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(MA) While living in the beautiful state of Massachusetts, it is likely that at some point in your life, you have come across wildlife that you wanted to bring back home with you. Maybe it was an orphaned baby squirrel, a bird with an injured wing, or a perfectly healthy animal that happened to eat right out of your hand. Regardless of the situation, the urge to bring home a new pet was there... but is that urge legal?

Is It Legal To Keep Wildlife As Pets In Massachusetts?

In the state of Massachusetts, there are incredibly strict laws surrounding pet ownership and the types of animals you can keep as a pet. When it comes to local wildlife, the state says only certain reptiles and amphibians are allowed to be kept as pets. So, sorry to all of those who wanted to have a squirrel or chipmunk as a pet! Though, read until the end if you are absolutely determined to one day own a squirrel.

Of the many amphibians and reptiles that call the Bay State home, only a handful can be kept as pets. The official Massachusetts government website states that it is legal to own up to two of each of the following animals:

• American Bullfrog
• American Toad
• DeKay's Brown Snake
• Eastern Garter Snake
• Eastern Newt
• Eastern Racer
• Eastern Red-backed Salamander
• Eastern Ribbonsnake
• Fowler's Toad
• Gray Treefrog
• Green Frog
• Milksnake
• Mudpuppy
• Northern Dusky Salamander
• Northern Two-lined Salamander
• Northern Watersnake
• Painted Turtle
• Pickerel Frog
• Red-bellied Snake
• Smooth Greensnake
• Snapping Turtle
• Spring Peeper
• Wood Frog

It is important to note that the website also says it is illegal to sell, barter, or exchange any of the animals on the list.

Photo bySista Vongjintanaruks from Getty Images

What About Injured Wildlife?

If you do happen to come across any injured or orphaned wildlife, do not let this article stop you from helping! Though you can not take in the wild animal and attempt to nurse it back to health yourself, there are still steps you can take to ensure its safety:

• Familiarize yourself with local wildlife rescues. It is important to know who to call and where to go when you come across an injured or orphaned wild animal. Find out which animal rescues are near where you live and make sure to put their number in your phone. You should always call a rescue first before showing up with a new patient. That way you can ensure the wild animal you are bringing in is one they have the expertise and space to care for.
• Consider creating a wildlife rescue box to keep in your home and or car. These simple crafts can be used to safely transport wild animals. To learn how to make one, read this article.

Photo byEEI_Tony from Getty Images Pro

So How Can You Own A Squirrel?

Just like with wildlife, Massachusetts laws surrounding the owning of exotic mammals is very strict. However, one of the few mammals that is actually legal to own is the Southern Flying Squirrel! However, you can not just snatch one from the wild. So, if you are absolutely determined to own a squirrel of your very own, first make sure you do a lot of research on how to keep and care for them, and then find yourself a breeder!

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