Flying squirrels, with their endearing small pink noses, large captivating eyes, and luxuriously long, furry tails, certainly capture hearts. Their charming appearance, coupled with their unique ability to glide, makes them seem like fascinating potential pets. However, before you consider bringing one of these exotic creatures into your home, it’s crucial to understand what owning a flying squirrel truly entails. Are they suitable companions, and is it even legal to keep a flying squirrel as a pet where you live? Let’s delve into the realities of flying squirrel ownership.
Are Flying Squirrels Good Pets? Considering the Realities
Two species of flying squirrels, the northern and southern flying squirrels, are native to North America. The southern flying squirrel, recognized as the smaller of the two with its gray fur and white belly, and the northern flying squirrel, distinguished by gray-brown fur and a gray belly, are sometimes sought after as pets. While tales of affectionate flying squirrels who bond deeply with their owners exist, particularly when hand-fed and handled from a young age, it’s essential to understand the full picture.
The reality is that flying squirrels are exotic animals, and keeping them as pets presents several challenges. One significant hurdle is legality. In as many as 26 states, owning a flying squirrel is illegal. This is largely due to concerns about the illegal wildlife trade, where flying squirrels are often trapped in their natural habitats and smuggled across borders. Even in areas where they might be legal, ethical sourcing is a major concern. Prospective owners need to rigorously research legal and ethical avenues for obtaining a flying squirrel, ensuring they are not contributing to harmful wildlife trafficking.
Problems to Consider Before Getting a Pet Flying Squirrel
Before making the decision to keep a flying squirrel as a pet, it’s vital to be aware of the inherent challenges:
Social Needs: Flying squirrels are inherently social animals. In the wild, they live in groups, and this social nature doesn’t disappear in captivity. A solitary flying squirrel can become lonely and stressed. Therefore, if you consider a flying squirrel, you should ideally plan to keep them in pairs or small groups. Providing a companion is crucial for their well-being and happiness. While they may potentially coexist with other pets in your home, careful and constant supervision is paramount when they are outside of their enclosure.
Sharp Bites: Despite their cute appearance, flying squirrels possess strong, sharp teeth. These rodents are capable of delivering a painful bite. While domesticated flying squirrels may be less inclined to bite, like any animal, they can bite if they feel threatened, scared, or provoked. Handling requires caution and understanding of their behavior.
Destructive Habits: As rodents, flying squirrels have a natural instinct to chew constantly. This behavior is essential for keeping their teeth healthy, but it can translate to destructive habits in a home environment. They can chew on furniture, wires, and anything else they can access. Providing appropriate chew toys and a secure, chew-proof enclosure is necessary to mitigate damage.
Nocturnal Lifestyle: Flying squirrels are nocturnal animals. This means they are most active during the night and sleep during the day. Their nighttime activity can be quite disruptive, as they are energetic and vocal, which can interrupt your sleep if their enclosure is in or near your bedroom. You need to be prepared for a pet that is lively when you are trying to rest.
Conclusion:
While the idea of owning a flying squirrel as a pet might seem appealing, it’s crucial to weigh the realities against the charm. They are not low-maintenance pets. From legal and ethical sourcing to their specific social, behavioral, and nocturnal needs, owning a flying squirrel demands significant commitment, research, and preparation. Carefully consider if your lifestyle and home environment are truly suited to meet the complex needs of these exotic creatures before deciding if you can keep a flying squirrel as a pet.
