Cats, after all, are solitary creatures who cherish their own company. Why don’t they reciprocate our appreciation of leaving them alone while they are doing their business?

Why does your cat sit on you while you poop and disturb your personal time? We’ll go over this in the next section:

Reason 1: Your Cat Loves You

You, your cat’s favorite human, fill the bathroom with your scent! Whether or not your cat realizes it, you spend a lot of time there doing vital things. It’s possible that your cat is enthralled by what you do in there. A lot of cats will sit on the vanity and watch you brush your teeth or style your hair as if they were a part of the process. Time spent in the bathroom with your cat can be a great opportunity for bonding.

Reason 2: They Are Marking Their Territory

It is the best moment and place for your cat to repeatedly reassert its territory on your lap when you are most vulnerable.

Our scents are less noticeable because of all the soaps and shower products we use. They eventually fade away.

So, the next time you sit on the toilet seat, your little kitty companion will reassert his/her authority and claim to the seat for himself. Even if the cat has been domesticated, this behavior is innate. It serves as a warning to any nearby cats who might be tempted to make a play for this human’s attention: this human is not yours.

Reason 3: The Guardian Angel – Your Cat Is Watching Over You

Cats have the right to know what you’re doing behind closed doors if you’re in their territory, says Dr. Marty Becker of Vet Street, to make sure you’re not attracting any predators.

Do you ever wonder why housecats like to hide their excrement? For the same reason – to avoid attracting the attention of predators due to the stench. It’s a defense mechanism to keep you alive.

They may want to check up on you to make sure you’re following suit. Of course, the only way they can find out is to do it themselves.

Your cat needs a peaceful, private place to eliminate in their litter box if you want them to feel secure and at ease. Don’t look at them while they’re doing it, and don’t make eye contact.

However, they’ll be waiting for you in the bathroom when it’s your turn to do business.

Reason 4: The Bathroom Is Full Of Your Smell

If you want to know how well your cat can discriminate between the scents of different people, you’ll need to look no farther than your feline friend. Among the scents they’re most used to are those of their owners.

A sense of safety and security is linked to them. This fragrance is greatest in the toilet because there is a lot more skin exposed. It’s weird at first, but it makes perfect sense.

When it comes to them, there is nothing disgusting or filthy about it. Just your own scents, and the bathroom is where they’re most noticeable.

It’s also a sign of compassion and caring for them to combine their own scents with those of their loved ones’. So, a desire to sit on your lap is one of their love languages.

Reason 5: Your Cat Knows Your Routine (and the drill)

The truth is, we’re so preoccupied with our daily routines that we don’t even notice the little feline companions who follow us around like shadows. This was not a joke. The toilet is the only area where we have no choice but to allow them to accompany us on our outings.

Now since they can only join their favorite human in the restroom, it’s not so special for them. In fact, you’ll find that even cats who aren’t normally very affectionate may climb into your lap if you’re attempting to use the restroom.

When we’re in the restroom, the clinginess has the greatest impact on us because there are fewer distractions there. There is a greater sense of helplessness and difficulty in removing the cat from your lap when you are unable to stand up and go.

Your cat, on the other hand, has probably figured out that you can’t.

Cats like to curl up on people’s laps because they feel safe and secure. It’s only natural for cats to seek out the hottest spots in the house and use them to their advantage.

They get the best of both worlds by relaxing at a place that’s nicer than their own bed and spending time with the person they love most.

Reason 6: It’s a Great Time to Get Attention

If it’s on their terms, cats enjoy receiving attention. When a cat is rubbing all over your legs while you’re on the toilet, who wouldn’t want to pet it? There’s a good chance the cat knows that you’ll be “stuck” in there for at least a few minutes and that it will be easy to gain your attention. Alternatively, your cat may be able to know if you’re occupied with anything else, such as reading or working. As long as you aren’t up to any mischief, they can feel certain that you can reciprocate their affection. After a bath or shower, many cats like licking their owners. I can’t believe these kittens!

Why Does My Cat Sit On My Lap When I Pee?

This is ideal from the cat’s point of view because the human can’t rapidly leave, allowing her to approach or stay out of her reach as she sees fit.

A cat’s desire for lap-sitting time may become disappointed if you spend a lot of time staring at a magazine, book, or laptop computer.

