Can You Own a Squirrel in Wisconsin? What State Law Actually Requires

Wisconsin sits in an interesting position when it comes to exotic pet ownership — it is widely regarded as one of the more permissive states in the country, yet that permissiveness comes with a framework of licenses, sourcing rules, and local ordinances that every prospective owner needs to understand before bringing a squirrel home.

If you have been wondering whether you can legally keep a squirrel in Wisconsin, the short answer is yes — but the longer answer involves the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Chapter 169 of the Wisconsin Statutes, and a few important distinctions based on species and where the animal comes from.

This guide walks you through exactly what Wisconsin law requires, which species are affected, how to obtain the right permits, where to find a legal animal, how to house and care for it properly, and what penalties apply if you get it wrong.

Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Wisconsin

The good news is that squirrel ownership is not outright banned in Wisconsin. Pet squirrels are legal in Wisconsin as a rule, though certain non-native tree squirrel species originating in Africa are on the list of species that may not be brought into Wisconsin, whether as pets or for any other reason. For the species most people have in mind — red squirrels, gray squirrels, fox squirrels, and flying squirrels — legal ownership is achievable.

That said, “legal” does not mean “unregulated.” Wisconsin law regulates the possession of and activities involving captive wildlife, including taking, transporting, selling, purchasing, introducing, stocking, releasing, hunting, exhibiting, propagating, and rehabilitating captive wild animals. Squirrels fall squarely within that regulatory umbrella.

No person may possess any live wild animal unless the person holds a license or other approval to possess the wild animal as required under Chapter 169 and is otherwise in compliance with that chapter and the rules promulgated under it. This is the foundational rule that shapes every other requirement discussed below.

Key Insight: Wisconsin is considered one of the more permissive states for exotic pet ownership, but that does not mean squirrels can be kept without any paperwork. A license or permit is required in nearly every scenario involving a captive squirrel.

One important nuance involves the source of the animal. Squirrels are legal in Wisconsin when they come from a USDA-licensed breeder. Red squirrels may not require a permit, while other species like gray and fox squirrels might. Verifying the specific requirements for your intended species with the Wisconsin DNR before acquiring any animal is strongly advised.

Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Wisconsin

Wisconsin is home to several squirrel species, and the legal landscape differs depending on whether the animal is native to the state or not. You can learn more about the types of squirrels found in Wisconsin to better understand which animals you might encounter or consider as a pet.

The species most commonly discussed in the context of pet ownership include:

• Eastern gray squirrel — native to Wisconsin, classified as a game animal under state law
• Fox squirrel — native to Wisconsin, also classified as a game animal
• Red squirrel — native to Wisconsin; sources indicate this species may be kept with fewer permit hurdles than gray or fox squirrels
• Northern flying squirrel — native to Wisconsin; subject to captive wildlife regulations but popular among exotic pet owners

Under Wisconsin law, squirrel is explicitly listed as a “game animal,” placing it in the same regulated category as deer, rabbit, woodchuck, fox, and raccoon. This classification matters because it means squirrels are not simply unprotected wild mammals — they carry specific legal status that triggers licensing requirements for possession.

The DNR’s Captive Wild Animal Farm License application specifically lists red squirrels and ground squirrels among the animals that can be possessed under that license, provided they are obtained from a legal source. This confirms a formal pathway exists for keeping at least some squirrel species in captivity.

Important Note: Certain non-native squirrel species originating outside North America may be prohibited from importation into Wisconsin under invasive species rules. Always confirm the species you are considering with the DNR before purchasing.

Flying squirrels occupy a slightly different niche. They are nocturnal, bond closely with their owners, and are popular in the exotic pet trade. Flying squirrels are smaller, nocturnal, and generally bond more with people than their tree-squirrel counterparts, making them an appealing choice for those seeking a more interactive pet. For a deeper look at this species, see our overview of the flying squirrel.

Permit and License Requirements in Wisconsin

Understanding which license applies to your situation is one of the most important steps in the process. Chapter 169 of the Wisconsin Statutes created the types of captive wildlife licenses used in the state. Additional authorizations, standards, limitations, and requirements are established in the Administrative Code of the DNR, including Administrative Code sections NR 16, NR 17, and NR 19.

For most private individuals seeking to keep a squirrel as a pet, the relevant instrument is the Captive Wild Animal Farm License (CWAFL). A CWAFL authorizes the holder to possess, propagate, kill, exhibit, purchase, and sell live captive wild animals of the species specified by the department on the license.

Several key rules govern this license:

1. No wild-caught animals. A captive wild animal farm license does not authorize taking, capturing, or killing animals from the wild, or the possession, care, or rehabilitation of orphaned or injured wild animals. All captive wild animals must be obtained from a legal captive source.
2. USDA sourcing requirement. 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 constitutes wildlife trafficking and is a federal crime.
3. Import permits. An Animal Import Permit must be obtained prior to the import of any animal into Wisconsin from another state, province, or country. This permit is issued by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
4. Additional agency permits. Additional permits may be required by other DNR programs, the USDA, DATCP, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, or others, depending on the nature of the activity and the species involved. You should contact these agencies for regulations and additional information before obtaining any wild animal.

