mange6699/500px/Getty Images (squirrel); via Instagram (social media posts); Shutterstock.com (all other images)

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Which Pet Should You Choose?

Wild pets are taking over social media, but experts say it might not be a good idea to let them into your home.

February 28, 2022
By Jasmine Ting

As You Read, Think About: Do you think wild animals make good pets? Why or why not?

With more than 3.5 million followers, Juniper is a big star on TikTok. Photos and videos of the 6-year-old playing with chew toys, rolling around in her owner’s bed, and wearing funny clothing (above) have racked up hundreds of thousands of views.

Juniper, a North American red fox, is one of thousands of pets on social media. Her owner has also rescued a raccoon, an opossum, and sugar gliders.

The furry fox and her animal family are part of a growing social media trend—animal influencers. That’s anyone—including a pet—with a big social media following who is able to influence the way people think. Adorable videos of furry critters like Juniper have encouraged many people to get wild pets of their own.

Experts point out that it’s illegal to own wild animals in many states. Plus, many people don’t realize there is more to caring for these critters than what they see on TikTok. They don’t fully understand the responsibility—or the dangers.

“There are consequences for the animal and for the human,” says Terry Messmer. He’s the director of the Berryman Institute for Human-Wildlife Interactions in Utah.

With more than 3.5 million followers, Juniper is a big star on TikTok. The 6-year-old has gotten thousands of views on her photos and videos. She's seen playing with chew toys and rolling around in her owner’s bed. She also wears funny clothing (above). Juniper is a North American red fox. She is one of thousands of pets on social media. Her owner has also rescued a raccoon, an opossum, and sugar gliders.

The fox and her animal family are part of a growing social media trend—animal influencers. That’s anyone—including a pet—with a big social media following who is able to influence the way people think. Adorable videos of furry critters like Juniper have encouraged many people to get wild pets of their own.

Experts point out that it’s illegal to own wild animals in many states. Plus, many people don’t realize there is more to caring for these critters than what they see on TikTok. They don’t understand the responsibility—or the dangers.

“There are consequences for the animal and for the human,” says Terry Messmer. He’s the director of the Berryman Institute for Human-Wildlife Interactions in Utah.

via Instagram

Nearly 7,000 people liked this Instagram pic of Lionel the hedgehog wearing shades.

Born to Be Wild

Millions of people in the U.S. own pets, mostly dogs, cats, and fish. The animals are domesticated—tamed enough to be able to live with humans. 

Most other animals are considered exotic pets. That includes creatures like squirrels or raccoons, which you might see in the forest or running through your neighborhood. These types of pets have plenty of followers on social media. But Messmer warns that the cuddly critters you see on TikTok or YouTube are often not what you really get.

“Wild animals are wild,” says Messmer. “Over time, they have developed behaviors that allow them to survive in the wild.”

So a cuddly fox can be unpredictable. A snuggle can turn into a bite if it thinks you are invading its territory. Animals like hedgehogs and opossums can carry diseases that are harmful to humans.

Living in a house can also be harmful to wild animals. Many need large, open spaces to roam. Others require a certain diet to stay healthy. Countless pets have been abandoned by owners who didn’t realize what they were getting into. 

“By taking an animal into your home, you’re actually disrupting the flow of nature,” Messmer says.

Millions of people in the U.S. own pets, mostly dogs, cats, and fish. The animals are domesticated. That means they are tamed enough to be able to live with humans. Most other animals are considered exotic pets. That includes creatures like squirrels or raccoons. These types of pets have plenty of followers on social media. But Messmer warns that the cuddly critters you see on TikTok or YouTube are often not what you really get.

“Wild animals are wild,” says Messmer. “Over time, they have developed behaviors that allow them to survive in the wild.” So a cuddly fox can be unpredictable. A snuggle can turn into a bite if it thinks you are invading its territory. Animals like hedgehogs and opossums can carry diseases that are harmful to humans.

Living in a house can also be harmful to wild animals. Many need large, open spaces to roam. Others require a certain diet to stay healthy. Countless pets have been abandoned by owners who didn’t know what they were getting into. 

“By taking an animal into your home, you’re actually disrupting the flow of nature,” Messmer says.

via Instagram

Jill the squirrel has more than 700,000 followers on Instagram and YouTube!

TikTok vs. Reality

Sarah and Mitchell Thyme know firsthand the challenges of caring for wild animals. They have two rescued raccoons, Piper and Cheeto. Though the Thymes use their Instagram and TikTok accounts to show how smart and cute raccoons can be, they warn that owning a wild pet is not for everyone. 

“We do not recommend pet raccoons to most people,” says Sarah Thyme. “Before adopting any pet, whether it be a raccoon or a cat, you should make sure the pet fits your home and lifestyle.” 

Sarah and Mitchell Thyme know the challenges of caring for wild animals. They have two rescued raccoons, Piper and Cheeto. The Thymes use their Instagram and TikTok accounts to show how smart and cute raccoons can be. But they warn that owning a wild pet is not for everyone. 

“We do not recommend pet raccoons to most people,” says Sarah Thyme. “Before adopting any pet, whether it be a raccoon or a cat, you should make sure the pet fits your home and lifestyle.”

via Instagram

Piper has nearly a million social media followers. 

Buyer Beware

Do Instagram photos and TikTok videos have you considering a wild pet of your own? Raccoon owner Sarah Thyme has some advice.

Check to make sure you aren’t breaking the law. Pet raccoons—and other wild animals—are not legal in most states. Laws differ from state to state. 

Check to make sure you aren’t breaking the law. Pet raccoons—and other wild animals—are not legal in most states. Laws differ from state to state. 

A nearby veterinarian is a must-have for any pet, but many veterinarians don’t specialize in the care of exotic pets like raccoons. 

A nearby veterinarian is a must-have for any pet, but many veterinarians don’t specialize in the care of exotic pets like raccoons. 

Like dogs, raccoons can learn tricks and respond to their name. But raccoons need to be constantly watched because they can open drawers and climb using their “hands.” 

Like dogs, raccoons can learn tricks and respond to their name. But raccoons need to be constantly watched because they can open drawers and climb using their “hands.” 

Buyer Beware

Do Instagram photos and TikTok videos have you considering a wild pet of your own? Raccoon owner Sarah Thyme has some advice.

Check to make sure you aren’t breaking the law. Pet raccoons—and other wild animals—are not legal in most states. Laws differ from state to state. 

Check to make sure you aren’t breaking the law. Pet raccoons—and other wild animals—are not legal in most states. Laws differ from state to state. 

A nearby veterinarian is a must-have for any pet, but many veterinarians don’t specialize in the care of exotic pets like raccoons. 

A nearby veterinarian is a must-have for any pet, but many veterinarians don’t specialize in the care of exotic pets like raccoons. 

Like dogs, raccoons can learn tricks and respond to their name. But raccoons need to be constantly watched because they can open drawers and climb using their “hands.” 

Like dogs, raccoons can learn tricks and respond to their name. But raccoons need to be constantly watched because they can open drawers and climb using their “hands.” 

  1. What does the author mean by the term “animal influencers”?
  2. Terry Messmer says that when a person keeps a wild animal as a pet, “there are consequences for the animal and for the human.” What consequences does the article describe?
  3. What is the purpose of the sidebar, “Buyer Beware”?
  1. What does the author mean by the term “animal influencers”?
  2. Terry Messmer says that when a person keeps a wild animal as a pet, “there are consequences for the animal and for the human.” What consequences does the article describe?
  3. What is the purpose of the sidebar, “Buyer Beware”?
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