In addition to complimenting your impeccable grooming, the cats who snuggle up to you and wrap their claws around your ankles in your rumpled whites are bathing in your distinctive scent.

Spending time with their owners one-on-one is a treat for cats. When you talk to them or reward their good behavior by FINALLY letting them out, even the kittens who are just paw-playing beneath the door get your attention.

Paw-pat perseverance and feline complaints will lead to success if you stay within your room for longer than a few minutes before exiting it.

Why Does My Cat Love The Bathroom?

Most cats, if not all, like going to the potty. In the bathroom, does your cat follow you? There’s a chance you’ll feel it on your legs while you’re in there. Even if you’re not around, the cat may be able to hop onto the counter and lounge in the sink. Even if the door is locked, it may meow and paw at it. When you’re in the bathroom, some cats seem to demand more attention than they do everywhere else in the house. Why do cats seem to have such a fondness for the restroom in the first place?

Reason 1: A Bathroom Is a Great Place to Play

Some cats find bathrooms to be like playrooms. Playing with toilet paper rolls and a bathtub is available. Towels and robes, for example, may be hung on the wall. They may be able to play with the rug or bathmat while rolling about on the floor. Even if you’re not in the bathroom, a cat can still have a good time. It’s a lesson that many cat owners have learned the hard way when they get home to find a kitty’s bathroom mess. The sink or tub being contaminated with feces or pee isn’t ideal, but at least you won’t have to clean that up either!

Reason 2: Closed Doors Pique Curiosity

In most homes, cats have a hard time with closed doors. It’s no different with the door to the bathroom. If you’re on the other side of the bathroom door, your cat can go nuts. Some cats appear to pick up on the fact that you’re going to shut the restroom door on them after a while. As a result, they are eager to be present to participate in the festivities. Every time something happens in their territory, cats want to know about it. If cats had one rule, it would be that there should be no locked doors in their environment!

Reason 3: Best Cat Toys Are Available In The Bathroom

Why did you put all the best cat toys in the bathroom if you didn’t want the cat to spend time with you there?

Unrolling toilet paper is the first step. Unrolling an entire roll of toilet paper and spreading it across the floor or snaking it around the furniture is something that many cats will gladly do. It’s possible that some cats will rip the roll into pieces with their back paws, while others will use their front paws to grab the roll and tear it into smaller pieces with their teeth.

There’s also the tissue box to take into account. One tissue is all it takes for him to see the next one materialize out of nowhere! What a great time we had!

In the hilarious “grass,” some cats choose to roll around and seek for imaginary bugs, while others prefer to sleep in the special cat bed you reportedly placed in the bathroom just for her. Wet towels strung from a hook make climbing and clinging easier.

Reason 4: Sinks Are Like Cat Beds

Consider the sink’s form. The feline’s body appears to be properly cradled by the rounded sides of the bed. Surely a cat would appreciate lounging about in a sink while it sleeps and relaxes. In the summer, the sink’s coolness could be pleasant. While it may be chilly outside, the cat’s body heat may help keep the sink warm. While snoozing in the sink, some cats have been observed to lick water droplets from the faucet.

Reason 5: It’s In The Water, Believe It or Not

While most cats dislike getting their fur wet, there are a surprising number who enjoy spending time near water. A cat can drink clean water from the sink or bathtub faucet in the bathroom. One of the many things that cats enjoy is the sound of rushing water. When the water is running, cats who like sinks may try to get in. Some cats enjoy licking the wet tub or even drinking bathwater!

Reason 6: A Cat’s Purr-fect World Is One With Routine

If you give in to your cat’s cries for attention, having it visit you in the bathroom can become a routine it looks forward to. If you wash your hands after using the restroom in the morning, your cat may be awaiting supper as well.

Reason 7: They Are Curious About Bathrooms

Another well-known fact is that most cats like going to the bathroom. Many factors contribute to this, including:

That’s why it’s so intriguing: The bathroom is one place in the house where no one hangs out. This piques the interest of felines. They are entitled to know what is going on behind those closed doors.

There are numerous cats who prefer the smooth surfaces of bathroom floor tiles and fixtures such as sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. This is one of the reasons why cats sleep in sinks.

