I had two pet squirrels back when I was a VERY small child.  Times have changed with animal laws.  So, I did a little research.

Scroll through pics of my childhood pet squirrels Heckle and Jeckle below.

Yes, you can have a squirrel as a pet in the state of Michigan.  However, you need a permit.  According to the DNR at Michigan.gov,

A Permit to Hold Game in Captivity is required for the possession of the following game animals: badger, bobcat, fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus and Vulpes vulpes), raccoon, coyote, beaver, otter, muskrat, mink, squirrel, skunk (Mephitis mephitis), woodchuck, opossum, pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), bobwhite quail, Hungarian partridge, ducks, geese, and wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). . Michigan game animals not listed above may not be possessed under a Permit to Hold Game in Captivity.

 

Squirrels; enclosure requirements: Page 7 of 12 IC1350-1 (Rev. 02/26/2016)

a. The enclosure size for a single animal shall be a minimum of 4 feet by 4 feet by 8 feet high.

b. For each additional animal, the horizontal cage size shall be increased by 1 square foot.

c. One nest box 1 foot by 1 foot by 2 feet high, elevated 5 feet off the ground, shall be provided for each animal.

d. A central climbing tree with at least 3 or more 3-inch branches shall be provided.

 

So yes, you can have a pet squirrel.  Just follow the guidelines above and get a permit.  Oh...and send us pictures.  Lots and lots of pictures.


 

Bonus Video:  Dana Marshall vs Raccoon 

 

 

More From WKFR