BareFootAviary
06-14-2010, 01:44 AM
Hi there! I have been searching the web for info on permits and what my state sees as an "exotic" animal when I found this site. I still haven't found anything about North Dakota on this site, but from what I can tell, it is legal to keep Gray Squirrels (hopefully). See, I am from MN and I know it is illegal there without a permit, but here it seems that because in the town I live (Fargo), because there are no licensed rehabbers or wildlife centers, the DNR just tells people how to care for orphaned wildlife on their own.
I raised 2 Gray Squirrels a few years ago when the Raptor Center in Minneapolis, MN told me they would "put them down" and after their release, I have been in love with squirrels. I have raised a few different kinds of wildlife between then and now, but about 3 weeks ago, I was brought a baby Gray that had fallen out of a nest (so I assume due to her nerve damage). So far, she is growing great and seems to be gaining more control over her head movements (though the nerve damage is evident). I fear she may not be a candidate for release due to the damage. If this is the case, I am prepared for the long haul with her (as are the other occupants of our home including my fiance, our 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 18 birds). I know about diet and spacial needs but I was curious about other ways to set up a cage and different toys and activities to give her to keep her busy. I don't think she will be able to be a free-range squirrel in our home due to the other animals (though she gets plenty of time out of her cage for at least 6+ hours a day while I am home) so I think I need to find as many in-cage toy and activity options as possible.
In regards to the legality of it, I did find this in a news article dated in Sept. of '09:
North Dakota regulates what it calls nontraditional livestock by requiring licenses and enforcing rules on how the animals are kept and cared for.
Almost any kind of animal can be owned, except skunks and raccoons, which are forbidden because of the risk of disease.
All other animals fall into three numbered categories, with categories two and three requiring licensing that provides rules on how animals are controlled and cared for.
Category two includes animals like deer and wolverines.
Category three includes big cats, bears and primates.
"If you wanted to have a bear, you can have a bear. But you have to have a nontraditional livestock license and there are very specific requirements for what type of facility you must keep it in," said Beth Carlson, North Dakota's deputy state veterinarian.
When it comes to licensed animals, North Dakota conducts annual or biannual inspections of the facilities where the animals are kept.
Any more info would be great as I just can't seem to find anything online (though I have the Fish and Game phone number now and I can call tomorrow). BTW, I will be posting pics here soon.
I raised 2 Gray Squirrels a few years ago when the Raptor Center in Minneapolis, MN told me they would "put them down" and after their release, I have been in love with squirrels. I have raised a few different kinds of wildlife between then and now, but about 3 weeks ago, I was brought a baby Gray that had fallen out of a nest (so I assume due to her nerve damage). So far, she is growing great and seems to be gaining more control over her head movements (though the nerve damage is evident). I fear she may not be a candidate for release due to the damage. If this is the case, I am prepared for the long haul with her (as are the other occupants of our home including my fiance, our 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 18 birds). I know about diet and spacial needs but I was curious about other ways to set up a cage and different toys and activities to give her to keep her busy. I don't think she will be able to be a free-range squirrel in our home due to the other animals (though she gets plenty of time out of her cage for at least 6+ hours a day while I am home) so I think I need to find as many in-cage toy and activity options as possible.
In regards to the legality of it, I did find this in a news article dated in Sept. of '09:
North Dakota regulates what it calls nontraditional livestock by requiring licenses and enforcing rules on how the animals are kept and cared for.
Almost any kind of animal can be owned, except skunks and raccoons, which are forbidden because of the risk of disease.
All other animals fall into three numbered categories, with categories two and three requiring licensing that provides rules on how animals are controlled and cared for.
Category two includes animals like deer and wolverines.
Category three includes big cats, bears and primates.
"If you wanted to have a bear, you can have a bear. But you have to have a nontraditional livestock license and there are very specific requirements for what type of facility you must keep it in," said Beth Carlson, North Dakota's deputy state veterinarian.
When it comes to licensed animals, North Dakota conducts annual or biannual inspections of the facilities where the animals are kept.
Any more info would be great as I just can't seem to find anything online (though I have the Fish and Game phone number now and I can call tomorrow). BTW, I will be posting pics here soon.