Squirrel Trapping Regulations by State: A Comprehensive Guide

Squirrel trapping regulations vary significantly across the United States, with each state having its own set of rules and guidelines. Understanding these regulations is crucial for anyone looking to trap squirrels, whether for pest control or wildlife management purposes. Here's a state-by-state breakdown of squirrel trapping regulations:

1. States with Lenient or Minimal Regulations

These states have the least restrictions for trapping, killing, or controlling squirrels, particularly on private property.

• Idaho: No license is required to trap or kill unprotected squirrels, though relocation requires approval.
• Wyoming: Allows unprotected squirrel control with minimal restrictions.
• Montana: Ground squirrels are unregulated, but licenses apply for tree squirrels.
• Utah: Property owners can kill or trap nuisance squirrels without needing permits or licenses.
• Mississippi: Nuisance trapping and killing are allowed without special permits for property damage.
• Texas: Killing nuisance squirrels on private property requires no permits.

2. States Requiring Some Regulation (Permits or Hunting Seasons)

These states require licenses or permits, particularly for recreational trapping or relocation.

• Alabama: Nuisance squirrels can be trapped or killed without a license on private property.
• Arkansas: Landowners or tenants can control nuisance squirrels without permits.
• Georgia: Killing nuisance squirrels is allowed without special permits.
• Tennessee: Property owners may trap or kill nuisance squirrels without hunting licenses.
• Minnesota: Hunting or trapping licenses are generally required, though private property owners are exempt.

3. States with Seasonal Regulations or Moderate Permit Restrictions

These states allow control of nuisance squirrels but require hunting or trapping licenses for broader activities, such as relocation or seasonal trapping.

• Maine: Trapping licenses are needed; property owners can kill squirrels causing damage without permits.
• Colorado: Small game licenses apply for seasonal hunting/trapping, and relocation requires local approval.
• Kentucky: Seasonal licenses are required, but landowners can remove nuisance squirrels.
• Virginia: Small game licenses are necessary for trapping and hunting squirrels during the designated seasons.
• Michigan: Requires licenses for hunting or trapping; relocation without a DNR permit is prohibited.
• California: Nongame squirrels may be killed to protect property, but relocation requires strict CDFW approval.

4. States Heavily Restricting Relocation

These states prohibit or heavily regulate relocating squirrels, with strict permit systems.

• Indiana: Relocation is illegal without permits; trapped squirrels must be disposed of humanely on-site.
• Pennsylvania: Unauthorized relocation is prohibited; nuisance control requires agency permits.
• Wisconsin: Nuisance squirrels can be killed, but relocation is generally discouraged and tightly regulated.
• Nevada: Trapping requires a license, and relocation is permitted only under county-level approval.
• New York: Relocation requires wildlife control permits, and strict regulations apply to all trapping.

5. States Requiring Comprehensive Licenses and Permits

These states enforce extensive permitting, seasonal trapping laws, and strict relocation policies.

• Kansas: Requires hunting or furbearer licenses for trapping, and relocation requires special permits.
• Louisiana: A trapping or nuisance control license is needed, and seasonal bag limits apply.
• Maryland: Both trapping and relocation require permits from the DNR; hunting is seasonal.
• Oregon: Furbearer licenses are needed unless dealing with property damage on private land.
• Delaware: Permits or licenses are necessary for both trapping and relocation activities.
• Arizona: Nuisance trapping must be approved; hunting requires seasonal permits and licenses.
• Florida: Relocation requires approval from the FWC; nuisance trapping on private land is allowed.

6. States with Unique and Strict Regulations

These states impose the most significant restrictions or have highly specific wildlife policies.

• Hawaii: Strictest laws—permits are required for trapping or killing squirrels, and relocation is prohibited due to invasive species concerns.
• Massachusetts: Trapping requires a Problem Animal Control (PAC) license; relocation is illegal without specific permits.
• Connecticut: Specific trapping seasons and licenses are mandated (e.g., Nov 3–Feb 29); NWCO licenses apply to nuisance control.
• Rhode Island: Killing nuisance squirrels requires permits, and relocation is strictly prohibited.
• New Jersey: Strictly regulates both nuisance trapping and killing, requiring formal permits for all activities.