Can You Own a Squirrel in Wyoming? Laws, Permits, and Care Requirements

Wyoming is one of the few states in the country where squirrel ownership is not a flat-out prohibition — but that does not mean you can simply bring one home without doing your homework first. The state’s wildlife laws are layered, permit-dependent, and enforced at multiple levels of government.

If you are seriously considering a pet squirrel in Wyoming, understanding exactly what the law requires — and what it forbids — is the most important first step you can take. This guide walks you through everything from the legal framework and species rules to housing standards and the consequences of getting it wrong.

Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Wyoming?

The short answer is: it can be, but it is far from simple. Prior to importing, possessing, or transporting live wildlife in Wyoming, a permit is required. Squirrels fall under the state’s wildlife possession framework, which means they are not treated the same as a dog or a hamster.

All wildlife in Wyoming is considered the property of the state, and there is no private ownership of live animals classified as big or trophy game animals. Squirrels are not in that trophy game category, but they are still classified as wildlife, which means the permit requirement applies.

Wyoming is described as “legal with license, difficult to obtain” by experienced squirrel owners who have navigated state regulations firsthand. Wyoming allows squirrel ownership but mandates that the animal must be sourced legally, such as from a licensed breeder or rehabilitator. Taking a squirrel from the wild and keeping it as a pet is a separate matter entirely — and generally not permitted under state law.

It is also worth noting that sources are not entirely consistent on Wyoming’s stance. While most wildlife law references confirm a permit pathway exists, you should verify current requirements directly with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department before making any decisions.

Important Note: Wyoming wildlife law is administered on a case-by-case basis. What one regional office approves, another may not. Always contact your local game warden before acquiring any squirrel.

Which Squirrel Species Are Legal in Wyoming?

Wyoming is home to several squirrel species, and understanding which ones are native — and how the law treats them — matters before you pursue ownership. The most common species you will encounter in the state include the fox squirrel, the red squirrel, the gray squirrel, and the northern flying squirrel.

Under Wyoming statute, fox, grey, and red squirrels are classified as “small game animals.” This classification is significant because it places them under game and fish regulations, not simply general wildlife possession rules. You can read more about the different types of squirrels found across North America to understand how species classification varies by region.

The northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) is also native to Wyoming. In Wyoming, the species is found in the northwestern mountains and the Black Hills in the northeast. The species is primarily found in coniferous forests, particularly those with tall, large diameter trees, moist conditions, and abundant standing and downed snags and decaying logs. Flying squirrels come with their own regulatory considerations, and you should review the flying squirrel ownership guide for a broader look at their care needs and legal status.

Data on pet squirrel legality typically applies to native squirrels such as red squirrels, grey squirrels, and fox squirrels. Non-native species and flying squirrels may be subject to different regulations. If you are considering a non-native or exotic squirrel species, exotic species means any wild animals not found in a wild, free, or unconfined status in Wyoming, which triggers a separate set of importation and possession rules under Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Chapter 10.

Species	Native to Wyoming?	State Classification	Permit Likely Required?
Fox Squirrel	Yes	Small Game Animal	Yes
Gray Squirrel	Yes	Small Game Animal	Yes
Red Squirrel	Yes	Small Game Animal	Yes
Northern Flying Squirrel	Yes	Non-game Wildlife	Yes
Non-native Species	No	Exotic Species	Yes (importation permit required)

Permit and License Requirements in Wyoming

Getting the paperwork right is the most critical part of legally owning a squirrel in Wyoming. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s reference guide indicates whether possession and importation of live wildlife is allowed and if a permit is required. If a species is allowed for possession under a permit, wildlife housing restrictions and other conditions may be required prior to permit issuance. Each application to possess live wildlife is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

The primary permit pathway for keeping wildlife as a pet falls under Chapter 10 — the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission’s regulation on the importation and possession of live warm-blooded wildlife. For more detailed information, see the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission Regulation Chapter 10. If your intended use is scientific research or education, a Chapter 33 permit applies instead.

Applications should be submitted to your local game warden or fisheries biologist for initial approval. Game wardens and fisheries biologists can assist you with the application process. Please allow a few weeks for the processing of all permit applications. You can download application forms directly from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s website.

If a permit is required, it must be in your possession prior to importation or possession of live wildlife. This is a firm rule — acquiring the squirrel first and applying for the permit afterward is not an acceptable approach and could expose you to penalties.

Pro Tip: Contact your local Wyoming Game and Fish regional office before you start the permit process. Regional officers have discretion in the review process, and an early conversation can clarify what documentation you will need and whether approval is realistic for your situation.

Beyond the state-level permit, the Wyoming Livestock Board, Wyoming Department of Health, United States Fish and Wildlife Service, counties, municipalities, and subdivisions have enacted further rules and regulations pertaining to the possession of wildlife. You may need to check with multiple agencies before your ownership situation is fully compliant.

Where to Legally Obtain a Pet Squirrel in Wyoming

How you acquire your squirrel matters as much as whether you have a permit. 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.

Pet squirrels are apparently legal in Wyoming when sourced from a USDA-licensed breeder, but importation rules should be confirmed directly with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. This is especially relevant if you are looking at purchasing a squirrel from a breeder in another state, since while the Department may allow the possession or importation of various wildlife species, local laws, ordinances, and covenants may be more restrictive, and it is your responsibility to comply with all local laws, ordinances, and covenants before importing or possessing live wildlife.

Taking a squirrel from the wild is not a legal route to pet ownership in Wyoming. Never catch a wild squirrel if the law says it’s not allowed — most states ban wild-caught pets and want proof your animal was born in captivity. When you buy, get a bill of sale with the species, date of birth, and breeder’s license. Hold onto all your paperwork for permits and inspections.