Bathrooms tend to be the quietest places in the house, but that’s just a prank. There aren’t many people around, so it’s a great place to get some shut-eye.

Unlike cats, we find the smells and noises of a restroom revolting; consequently, we avoid using one at all costs. Things that humans aren’t interested in intrigue cats.

With this in mind, if your cat is in the bathroom and sees you flushing the toilet, they will keep a watch on you. Have you ever noticed how they like to get up on people’s laps while they’re using the restroom?

Why Does My Cat Guard Me While I Am Pooping?

Detecting that you are undefended or defenseless, the cat makes an attempt to show that he is not a danger. He wants you to feel at peace when you’re pooping.
It’s as if cats know they have a captive audience when you’re on the toilet. Many cats prefer cuddling up on their owners’ laps while they are on the toilet.

You’re not working, cooking, crocheting, reading a book, or watching TV because they have your full focus for a while. They’re being caressed by you instead.

Because we’ve been taught that urination is a taboo subject, humans desire privacy when using the bathroom. When we don’t want to talk about it directly, we use euphemisms like “one” and “two.”

Most of us find public restrooms unappealing because of their odours, noises, and proximity to other people.

When it comes to cat privacy, it’s all about keeping them safe. In spite of their predatory nature, our cats are also prey, and they are well aware of this.

They are apprehensive about being taken by surprise. When he or she is urinating or defecating, a cat feels exposed. In order to avoid being found, cats prefer to relieve themselves in secluded regions.

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How To Keep A Cone On A Cat?

So, how do you keep a cone on a cat? In the course of this article, we shall discuss the same and everything relevant to cats and cat cones!

Before we move forward, you would be required to have the following things to keep a cone on a cat: cat food, cat toys, and chews.

Having these items handy will ensure that the whole process of keeping the cone on the cat seems like a play to the cat instead of a punishment. Cats often tend to think that having a cone put on their head is a sort of punishment, however, with the help of cat food, chews, and toys, you can induce the cat to think of it as a play of a good action for which the cat is offered treats.

In the detailed guide below, we will explain how these items mentioned above will come in handy:

Step 1:

Take a hold of the cone or position it in the general area of your cat — but do not attempt to place it on your cat at this time. If your cat sniffs anything, touches it with their nose, or even just glances at it, reward them with a cat treat or play with their toy on the spot. This step is all about establishing a good link between your cat and the cone and acclimating your cat to a new item.

Step 2:

Begin by putting the cone on your cat and taking it off again as often as possible. Treat them for wearing it by placing a little amount of their wet food on a spoon or small wooden stick (such as a tongue depressor) or by giving them a treat from your hand. To begin with, only allow them to wear it for a brief period of time, perhaps only a few seconds, before taking it off and providing them with some wet food or a treat.

Step 3:

Increase the number of times the cat wears the cone as the day progresses. If they freeze, try to back out of the cone, or paw at it in an attempt to get it off, either lessen the time they are required to wear it or return to step one of the process. Feed or treat them while they are wearing it, or, if they are play-driven, engage in some playful interaction with their favorite cat toy while they are wearing it.

Step 4:

If your cat is hesitant to move about while wearing the cone, use a treat, a wet food lure, or a toy to get them to wander around with the cone in place. Using varied perches, you can assist them to become used to the feel of the cone and how it impacts their sense of balance and awareness. Continue to praise and encourage your cat with food or play as they continue to become acclimated to their cone – eventually, they will feel comfortable going about their regular business while wearing it.

What is a Cat Cone?

If your cat has been injured, your veterinarian may prescribe a cat cone to keep it safe. When your cat scratches her face, the cone can help. Useful after eye surgery or if the cat is prone to scratching the skin on its face.

Open-ended cones that cover a cat’s face are called cat cones. They’re known by a variety of names, including “cone of shame,” “lampshade,” “pet radar dish” and “Elizabethan collars,” among others. Cat cones, despite their amusing titles, have a serious purpose. You can use them to protect your cat from a painful area. It’s a must for the wellness of your cat.

In the past, veterinarians would give their clients homemade pet cones. Pliable plastic sheets and cardboard would be used to make them. These days, you can buy a wide range of commercially available, pre-made cat cones. It’s possible to buy them online or at a pet store near you. If a soft-plastic or soft-cloth cone doesn’t work for your cat, there are additional options. If you want to discover more about the numerous varieties of cones available, keep reading.

