Squirrels seem so cute, so it’s tempting to think about taking them home as a pet. However, when you consider the consequences of having a squirrel for a pet, it’s not a good decision for most of us.
It is illegal to have a squirrel as a pet in Colorado. In general, wildlife cannot be owned or held in captivity.
Squirrels are highly energetic and destructive animals. They are larger than most rodents kept as pets, and they have no real history of domestication. As such, they can cause many problems.
Squirrels are hard to cage. They are strong and persistent, and because of their size and tendency to roam over large areas, they need a large area to roam to keep them healthy and happy. If they don’t have this, they will focus their energy on destruction, and can break out of many cages you might think could hold them.
When squirrels are out of their cages, they will eagerly seek to exercise their natural instincts. Squirrels are destructive to your home because of their tendency to chew. They also use their long claws to climb, which will lead to holes and damage to everything in your home, including your arm if you aren’t wearing protective clothing.
Squirrels naturally drop refuse everywhere they go. However, they don’t like to make a mess of their own cage, and they will spray and throw urine and feces out of their space.
Squirrels are wild animals and don’t have the same sense of affection and bonding with people that domestic animals have been bred and selected for over generations. As such, they are more likely to bite you, your children, and your other pets. This can make them unsafe to have around.
Most of the time that people end up with a pet squirrel, it’s because they find a baby that’s been abandoned. If you find yourself in this situation, you’re better off contacting people who can care for the animal and reintroduce it to the wild.
If, however, a squirrel seems intent on making your home its home, we can help. Please contact Animal and Pest Control Specialist for help getting rid of squirrels and other pests across the Front Range, including Denver, Fort Collins, and Castle Rock.
Ronnie came out and completed an inspection in our home. He gave us good news that we did not have an insect problem. He was very knowledgeable, courteous and professional. Although they typically do not deal with our particular problem, they were willing to do an inspection and point us in the right direction. The gal in the office went above and beyond to make sure we were taken care of. Thank you!
