There are many types of squirrels, ranging from the tiny little red squirrels to the massive grey squirrels that can grow more than four feet long. While all squirrels have a few things in common, there are also many subtle differences. And while you may have known that squirrels can be a nuisance, persistent, or even harmful, you may not know that they can be beneficial to your garden. Here are some things you didn’t know about pet ground squirrels.
They help control garden pests.
Ground squirrels are often nuisance animals because they can chew on garden plants, dig holes, and steal food. But they can also help control garden pests. Ground squirrels have been found to eat many insects like the dreaded cucumber beetle, which is a known pest that feeds on plant leaves and can devastate crops.
They have an acute sense of smell.
Squirrels have a very acute sense of smell. They can identify food from over 100 yards away and can find their way back home using the scent of their nesting area.
They’re great jumpers.
If you see a squirrel in your garden, you may think they’re cute and leave them alone. They are great jumpers, so they can easily hop on your shed or fence even if the squirrel is small. But if they become a problem, don’t try to take care of the problem yourself.
You can train them to guard your home.
Did you know that pet ground squirrels can be trained to guard your home? While they may seem helpless and small, they are quite intelligent. In fact, in some countries, people will use them to help them keep pests away from their homes.
They’re easy to care for
The care of a pet ground squirrel is quite easy, and you may be surprised to learn that they’re not very expensive. You should have a separate enclosure for the squirrel, but other than that, all you need are a few pieces of fruit or vegetables and some leafy green vegetables every day. Pet ground squirrels can live up to ten years in captivity if properly cared for.
They Have a Fur Coat to Stay Warm in Winter
One of the most obvious things about ground squirrels is that they have a fur coat to keep warm in winter. They also have an insulating layer of fat on their body to help them stay warm. The fur starts turning brown when molting, which typically happens in late summer or early fall. The grey coat helps ground squirrels blend into the trees and bushes where they live.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to having a pet ground squirrel. They’re not just cute, appealing pets, but they can also help your garden and be trained to protect your home. You may even find yourself teaching them tricks like your dog or cat.