Squirrels are indeed wild animals, a fact often misunderstood due to their frequent presence in human-populated areas. Their behaviors and biology align with the definition of wild species, even when they inhabit urban and suburban environments.
Defining a Wild Animal
A wild animal is fundamentally one that is undomesticated, meaning it has not been selectively bred by humans over generations for specific traits or to live alongside people. These animals are self-sufficient, relying on their natural instincts for survival, including finding food, shelter, and mates, and raising their young independently. Their physical traits and behaviors are shaped by their natural environment, not by human intervention. Wildlife biology, the study of nondomesticated animals, encompasses these species and their interactions within their ecosystems. This field recognizes that even animals living in human-built environments can remain wild.
Squirrels’ Untamed Existence
Squirrels embody the characteristics of wild animals through their innate behaviors and reliance on natural processes. Squirrels exhibit complex foraging behaviors, searching for food to eat or to store. This includes scatter-hoarding, where individual food items like nuts are buried in numerous shallow holes. They demonstrate impressive spatial memory to relocate these caches.
Squirrels also construct their own shelters, known as dreys, often located high in tree forks or cavities. These dreys provide protection from weather and predators. Despite their often-seen boldness, squirrels naturally perceive humans as potential predators, exhibiting a healthy fear response. This fear is instinctive, although it can be influenced by habituation in urban settings.
Squirrels in Our Shared Spaces
While squirrels are commonly observed in urban parks, backyards, and cities, their close proximity to humans is a result of habituation, not domestication. This means they have grown accustomed to human presence, but their fundamental wild instincts remain intact. Even seemingly “tame” squirrels can be unpredictable and may bite or scratch if they feel threatened or provoked.
Keeping squirrels as pets is not recommended and often illegal due to their wild nature and specific needs. Their sharp teeth and claws, high energy levels, and natural urge to chew and hoard make them unsuitable companions. Direct contact with squirrels poses health risks, as they can carry diseases like rabies, leptospirosis, salmonella, and tularemia, which can be transmitted through bites, scratches, or contact with their waste. Feeding wild squirrels can also lead to them losing their natural fear of humans and relying on human-provided sustenance, which is often unhealthy.