Pet Squirrel Legality
Squirrels are agile and charismatic little rodents, one of the most commonly observed wild mammals in North America. A bouncy, bushy tail gives them an appeal to avoid other rodents such as rats and mice. Especially if you find an orphaned wild squirrel in need of care, some may wonder if you can keep a squirrel as a pet.
Can I keep a squirrel as a pet?
The answer is both “yes” and “no”. Yes, if the type of squirrel you want is legal in your state. At least one species of squirrel is legal in most states. Hawaii and California are exceptions, and there are probably others. Squirrels of any species require a large amount of space relative to their size. Many squirrels are arboreal animals, so they need plenty of vertical space, and terrestrial squirrels also need plenty of room to play and play. Unless the enclosure is huge, they also need to be taken outside to play regularly. Some owners choose to keep their squirrels in large outdoor aviaries.
Pet squirrel legality
Many states ban so-called exotic animals, but you’ll find that most ordinances don’t specifically mention squirrels. However, this does not mean that squirrels are legal. These are often considered game animals and are regulated separately. Native animals are generally illegal in most states, regardless of where they were born, and this also applies to squirrels. Other states may allow captive-bred squirrels but ban wild-sourced squirrels. If you find a wild squirrel that needs care, it’s best to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitation professional.
types of pet squirrels
gray squirrel
This common sight is familiar to everyone. Gray squirrels are frequent visitors to nature centers and are found in all mainland states. Most people adopt gray squirrels from the wild and end up owning them, but there are a few breeders. They can be challenging pets, and many states make it illegal to take them out of the wild to keep them as pets. Any animal with teeth can bite, but gray squirrels have been known to do so at least occasionally.
It also has sharp claws, so it is not suitable as a pet for those who cannot tolerate a little damage. Also, they only bond with one person, making it impossible for anyone else to treat them. These are poor pets for most people. The same is true for the native fox squirrel, the largest tree squirrel in North America.
Chipmunk
Few people know that this tiny rodent is also a type of squirrel. Currently, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find chipmunks in the United States, but the exotic Siberian chipmunk, similar to backyard chipmunks, is the most commonly available and legal because it is exotic. more likely. Chipmunks’ small size demands a more appropriate enclosure size, but many owners prefer to keep them in large aviaries. Chipmunks aren’t as avid climbers as gray squirrels, but they can benefit from cages with ledges and climbing areas. Chipmunks are affectionate and can interact with their owners.
Ivalis
Iwaris are not common pets, but some people keep them. They inhabit parts of the American Southwest and Mexico. One of the largest species of squirrel, it looks like a prairie dog. Also, like prairie dogs, they have a predominantly herbivorous diet, are social rodents, and dig community burrows. Because these animals live in colonies, they will have strong social needs in captivity.
giant flying squirrel
Flying squirrels are probably the “best” pets on this list. These little creatures are very affectionate and can bond with their owners and get along well with people they don’t care for. In addition, they are the perfect pets to keep, given their unique physical trait of having membranes on their sides that they use to glide from branch to branch.
As with some marsupial jokes, humans forge this relationship by carrying the rodent around in a special pouch for several hours each day for the first few weeks of life. Flying squirrels live happily in well-equipped aviary-like enclosures. It doesn’t have to be huge. These squirrels live in parts of the United States, so check your own country’s animal laws.
Prevostris
These squirrels are stunningly beautiful and make better pets than gray squirrels. Unfortunately, they are hard to find these days and when you do find them, they cost around $1000. Like other kiris, they still have very sharp claws and love to climb on their owner’s body. This can be a pretty painful experience. Killis are best housed in the largest enclosure they can accommodate.
They can be kept in small cages, only a few feet tall, but they are more difficult to live with, as they need to be taken out frequently and can emit a very sharp shriek when desired. Become. come out! Ideally, a walk-in enclosure would be best.
richardson ground squirrel
This species is also called the “flicker tail squirrel” because of the quivering movement of its tail. This is also a rodent similar to isoliths and prairie dogs. They are primarily herbivorous hay-eating animals and need to be fed and cared for just like prairie dogs. They are terrestrial and may use exercise wheels, making them excellent nutritional supplements for rodents that use them regularly. They can easily be housed in a multi-tiered ferret or chinchilla cage with standard pet store bedding (avoid poisonous cedar and undried pine).
prairie dog
Yes, prairie dogs are also a type of squirrel. These are large ground squirrels and he is probably one of the most popular exotic rodents to keep. Unfortunately, it was temporarily banned in 2003 when the importation of wild-caught Gambian bag rats spread monkeypox to some individuals. Although they are now legal, only a handful of states have made them illegal as pets. Prairie dogs are considered highly intelligent because they use a complex vocalization system to communicate with each other. They can be affectionate pets, but they can also direct their aggression toward strangers.
Their enclosure and care requirements are fairly reasonable. A diet of mostly hay and grass, multi-tiered ferret cages, and a general pet store plethora for small animals keep them happy.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not a substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or formal, individualized advice from a veterinarian. Animals showing signs or symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
© 2018 Melissa Smith
comment
Melissa A. Smith (Author) From New York, May 15, 2018:
Thank you Larry!
Larry W. Fish From Raleigh, April 20, 2018:
I loved your article on squirrels, Melissa. When I was little and lived in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, I had a gray squirrel as a pet. This goes back nearly 60 years. Fuzzy came over and sat on our laps and took the nuts out of our hands. I was a true redneck and this is one pet I will always remember.