What Are The Different Types Of Cones?

Cat cones come in a variety of sizes and materials, so you may find one that fits your cat’s needs. It’s possible that your cat will desire to wear a cat cone. Cat cones of the highest quality are both comfortable to wear and effective in preventing your feline friend from harming themselves. The following is a list of cat cones:

A Traditional Cat Cone

Cat cones of this style are the most frequently encountered. Round and sturdy, it’s easy to detect due to its shape Traditional cat cones can be found with a softer edge to prevent your cat’s neck from being pricked. Cones made of clear plastic can help your cat see better. The length of the standard cat cone can be reduced by asking your veterinarian to do so.

Soft Cone

Colorful fabric and soft foam fill these cones. Protective cones for cats are more comfortable with these protective cones. However, if your cat bumps into something hard, the soft cone may be ruined. Cats in soft cones must be closely monitored by their owners.

Fabric Cone

Cones made of soft cloth are popular with some cats. A drawstring secures these around the feline’s neck. The attached drawstring may be unappealing to some cats, so they may prefer having a fabric cone attached to the collar, according to experts. Your cat may be compelled to remove the collar if the strings cause irritation or itching on her neck.

Inflatable Cat E-Collars

Inflatable doughnut-shaped collars for your cat are available for purchase here. They are perfect for fussy cats because they are lightweight and less obstructive. Cats enjoy wearing their e-collars, which are inflatable and easy for them to wear.

What to expect when your cat wears a cone?

Cones are never a pleasure. Cats don’t like having a cone around their necks, and it takes some time for them to get used to it. A lot of cats have trouble even just walking about with the cone for the first few hours after getting it. Cats can move forward, backward, or straight into a wall, depending on their personality. There are cats who will only crawl or drudge over the floor, refusing to walk at all. Allow Kitty some time to acclimate to her new surroundings.

During the first several hours, keep a watchful eye on your cat’s behavior. Keep an eye on your cat’s behavior while the cone is in place to see if it’s working. If a cat tries to scratch against a hard plastic cone, it could injure itself. Cones can be tricky for some cats, but others may get stuck beneath a bed or in a tight space if you don’t keep an eye on them.

Even if your cat is accustomed to going outside on her own, she must remain indoors for the duration of her cone of shame. There are many risks lurking outside for a cat because of its cone of vision and hearing.

How will my cat eat and drink while wearing the cone?

Even with a cone on, some cats are able to get to their food and drink. Some people don’t. For the first day, keep an eye on Kitty’s eating and drinking habits to ensure that they can eat and drink from their feeding dishes. The dishes can be elevated by placing them on a stable but narrow base if the cone is keeping their faces too high off the floor. Cutting off some of the cone may be an option if that doesn’t work. A few hours a day is all that is necessary for your cat to eat and drink without the aid of a cone.

How To Stop Your Cat From Removing The Cone?

The cat collar may scare your cat, but don’t worry about it. Your cat may need time to adjust to new situations. Here are some helpful hints for your feline companion:

Tie the cat cone to their collar

There are holes or openings at the bottom of the cone. In order to tie gauze or a piece of fabric to the collar, owners need these apertures. You can attach the cat cone to the cat’s collar with a simple knot. Cats can scratch and smack their heads on it, and this will keep the collar from slipping off.

Fit the cone properly

A cone that is too little or too large for your cat will be ineffective. If the cone does not fit properly, it is obvious the cat will try and remove it.

Below we have explained how you can measure and custom-craft the cone to fit your cat’s neck:

How To Make A Cone Fit Your Cat?

Step 1: Measure your cat’s neck size

This can all be done with a flexible measuring tape. For a more traditional approach, you can use a cat collar to get an accurate reading of your feline’s neck size. Put the collar on your cat and see whether there is enough room between the cat’s neck and the collar for one or two fingers to pass through. Then, take a measurement of the cat’s collar’s circumference. This will help you determine your cat’s neck circumference.

Step 2: Put the cone on.

Cat cones follow the same restrictions as collars. One or two fingers should fit comfortably between your cat’s neck and the cone after it is on your cat. If you’re unable to, the cone may be too tight for you. With more than two fingers, the cone may be overly flexible.

