How Much Does a Squirrel Cost? The Nuts and Bolts of Squirrel Acquisition (and Maybe Why You Shouldn’t)

The short, unsatisfying answer is: legally owning a squirrel typically costs nothing because it’s illegal in most places. Unlike a hamster or a parrot, you can’t just stroll into a pet store and purchase a squirrel. That’s because squirrels are considered wild animals, and keeping them as pets is heavily regulated and, in many jurisdictions, outright prohibited. However, the indirect cost of dealing with squirrels, whether it’s damage they inflict on your property or the expense of humane removal, can range from a few dollars to several thousand. Let’s dive into the specifics and explore why this seemingly simple question has such a complicated answer.

Squirrel Ownership: A Legal Labyrinth

The key to understanding the cost of a squirrel isn’t about a purchase price, but about the legal and ethical considerations surrounding their acquisition. Laws regarding wildlife vary wildly from state to state, province to province, and even city to city.

• Legality is Paramount: In most places, it is illegal to possess, rehabilitate, or sell squirrels without the proper permits. These permits are generally reserved for licensed wildlife rehabilitators and researchers, not the average citizen. The reasoning is simple: squirrels are wild animals, and attempting to keep them as pets is often detrimental to their well-being and potentially dangerous to humans.
• “Rescuing” a Squirrel: Finding an abandoned baby squirrel might tug at your heartstrings, but taking it home could be breaking the law. Instead, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They have the expertise, facilities, and legal authorization to care for injured or orphaned wildlife.
• Exceptions (Rare and Heavily Regulated): Some jurisdictions might allow the possession of certain captive-bred squirrels, typically exotic species that cannot survive in the local environment if released. However, these exceptions are rare, and obtaining the necessary permits usually involves a lengthy and expensive process, including demonstrating specialized knowledge of squirrel care.

The Hidden Costs of Squirrel “Ownership”

Even if you could legally own a squirrel, the true cost extends far beyond a hypothetical price tag.

• Specialized Care: Squirrels have highly specific dietary and environmental needs. A proper diet requires a balanced mix of nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and supplements to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Housing needs to be spacious and enriched with climbing structures and hiding places. This setup can easily cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars initially.
• Veterinary Care: Finding a veterinarian experienced in treating squirrels can be challenging and expensive. Squirrels are prone to various health problems, including parasites, respiratory infections, and dental issues, requiring specialized veterinary care.
• Destructive Behavior: Squirrels are natural chewers and diggers. If not properly contained and stimulated, they can cause significant damage to your home and belongings.
• Zoonotic Diseases: Squirrels can carry diseases transmissible to humans, such as rabies, tularemia, and leptospirosis. Handling them without proper precautions poses a health risk.
• Ethical Considerations: Squirrels are highly intelligent and social animals. Keeping them confined as pets deprives them of their natural instincts and social interactions, potentially leading to stress and behavioral problems.

Squirrel Removal: A More Likely Scenario

While owning a squirrel is generally off-limits, dealing with squirrels that have invaded your property is a much more common scenario. This is where the costs start adding up.

• DIY Solutions: Humane trapping and relocation may be legal in some areas, but it’s crucial to check local regulations first. Traps themselves can cost $20-$50.
• Professional Wildlife Removal: The cost of professional squirrel removal varies depending on the extent of the infestation, the complexity of the removal process, and your location. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $1000 or more, especially if structural repairs are needed to seal entry points.
• Property Damage: Squirrels can cause extensive damage to roofs, attics, and wiring. Repairs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the severity of the damage.
• Prevention is Key: Investing in preventative measures, such as sealing entry points, trimming tree branches away from your house, and using squirrel-resistant bird feeders, can save you money and headaches in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I keep a baby squirrel I found in my yard?

No. In most jurisdictions, it is illegal to possess a wild animal, including squirrels, without the proper permits. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead.

2. What are the legal consequences of keeping a squirrel as a pet illegally?

Penalties vary depending on the location but can include fines, confiscation of the animal, and even jail time.

3. How much does it cost to feed a squirrel in my backyard?

The cost of feeding squirrels varies depending on the type and quantity of food you provide. A bag of squirrel food can range from $10 to $30, but be mindful of attracting unwanted pests and the potential impact on the squirrel’s natural foraging behavior.

4. What kind of habitat do squirrels need in captivity?

Squirrels need a large, secure enclosure with plenty of climbing opportunities, hiding places, and enrichment items. The enclosure should be at least 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide and deep.

5. What do squirrels eat in captivity?

A proper squirrel diet includes a balanced mix of nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and commercially available squirrel food. Avoid feeding them processed foods, sugary treats, or foods high in fat.

6. Are squirrels dangerous to humans?

Squirrels can bite or scratch if they feel threatened. They can also carry diseases transmissible to humans. Exercise caution and avoid handling them directly.

7. How can I humanely deter squirrels from my property?

Seal entry points, trim tree branches away from your house, use squirrel-resistant bird feeders, and consider using motion-activated sprinklers or ultrasonic repellents.

8. How much does it cost to repair squirrel damage to my roof?

The cost of roof repair depends on the extent of the damage. Minor repairs may cost a few hundred dollars, while extensive damage could cost several thousand.

9. Can I relocate squirrels that are causing problems on my property?

Relocating squirrels may be illegal in some areas. Check your local regulations before attempting to trap and relocate them. Even if legal, relocating a squirrel to an unfamiliar environment often results in the animal’s death.

10. What is the best way to prevent squirrels from nesting in my attic?

Seal all entry points, such as cracks, holes, and vents. Cover chimneys with a mesh screen. Trim tree branches away from your house.

11. Are there any exceptions to the laws against keeping squirrels as pets?

Some jurisdictions may allow the possession of certain captive-bred, non-native squirrel species with the proper permits. However, these exceptions are rare and heavily regulated.

12. What is the best thing to do if I find an injured squirrel?

Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not attempt to care for the injured squirrel yourself, as you could inadvertently harm it or expose yourself to disease.

In conclusion, while the temptation to “own” a squirrel might be strong, the legal, ethical, and practical considerations make it a generally inadvisable and often illegal endeavor. Focus on humane deterrence methods to manage squirrel populations around your property, and always prioritize the well-being of these fascinating wild creatures. Remember, admiring them from a distance is usually the best course of action.