Don't Bring Squirrels Indoors as Pets

It can be hard not to smile when watching squirrels chase each other around the yard or park. It can be fun to enjoy their frenetic energy, following their constantly twitching tails as they scurry about a tree trunk or frantically search for acorns in the spring. Many people have pondered whether to care for them and keep as a pet, bringing a few squirrels into their home. The resounding advice from those who have done so is to not make their same mistakes. Despite squirrels’ cute and cuddly appearance from afar, the realities of bringing a wild animal into your home are far from charming. Finding them unexpectedly inside your home without Critter Guard’s utility line and pole guards to deter them can also be an unpleasant surprise. Squirrels’ nature and demeanor can wreak havoc in your home, so keep them out!

Damage and Injury from Claws

Squirrels’ claws are sharp, and they will use them for getting about and self-defense, if necessary. Even a trained wildlife rehabilitator specialist can receive the brunt of the critters’ piercing claws. Squirrels easily scale trees and utility poles and dash along power lines. They do this with their long, incredibly sharp claws, designed to dig into the thickest tree bark. Squirrels, an undomesticated animal, have no reservations about using these claws against you and your exposed skin. Claws can even tear through denim, most other clothing materials, and valuable household items.

A Nasty Mess

In nature, squirrels live in various dwellings from dens to dreys, depending on the species. A characteristic these species share is a desire to keep their places immaculate. When caged, squirrels consider the cage their home, and your home is fair game. Squirrels will aim bodily waste out the sides of a cage and into your home. When uncaged, like many rodents, their droppings land wherever and all over the place.

Restrictions and Laws

It cannot be emphasized enough that squirrels are wild animals. Other small rodents that are traditionally kept as pets are the result of countless generations of domestication. That simply has not happened with squirrels. Because of this, squirrels pose an inherent danger to would-be owners. Their large numbers and relative ease of capture make them tempting as well. Therefore, it is highly likely that keeping a pet squirrel in your state is illegal. Those truly set on obtaining a squirrel may obtain a wildlife rehabilitator license in some cases. But those looking for a fun pet should rightly search elsewhere.

You are better off leaving squirrels to their natural habitat and out of your home. Even when outside, their sharp claws and teeth can wreak havoc on our power and communications infrastructure. Critter Guard’s Line Guard and Pole Guard protection systems keep squirrels from gaining access to your home and off electrical lines and power poles. Contact us today to learn more on how we can help.