Detailed Guide: Can You Keep a Squirrel as a Pet?

Keeping a squirrel as a pet can be an exciting and unique experience. While they may seem like cute and cuddly creatures, it’s important to understand the legal aspects of keeping a squirrel as a pet before making the decision to adopt one.

In most states, it is illegal to keep squirrels as pets without special permits and wildlife rehabilitation licenses.

If you are considering adopting a squirrel, it’s important to understand their behavior and nutritional needs. Squirrels are highly active and social animals that require a lot of attention and stimulation.

They also have specific dietary requirements and need access to clean, fresh water at all times. Providing a safe and comfortable environment for your pet squirrel is crucial to their health and well-being.

Can You Legally Keep a Squirrel As a Pet?

Keeping a squirrel as a pet is illegal in most states. While it may have been legal in the past, it is now considered an illegal practice. In most cases, keeping a squirrel will require special permits and wildlife rehabilitation licenses.

Wildlife, in this instance, is defined as any undomesticated, native animal living in the wild. Therefore, if the animal is considered wildlife, it is illegal to keep one as a pet. Moreover, no type of wildlife can be kept as a pet, and you cannot possess, sell, or import any type of exotic wildlife.

In California, for instance, it is illegal to keep any type of wild animal as a pet. Some states may allow you to keep a squirrel as a pet, but with a limit of six per owner. You need to check with your state laws before acquiring one.

It is important to note that even if you obtain a permit to keep a squirrel, it does not mean that you can keep it as a pet. In most cases, the permit is issued to rehabilitate the squirrel and release it back into the wild.

In conclusion, keeping a squirrel as a pet is illegal in most states, and it is crucial to check with your state laws before acquiring one. Even if you obtain a permit, it may not be possible to keep the squirrel as a pet.

Fact:  Squirrels are highly active and social animals that require a lot of attention and stimulation.

Understanding Squirrel Behavior Psychology

Squirrels are wild animals that are not domesticated, so they are not suitable for being kept as pets. It is good to understand their behavior to appreciate them better.

Squirrels are social animals that live in groups and communicate with each other through vocalizations and body language. They are also territorial and will defend their territory against other squirrels. Squirrels are known for their ability to climb trees and jump from branch to branch. They are very agile and can run up to 20 miles per hour.

Squirrels are primarily herbivores, and their diet consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. They have an instinct to hoard food for the winter months. Squirrels are known to bury their food in the ground or hide it in trees to keep it safe from other animals.

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Squirrels are also known for their ability to chew on almost anything. They have strong teeth that can gnaw through wood, plastic, and even electrical wires. This behavior can be destructive when squirrels get into homes or buildings.

It is important to note that squirrels are wild animals and should be respected as such. They are not suitable for being kept as pets and attempting to do so can be dangerous for both the squirrel and the human.

What is a Healthy Squirrel Diet?

Squirrels are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals. In the wild, their diet consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and sometimes small animals like insects, bird eggs, and even small rodents.

As a pet owner, it is important to provide your pet squirrel with a balanced diet that mimics their natural diet.

Natural Diet

The natural diet of squirrels is high in fat and protein, which is essential for their growth and development.

Squirrels need a diet that is high in calories to maintain their energy levels. The following table shows some of the foods that are part of a squirrel’s natural diet:

Food	Description
Nuts	Peanuts, almonds, pecans, and walnuts are all good sources of protein and fat.
Seeds	Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds are all high in fat and protein.
Fruits	Apples, pears, bananas, and berries are all good sources of carbohydrates and vitamins.
Vegetables	Carrots, broccoli, and sweet potatoes are all high in vitamins and fiber.
Insects	Mealworms, crickets, and grasshoppers are all good sources of protein.

Squirrel Diet in Captivity

While it’s important to provide your pet squirrel with a diet that mimics their natural diet, it’s also important to supplement their diet with additional nutrients.

Squirrels need a balanced diet that includes vitamins and minerals to maintain their health. Here are some ways to supplement your pet squirrel’s diet:

Rodent blocks: Rodent blocks are a good source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. They should make up a small portion of your squirrel’s diet.

Fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals. They should make up a larger portion of your squirrel’s diet.

Calcium: Squirrels need calcium for healthy bones and teeth. You can provide calcium by giving your squirrel a cuttlebone or a calcium supplement.

Water: Squirrels need access to clean, fresh water at all times. Make sure your squirrel has a water bottle or dish that is changed daily.

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Housing and Environment for Squirrels

If you are considering keeping a squirrel as a pet, it is important to provide them with a suitable living environment. Squirrels are active and intelligent animals that require space to move around and play. In this section, we will discuss the indoor and outdoor housing options for squirrels.

Indoor Housing

When it comes to indoor housing, a large cage is necessary to keep your pet squirrel safe and comfortable. The cage should be at least two feet across on all sides and taller than it is deep. You should also provide your squirrel with a nest box or hiding place where they can retreat if they feel scared or threatened.

Squirrels are active animals that require plenty of stimulation and exercise. You should provide your pet with plenty of toys and climbing opportunities, such as branches or ropes. It is also important to let your squirrel out of their cage for a few hours each day to explore and play.

Outdoor Housing

If you have a yard or outdoor space, you may want to consider building an outdoor enclosure for your pet squirrel. This will allow them to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while still remaining safe from predators and other dangers.

When building an outdoor enclosure, it is important to ensure that it is secure and escape-proof. You should also provide your squirrel with plenty of climbing opportunities and hiding places, such as branches, logs, and nest boxes.

