Do You Want To Keep A Wild Animal As A Pet?
I understand. A lot of people do.
In fact, growing up, I wanted to captivate every furry animal on this earth.
Here’s a few things you may not be thinking of:
1. It’s more than likely illegal in your State to captivate wildlife without a license. If caught, you could be fined and that animal could be euthanized due to no fault of its own.
2. You have zero way of giving that animal proper vet care without a license. They get sick and injured more than your dog does. They get Bacterial Infections, UTIs, Pneumonia, they Break Bones, and much more. All which could be life threatening. If that animal passes because you couldn’t provide it adequate exams and medication - that’s on you to carry.
3. What about the Zoonotic diseases that animal can be carrying that may transfer to you or your domestic pets? Are you educated on the signs and symptoms of those diseases? Are you, your family, and pets vaccinated against all of those diseases? This isn’t an animal you purchased from the Pet Store that comes with a health guarantee. This is a wild animal that you are bringing into your home.
4. Are you properly educated on the diet requirements for that specific animal? They all vary and are quite extensive. Just because your Aunts friend raised one on cows milk 2 years ago, does not mean that it is nutritionally acceptable or that you will have success. You will end up slowly starving that baby and depriving it of what they need. (By the way, never ever ever use cows milk. That was just an example.)
5. Are you committed to keeping that animal for the rest of its life? Once you domesticate it, you can’t release it. I say “domesticate it” lightly. You can never truly domesticate a wild animal. They will turn feral at some point. Whether that take months or years. Especially once hormones kick in & breeding season comes into play. Now you have a feral animal that is way too associated with humans that you released and it walks up to Kelly two houses down and gets shot because it’s unnatural for wild animals to do that and she was fearful.
6. What if that animal bites/ attacks someone inside your home? Wild Animals are more territorial and possessive than a dog. Except the legal consequences of a wild animal attack vs. a dog bite are much greater.
Even as a Licensed Rehabber I still learn something new every day and I’m frequently getting thrown for a loop with these fascinating animals.
Ways you can still help and experience these beautiful creatures legally & safely:
1. Volunteer with your local Wildlife Rehabilitator
2. Found an Orphaned, Sick, or Injured baby? Contact your local Wildlife Rehabilitator
3. Leave fresh water out for these forest friends and appreciate them from a distance
4. Pinterest DIY shelters you can place amongst your yard for them to use as they please
5. Donate to your local Wildlife Rescue to help those in need
6. Take the appropriate steps to become licensed.
** I also would like to add that just because you see a “nocturnal” animal out during the day time, it does not mean that it is has rabies! Or if you see one that is sickly - it still does not mean it has rabies! Just DO NOT touch it. DO NOT kill it. Just leave it & contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator PLEASE! **
- Pic taken from Google
