclear in places, and multiple sources — including the SCDNR itself — describe the rules differently. Always contact the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources directly to confirm current requirements before acquiring any squirrel.

Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in South Carolina?

South Carolina is home to several native squirrel species. The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is the most common and the species most people picture when they think of a pet squirrel. The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) and the southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) are also found across the state, along with the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) in more northern areas.

The legal framework 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 non-native species — such as a Prevost’s squirrel or a variegated squirrel — the importation rules under South Carolina Code Title 50 become the governing factor, and those carry their own permit requirements.

South Carolina’s Title 50 wildlife laws regulate the importation of animals. It is unlawful to import, possess, or transport wildlife without a permit, including a wide range of native and non-native mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates, unless the wildlife was taken lawfully in its home jurisdiction and is unlikely to threaten natural resources. Non-native squirrel species fall squarely into this framework, so a permit from SCDNR is required before bringing any of them into the state.

If you are curious about other wildlife native to South Carolina, you may also want to read about types of snakes in South Carolina or explore the types of hawks in South Carolina to understand the broader wildlife landscape you share with these animals.

Permit and License Requirements in South Carolina

The permit process for squirrel ownership in South Carolina runs through the SCDNR and is tied directly to how the animal was obtained. A permit may be granted only after the investigations and inspections of the wildlife have been made as the department considers necessary and the department approves the possession, transportation, or importation into the State.

There is a specific provision in South Carolina law that shapes how most residents legally end up with a squirrel. A depredation permit is not required when capturing any nuisance furbearer or squirrel causing property damage within one hundred yards of a home. The permit is not required by the property owner or their designee when capturing furbearing animals or squirrels within one hundred yards of the owner’s home when the animal is causing damage to the home or the owner’s property. An animal captured pursuant to this subsection must be destroyed or, with a department permit, may be relocated.

As Paul League, counsel for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, has stated: “It is not illegal under the right circumstances, though it is something we strongly discourage, as squirrels can cause tremendous damage.” He noted that to legally possess a squirrel in South Carolina, you must take the squirrel within 100 yards of your home or during the state’s six-month hunting season.

Key Insight: Buying a squirrel from a seller without a USDA license is a federal offense regardless of state law. 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.

Anyone considering an exotic or wild animal in South Carolina should consult the South Carolina Code of Laws (Title 47, Chapter 2) for prohibited species provisions and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) for import permits and wildlife rules. You can also review hunting laws in South Carolina to understand how the SCDNR classifies and manages game species like squirrels.

Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in South Carolina

Your two realistic pathways to legally owning a squirrel in South Carolina are capturing one on your own property under the conditions described above, or purchasing one from a licensed breeder. Each path comes with its own set of requirements and risks.

If you capture a squirrel on your property — within the 100-yard rule — you must still contact SCDNR to confirm the conditions of keeping it. If you are importing the squirrel from another state, it must have been taken lawfully in the jurisdiction of the original state. The investigation should also prove that the possession of the wildlife in question will not cause harm to the natural resources of South Carolina itself.

The breeder route requires federal licensing. The only way to legally own a gray squirrel is by purchasing a captive-bred baby from a breeder licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in states that permit their ownership. Because South Carolina prohibits importing squirrels from other states, this pathway is complicated — you would need to find a USDA-licensed breeder operating within South Carolina, which is rare.

Wild squirrels are very difficult to tame. They just don’t want to be tamed, and it could cause many problems in your home and for the squirrel. A captive-bred animal from a reputable source is always a better starting point than a wild-caught one, both for the animal’s welfare and for your legal standing.

South Carolina’s wildlife is rich and varied. If squirrel ownership feels too legally complex, you might find it rewarding to simply observe the local fauna — from frogs to owls and butterflies — all of which thrive across the state without any permit requirements for observation.

Housing and Care Requirements in South Carolina

Squirrels are demanding animals to house properly. A standard pet cage is not adequate. Squirrels need a large, secure enclosure that allows them to climb, run, and exhibit natural behaviors. A typical pet cage is far too small.

Rehabilitation and wildlife care standards give a useful benchmark for enclosure sizing. An appropriate squirrel enclosure contains at least 16 square feet of floor space. For tree squirrels, an 8-foot-tall cage is mandatory, while ground squirrels require at least 4 feet of vertical clearance. The roof must be made of wire mesh or solid material to prevent escape. The floor size obligation increases by 25% for every additional animal.

A central climbing tree with at least 3-inch wide branches is expected for tree squirrels, and appropriate soil for digging is required for ground squirrels. The ground squirrel enclosure must have a wire mesh barrier buried at least 18 inches below the top of the soil. Regular chicken wire will not work for squirrels, as squirrels can get out through very small spaces and predators will attempt to get in. The ideal mesh will be 1/2 x 1/2 inch or smaller to prevent raccoons or other animals from catching a small arm or leg through the wire.