If you are interested in the broader squirrel landscape in the western United States, the squirrels of Denver and squirrels in Idaho pages offer useful regional context. You can also explore types of squirrels in the US for a national species overview.

Housing and Care Requirements in Wyoming

Wyoming’s permit conditions typically include housing standards, and meeting them is not optional. If a species is allowed for possession under a permit, wildlife housing restrictions and other conditions may be required prior to the issuance of a permit and during the time frame of the permit. Your enclosure plans may need to be reviewed before the permit is approved.

While Wyoming does not publish a single universal squirrel enclosure standard, general best practices drawn from states with similar frameworks give you a useful benchmark:

• Enclosures should be escape-proof with secure latches and no gaps larger than one inch
• Tree squirrels need vertical space — a minimum of four to six feet of height is widely recommended for arboreal species
• Include sturdy branches, nesting boxes, and chew-safe enrichment items
• Flying squirrels require extra height and open space to practice gliding behavior
• Outdoor enclosures in Wyoming must account for the state’s harsh winters, with appropriate insulation and wind protection

If you own a flying squirrel, you will want to set up an escape-proof enclosure that is big enough for climbing and gliding. Include some sturdy branches, a cozy nest for hiding, and a few safe chew toys. Flying squirrels are also nocturnal, so their activity schedule differs from tree squirrels — keep in mind that flying squirrels are nocturnal, so consider that aspect as well.

Diet is another area that requires attention. Squirrels in captivity need a varied diet that includes nuts, seeds, fresh vegetables, and protein sources. Wildlife may carry toxins or diseases. Public display, where there is a possibility of exposure, may be regulated by the Wyoming Department of Health or federal agencies. Check with a veterinarian for vaccination information. Finding a Wyoming-based exotic animal veterinarian before you bring a squirrel home is strongly advisable.

For more on the natural behavior and ecology of squirrels found in and around Wyoming, the squirrel resource hub and the types of ground squirrels page offer helpful background. You may also want to understand animals that eat squirrels to better appreciate predator stress when housing them outdoors.

Pro Tip: Wyoming winters can be extreme. If you plan to keep your squirrel in an outdoor or semi-outdoor enclosure, consult a wildlife veterinarian about temperature thresholds and hibernation behavior for your specific species before the cold season arrives.

Local and Municipal Restrictions in Wyoming

A state-level permit does not automatically mean you are cleared to keep a squirrel everywhere in Wyoming. State laws set the basics, but cities and counties can add their own restrictions. Even if your state allows pet squirrels, your city or HOA might not. Always double-check local laws and zoning rules before you get a squirrel.

While the Department may allow the possession or importation of various wildlife species, local laws, ordinances, and covenants may be more restrictive. This means that residents of Cheyenne, Casper, Laramie, or any other Wyoming city or town need to verify their municipality’s stance on exotic or captive wildlife separately from the state permit process.

If you rent your home, your landlord’s rules apply on top of any government requirements. If you are renting, check with your landlord to see if it is okay for you to have a pet. While a squirrel may be legal in your state, you will need to ensure it is permitted in the home. Homeowners associations may also have covenants that restrict exotic pets, regardless of state or municipal law.

Practical steps to take before acquiring a squirrel in Wyoming:

1. Contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department regional office for your area
2. Call your city or county animal control office to ask about local exotic pet ordinances
3. Review your lease or HOA agreement for pet restrictions
4. Confirm with your landlord or HOA in writing if their rules are ambiguous
5. Check with the Wyoming Livestock Board and Wyoming Department of Health for any additional requirements

Wyoming’s wildlife also interacts with its broader ecosystem in ways worth understanding. If you are curious about the state’s native fauna, the woodpeckers of Wyoming and types of snakes in Wyoming pages offer a sense of the wildlife landscape your pet squirrel would share a region with. You can also check the orange birds in Wyoming page for more on the state’s native species.

Penalties for Illegal Squirrel Ownership in Wyoming

Owning a squirrel without the proper permit in Wyoming is not a minor oversight — it carries real legal consequences. If you keep a squirrel illegally, you could face fines, lose the animal, or even get criminal charges if it is serious. Wyoming’s wildlife statutes give game wardens broad authority to enforce possession rules.

Failing to acquire permits often leads to confiscation and relocation or euthanasia for the animal. That outcome is especially painful for owners who have bonded with a squirrel over months or years. The animal pays the highest price for a paperwork failure.

While federal laws like the Lacey Act regulate the trade of wildlife, state laws dictate whether you can legally keep a squirrel as a pet. Researching these state-specific laws is important for anyone considering squirrel ownership, as penalties for violations can range from fines to confiscation of the animal.

Transporting a squirrel across state lines without proper documentation adds federal exposure on top of state penalties. Bringing a squirrel into a state that bans them can get you in more trouble. If you move from Wyoming to a state where squirrel ownership is prohibited, you will need to address that legal gap before relocating your pet.

Even if you are allowed to own a certain type of animal, you may still be liable for any injuries or damages caused by your exotic pet. Just like with dog bites, these injuries can be severe. Owners can suffer strict liability for harm caused by their animals, meaning they can be responsible for injuries to others even if they are not negligent in supervising their animals.

If you want to enjoy squirrels without the legal complexity, consider creating a wildlife-friendly yard instead. The plants that repel squirrels guide can help you manage where wild squirrels go on your property, while still appreciating them from a distance. You can also explore the full range of squirrel species found across the country to learn more about what lives naturally in your region.

Squirrel ownership in Wyoming sits in a narrow legal window — possible, but heavily conditional. The permit process is real, the sourcing rules are strict, and local restrictions can close the door even after you have cleared state-level hurdles. If you approach the process carefully, work directly with Wyoming Game and Fish, and source your animal from a licensed breeder, you give yourself the best chance of staying fully on the right side of the law.