Cats can be stopped from removing a cone by using the correct size.

Step 3: The length of the cone

Your kitty’s nose should be slightly beyond the end of the cone. According to the area of the cat you are seeking to protect, some doctors may propose shorter or longer cat cones. For instance, a cat’s mouth can more easily reach locations around the foot or tail. Longer cones may be required to cover these locations. Head wounds, on the other hand, are difficult to access and may not necessitate a long cone. If you’re not sure what size cone is best for your cat, ask your veterinarian.

What Are Some Better Alternatives To Cat Cones?

Our selection of better alternatives to the standard protective item includes options for cats who refuse to wear collars, for those who prefer something more comfortable, as well as for those who wish to prevent their cat from knocking lamps and ornaments off the sideboard. Here, we’ve listed both commercially available and homemade options.

Pillow Collars

Essentially, the pillow collar is a pillow that covers the shoulders and neck. For cats, it’s easier to use because it’s shorter and softer than a cone.

Using an e-collar means that your cat will have to put their head on the collar whenever they wish to sleep or relax. Even the most jovial of cats may become irritated by it because it’s painful for them. In order to prevent your cat from licking the affected area, a pillow collar still serves as a barrier. In addition to being more flexible than a hard plastic collar, these are also shorter, giving your cat a better field of vision.

It is possible that your cat will want to move backward to get out of a pillow collar, even though they are more pleasant than hard plastic collars. When a cat is determined to get out of the collar, it will usually accomplish so through double-jointed articulation or clawing and chewing. This can lead to serious harm.

Inflatable Collars

A travel pillow, such as an inflatable collar, can be purchased for use on flights and during travel. As long as you don’t try to puncture the velvety outer layer, you shouldn’t have a problem with them. You can fix a punctured cushion with cellophane tape, just like you would fix a puncture in a bicycle wheel.

Because this collar may be molded to accommodate your cat’s body position, she should be able to relax when lying down and moving around comfortably. Because it’s lighter than a typical collar and doesn’t protrude as far, it shouldn’t put your cat at risk of accidentally striking or knocking.

Neck Control Collar

Cats can’t fully swivel their heads because the neck control collar is so thick that it doesn’t protrude from the neck. Dogs are typically the target of this type of device, but there are several cat-specific variants available, and if you can persuade your pet to wear one, it can be really beneficial.

This sort of collar has the major problem of preventing your cat from fully moving her head to the side, which could lead to broken decorations. It’s not going to be a good fit for your cat, either.

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Why Does My Cat Sit On My Lap When I Poop?

But can beavers be pets? We often hear of wild orphaned beavers who are usually taken up in the wildlife care centres, nursed back to health and left in the lap of nature. But can you keep a beaver as a pet? This is what we’ll discuss in the post and much more.

But, just to answer the question you so eagerly want the answer to, here are our two bits… 

Do beavers make good pets? The short answer

Keeping aside the fact that beavers are wild animals that are illegal to a pet in most states, they still do not make good pets, and for multiple reasons (which we’ll discuss further in the post). In short, beavers ate wild, dirty critters that can get pretty messy to handle since they defecate literally anywhere, and they chew a lot of wood which is unfortunate because every household has furniture. 

Although beavers are social and calm rodents, they are very territorial, and they can become very defensive when it comes to ruling their own place, and if you have pets, this can be a problem. Households with kids make for the worst homes for beavers because, although beavers may not be that dangerous, they can put their claws and teeth to nasty use.

To conclude, beavers are wild animals and have enough wild instincts to make them bad pets. 

Why don’t beavers make good pets?

Despite being illegal to a pet in many states and countries, here are a few reasons why beavers are not considered ideal pets and why you should be dropping the idea of having one at home.

1) Beavers are built for the wild

It’s a no brainer that beavers are wild animals, and that is exactly why they are built for the wild. Einstein, you cracked it!

They can not survive without water (not in the same way fishes need water); their living is dependent a lot on water. And since they are wild, it is hard to tame them and teach them where to defecate. This means they will defecate anywhere – in the pool, on the couch, and maybe on the bed.

