City Considers 25-Foot Buffer for 'Emotional Support Squirrels'

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 19:00:14 +0000

Bozeman City Hall saw a lively discussion Tuesday regarding a newly proposed ordinance that would establish a 25-foot buffer zone around designated “emotional support squirrels” within city limits. The measure, aimed at promoting tranquility for these increasingly common companion animals, passed its initial committee vote.

Proponents of the buffer zone argue that the fast-paced nature of modern Bozeman can be overwhelming for squirrels, even those explicitly trained for emotional support duties. “Our little Nutkins gets very overstimulated by all the scooters and luxury condo construction noises,” explained Brenda Plumtree, a longtime Bozeman resident who identified herself as the primary caretaker for a registered emotional support gray squirrel named Nutkins. “He needs his space to feel safe and perform his vital emotional support functions.”

Quality of Life on The Bozeman Daily Bee

City Considers 25-Foot Buffer for 'Emotional Support Squirrels'