Legal to keep a flying squirell in FL?

[SquirellyLove]

Some people tell me that I can or have to have a permit. Other people tell me I can't and I might go to jail. I've been searching google all day to try and find out if they are legal to keep as pets but I've found nothing so far. Could someone tell me the truth?:dono :thankyou

[island rehabber]

We have so many smart Florida members, I'm sure somebody can set you straight on this.

[Pnerissa]

It is legal to keep flying squirrels in FL without a permit. You only need a permit if you plan to breed them and sell them.

[SquirellyLove]

This is great! My parents will finally let me get one. :jump :wott

[Pnerissa]

AND since there's so many Florida flyer owners, you might even be able to find one or two near you that would be willing to babysit from time to time in case you need to go out of town. :D

another good source for Flyer information is the National Flying Squirrel Association (http://www.nfsa.us).

[SquirellyLove]

I have one more little question...Is it legal to have a pet sugar glider here too and can The Sugar Glider and the Flying Squirrel live together with no issues? My sister is getting a Sugar Glider and I don't want either animal to get hurt if we keep them in a cage together with a cat in the house.... :thankyou :flash3

[pappy1264]

Sugar Gliders are legal to be kept as pets in FL, but under no circumstances should you let them even near each other (I would not even keep them in the same room). Believe it or not, a glider can kill a flyer! They have different diet requirements, as well. About the only 'sameness' they have is they both should have a big cage and they glide and of course, how much they bond with their humans, esp. if you get them as babies (although you do not finish the weaning process with gliders). Good luck!

[Pnerissa]

Pappy's correct. They should never be allowed to interact together or the outcome might be tragic. They're completely different species with different nutritional requirements. Never let them out of the cages at the same time, and it would be best if you had a "safe" room where one or the other could be taken for playtime.

Bev

P.S.
Don't forget to keep the toilet seat down... flyers have drowned in them after falling in.

[pappy1264]

Good point on the toilet seat....many gliders have died that way, as well. But as a precaution, you can make a 'ladder' out of pvc coated hardward cloth (bend it to fit over the lip of the toilet). Sometimes others may forget to leave the seat down, and it is an added safety measure...fyi.

[Caglemedic]

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Subject
Flying squirrels

Discussion Thread
Response (LE-LC) 03/10/2010 09:18 AM
Ms. Tedrick,

The following wildlife may be possessed as personal pets without a permit: unprotected and nonvenomous reptiles and amphibians, gerbils, hedgehogs, honey possums, sugar gliders, brush-tailed possums, shell parakeets, rats and mice, canaries, moles, shrews, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, ferrets (domestic and European), lovebirds, guinea pigs, cockatiels, hamsters, parrots (psittacine birds), finches, myna birds, toucans, doves (ringed, diamond, and ruddy), button quail, prairie dogs, and chinchillas.

You DO NOT need a license to own a flying squirrel as a pet. You DO need a license to breed or sell them. You can find the application and other information at http://www.myfwc.com/RULESANDREGS/Rules_Captive_index.htm.

If you suspect that someone is selling squirrels without a license, you can report suspected boating or wildlife law violations of any type through the statewide, toll-free, 24-hour Wildlife Alert hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (1-888-404-3922). You can find more information by visiting http://myfwc.com/ABOUT/LE/About_LE_Alert.htm.

If you have any other questions, please call our Captive Wildlife section at 850-488-6253.

[JLM27]

103754

[pappy1264]

Yup, there's the 'ladder'....lol