Pro Tip: Contact the Wisconsin DNR directly at 1-888-936-7463 or visit dnr.wisconsin.gov and search “captive” to access the most current CWAFL application forms and pen specification requirements before you begin the licensing process.

Wisconsin mandates a permit for keeping wildlife, including squirrels, and applicants must demonstrate their ability to provide proper care, housing, and nutrition for the animal. These permits are not automatically granted and often involve a thorough review process to ensure the applicant’s qualifications.

It is also worth noting that Wisconsin is listed as legal for squirrel ownership with a license, and proper housing and care are required. The licensing process is the formal mechanism through which the state verifies you can meet those standards.

Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Wisconsin

The source of your squirrel is not just a practical consideration — it is a legal one. Acquiring an animal from the wrong source can invalidate any license you hold and expose you to criminal penalties. There are three main legal avenues.

USDA-Licensed Breeders

Licensed breeders can sell pet squirrels bred in captivity. Look for breeders who provide health records, the animal’s age (never under 8 weeks), and clear breeding permits. A USDA breeder license is the clearest signal that the animal has a documented, legal origin. Ask breeders about genetics, socialization, and what happens if things don’t work out. Visit in person if you can — observe how the animals look, check enclosure size, and make sure conditions are clean.

Wildlife Rehabilitators

Wildlife rehabilitators care for injured or orphaned squirrels and sometimes allow people to adopt those that cannot be returned to the wild. Contact local rehabilitation centers or wildlife hospitals to ask about adoptable squirrels. Keep in mind that rehabilitators operate under their own licenses and will have strict placement requirements. Wisconsin also permits pet squirrels obtained through rehabilitation centers, provided they are acquired legally and not taken from the wild.

Out-of-State Licensed Sources

If you are bringing a squirrel into Wisconsin from another state, you must secure an Animal Import Permit from DATCP before the animal crosses the state line. Import permits are required from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to bring animals into Wisconsin from another state or country.

Common Mistake: Never take a squirrel from the wild with the intention of keeping it as a pet. Wisconsin law explicitly prohibits this, and doing so could result in confiscation of the animal and criminal charges — even if you later obtain a license.

You may also find squirrels through exotic pet communities and online directories. Online listings sometimes connect you to breeders, rescues, or private sellers. Stick to exotic-pet directories and community groups rather than random classifieds, and always verify the seller — ask for permits, photos, vet records, and references. For broader context on squirrel species kept as pets across the country, our guide to different types of squirrels is a helpful reference.

Housing and Care Requirements in Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s captive wildlife regulations set minimum standards for how captive wild animals must be housed. Wisconsin law mandates that pet squirrels be kept in secure enclosures to prevent escape, as escaped non-native or improperly cared-for squirrels can disrupt local ecosystems. Beyond that baseline, the DNR’s pen specifications under Administrative Code NR 16 govern the physical standards your enclosure must meet.

Enclosure Standards

Squirrels are highly active animals that require significant vertical space. You will need a tall enclosure or a whole room with branches and places to climb. Squirrels need vertical space; aim for at least 4–6 feet tall for tree squirrels. For flying squirrels specifically, a minimum enclosure size of 2×4×6 feet is recommended, and height is especially important since flying squirrels love to climb and jump.

The enclosure itself should include:

• Nest boxes or hide areas for sleeping and security
• Natural branches and climbing structures
• Enrichment items such as ropes, tunnels, and foraging toys
• Safe bedding such as aspen wood shavings or paper-based materials
• Secure wire mesh construction with no gaps large enough for escape

Squirrels are agile escape artists, so any gaps or possible exit points need to be sealed. The enclosure floor can be lined with aspen wood shavings, recycled paper bedding, or fleece blankets. Include branches, ropes, ladders, boxes, and tubes for environmental enrichment.

Diet and Nutrition

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. A good squirrel diet consists mainly of nuts, fruits, vegetables, some seeds, and eggs.

Flying squirrels have slightly different nutritional needs. Flying squirrels are omnivores that thrive on a diet including fruits, vegetables, proteins, and grains. In the wild, they forage for seeds, nuts, fruits, and insects, so it is important to replicate this diet in captivity. Calcium supplementation is often recommended to prevent deficiencies.

Veterinary Care

Owners must ensure the squirrel receives proper veterinary care, as neglect or mistreatment can lead to legal consequences. Finding a veterinarian experienced with exotic small mammals before you acquire your animal is a wise step. Wild animals have very specific dietary and housing requirements that are difficult to meet in captivity, and routine checkups help catch problems before they become serious.