They are dirty critters, and believe us – they STINK! In the wild, they have plenty of wood to chew on, but when you keep a beaver in your home, you need to compromise on your sofa legs, on the fence, and maybe even the door. Do you have hardwood flooring that cost you a fortune? Good luck having it turn into sawdust when you have a beaver as a pet. 

The point is beavers are super destructive, and if you do not keep them under constant invigilation, they will chew off every bit of wood they will find in your house. 

Every wild animal has a defence system, and for beavers, it is the teeth and the claws – they may look cute and all. But with their size and weight, they can deliver serious damage with both the teeth and the claws. 

The key takeaway here is – let a beaver stay where it belongs, and that is, in the wild. 

2) They are extremely territorial animals

Beavers are territorial animals, and they would do anything to protect their territory if they think there’s a danger hovering over it. Having said that, if you have pets that you let out in the open while having a beaver pet, you need to be very careful because if a beaver senses danger or threat to its territory, it can get very aggressive and probably claw or bite the other pet. 

Beavers can also be aggressive when they are confused or disoriented and generally attack during the day if they are intimidated by your presence.

Are beavers aggressive towards humans?

There is no such threat and significant evidence, but yes, beavers can be aggressive towards humans. Their long teeth and scary-looking claws can cause deep wounds, which is exactly what happened with a man in Belarus.

The report says that the man tried to take a picture with the beaver and the beaver bit hit multiple times, which led to the rupture of a major artery in his limb, and the man died due to severe blood loss. 

There have been multiple incidents where beavers, mostly the young ones, have known to attack people during the springtime because it is mostly the time when they are trying to mark their own territory, and they do not like an interruption. 

3) Beavers tend to gnaw and chew wood a lot

This is pretty much everything beavers are known for, and for a good reason. Beavers chew and gnaw a lot of wood because if they do not, it can prove fatal to them. The reason is that a beaver’s teeth keep growing throughout its lifetime. This means that they constantly need to chip their teeth away from letting them overgrow and eventually kill them. 

And what better to chip away their teeth than gnawing and chew at the wood!

As mentioned before, beavers are super destructive, which means they are potent in chewing the last bit of wood they find at your house. Since they primarily eat wood, they are likely to chew at the stands of chairs and couches. While they feed off on vegetables, too, if they can’t find enough of it, they will possibly gnaw at your door too. 

You either need to relocate to some remote location with lush greenery or bring in loads of wood (which is still not enough for beavers). 

If you’re thinking of keeping them away from wood, you’re doing them more harm than good, which is exactly why you can not be having a pet beaver at home. 

4) Beavers live close to the water

All beavers need water. No matter what location they live in. Generally, beavers build their home or lodge near freshwater lakes, ponds, swamps or other water bodies. However, if you’re thinking of getting the beaver a small pool in the backyard, the answer is it may not work out so well.

Beavers, as we’ve mentioned, defecate wherever they can, and a pool is no exception. Also, a beaver may not be able to get around living in the pool. However, when the pool is completely out of the equation, finding inferior alternatives like a tub or a dug-up hole isn’t going to work. 

A beaver usually builds its home or lodge on the banks of rivers, ponds, lakes and shores of other water bodies and can live with just enough comfort with an environment that has enough water. This is just not possible when you are petting a beaver, which is yet another reason why beavers don’t make good pets.

5) They are nocturnal animals

Beavers are nocturnal animals and sleep away during the day, hiding, to prevent predator attacks and possible encounters with humans. They sleep for about eleven hours and are only active during the day when they live in a location with absolute zilch human intervention during the day. 

When the night falls, beavers start all the hard work, which includes searching for food and building what they best build – dams and lodges. This means that you either have to adjust your sleep routine or get the beaver to do so if you are looking to bond with your pet.

The former is a tough nut to crack, and the latter might have a negative impact on the beaver’s health. Apart from that, 11 hours of beaver sleep means you barely will have time with your pet. Also, just when you’ll be about to go to bed, it will be morning for your beaver which translates to the fact that there will be a lot of noise and searching around.

6) They may be dangerous

Yes, beavers are docile, and friendly, and social, but this is not Narnia, and they are, after all, wild animals. Although there aren’t very significant reports on beaver attacks, they’re quite potent in delivering bad bites and injuries with their claws. 

