Top 6+ Squirrels Kept as Pets in the world
Quick-witted and endearing, squirrels are among the most often seen mammals in the wild in North America. They are more attractive to mice and rats than they are to other rodents because of their bushy, bouncing tails. If someone comes across a wild squirrel that is orphaned and in need of care, they may question if squirrels can be kept as pets.
Can You Keep a Squirrel as a Pet?
There are two possible answers. Yes, provided that it’s lawful for you to keep the kind of squirrel you choose to. Most states allow hunting at least one species of squirrel; Hawaii and California are the exceptions, although there may be others. Considering their size, squirrels of all types need a large amount of space. Given that many squirrels are arboreal creatures, they should have an abundance of vertical space in addition to ample room for the terrestrial species to play and forge. They will also need to be released outside to play on a regular basis, unless your enclosure is quite large. Squirrels are kept in big outdoor aviaries by some owners.
Pet Squirrel Legality
Although “exotic” animals are prohibited in many jurisdictions, you’ll find that most rules don’t specify squirrels by name. But this does not imply that squirrels are acceptable. They are governed differently and are frequently regarded as game animals. Squirrels and other native animals are generally prohibited in most states, regardless of where they were born. While wild squirrels are prohibited in some jurisdictions, squirrels raised in captivity may be permitted. It is preferable to get in touch with a certified wildlife rehabilitator if you come across a wild squirrel that needs treatment.
Types of Squirrels
Grey Squirrels
This everyday sight is quite familiar to all of us. Grey squirrels can be found in all of the contiguous states and are frequent visitors to nature centers. Adopting a grey squirrel from the wild is how most people come to acquire one, but there are a few breeders. It is unlawful in many jurisdictions to take them from the wild to keep as pets, and they can be difficult pets. Any animal having teeth is capable of biting, but grey squirrels are known to bite occasionally at the very least.
They are not pets for anyone who cannot take some damage because they also have sharp claws. Additionally, they will only form a bond with one person, making it impossible for anybody else to deal with them. For most people, these are poor pets. The largest species of tree squirrel in North America, the native fox squirrel, is similarly affected.
Chipmunk
It is not well known that these small rodents are also a kind of squirrel. In the modern United States, chipmunks are becoming increasingly rare. But non-native Siberian chipmunks, the kind that look like the ones in our backyards, are the most accessible and, because they’re exotic, more likely to be allowed. Their small size makes their cage requirements more reasonable, even if many of their owners like to keep their chipmunks in enormous aviaries. Chipmunks can benefit from having a cage with ledges and climbing opportunities even though they are not as adept climbers as grey squirrels. Chipmunks can communicate and interact affectionately with their owners.
Rock Squirrel
Although they are uncommon as pets, some individuals own rock squirrels. They are indigenous to Mexico and some regions of the American Southwest. They resemble prairie dogs and are among the largest species of squirrels. They eat largely plants, construct communal burrows, and are gregarious rodents, just like prairie dogs. These creatures in captivity will have significant social requirements because they live in colonies.
Flying Squirrel
Probably the “best” pets on this list are flying squirrels. These tiny animals form strong bonds with their owners and can even get along with people who aren’t their caregivers. They also exhibit extreme affection. Furthermore, because of their unusual physical trait of gliding from branch to branch on a membrane at their sides, they make great pets.
Prevost Squirrel
These squirrels are more docile than gray squirrels and are really lovely. These days, they are rather difficult to locate and, if you do, will set you back about $1000. They still have extremely sharp claws, just like other tree squirrels, and they like scaling their owners’ bodies. This can be a really unpleasant situation. The largest enclosure that can hold them is the ideal one to keep tree squirrels in.
Even though they can be housed in cages that are only a few feet tall, this will make it harder to live with them because you will have to let them out regularly, and when they want to go, they can have a very high-pitched, harsh screech! The ideal enclosure is one that is walk-in.
Richardson’s Ground Squirrel
A “Flickertail Squirrel” is another name for this species due to the quivering movements of their tails. This rodent bears similarities to prairie dogs and rock squirrels. They should be fed and cared for similarly to prairie dogs because they are mostly hay-eating herbivores. They are terrestrial and have the potential to use an exercise wheel, which gives rodents who use them frequently great enrichment. They can be kept in a basic multi-level ferret or chinchilla cage with bedding from a typical pet store; steer clear of harmful cedar and non-kiln dry pine.
Prairie Dog
Yes, prairie dogs are members of the squirrel family as well. These ground squirrels come in a great range and are maybe one of the most popular exotic rodent varieties to maintain. Unfortunately, they were briefly banned in 2003 due to a small-scale monkeypox outbreak that was brought on by the importation of Gambian pouched rats from the wild. With very few exceptions, they are currently permitted as pets in the majority of states. Prairie dogs are considered to be very intelligent animals because of their complex vocalization system, which allows them to communicate with one other. Despite their tendency to behave aggressively with strangers, they can be excellent friends.
Their habitat and care needs are fairly modest; they will be content with a food primarily consisting of hay and grasses, a multi-level ferret cage, and standard small animal enrichment found in pet stores.
As far as the author is aware, this essay is truthful and correct. It is not intended to replace a veterinarian’s official and tailored advice, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, or prescription. When an animal shows signs of discomfort, it should be checked by a veterinarian very away.
