Types of Squirrels People Keep as Pets

Legality of Pet Squirrels

Squirrels are fast and charismatic little rodents that are one of the most commonly observed mammals in the North American wild. Their bouncy, bushy tails give them an appeal that eludes other rodents such as mice and rats. Some people may wonder if squirrels can be kept as pets, especially if they have seen orphaned wild squirrels in need of care.

Can You Keep a Squirrel as a Pet?

The answer is yes and no. If the species of squirrel you want to keep is legal in your state, then yes. At least one species of squirrel is legal in most states; Hawaii and California are exceptions, and there are likely others. All species of squirrels require a lot of room relative to their size. Many squirrels are arboreal animals that must have plenty of vertical space, and terrestrial species must have enough room to forage and play. Unless your enclosure is large, they will also need to be let out to play regularly. Some owners choose to keep squirrels in large outdoor aviaries.

Legality of Pet Squirrels

Although many states have bans on so-called exotic animals, you will find that most ordinances do not specifically mention squirrels. This does not mean that squirrels are legal, however. They are often considered game animals and are separately regulated. Native animals, regardless of where they were born, are generally illegal in most states, and this applies to squirrels. Other states may allow captive-breds but prohibit those that come from the wild. If you find a wild squirrel in need of care, it’s best to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.

Types of Pet Squirrels

Gray Squirrel

Everyone is very familiar with this common sight. Gray squirrels are common in nature centers, and they can be found in all contiguous states. Most people own gray squirrels when they adopt them from the wild, but there are a small number of breeders. They can be challenging pets, and many states make it illegal to take them from the wild to keep as a pet. Although any animal with teeth can bite, gray squirrels have been known to bite at least occasionally.

They’re also equipped with sharp claws, so they’re not pets for people who don’t want to put up with some damage. They will also only bond with one person, and cannot be touched by others. These are difficult pets for most people. The same goes for the native fox squirrel, which is the largest species of tree squirrel in North America.

Chipmunks

Many people don’t know that these little mice are also a type of squirrel. Nowadays, chipmunks are becoming harder to find in the United States, but non-native Siberian chipmunks, which look like the ones in our yards, are the most commonly available and are more likely to be legal because they are unique. The smaller size of chipmunks gives them more reasonable enclosure size requirements, but many owners prefer to house them in large aviaries. Chipmunks are not as avid climbers as gray squirrels, but they can still benefit from a cage with ledges and places to climb. Chipmunks can be affectionate and bond with their owners.

Rock Squirrel

Rock squirrels are not common pets, but some people keep them. They are native to parts of the American Southwest and Mexico. They are one of the largest squirrel species and resemble prairie dogs. Also, like prairie dogs, they have a mostly herbivorous diet, are social rodents, and burrow communally. As they live in colonies, these animals will have a strong social need in captivity.

Flying Squirrel

Flying squirrels probably make the “best” pets on this list. These little creatures are very affectionate, bond with their owner, and even get along with people who are not their guardians. In addition, they are cool pets to own, due to their unique physical characteristic of having a membrane on their sides that they use to glide from branch to branch.

Like the joeys of some marsupials, humans practice this relationship by carrying rats in special pouches for several hours a day for the first few weeks of their lives. Flying squirrels will live happily in a well-furnished aviary type enclosure; it doesn’t have to be big. These squirrels are native to parts of the United States, so check your local animal laws.

Provost Squirrel

These squirrels are very cute and have a better disposition as a pet than gray squirrels. These are, unfortunately, hard to find these days and cost around $1000 if you can find one. Like other tree squirrels, they still have very sharp claws, and they like to climb on their owner’s body. This can be quite a painful experience. Tree squirrels are best housed in the largest enclosure you can accommodate.

Although they can be kept in smaller cages a few feet high, this can make living with them difficult, as they need to be let out often, and they can have a very high-pitched, high-pitched screech when they want out! Ideally, a walk-in enclosure is best.

Richardson’s Ground Squirrel

This species is also referred to as a “Flickertail Squirrel” because of the flickering motion of their tails. This is another rodent similar to rock squirrels and prairie dogs. They are primarily herbivorous hay eaters that must be fed and cared for much like prairie dogs. They are terrestrial and can use an exercise wheel, providing excellent enrichment for rats that use them regularly. They can only be housed in a multi-level cage used for ferrets or chinchillas with some standard pet store bedding (avoiding toxic cedar and non-kiln dried pine).

Prairie dog

Yes, prairie dogs are also a type of squirrel. This is a large type of ground squirrel that is probably one of the more popular exotic rodents to own. Unfortunately, they were briefly banned in 2003 when an outbreak of monkeypox spread to some individuals from the importation of wild-caught Gambian pouched rats. They are currently legal today, and only a handful of states make them illegal as pets. Prairie dogs are considered highly intelligent because they use a complex system of vocalizations to communicate with one another. They can be loving pets but can be downright aggressive towards strangers.

Their enclosure and care requirements are quite reasonable; eating mostly hay and grass, a multi-level ferret cage, and standard pet store enrichment for small animals will keep them happy.

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. It is not intended to replace diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Animals showing signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

© 2018 Melissa A Smith

Comments

Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 15, 2018:

Thanks Larry!

Larry W Fish from Roxboro, NC on April 20, 2018:

I loved your article about squirrels, Melissa. When I was a child living in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, we had a gray squirrel as a pet. This goes back close to sixty years ago. Fuzzy would come over, sit on our lap, and take peanuts out of our hands. I am a true country boy and this is one pet I will always remember.

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