Keeping the wild animal as a pet can cause dangers for human life, so some states in the country don’t allow it. But still, you can help these wild animals to survive in different life conditions, but only after getting the permit.
On the other hand, some states allow these animals to have as a pet. The higher authorities always make this decision by keeping in mind the human life risks and the risks to the wildlife too. Therefore, now we have the question, “can you have a pet squirrel in Texas”? Let’s cast a look at its legal aspect.
The legal answer to “can you have a pet squirrel in Texas”?
According to the laws of Texas state, any animal found in the wild environment is considered absurd. Hence, humans are not allowed to keep that animal in the home as a pet. So it is illegal to have a pet squirrel at home.
As squirrel is native to the wild，, its wildness sometimes can produce something dangerous to humans and his life.
But if you are the person who loves wild animals, and you have the capabilities and skills to tackle and take care of wild animals; then you have some legal ways to do things for your passion.
Is there any legal way to keep a squirrel as a pet in Texas?
You are not allowed to keep squirrels in the home as pets, but you can offer your services to take care of the orphan and injured squirrels after getting a permit.
This is the only way you can fulfill your desire, little.
But before issuing you the permit, authorities will check out your skills whether you can take care of wild animals or not.
How to get a wildlife permit in Texas
A wildlife permit is also known as a rehabilitation permit. In this permit, you will be allowed to look after the orphan or injured squirrel. But you have to release that animal back in the wild within a given time.
You will be first inspected for having a proper environment and facilities. You must have some skills to handle and care for these animals.
Therefore, you can contact the relevant department and get this permit. You can always call (800) 792-1112 for any information.
Here are the same types of permits offered by the Wildlife Division of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
● Propagate
● Collect
● Care for
● Display
Offering temporary care for injured and orphan squirrels
After getting this rehabilitation permit, you can offer your services as a rehab person to secure the lives of injured and orphan squirrels.
But while dealing with squirrels, always keep in mind these measures.
● Wearing gloves is mandatory. So always wear gloves while doing any activity
● Make a box for temporary shelter of squirrels and line this ox with a soft cloth
● While feeding the squirrels be cactus because wrong feed can take their life
● Maintain the temperature of the box according to the age of the squirrel or environment
● Please don’t make any contact with wild squirrels because they can be aggressive while doing so
What are the most common types of squirrels in Texas?
These are the most common types of squirrels that are living in Texas.
Eastern Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger)
Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Flying Squirrel
Mexican Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus mexicanus)
Eastern Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger)
This giant tree squirrel is present in the eastern ⅔ of Texas. Its color is grayish and brown and having a liar of the orange-red color underside.
They are usually found in the areas of river bottoms and pine trees. Their main feed is nuts and other seeds.
They can make their nest in the holes of trunks of trees or also on the leaves.
Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)
Eastern gray squirrels are also found in the eastern side of Texas, and these squirrels are medium size. They have gray and brown fur or white hairs on the tip. These squirrels contain a hairy tail and lighter color underneath the side.
Their feed is similar to the other ones like nuts, seeds, etc.
They can bread two times a year, and they also live on the tree holes.
Flying Squirrel
You can only find these squirrels in the wild areas of Texas. Mostly, people are unable to see these flying squirrels because flying squirrels are so tiny or hidden in the leaves.
These squirrels can eat anything like nuts and seeds and vegetables and fruits.
Mexican Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus mexicanus)
This squirrel is small-sized, and it has brown fur. The unique thing about these squirrels is that they have nine white rows along their tail. They have white color undersides.
As far as diet is concerned, Mexican ground squirrels can eat nuts, grains, plants, and herbs.
So, these are the most famous types of wild squirrels found in Texas.
Can I feed wild squirrels in Texas?
It is important to note that feeding wild animals in Texas is illegal. It doesn’t matter what kind of animal it is, whether a squirrel or fox, you are not allowed to feed wild animals.
The same is the case with wild squirrels; feeding them is illegal. So abide by the law and save yourself as well as these wild animals.
There are several reasons behind this strictness, which are described below.
Firstly, as these are wild animals, the food you feed can cause serious health issues to squirrels. And sometimes, your feeding may take their life.
Secondly, you may get injured or get attacked by these animals while feeding because they are wild. So it can be dangerous for you also.
So, never feed any wild animal, especially squirrels, as it is illegal.
Conclusions
In the end, it is illegal to have a pet squirrel in Texas, but you have a chance to fulfill your desire by working as a rehab person for the squirrels. But for this purpose, you have to meet the required protocols.
On the other, despite being illegal, still, some people are selling squirrels in Texas. Maybe these are the breeds of squirrels that are allowed. All you have to do is to research properly before taking any decision.
