Can squirrels be kept as pet in India ?

There is no rule book which says squirrels are illegal to keep But since they are wild animals and not hand feed/raised its better to avoid keeping them as pet. But in case you come across any Injured/abandoned squirrel best is to connect with the wild animals rescue team in your city, absence of such agency allows you to raise the squirrel on humanitarian grounds. While doing the same you must be prepared that one fine day the squirrel is going to leave your home on its own or his mother will take the baby so, try keeping the squirrel in such a place where the excess is easy for the baby squirrel to leave your home.
They are not pets – they are intended to be in the wild to which they belong. Attempting to tame them can be very stressful as they need their freedom and space. You cannot teach them not to use their energy for destructive purposes. Over time, we find it easier to hire cats and dogs than take care of wild animals. Therefore, it is illegal to take care of them as pets.



If you can find a squirrel somewhere on your property, it is best to contact a squirrel pest control. They need know how to manage the humane removal of mothers and babies. Instead of taking care of your baby yourself, experts can handle the removal of all squirrels from start to finish. You can also use humane methods that do not harm animals to help other wildlife in your possession.


Squirrels are cute, but they can be pretty annoying during nesting, and you will find a lot of damage and feces in this area. Squirrel extermination is what wildlife services do a lot humanely and are always on the lookout for aggressive mothers with babies. Yes, squirrels can be very aggressive, especially for babies. That said, they are not so good to keep as pets. You will constantly find holes in strange places in your home. See some reasons below why we should not take care of them as pet.



Medium sized, with a body length of about 30 cm and a bushy tail of length 35 cm. Found in the Himalayan forests of Jammu and Kashmir, often at lower altitudes compared to the Woolly Flying Squirrel. Omnivorous, feeding on fruits, nuts, insects, and leaves. Prefers dense tree canopies and uses its gliding ability to evade predators.
The Kashmir Flying Squirrel plays an important role in seed dispersal in its habitat, helping maintain forest diversity.

One of the largest flying squirrels, with a body length of about 30 – 45 cm and a tail measuring up to 60 cm.
Found in tropical and subtropical forests across central and southern India. Evergreen ,semi-evergreen and deciduous forests frequenting forest edges. Primarily feeds on fruits, nuts, leaves, and bark, contributing to seed dispersal.
Nocturnal and arboreal, it glides between trees in search of food, covering distances up to 60 meters. Owls have been found to predate on them and they are found giving alarm calls on seeing or hearing owl’s calls.
The Indian Giant Flying Squirrel is widely distributed and plays a significant role in maintaining forest ecosystems, making it a keystone species in its habitat.


A small-to-medium-sized flying squirrel with a striking black-and-white coat. Found in the north-eastern states, particularly in montane and subtropical forests. Primarily frugivorous but may consume insects occasionally. Highly agile, it uses its distinctive coloration for camouflage in dense forests. The Parti- Coloured Flying Squirrel stands out for its vibrant appearance and is often spotted gliding during twilight hours.


Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. How many types of squirrel in India ?
   India has several species, including the Indian palm squirrel, Indian giant, grizzled giant squirrel and various flying squirrel specie.
2. What do squirrel in India usually eat ?
   There are mainly herbivores and eat nuts, fruits, seeds, flowers and small insects.
3. Are squirrel legal to keep in India ?
   No, keeping most squirrel species as pets is illegal under the wildlife protection Act 1972.