Is it legal to own a sugar glider in Mississippi?
The short answer
Yes. Sugar gliders are legal in Mississippi. They are not on the inherently-dangerous-animal list and are not native wildlife, so no state permit is required.
What Mississippi law says
Miss. Code 49-8-5 does not list the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps), and the animal is a non-native marsupial outside Mississippi's native-wildlife rules.
Which agency regulates sugar gliders in Mississippi
No state agency regulates sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) possession in Mississippi — authority rests with local animal control. See the state wildlife agency for related rules.
Is there a permit for pet sugar gliders?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None at the state level for sugar gliders.
Local city and county rules
A few municipalities restrict exotic pets; confirm local ordinances.
Legal alternatives in Mississippi
- Serval in Mississippi — A tall African wildcat, popular in the exotic cat trade and the parent breed of the Savannah cat.
- Fennec Fox in Mississippi — The world's smallest fox — and one of the few foxes legal to own in several U.S. states.
Frequently asked questions
Do sugar gliders need a permit in Mississippi?
No — they are unregulated at the state level and require no permit.
Sources
More animals in Mississippi
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Mississippi?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Mississippi?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Mississippi?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Mississippi 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 your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.