They may be social and all, but when they get aggressive or are disturbed or intimated, they attack and deliver powerfully severe bites to anyone coming in their way. 

7) Beavers are social animals

Isolating a beaver from its colony and community is the worst that you can do. Beavers are very social rodents who live in groups, maintain monogamy throughout their lives and take care of their yearlings in their ‘sweet little lodge (home)’. 

Capturing a  beaver and separating it from its family and society for a whim to ‘pet’ it isn’t justifiable, and you should let the beaver stay in the wild for the best. 

Things you should know about beavers

Below we’ve listed a few important things that you should know about beavers and have given you insight into all you want to know about beavers, from what they eat to how they build dams. 

What do beavers eat?

Beavers are herbivores, and they feed mostly on soft vegetation and cambium of year trees. Though they live and spend a lot of time in the water, they don’t eat fish, and by eating the aquatic plants, they keep the environment clean, and both fishes and beavers live together peacefully in waters. 

Other than eating woody plants and trees, they also feed on vegetation, including apples, grapes, water lilies, clover, duck potatoes and watercress. If you are planning to keep a beaver as a pet, keep in mind that it is going to be a tough job, and you should know what they eat and the fact that their diet changes with the change of seasons of the year. 

During summer, a beaver’s diet contains only 10% of wood and cambium and considering the blooming of vegetables and aquatic plants during summer, which include – cattails, pondweeds, and water lilies beavers mostly feed on these. They also enjoy feasting on rhizomes, bulrush, etc. You wouldn’t find a beaver eating too much or even enough grass, shrubs or trees or wood during the summer. 

And in autumn and spring, they store food in the ‘beaver fridge’ where the vegetation is fresh throughout winters when the pond is covered with ice. Hence they don’t need to hibernate because the food is available underwater while their ponds are frozen over.

Where are beavers mostly active?

Although beavers are rodents, they are most active in the water. They may know their way around the land; beavers prefer to stay near lake shores, banks of ponds, rivers and water bodies that do not have fast-running streams.

Beavers can also live in swaps, but there has to be plenty of water for them to survive, which is why beavers stay far away from deserts and are almost absent in northern Canada. Their physical adaptations, such as webbed hind feet and a flat and broad paddle-like tail, allows them to be great at swimming. 

Beavers mostly build their lodges very close to the water and sometimes have an opening to give them direct access to water for swimming which proves the point that they are most active in the water. Their lodges also typically have underwater openings that lead to open water with.

How do beavers build dams?

Beavers build dams mainly to protect themselves from deadly predators. They don’t actually live in the dams; they build dams to deepen watercourses and build lodges where they live and store their food; it protects them from modern predators like bears, wildcats, and other mammalian forebears. 

Whenever they find shallow watercourses, they start building dams and creating canals along which they drag the branches and trucks to build the anti-predator structure. Every lodge has two or more underwater entrances so that the predators can’t break into them.

How do beavers build dams? 

The building process starts with collecting trunks and branches; they use their sharp chisel-like teeth and gnaw at the tree trunk, which falls on the flowing water blocking its way and creating a diversion. These branches are dragged through the canals that they had built for this purpose and taken to the dam’s site.

They even collect floating branches. While the tree acts as a wall, they use mud, stones and branches to make the dam watertight. Then they strengthen the structure by placing whatever they find – like stones, twigs and grass on top of the base of the structure. 

Their dams cannot be built in areas with fast, deep flowing rivers and streams because it might block underwater entrance by ice in winter. So they build dams in areas with shallow waters and sufficient depth from predators. The average height of the dams built by the beavers is 5 feet high, 330 feet in length and about 1-2 meters in depth.

What sounds do beavers make?

Beavers are quite vocal, and they can make distinct sounds like grunts, grumbles, and barks. They also whine like a baby, which is really cute. Whenever they find that there is danger or a threat around them, they slap on the water with their tail, and this makes a noise which is a signal of danger around them, and then they hide underwater for some time. 

They communicate with others by making sounds, and making noise is one of their most endearing qualities. Beavers also jump out of the water just like dolphins, and they make growling and hissing sounds prior to the attack.

Why should you let a beaver stay in the wild?

