No, you generally cannot keep a ground squirrel as a pet. Most states consider them wild animals, making private ownership illegal without special permits. Even in places where it’s allowed, ground squirrels are not domesticated, require complex care, and often become stressed or aggressive in captivity.
Ground squirrels are undeniably cute. They’re quick, curious, and seem just tame enough to tempt someone into keeping one. The problem is, they’re wild animals, not pocket-sized pets.
Keeping a ground squirrel isn’t as simple as offering food and a cage. It comes with legal risks, behavioral issues, and real challenges that most people aren’t prepared for. Before making a decision, it’s important to understand what you’re really signing up for.
Is It Even Legal to Own a Ground Squirrel?
Most states treat ground squirrels as wild animals, making it illegal to keep one without a permit. However, a few places allow it. Arkansas lets you own up to six native squirrels without permit, while states like Idaho and Louisiana don’t outright ban them, though they often require permits. In South Carolina, you can legally keep a squirrel you took from the wild, but you can’t bring one in from elsewhere.
Even in states where ownership is possible, the process can be complex. For example, Minnesota requires an educational permit. New Jersey allows only red or flying squirrels. And even in Wisconsin, ground squirrels fall under an exemption, meaning you can keep them, but that doesn’t guarantee easy access or minimal responsibility. Local laws may add further restrictions, so confirming with state wildlife agencies and your city or county is key.
Are Ground Squirrels Good Pets?
No, ground squirrels do not make good pets. They’re wild animals with instincts that don’t adapt well to captivity. These critters are built to dig, chew through anything, and stay constantly alert, traits that don’t translate into a calm, manageable pet experience. Even if they look harmless, their behavior is unpredictable and driven by survival, not bonding.
Raising one from a baby won’t tame its natural tendencies. Ground squirrels are territorial, quick to bite, and nearly impossible to contain for long. Most will try to escape at every chance and leave behind chewed-up furniture, messes, and bite marks if things go sideways. Keeping one means signing up for stress, for you and the squirrel.
Thinking of Owning a Ground Squirrel? Read This First
Before you try to turn a wild critter into a house pet, you’ll want to know exactly what you’re signing up for. Here’s a breakdown of what it really takes to care for ground squirrels as pets, and why it’s rarely a good idea.
Considerations
Owning a ground squirrel isn’t as simple as feeding it and watching it run on a wheel. These animals aren’t domesticated, so everything from their behavior to their biology is built for the wild. They’re highly active, easily stressed, and need constant stimulation to avoid boredom and aggression. If you’re not prepared for a nonstop ball of energy with destructive habits, you’ll be in over your head fast.
There’s also the ethical side to think about. Removing a wild animal from its natural environment disrupts local ecosystems, and in most cases, the animal ends up suffering in captivity. A cage, no matter how nice, can’t replace burrows, seasonal patterns, or social interaction with its kind. You may have the best intentions, but captivity often leads to stress and shorter lifespans for animals like ground squirrels.
Legality
Laws around owning wild animals vary widely, and squirrels as pets fall under strict regulations in most places. Many states ban private ownership altogether without specific permits. Others allow it under conditions that are difficult for the average person to meet. Keeping squirrels as pets illegally can lead to fines, confiscation, and a permanent record with your state’s wildlife agency.
Even in states where it’s technically allowed, local ordinances may say otherwise.
Even in states where it’s technically allowed, local ordinances may say otherwise. You could be in the clear at the state level but still be breaking county or city rules. Wildlife laws change frequently, and ignorance doesn’t offer any protection. Before you even think about adopting a ground squirrel, double-check with your state’s Department of Natural Resources or equivalent authority.
Housing
You can’t just toss a pet squirrel into a hamster cage and call it a day.. These animals are natural diggers and climbers that need space, enrichment, and complex environments to stay mentally and physically healthy. A standard pet cage is too small, too boring, and far too easy for them to escape from. Think reinforced walls, digging areas, hiding spots, and constant supervision.
Then there’s the cleanup. Ground squirrels don’t litter-train, and their tendency to chew means bedding, toys, and even parts of the cage need constant replacement. Housing them indoors can result in shredded furniture, frayed wires, and damage that adds up fast.
