Alabama is home to some of the most active, charismatic squirrels in the South, and it is easy to understand why some residents are drawn to the idea of keeping one as a pet. But before you pursue that idea, you need to understand exactly where Alabama law stands — and the answer is stricter than many sources suggest.
The short answer is that owning a squirrel as a pet in Alabama is not legal under state wildlife regulations. Alabama’s squirrel species are protected under state law, and the rules around possession, transport, and importation are more restrictive than residents often realize. This guide walks you through what the law says, which species are involved, what limited permits exist, and what the real consequences of illegal ownership look like.
Is It Legal to Own a Squirrel in Alabama?
Keeping any live, protected wild bird or wild animal in Alabama is illegal without a permit issued by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Squirrels fall squarely within that protection. Alabama Administrative Code Rule 220-2-.26 makes clear that you cannot keep deer, bears, foxes, raccoons, squirrels, wild turkeys, birds of prey, or other native species as pets.
It is not legal to keep a squirrel as a pet in Alabama. Alabama issues no licenses for squirrel possession except for rehabilitation and education purposes. This puts Alabama firmly in the restrictive column when compared to states like Florida, Indiana, or Michigan, where permit pathways for pet squirrels exist…