Domestication has been an evolutionary process where different animals made their way into human lives. People either keep pet animals as an affinity towards them or for running a business out of their products. Earlier, when someone talked about pets, it generally involved furry cats or loyal dogs that became a part of their family. But nowadays, many wild animals are becoming lovable pets for people.
Some people even keep birds or reptiles as their pets in the home. All of these animals require a certain amount of time, care, and attention to synchronize with the urban environment. As the animal lovers can’t get over their love for such creatures, they are trying to bring the exotic wild animals into their houses. There are several laws that vary state by state in the context of domesticating wild animals. Hence, people need to follow the rules and regulations as per their state’s domestication laws.
In this article, we will have a look at some of the wild animals that are becoming domesticated pets.
- Foxes:
Many people have an affinity for keeping foxes as domesticated pets. There were many research studies carried out on different breeds of foxes for domestication. The results state that foxes become good companions like dogs, but there are certain complications. Foxes take time to fit into the urban environment and can turn your house into a mess. They are predators by nature and hence require a lot of space to move around. They cannot stay enclosed for a long time.
According to some studies, there are 5 percent of tame foxes that are allowed to breed, and the rest are sold for domestication. These sold foxes are either used in fur farms or as pets. They become friendly pets if people provide them with the utmost care and attention. Each fox costs about $7000-$8000, and people require certain approvals in order to take them home.
- Wallabies:
Wallabies are kangaroo-like creatures that are becoming more popular pets in different parts of the world. The reason behind this is they are sociable, cute, easy to handle, and tame. They are well behaved and active creatures who require a lot of space to run around and hide. Wallabies love to move outside during the warmer months. People need to be prepared for accepting the differences of wallabies even when they are well-behaved because, ultimately, they are wild animals.
Wallabies are fond of eating green fruits, grass, and vegetables. They have different behaviors, such as paw-licking, food regurgitation, and salivating. Hence, the owners need to know and accept the differences between normal behavior and the troublesome behavior of wallabies.
- Skunks:
Skunks are small animals with a cute face and long claws. They are allowed for domestication in only 17 states. The best thing about skunks is that they don’t stink as their stink glands are removed at an earlier age. They are active, curious, and require a great amount of attention and affection. If they are left alone for a long time without any attention, they can become destructive. Hence, it is of utmost importance for the spunk owners to keep them inside the house.
Skunks are playful and clean creatures. They don’t show the same capabilities as dogs and cats when it comes to finding a way back home. They also don’t know how to forage for food and therefore need much attention and care. Even if it’s legal to own spunk in your state, you will still need the permit to bring this cute creature into your home.
- Capybaras:
Capybaras are affectionate, intelligent, and caring rodents that are becoming popular in the context of domestication. It is not legal in every state to domesticate them. They require a lot of dedication and care if you bring them home. The first thing is they live in groups, and hence you would require to adopt several capybaras to make them live happily.
Considering their size, they require a good amount of food, playable area, swimming pool, and a spacious shelter to move around. It is not recommended to keep them inside the home, so people with an urban lifestyle are far away from the thought of domesticating capybaras.
- Mongoose:
Mongoose is known to be an excellent pet owing to its friendliness with humans. But it does not come with ease. Fulfilling the dietary needs and giving a friendly environment will make the mongoose more lovable and social. Domesticating a mongoose is not legal in every state. People who want to adopt the mongoose need to be in touch with a veterinarian who is trained to treat this creature.
- Axolotls:
Axolotls are cute-faced amphibians who are grabbing many people’s attention. They are a type of salamander originating from Mexico. They are kept in spacious tanks and are meant for observation only. They don’t require much attention except for well-controlled water flow and specific temperatures. They can live for as long as 10-15 years if the owners provide sufficient food and good-quality water. They grow at a faster pace and also regrow their limbs. Axolotls are known for their tame and bold nature, which makes them an interactive and attractive pet.
- Sugar Gliders:
Sugar Gliders are domesticated for their fun and loving nature. They are also not legal in every part of the world, and hence, the owners require a permit to bring them home. They are small marsupials and belong to the Kangaroo or Koala Bear family. They are fond of eating vegetables and fruits.
Being wild animals, sugar gliders are used to living in tree hollows. Thus, when it comes to domesticating them, they require vertical and tall spaces along with sleeping boxes to move around. The best thing about domesticating sugar gliders is that they are clean, odorless, and don’t need frequent bathing.
Conclusion:
Domesticating a wild animal requires a lot of courage, knowledge, and the ability to face challenges. Many people are even fond of Raccoon Domestication, which may require a lot of research and knowledge to create a healthy environment for those creatures. There are more such wild animals which are on the list of being domesticated because people are finding it inspiring to make these creatures a part of their life.