Outdoors? They’ll either escape or attract predators. Either way, housing a ground squirrel is a full-time job with no real payoff.
Diet
Ground squirrels aren’t content with seeds and pellets. In the wild, they eat a rotating menu of roots, berries, nuts, insects, and vegetation, which means their diet needs to be varied and seasonally adjusted. A poor diet leads to malnutrition, digestive issues, or worse. You’ll have to mimic that diversity daily, and no, just tossing in peanuts won’t cut it.
Feeding one properly also means avoiding common household foods that are toxic to small mammals. You’ll need to research safe produce, source bugs or protein-rich supplements, and keep fresh water available at all times.
It’s not only expensive, but time-consuming, especially if you’re not already familiar with rodent nutrition. Miss a detail, and it could cost the animal its health.
Maintenance
Owning a ground squirrel means signing up for nonstop maintenance. They chew everything, dig constantly, and don’t respond to training. Cleaning their space is a daily task, not a weekend chore.
Without constant attention, their enclosure becomes unhygienic fast, and that can lead to infections or behavior issues.
Vet care is another major hurdle. Most veterinarians don’t treat wild rodents, and those who do are often expensive or hours away. If the squirrel gets injured, sick, or stops eating, you’ll be left scrambling. Between the cleanup, habitat maintenance, enrichment needs, and health monitoring, you’re looking at a level of care more demanding than most traditional pets.
What Happens If You Actually Keep One?
Most people who try to keep a ground squirrel quickly realize it’s not the wholesome experience they imagined. The animal becomes anxious, aggressive, or completely unmanageable. Even with a cage and a steady food supply, it stays in survival mode—gnawing, scratching, and trying to escape.
Many owners give up after a few weeks, either releasing the squirrel illegally or surrendering it to wildlife rehabbers who now have to undo the damage.
There are also serious health risks. Ground squirrels can carry fleas, ticks, and parasites, along with potential diseases like leptospirosis or salmonella.
And if it gets sick or injured? Finding a vet who’ll treat a wild rodent is nearly impossible. What starts as a quirky pet idea can turn into a stressful, expensive problem you didn’t see coming.
Better Options If You Love Ground Squirrels
Still love ground squirrels but don’t want the chaos of owning one? Here are smarter, safer ways to enjoy them:
- Watch Them in the Wild: Set up feeders, rocks, and native plants to attract squirrels to your yard. You’ll get to enjoy their natural behavior without the stress of cages, cleanup, or legal issues.
- Visit Parks or Trails: Bring binoculars and make squirrel-watching a hobby. It’s peaceful, educational, and a great way to connect with nature, no squirrel-proofing required.
- Choose a Domesticated Small Pet: Consider rats, gerbils, or sugar gliders. They’re bred for companionship, easier to care for, and won’t send you scrambling for a wildlife permit.
- Support Wildlife Safely: Donate to or volunteer with local wildlife rehab centers. It’s a meaningful way to help animals without trying to domesticate the undomesticated.
Final Thoughts: Should You Keep a Ground Squirrel as a Pet?
No, you really shouldn’t. Ground squirrels are wild animals with complex needs, unpredictable behavior, and legal protections that exist for good reason. What starts as curiosity or affection can quickly spiral into frustration, mess, or even injury.
Admiring them from a distance is the responsible move. You get to appreciate their quirky charm without compromising their well-being, or your sanity. If you truly love these animals, the best way to show it is by leaving them wild and free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks of keeping a ground squirrel?
Ground squirrels can carry parasites and diseases, bite when frightened, and require constant care. They can also damage property by chewing and digging.
Are there states where it’s legal to own a ground squirrel?
Yes, some states like Arkansas and Wisconsin allow ground squirrel ownership under certain rules. Always check with your state’s wildlife agency before considering it.
Can you train a ground squirrel like a pet rodent?
Ground squirrels are not trainable in the same way as rats or hamsters. They are driven by survival instincts and typically resist handling or routine interaction.
What kind of enclosure does a ground squirrel need?
They require a large, reinforced habitat with space to dig, climb, and hide. Most standard pet cages are too small and easy to escape from.
Can ground squirrels live with other pets?
It’s risky. They may view other pets as threats or become aggressive. Most ground squirrels do not coexist well with cats, dogs, or other small animals.
