North Carolina, with its diverse wildlife, often sparks curiosity about keeping these creatures as pets. Among the charming animals found in the state, squirrels frequently capture hearts. But if you’re dreaming of having a pet squirrel, it’s crucial to understand the legal landscape in North Carolina. This article delves into the regulations surrounding wild animal ownership in NC, specifically addressing the question: can you legally keep a squirrel as a pet?
North Carolina Laws on Keeping Wild Animals as Pets
North Carolina law is quite clear when it comes to possessing wildlife. The state operates under a principle of protecting its native fauna, and this extends to restrictions on private ownership. Generally, in North Carolina, you cannot legally keep a wild animal, including squirrels, as a pet for personal enjoyment or companionship. The law emphasizes that wild animals and birds are not to be held for amusement or simply as pets.
This restriction is rooted in the state’s Wildlife Captivity License framework. This license exists to authorize individuals to possess wild animals or wild birds, but for very specific purposes that are not related to personal pet ownership.
Understanding the Wildlife Captivity License in North Carolina
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) issues Wildlife Captivity Licenses. However, it’s vital to understand that this license is not a permit to keep a wild animal as a pet. Instead, it’s designed for individuals or organizations who need to hold native wild animals or wild birds for:
- Scientific research: Legitimate scientific studies sometimes require the temporary holding of wild animals.
- Educational purposes: Educational institutions or programs might use wild animals to teach the public about wildlife and conservation.
- Exhibition: Zoos, nature centers, or similar venues that exhibit wildlife for public viewing may require this license.
- Other specific purposes: Any other purpose must be explicitly approved by the NCWRC and will still not include keeping an animal purely as a pet.
It’s important to note several key limitations associated with the Captivity License:
- Not for Endangered Species: Licenses are not issued for species classified as endangered, threatened, or of special concern in North Carolina. Possession of these protected species requires a separate Endangered Species Permit directly from the NCWRC.
- Prohibited Purposes: Beyond pet ownership, a Captivity License will not be granted for:
- Breeding purposes, unless specifically approved by the Commission.
- Dog training activities.
- Hunting-related purposes.
- Animals acquired unlawfully.
- Federal Permits May Be Required: For migratory birds, you will also need to possess and demonstrate a valid federal permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, if required. Similarly, for certain animals used for education or exhibition requiring USDA permits, those federal permits must be obtained first.
Strict Conditions and Regulations for Licensed Wildlife Captivity
Even if you qualify for a Wildlife Captivity License for a permissible purpose, the regulations are stringent. Before a license is issued, your animal enclosure will be inspected to ensure it meets specific standards defined by the state. This enclosure must be verified by a representative of the Commission, or you must provide proof of a valid USDA license if applicable. Any changes to the enclosure after verification must be reported to the NCWRC in writing within 10 days.
Animals held under a Captivity License are subject to further rules:
- No Commingling: Licensed wild animals cannot be housed with domestic pets, non-native animals, livestock, or animals held under a rehabilitation license.
- Enclosure Confinement: Wild animals cannot roam freely outside their enclosures.
- Restraint Requirements: When outside their enclosure (for permitted activities like educational exhibitions), animals must be under strict restraint, ensuring public safety and control by the license holder. This is especially critical for rabies-vector species, which must be restrained to prevent any physical contact with the public, domestic animals, or other wildlife.
- Record Keeping: License holders using animals for education or exhibition must maintain detailed records of these activities for at least 12 months after the license expires.
- No Unauthorized Transfer: Selling, transferring, or releasing a licensed wild animal is illegal, except for surrendering it to the NCWRC or transferring it to another licensed individual.
Finding an Orphaned Squirrel Does Not Equal Legal Ownership
It’s a common misconception that finding an orphaned wild animal allows you to legally keep it. In North Carolina, this is not the case. Finding an orphaned squirrel (or any other wild animal) does not grant you legal means to acquire it for personal possession. A Captivity License will not be issued under these circumstances.
If you find a seemingly orphaned or injured wild animal, the correct and legal course of action is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. These professionals are trained and permitted to care for injured and orphaned wildlife with the goal of eventual release back into their natural habitat.
In Conclusion: Squirrels Are Wild, Not Pets in North Carolina
To definitively answer the question, no, you cannot have a pet squirrel in North Carolina. Squirrels are classified as wild animals, and state law prohibits keeping them as pets. The Wildlife Captivity License is intended for specific, regulated purposes like education, science, and exhibition, not for private pet ownership.
North Carolina’s regulations are in place to protect both wildlife and the public. Wild animals have specific needs and behaviors that are often difficult to meet in a domestic setting. Furthermore, keeping wild animals as pets can pose risks to both the animal and humans. If you appreciate squirrels, the best way to enjoy them in North Carolina is by observing them in their natural environment and supporting wildlife conservation efforts.
For further information or to report concerns about wildlife, you can contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission directly.
Contact Information:
NC Wildlife Resources Commission Customer Service Section
1707 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1700
Phone: 833-950-0575
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always refer to the official regulations and consult with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
