Is it legal to own a sugar glider in Maine?
The short answer
Yes. The sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) appears by name on Maine IF&W's Unrestricted Species List, so you can own one without any state permit. Just keep it humanely and check your town's rules. It's one of the friendliest exotics for Maine keepers.
What Maine law says
Under 12 M.R.S. §12152 and IF&W Rule Chapter 7, species on the Unrestricted List need no importation or possession permit; the sugar glider is expressly listed under Mammalia (Diprotodontia).
Which agency regulates sugar gliders in Maine
Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife is the authority for sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) possession in Maine.
Is there a permit for pet sugar gliders?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None for lawful possession; unrestricted animals must still be kept humanely and safely.
Local city and county rules
Some Maine towns regulate exotic pets, so confirm local ordinances before acquiring.
Legal alternatives in Maine
- Fennec Fox in Maine — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Maine permit for a sugar glider?
No — it's on the Unrestricted List, so no permit is required.
Can I buy one at a Maine pet store?
Yes; animals lawfully sold in Maine pet stores can be assumed legal, and sugar gliders qualify.
Sources
More animals in Maine
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Maine?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Maine?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Maine?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Maine page, or compare every state on the pet sugar glider laws by state page.
Last verified 2026-07-03 against the cited primary sources. This is a research directory, not legal advice — confirm current rules with Maine Dept. of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.