Why Wild Animals Stay Wild

The idea of having a wild animal curled up on your couch or strolling through your kitchen like a family dog is a fascinating one. There’s a certain allure to forming a bond with something that seems untamed, mysterious, and exotic. People have been drawn to this idea for centuries, and the fascination shows no signs of fading. But what really happens when humans try to bring wild animals into their homes and lives? Can wild creatures truly be domesticated, or are we simply trying to tame what isn’t meant to change?

Let’s break down what domestication actually is—and what it isn’t—and explore why that charming raccoon or fox kit might be better left in the wild.

The Real Meaning Of Domestication

One of the biggest misunderstandings about wild animals is the difference between taming and domestication. Taming is when a wild animal becomes accustomed to human presence. It might mean the animal stops running away when it sees people or even learns to tolerate—or enjoy—handling. But it doesn’t change the animal’s biology or natural instincts.

Domestication, on the other hand, is a long, involved process that happens over many generations. It requires intentional breeding for traits like gentleness, adaptability, and reduced fear of humans. It’s how dogs descended from wolves, and cows came from wild oxen. The traits we now associate with domestic animals—predictable behavior, specific body types, comfort around people—are the result of thousands of years of selective breeding. You can’t get there by just raising a wild baby animal in your home.

Even if a wild animal seems calm and well-behaved as a juvenile, it doesn’t mean those instincts disappear. As they grow, their behaviors often shift. Biting, scratching, marking territory, escaping enclosures—all of that can reappear once maturity hits. It’s not because they’re mean or defective. It’s just nature doing what it does.

The Era Of Pet Squirrels

It might sound odd today, but back in the 1700s and 1800s, squirrels were incredibly popular as pets in the United States. Especially among urban families, having a pet squirrel was a sort of trendy statement. Kids kept them in little cages or let them ride around on their shoulders. Some households even dressed them up in tiny outfits.

These squirrels weren’t domesticated in the true sense. They were wild animals, often taken as babies and hand-raised. Because they were cute, clever, and curious, they quickly became entertaining companions. But problems inevitably followed. Squirrels, by nature, are chewers. Wires, furniture, wooden molding—anything and everything becomes fair game to gnaw on. They’re also hyperactive, territorial, and prone to aggressive behavior when scared or stressed.

The popularity of pet squirrels faded for a reason. While they seemed charming and quirky at first, their wild instincts often made them a challenge to keep long-term. Today, keeping a squirrel as a pet is either illegal or tightly regulated in many states, not because they’re dangerous creatures, but because it’s not a sustainable or humane situation for the animal—or the owner.

Why Wild Animals Don’t Adjust Easily To Human Life

No matter how much care and affection you pour into a wild animal, their instincts are deeply embedded. That fox pup might nuzzle you one day and nip at your hand the next, seemingly without warning. A raccoon that grew up around people might still lash out during mating season or try to escape and return to the woods it was born for.

Part of the issue is predictability. Domesticated animals have behaviors that are, for the most part, consistent. A dog wags its tail when it's happy. A cat may retreat when overstimulated, but you can usually spot the signs. Wild animals don’t necessarily follow these patterns. Their body language and triggers can be harder to read, and their reactions can vary from one moment to the next.

Another key factor is stress. The human home, with its noises, routines, and expectations, can be overwhelming for a wild creature. Even if they adapt on the surface, stress can build silently. It may come out in destructive behavior, withdrawal, aggression, or even illness.

There’s also the ethical side to consider. Taking a wild animal out of its natural environment—especially if it hasn’t been injured or orphaned—raises big questions. Does it really benefit the animal? Or is it more about satisfying human curiosity and desire?

Human Curiosity Meets Nature’s Boundaries

Our fascination with wild animals is completely understandable. They’re beautiful, strange, and often misunderstood. The thought of forging a connection with something untamed has a romantic pull. But fascination and responsibility aren’t the same thing.

There are people who raise foxes, raccoons, or even larger predators in captivity, often thinking they’re doing the right thing. And sometimes, these animals do live out their lives with humans. But those cases are the exception, not the rule—and they typically involve a lot of time, knowledge, money, and controlled environments, not a regular living room or backyard.

Even in controlled facilities, keeping wild animals isn’t without challenges. Their diets, environmental needs, social behaviors, and health risks all demand constant attention and expertise. These animals haven’t evolved to rely on us the way a dog or a cow has. Their needs are wilder, harder to predict, and deeply rooted in instincts we can’t reprogram.

Wild Is Meant To Be Wild

At RM Wildlife And Pest Solutions, we believe wild animals belong in the wild. The bond humans have formed with domestic animals is the result of thousands of years of shared history and purpose. Trying to replicate that with a wild animal is more than just ambitious—it’s unrealistic.

We’ve seen the problems that arise when people try to raise wild animals as pets. They’re not just difficult to care for; they often end up suffering from a life they weren’t built for. If you come across a wild animal that seems abandoned or injured, the best approach is to have the situation handled by trained professionals who know how to help.

Our team is here to handle wildlife concerns with knowledge and care. Whether you’re dealing with a curious raccoon sneaking into your attic or need advice on a wildlife issue near your home, we’re just a call away. Contact RM Wildlife And Pest Solutions today and let us help you find the right way to coexist with nature—without trying to tame it.