If squirrels have been driving you crazy in your yard, you’re probably wondering what you can actually do about it. In most of California, you can’t kill ground squirrels or certain protected tree squirrel species unless you have the right permits. But, if you’re a licensed hunter, you can hunt some tree squirrels during specific seasons and in certain areas.
This post breaks down which squirrels you’re actually allowed to take, and where and when you can do so. I’ll also go over the methods that are legal—or totally off-limits—so you can avoid any nasty surprises with the law.
You’ll find practical steps and links to the official rules, so you can protect your property and avoid trouble.
California Laws on Killing Squirrels
California law treats different types of squirrels in different ways. You need to figure out which squirrel you’re dealing with, whether you need a depredation permit or a hunting license, and if local rules will limit your options.
Legal Status of Squirrels in California
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) calls many tree squirrels game species. So, if you want to hunt them for sport, you’ll have to follow hunting seasons, bag limits, and licensing rules.
Ground squirrels usually fall under nongame animal rules and face a separate set of laws. You have to follow the California Fish and Game Code whenever you take any wild mammal.
Local city or county laws might also restrict firearms, traps, or other methods on private property. I’d recommend checking with your regional CDFW office before you do anything.
Protected and Nongame Squirrel Species
Some squirrels get extra protection. For instance, the western gray squirrel is native, and you’ll find it protected in parts of California.
Ground squirrels, on the other hand, are often considered nongame and you can’t take them without proper authorization. Non-native squirrels, like the eastern fox squirrel, sometimes get treated differently.
If a red or eastern fox squirrel damages your property, you might not need a depredation permit to deal with it. But you really need to know exactly which species you’re dealing with—take a photo if you’re unsure—because the rules change by species and location.
For more details, see the CDFW’s advice here: California Outdoors Q&A on squirrels (https://wildlife.ca.gov/language/en%20US/COQA/tag/squirrels).
Permits, Licensing, and Hunting Seasons
If you live where a tree squirrel counts as a game species, you’ll need a small game hunting license. You can only hunt during open season.
If native tree squirrels are damaging your property, you may need a depredation permit under California Fish and Game Code §4181. You’ll have to request those permits through CDFW regional offices or their Wildlife Incident Reporting system.
For nongame ground squirrels, or if your local laws allow, you might need a different permit or even a professional pest control service. Local ordinances often limit your options—shooting a firearm in most towns is illegal.
When you’re unsure, call your regional CDFW office and send photos of the animals and any damage before you try lethal control.
Legal Methods and Restrictions for Squirrel Control
You need clear rules so you don’t end up with a fine. The law limits how you can kill, trap, or use chemicals on squirrels, and there are special rules for ground squirrels and some game species.
Trapping and Relocation Rules
You can trap some squirrels, but the rules change depending on the species and where you live. If you’re dealing with a game species like the Douglas squirrel, you’ll usually need a hunting or trapping permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).
For urban or nuisance squirrels, local animal control might have its own rules about relocation and release. Always use traps approved for your target species and check them often.
With live traps, you’ll probably need to release the animal on-site (if allowed) or call animal control. Moving wildlife without a permit can spread disease and break state law, so ask CDFW first.
Follow the labeled instructions for any trap and keep track of dates and places if you’re a licensed trapper.
Shooting and Other Lethal Methods
Shooting squirrels is only allowed in some rural areas under hunting regulations. In most cities and near buildings, it’s illegal.
You need to follow CDFW hunting seasons, bag limits, and firearm discharge laws. On private land, get permission and double-check local rules about firing guns.
Other lethal methods, like poisons or unregistered toxins, come with strict limits. Assembly Bill 1322 and similar laws ban certain rodenticides for ground squirrels—using those can get you in serious trouble.
Always read product labels and follow state rules. If you’re not sure, it’s smart to hire a licensed pest professional to handle lethal control and stay within CDFW regulations.
Ground Squirrel Regulations and Updates
California handles ground squirrels differently these days, mostly because of their effect on local ecosystems and some recent changes in the law.
The California Ecosystems Protection Act of 2023 (AB 1322) put limits on certain anticoagulant baits and nudges homeowners toward non-chemical methods instead.
If you’re dealing with ground squirrel colonies in California, you’ll find bait use is pretty tightly regulated. Usually, only licensed applicators can use approved products, and they have to keep them well away from buildings.
Now, the focus is on trapping, exclusion, and changing the habitat to make it less inviting for squirrels.
If you’ve got a big infestation, some professionals might use Rozol, but only under strict rules about distance from structures and after getting the right license.
Before you do anything, it’s honestly a good idea to check the CDFW and your local county’s agricultural or public health websites—rules and available products can shift without much warning.