Diet is equally important. Squirrels require a varied diet consisting of nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and even insects in the wild. Replicating this nutritional balance in captivity is challenging. Improper diet can lead to serious health problems, including metabolic bone disease, which can cause deformities and even death.

Squirrels are highly active and intelligent animals that require ample mental and physical stimulation. A small cage with a few toys is inadequate. They need opportunities to climb, dig, forage, and explore. Without proper enrichment, they can become bored, frustrated, and destructive.

Pro Tip: Captive squirrels can live up to 14 years. This is a long-term commitment requiring consistent, attentive care. Before acquiring a squirrel, make sure you have access to an exotic animal veterinarian in your area, as standard vets may not treat them.

Once a squirrel has lost its natural instincts and fear of people, it can never be released. If surrendered to a rehabilitator, their only legal option is usually euthanasia. This makes the decision to keep a squirrel a genuinely permanent one.

Local and Municipal Restrictions in South Carolina

State law sets the floor, but local governments in South Carolina can — and do — go further. Cities and counties in South Carolina can adopt animal control ordinances that go beyond state law. This means that even if you clear all the SCDNR hurdles, your city or county may still prohibit squirrel ownership outright.

Beaufort County is one prominent example. You cannot import any exotic animal into Beaufort County, including animals like monkeys, raccoons, squirrels, ocelots, bobcats, lions, tigers, bears, wolves, hybrid wolves, and other such animals that could cause zoonotic diseases. Zoonotic diseases are infections passed from animals to people, such as rabies, salmonellosis, and avian flu.

The City of Florence passed an ordinance banning ownership of wild and exotic animals after a 2024 incident in which a resident was bitten by venomous snakes he was keeping at home. The ban includes alligators, crocodiles, large non-domestic primates, wolves, foxes, venomous snakes, and other high-risk species, reflecting community safety concerns.

Other counties and municipalities across the state may have similar restrictions that are not widely publicized. Local municipalities can also have restrictions on exotic animals, and squirrels are considered exotic animals. Check with your local municipality before you seek a squirrel permit. They may also have additional city or county bylaws that you need to be aware of when you want to ensure your squirrel is legal to own.

Because multiple agencies may be involved — SCDNR, SCDHEC, and local animal control — enforcement outcomes may vary based on jurisdiction and the species involved. Checking with your county’s animal control office directly is the safest step before you commit to anything.

South Carolina’s varied habitats also support many other regulated species worth knowing about, including bats, lizards, and salamanders — all of which have their own legal protections under state and federal law.

Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in South Carolina

Owning a squirrel outside of the legal framework in South Carolina is not a minor infraction. The penalties are tiered based on the nature and frequency of the offense, and they can escalate quickly.

• If it is your first offense and the value of the wildlife is $200 or less — which is where a single squirrel will likely fall — you will either be penalized with a fine of no more than $200 or, in more extreme circumstances, imprisoned for up to 30 days.
• For a second offense within less than three years of your first, you face jail time of a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 365 days. Others have been charged fines of $1,000 up to $5,000.
• For a third or subsequent offense, you will be fined $5,000 — no part suspended — or receive a year-long prison sentence.

Beyond fines and jail time, violating wildlife importation restrictions, prohibited species laws, or local ordinances can result in seizure of animals, fines, and criminal charges. In practice, seizure often means the animal is euthanized, not rehomed — a sobering reality that underscores why following the legal process matters for the squirrel’s sake as much as your own.

The federal layer adds another dimension. Buying or selling a squirrel through an unlicensed channel — regardless of what state law says — constitutes wildlife trafficking under federal law. That carries consequences well beyond what South Carolina statutes impose on their own.

Common Mistake: Many people assume that rescuing an injured or orphaned squirrel from their yard and keeping it is automatically legal. In South Carolina, keeping a rehabilitated squirrel long-term typically requires a state wildlife rehabilitation permit, and the SCDNR prefers that people who rehab squirrels have formal training in nursing wildlife back to health. They may also require a state wildlife rehabilitation permit, as well as an initial on-site inspection of your property.

If you find an injured squirrel and want to help, the right first call is to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area, not to keep the animal yourself. South Carolina has a network of licensed rehabilitators who can provide proper care and, where possible, return the animal to the wild. You can also explore related wildlife topics on this site, including roadkill laws in South Carolina and coral snakes in South Carolina, to better understand how the state manages its wildlife overall.

Squirrel ownership in South Carolina is possible, but it demands careful attention to state law, local ordinances, federal licensing requirements, and genuine long-term care capacity. If you can navigate all of that, you will be in a much stronger legal position — and your squirrel will be far better off for it.