Is it legal to own a sugar glider in Nebraska?
The short answer
Yes. Sugar gliders are non-native marsupials that appear on neither Nebraska's prohibited-wildlife list nor its Captive Wildlife Permit list, so no state permit is required. They are commonly sold and kept in Nebraska; only local ordinances occasionally interfere.
What Nebraska law says
Neb. Rev. Stat. § 37-477's prohibitions cover wolves, skunks, Felidae, and Ursidae; Game & Parks' permit list covers native species. Sugar gliders fall outside both, leaving them unregulated by the state.
Which agency regulates sugar gliders in Nebraska
Nebraska Game & Parks Commission is the authority for sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) possession in Nebraska.
Is there a permit for pet sugar gliders?
No permit is required at the state level.
Penalties and enforcement
None for lawful possession.
Local city and county rules
Check apartment rules and municipal exotic-animal definitions; a few towns sweep in all non-traditional pets.
Legal alternatives in Nebraska
- Fennec Fox in Nebraska — 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 Nebraska?
No. They are not on any Game & Parks regulated-species list, so no state permit or registration is required.
Sources
More animals in Nebraska
- Is it legal to own a raccoon in Nebraska?
- Is it legal to own a monkey in Nebraska?
- Is it legal to own a serval in Nebraska?
See all animals on the exotic pet laws in Nebraska 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 Nebraska Game & Parks Commission and your local animal-control authority before acquiring any animal.