Pro Tip: Flying squirrels kept in captivity can live 10–15 years with proper care — significantly longer than their wild counterparts. Factor that long-term commitment into your decision before acquiring one.

For additional context on squirrel behavior and biology that informs good care practices, our broader resource on squirrels covers the fundamentals. You may also find it useful to compare squirrel populations and species across neighboring states, such as our guides on squirrels in Michigan and squirrels in Ohio.

Local and Municipal Restrictions in Wisconsin

State-level legality is only one layer of the regulatory picture. Even if you have a valid Wisconsin DNR license, your city or county may impose additional restrictions — or an outright ban — on keeping squirrels as pets.

Just because an animal is legal to own at the state level 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. Consider checking with your local city and county for their specific regulations.

A few municipalities in Wisconsin, including Janesville, ban some exotic animals. Milwaukee does not have a ban on specific pets but does prohibit ownership of animals that have a known propensity to attack people, other domestic pets, or animals. Other cities and counties may have their own ordinances that are not widely publicized.

It is your responsibility to comply with all local laws, ordinances, and covenants before importing or possessing live wildlife. That responsibility cannot be delegated to a breeder, a seller, or anyone else — it rests entirely with you as the owner.

Here is a practical checklist for navigating local restrictions:

1. Contact your city clerk or municipal government to ask about exotic animal ordinances
2. Check your county’s website for animal control codes
3. If you rent, review your lease and speak with your landlord — many rental agreements prohibit exotic animals regardless of local law
4. If you live in a homeowners association, review the HOA covenants for any relevant restrictions
5. Confirm with your local animal control office whether squirrels fall under any “dangerous animal” or “wildlife” ordinance

Important Note: Local ordinances can change. Even if your municipality permitted squirrel ownership when you acquired your pet, a new ordinance could alter that status. Staying current with local regulations is an ongoing responsibility.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection strongly encourages you to contact officials at all levels of the local government in the destination jurisdiction — county, township, and municipality — to determine their regulations on animal ownership.

For a sense of how squirrel regulations and populations vary across different jurisdictions, you may find our regional guides on squirrels in Nebraska and squirrels in Delaware informative comparisons.

Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Wisconsin

Wisconsin takes captive wildlife violations seriously. The penalties for illegal possession, improper sourcing, or failure to maintain required licenses can be significant — and they extend beyond fines to include the loss of the animal itself.

Wisconsin wildlife laws require a license to take a wild animal from the wild or to import one into the state. A license is also required to exhibit, breed, rehabilitate, hunt, or purchase wild animals. Violations can result in fines, forfeiture, and imprisonment.

The state’s ownership framework reinforces this. The legal title to a wild animal or carcass taken or reduced to possession in violation of Wisconsin law remains with the state. The title to a wild animal lawfully acquired is subject to the condition that upon any violation of the chapter relating to possession, use, giving, sale, barter, or transportation of the animal, ownership reverts to the state as a result of the violation. In plain terms: even a lawfully acquired squirrel can be seized if you later violate the conditions of your license.

Sourcing violations carry especially severe consequences at the federal level. The Federal Lacey Act states that it is a federal violation to import, export, sell, receive, acquire, purchase, or conduct interstate transport of any fish, wildlife, or plant taken or possessed in violation of federal, tribal, state, or foreign law. Buying a squirrel from an unlicensed seller — even unknowingly — can implicate you under this statute.

Additional consequences to be aware of include:

• Animal confiscation — authorities can seize your squirrel if it was illegally obtained or if you are found to be non-compliant with license conditions
• License revocation — a CWAFL can be revoked for failure to submit required records or for violations of pen and care standards
• Endangered species violations — it is illegal to take, transport, possess, process, or sell any wild animal included on the Wisconsin Endangered and Threatened Species List without a valid permit, and penalties apply regardless of intent
• Federal prosecution — trafficking squirrels across state lines without proper USDA documentation is a federal crime

Common Mistake: Assuming that a squirrel found injured in your yard can be kept as a pet. Wisconsin law allows possession of a live wild animal for no more than 24 hours for the purpose of transferring it to a licensed rehabilitator or veterinarian — not for keeping it permanently.

The safest path is a straightforward one: obtain your DNR license before acquiring any animal, source the animal from a verified USDA-licensed breeder, secure any required import permit from DATCP, and confirm that your local municipality has no additional restrictions. Taking these steps in order eliminates the most common legal pitfalls.

If you are still in the research phase and want to understand how Wisconsin compares to other states in terms of squirrel species diversity, our guides on squirrel species across the US and types of ground squirrels provide useful context. For those curious about the broader regulatory picture in nearby states, see our resources on squirrels in Chicago and squirrels in New York.

Wisconsin’s legal framework for pet squirrels is workable — but it demands preparation, proper documentation, and ongoing compliance. Approaching the process methodically protects both you and the animal.