Sometimes, you might be able to touch a squirrel, but it really depends on your location and the squirrel’s behavior. If the law says it’s okay and the squirrel seems calm or has been raised by people, a quick, gentle pet is usually fine—but honestly, most of the time, it’s best to keep your distance. Let’s dig into the rules, the health stuff, and what actually counts as safe contact.
You’ll get a sense of how squirrels act, when they might let you touch them, and what you should do if you run into one. I’ll also cover some straightforward advice for caring for a rescued squirrel, and how that’s a whole different ballgame from trying to pet a wild one.
Can You Pet a Squirrel? Laws, Safety, and Basic Facts
You’ll probably see squirrels in parks, backyards, or sometimes at rehab centers. Whether you can actually touch or keep one comes down to the law, the squirrel’s personality, and a few safety steps.
Let’s break down what the law says, how wild and tame squirrels act differently, and what you can do to avoid bites and diseases.
Legal Status and Regulations
The laws are all over the place. Some states and cities treat native squirrels as wildlife and make it illegal to keep them unless you have a permit.
A few places allow only squirrels bred in captivity, or they require a special wildlife or exotic pet license. Animal control or your state wildlife agency usually handles permits and can take the animal away if you don’t follow the rules.
If you find an injured squirrel, you usually have to call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Taking care of, moving, or keeping a wild squirrel without permission can get you fined or have the animal taken away.
Before you even think about keeping a squirrel, check with your local wildlife agency or animal control to see what’s allowed.
Some things to keep in mind:
- You often need proof that your squirrel came from a licensed breeder or rescue.
- Zoning or HOA rules might ban exotic pets, even if your state says it’s okay.
- Only certified rehabilitators can legally care for and release wild squirrels.
Tame vs. Wild Squirrels
Licensed breeders or rehabbers usually hand-raise tame squirrels from a very young age. These squirrels might trust people and tolerate some handling.
But let’s be honest—they’re not really domesticated. They still chew on everything, climb nonstop, and have tons of energy.
Wild squirrels, on the other hand, get stressed out easily and act unpredictably. If you try to pet a wild one, you’ll probably get bitten or scratched, or it’ll bolt.
Even if a wild squirrel seems friendly, it could have parasites or carry diseases. If a squirrel doesn’t have paperwork, just assume it’s wild and don’t risk it.
If you’re set on having a pet squirrel, go through a licensed source and double-check the laws. Ask for health records, info on vaccines or parasite treatments, and get advice from a wildlife rehabber or exotic animal vet.
Risks and Safety Precautions
Squirrels bite and scratch when they’re scared or if you handle them the wrong way. Those bites can break the skin and might get infected.
Avoid touching wild squirrels directly, and definitely don’t try to hand-feed or grab one you don’t know.
If you absolutely have to handle a squirrel (like for a rescue or vet trip), put on thick gloves and use a towel or a humane trap. Keep it in a secure carrier.
If you get bitten, see a doctor right away and follow local rules about reporting possible rabies exposure. Always wash your hands after any contact and clean anything the squirrel touched.
There aren’t standard vaccines for pet squirrels, so keep any breeder’s records and get regular vet checkups. Work with a licensed wildlife rehabber for care tips, and follow their advice on feeding, enrichment, and whether the squirrel should be released.
If you’re unsure about the law, ask your state wildlife agency or local animal control before you even think about keeping a squirrel as a pet.
What to Expect When Keeping or Petting a Squirrel
You’ll run into different types of squirrels, and each one has its own quirks, needs, and legal hoops to jump through.
Prepare for a lot of activity, a picky diet, and instincts that make training and handling a real challenge.
Types and Species of Squirrels
Most people spot tree squirrels in their neighborhoods. These guys are busy all day, love to climb, and need plenty of room to jump around.
Common tree species like the eastern gray and fox squirrel usually measure about 10–20 inches from nose to tail.
Flying squirrels are a whole different story. They’re nocturnal and glide between trees at night. They need dark, quiet spaces and won’t do well in a bright, noisy cage.
Ground squirrels dig tunnels and would rather burrow and forage than climb.
Check your local rules before you even think about keeping a squirrel. Some places ban native tree or ground squirrels as pets.
If you’re considering one, pick a species that’s legal where you live and that actually fits your home.
Squirrel Behavior and Training
Squirrels are curious, quick, and get stressed out by sudden moves. You’ll notice tail flicks, chattering, or they might freeze or dart away—those are your signals to back off.
You can train them for small things, like taking food from your hand or going back to their cage. Keep training sessions short and use treats like unsalted nuts or sunflower seeds.
Don’t force them to be handled. Let the squirrel come to you, and expect slow progress—sometimes, you’ll even go backward.
Try not to make them completely dependent on you. That way, if they ever need to live outdoors or get released, they have a better shot.
If you want more details, check out this practical guide on keeping a pet squirrel: https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Pet-Squirrel.
Caring for Squirrels and Diet
A good diet is crucial. Offer raw, unsalted nuts, a few bits of fruit, and special rodent blocks.
Skip the bread, junk food, or salty snacks. Always have fresh water available.
Housing depends on the species. Tree squirrels need tall cages with branches and places to climb. Flying squirrels need dark nest boxes and a quiet spot.
Ground squirrels want space to dig and run along the floor. Give them enrichment—branches, puzzle feeders, and safe chew toys to keep their teeth in check.
Watch out for signs of illness like being tired, not eating, or trouble breathing. If you have a squirrel, find a vet who knows exotic or wild animals.
Adopting or Rescuing a Squirrel
Only consider adopting a squirrel if it genuinely can’t survive in the wild or if your local laws actually allow it. Most wildlife agencies and rehab centers just won’t release squirrels that people have already imprinted on.
So, reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator first.
If you find an injured or orphaned squirrel, jot down the location and note its condition. Then, call a rehabber right away.
If you get permission to keep the squirrel, take it to a vet for a health check and any recommended vaccinations. Make sure you get clear care instructions from someone who knows what they’re doing.
Adopting a squirrel means you’re signing up for years of daily feeding, cleaning, and keeping the little one engaged. Not sure you want that responsibility? You can always set up safe food stations or make your yard more squirrel-friendly and just watch them do their thing outside.