It is important to note that not all states allow pet squirrels, and in most places, it is illegal to keep them without a special permit or license. Before getting a pet squirrel, be sure to check your local laws and regulations to ensure that you are in compliance.

Overall, providing a suitable housing and environment for your pet squirrel is crucial for their health and well-being. By following these guidelines, you can create a safe and comfortable home for your furry friend.

Healthcare for Pet Squirrels

Taking care of a pet squirrel requires attention to their health needs. Here are some things to consider:

Common Health Issues

Squirrels are susceptible to a variety of health issues, including:

Malnutrition: Squirrels require a balanced diet that includes nuts, fruits, and vegetables. A lack of proper nutrition can lead to health problems.

Dental problems: Squirrels’ teeth grow continuously, so they need things to chew on to keep them trimmed. Dental problems can lead to difficulty eating and other health issues.

Parasites: Squirrels can get fleas, ticks, and other parasites that can cause health problems. Regular grooming and flea/tick prevention can help prevent these issues.

Respiratory infections: Squirrels can get respiratory infections, which can be caused by stress, poor diet, or exposure to cold temperatures.

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Veterinary Care

It is important to find a veterinarian who is experienced in treating squirrels. Here are some things to consider:

Find a vet who has experience treating squirrels: Not all vets have experience treating exotic pets, so it is important to find one who has experience treating squirrels.

Regular check-ups: Squirrels should have regular check-ups to ensure they are healthy. Your vet can also provide advice on diet and other aspects of care.

Emergency care: It is important to have a plan in place for emergency care in case your squirrel becomes ill or injured.

Taking care of a pet squirrel requires attention to their health needs. Squirrels can be susceptible to a variety of health issues, so it is important to find a veterinarian who has experience treating squirrels. Regular check-ups and emergency care are also important aspects of caring for a pet squirrel.

Challenges of Keeping Squirrels as Pets

While it may seem like a fun idea to keep a squirrel as a pet, there are many challenges that come with it. Here are some of the challenges you may face if you decide to keep a squirrel as a pet:

Legal Issues

First and foremost, it’s important to note that in most states, it’s illegal to keep squirrels as pets. Keeping a squirrel in most places requires special permits and wildlife rehabilitation licenses.

This is because squirrels are considered wild animals and are not meant to be kept as pets. It’s important to check with your local authorities before considering keeping a squirrel as a pet.

Housing

Squirrels need a lot of space to move around and play. They are very active animals and require a large cage or living environment with branches, to mimic the outside environment.

The cage should be a minimum of two feet across on all sides to be big enough for your squirrel to move around and taller than it is deep. It’s important to take them out of the cage at least 2-3 hours per day.

Diet

Squirrels are omnivores and require a varied diet to stay healthy. They need a diet that is high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats.

You can feed them a mix of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. It’s important to note that some foods, like avocado and chocolate, are toxic to squirrels and should be avoided.

Behavior

Squirrels are very active and social animals. They need a lot of attention and interaction to stay happy and healthy. They love to jump, climb, and run, so it’s important to provide them with toys and activities to keep them entertained.

It’s also important to note that squirrels can be very destructive and may chew on furniture, electrical cords, and other household items.

Health Issues

Squirrels can carry diseases like rabies, which can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches. They can also carry fleas and ticks, which can cause health problems for both the squirrel and their owner.

It’s important to take your squirrel to the vet regularly to check for any health issues and to keep them up to date on their vaccinations.

Overall, while squirrels may seem like cute and cuddly pets, they come with many challenges and responsibilities.

It’s important to do your research and make sure you’re prepared to provide a safe and healthy environment for your squirrel before considering keeping one as a pet.

Related Post: Feeding Squirrels by Hand

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the legal requirements for keeping a squirrel as a pet in North Carolina?

According to Pet Keen, it is illegal to keep a squirrel as a pet in North Carolina. Squirrels are considered a wild animal and are protected by state laws. Keeping a squirrel as a pet can result in hefty fines and even jail time.

What kind of supplies do you need to keep a pet squirrel?

If you live in a state where it is legal to keep a squirrel as a pet, you will need to provide them with a spacious cage, bedding, food and water dishes, and toys. Squirrels are active animals and need plenty of space to climb and play. You can also provide them with branches and logs to climb on. Additionally, you will need to provide them with a balanced diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.

What is the behavior of pet squirrels?

Pet squirrels can be affectionate and playful, but they are also high maintenance. They require a lot of attention and stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They are also very active and need plenty of space to climb and play. Squirrels are known to be escape artists, so it is important to have a secure cage or enclosure to keep them safe.

Is it legal to have a pet squirrel in Pennsylvania?

It is illegal to keep a squirrel as a pet in Pennsylvania. Squirrels are considered a wild animal and are protected by state laws. Keeping a squirrel as a pet can result in hefty fines and even jail time.

What is the history of keeping squirrels as pets?

Squirrels have been kept as pets for centuries, dating back to ancient Greece. In the 18th and 19th centuries, keeping squirrels as pets became a popular trend among the wealthy. Today, keeping squirrels as pets is controversial and illegal in many states.

What kind of food do pet squirrels need?

Pet squirrels require a balanced diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. You can also provide them with a commercial squirrel food mix, which is available at most pet stores. It is important to avoid feeding them processed or sugary foods, as these can be harmful to their health. WebMD provides a comprehensive guide on what to feed your pet squirrel.