In Wyoming, squirrels are a non-game species, and that shapes wildlife management.

Wyoming’s wildlife map has more color than a prairie sunset. Between rugged mountains, sage flats, and pine forests, a wide range of critters call the Cowboy State home. Folks who spend time outdoors quickly learn that not every animal is treated the same under the rules of wildlife management. Some species are hunted, tracked, and tagged; others are watched, protected, or managed for conservation rather than sport. If you’ve ever wondered which animals fall into the non-game category in Wyoming, you’re in the right place. Let’s clear things up in plain terms and connect the idea to the everyday wild spaces you love.

What counts as non-game in Wyoming—and why squirrels are in that group

Here’s the straightforward answer to a common question: Squirrels are classified as non-game animals in Wyoming. If you’re out on a trail and see a scatter of gray, red, or fox-colored tails flicking through the branches, you’re looking at wildlife that isn’t typically pursued for hunting. Non-game animals are those that don’t have a designated hunting season and aren’t generally targeted as a harvest option. They’re kept in the mix for conservation, ecological balance, and the simple fact that not every creature is a trophy animal.

To contrast, deer, pheasants, and elk are considered game species in Wyoming. That means there are specific seasons, bag limits, and licensing rules designed to regulate how many individuals can be taken and when. Game species are actively managed to maintain healthy populations while supporting hunting as a recreational activity and a tool for wildlife stewardship. The precise designation can vary a bit from state to state, but in Wyoming, squirrels’ status as non-game highlights a broader approach: some wildlife is prioritized for conservation and ecological role rather than hunting pressure.

Let me explain the bigger picture behind that distinction. Non-game animals often include species that are protected or species whose populations require careful monitoring to avoid declines. For wildlife managers, that means keeping an eye on habitat quality, food resources, and predator-prey dynamics. It also means educating the public about why certain creatures aren’t hunted, even though they’re abundant, while others are celebrated as prized game animals with seasonal rules.

Why this distinction matters to everyday outdoors life

You don’t need a badge to sense the value of this split. Here’s why it matters in the field and beyond:

• Ecosystem health matters. Non-game species play critical roles—pollinators, seed dispersers, and prey that keep predator populations in check. Squirrels, for instance, help spread tree seeds and fungi, and they serve as meals for a range of predators. Keeping track of these roles helps keep forests and meadows vibrant.

• Public safety and habitat protection go hand in hand. When wildlife managers monitor non-game species, they’re also keeping an eye on habitat quality. If habitats are shrinking or polluted, it can ripple through the entire ecosystem—eventually affecting what people can see and enjoy outdoors.

• Hunting regulations aren’t a universal badge of health. A robust game season can indicate well-managed populations, but it isn’t the only barometer. Wyoming’s approach balances recreation, conservation, and science, recognizing that some species deserve protection or special attention even when there’s plenty of them around.

A closer look at the non-game lineup (and where squirrels fit)

Wyoming is a big state with big landscapes. Within those landscapes, non-game animals include a mix of small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Squirrels—both tree-dwelling and ground-dwelling varieties—are your most familiar non-game residents in many park-like and rural settings. They’re not the critters hunters target in the same way as deer or elk, but they’re far from insignificant.

A quick tour of the broader non-game idea helps keep the concept grounded:

• Small mammals (rodents, certain mustelids, and other cousins) often fall into the non-game category because their populations are managed with conservation in mind rather than as hunting targets.

• Birds that aren’t designated for hunting—think certain songbirds and ground-dwelling birds outside of defined seasons—also fit here. They contribute to the soundscape and balance of ecosystems, even if you don’t see a season tag on them.

• Reptiles and amphibians are frequently protected under state or federal rules due to sensitive life cycles or habitat needs. Their well-being hinges on clean water, intact wetlands, and undisturbed corridors.

What this means when you’re enjoying Wyoming’s outdoors

If you’re hiking, fishing, camping, or simply wandering through a forest, the non-game label is a reminder to pause and observe. It’s a cue to admire the hustle and bustle of creatures you’re not chasing, and to respect the environment that keeps them thriving.

• Respect distance and quiet. Wildlife’s comfort levels change with weather, season, and human presence. A little patience can turn a casual sighting into a richer moment of connection—watching a squirrel’s quick, precise moves or hearing the rustle of leaves as a pine matrix of animals shifts is its own reward.

• Don’t feed wildlife. It’s tempting to offer something to a curious animal, but feeding can disrupt natural behaviors, alter diets, and invite trouble for both animals and people.

• Stick to established trails. This protects sensitive habitats and reduces stress on non-game species that rely on quiet, undisturbed spaces for foraging and nesting.

• Learn the local rules. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (the folks who keep tabs on game and non-game species) publish season dates, protection rules, and habitat guidance. A quick check before you head out can save you time, questions, and a lot of guesswork.

Why the distinction remains relevant for conservation lovers

People who care about wildlife don’t just keep an eye on what’s legal to hunt. They care about what helps populations stay stable, what habitats are healthy, and how species interact. Non-game status isn’t a verdict of importance; it’s a nod to different management goals and ecological realities.

Think of it like city planning for the wild world. Game species are the scenic routes—the highways where there’s a clear need to regulate and steward. Non-game species are the quiet alleys and backstreets that keep the city functioning: they’re essential, sometimes overlooked, but vital to the whole system.

A few practical takeaways for Wyoming explorers

• If you’re curious about a species you’re seeing, a quick chat with a local wildlife officer or a look through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s materials can give you clarity. They’ll help distinguish whether a creature is more likely to be regulated as game or treated as non-game, and why that matters.

• Carry a lightweight field guide for regional wildlife. A few well-chosen pages can turn a casual observation into a learning moment, especially with small mammals and birds that share your paths.

• Share your observations. Citizen science has a role in conservation. Not every sighting leads to a change in policy, but consistent reporting helps biologists track population trends and habitat needs.

A gentle reminder about context and nuance

The Wyoming landscape is dynamic. Weather, climate patterns, and human activity shape wildlife experiences year by year. The line between what’s hunted and what isn’t isn’t drawn at a single moment; it’s revised as science progresses and habitats shift. This is one reason why the conversation about non-game versus game is ongoing and deeply rooted in the state’s stewardship mindset.

If you’re a Wyoming resident or a curious traveler, you’ll likely hear a mix of terms as you chat with conservation-minded folks. You might hear mention of the department, of population surveys, habitat restoration projects, or seasonal restrictions. What stays constant is the core idea: some animals are part of hunting regulations, while others are managed for long-term conservation and ecological balance.

A small, practical finish line

Squirrels aren’t just background noise in Wyoming’s grand outdoors. They’re a reminder that wildlife management isn’t only about hunting or recreation. It’s about preserving a rich, interconnected world where every creature—from the busy little ground squirrel under your feet to the grand elk on the ridge—has a role to play.

Next time you’re out exploring, take a moment to notice the little things. The non-game residents aren’t less important; they’re essential players in the story of Wyoming’s wild places. And if you want to learn more, a quick browse through the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s resources can deepen your understanding of how these rules work in practice, how habitat needs are identified, and how populations are kept in balance for future generations to enjoy. After all, the best outdoors are the ones where people and wildlife coexist with a bit of curiosity, a touch of patience, and a lot of respect.