Beavers are so important in ecology that they are known as keystone species. What this means is, is that their very presence affects entire ecosystems. If beavers were removed from their environments, a chain reaction would take place, affecting every plant and animal in that space, and abiotic factors such as streamflow, erosion and water quality as well.

Beavers create habitats for many wetland species, and they help to aid water quality. Animals that benefit from beavers include frogs, salamanders, turtles, fish, ducks, otters, owls, insects and many other species. Their used trees also provide a nesting habitat for herons and other birds.

Beavers are a keystone species, and their presence affects the entire ecosystems where they are present. If beavers are removed from the ecosystems they live in, it can cause a chain reaction such as erosion, disrupted the flow of streams, and even the deterioration of water quality. Beavers play a huge role in aiding the water quality while also creating important geographical features such as habitats for myriad aquatic animals and dozens of wetland species. 

These cute, toothy critters play a very critical role in keeping up the structural ecological community, not just by purifying water, building dams and habitats but also by enriching the soil with nutrients and sediments. 

Now that you know why beavers are so important for nature and the ecosystem they live in, getting one as a pet isn’t just a loss for nature but also us because, without beavers, there can be multiple chain reactions and abiotic factors are happening at the same time. 

Do beavers hibernate?

No, beavers don’t hibernate, and they are active throughout winter. Beavers are well adapted to survive in a cold environment, and their waterproof coat also helps them. They have some other adaptations like webbed feet for swimming; their nostrils get closed underwater, a transparent third eyelid that protects their eyes and their tail that can regulate heat and store fat. The coarse hairs of their coat guard the surface, and the thick layer of fine hairs which meshed together help in keeping water out. 

They comb their coat with their paws using an oily substance that they secrete, and this makes their coat clean and waterproof. During winter or cold seasons, their coat gets thicker. It has been proved with significant evidence that on moving towards the north, the beaver’s fur gets thicker. 

How big do Beavers get?

Among other rodents like rats and mice, beavers are huge, and they are the largest rodents in North America. What about South America? In that case, beavers are beaten slightly by the capybaras in terms of size. The interesting fact about beavers is that they keep growing throughout their life, just like their teeth, and there is not much difference between the height and weight of fully-grown male and female beavers. 

Usually, a beaver grows to a length of 25-39 inches, and a healthy beaver weighs between 25-70 lbs; their average weight is 55lbs. Their tail is generally 7-14 inches long and has a significant contribution in their length and weight.

How Big Are Beaver Kits?

Baby beavers or newborn beavers are known as kits or beaver kits. Kits are really tiny when they are born, which makes them very vulnerable to predators in their ecosystems. Generally, a beaver kit at birth weighs only 22 ounces or 1 lb and is only seven inches long. 

FAQs

Do Beavers eat fish?

Beavers do not eat fish because beavers are herbivores, and they feed on leaves, roots, tubers, greens and cambium. Other than eating and chewing willow, and cottonwood they also eat tule roots, blackberry vines, fennel, pondweed and other types of scrub plants. 

What do Beavers weigh?

A healthy beaver of the average size, either in captivity or in the wild, weighs anywhere between 25 lbs – 70 lbs. The average weight of a beaver is 55 lbs, the heaviest beaver weighing around 70 lbs or slightly more. When beaver kits or infants are born, they weigh as little as 1 lb or 8 to 22 ounces as per ADW. 

Do Beavers get splinters?

Yes, they do get splinters, but they don’t complain about them. Although they have got sharp and strong teeth, beavers occasionally get splinters in their gums and in other body parts. By chewing wood, they actually keep their teeth from overgrowing and injuring their jaws. 

Can tamed Beavers build dams?

You will be surprised to know that not all beavers build dams. Therefore, it is not about wild beavers or the tamed ones; the willingness of a beaver to build a dam depends on factors like predators in the area, watercourse, etc. However, if we are to answer the question, then yes, tamed beavers can build dams; it is, after all, why they are referred to as nature’s engineers and have natural genetic instincts to have dams to protect themselves.

What is the lifespan of a beaver?

Beavers have an average lifespan of 16-25 years in the wild. They have several natural predators, including coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, and American black bears in the wild. Hence it’s difficult for them to survive for a longer time. Many of them get killed by being crushed or killed by the trees that fell on them or get trapped and drowned while building their dams and lodges.

Sources

1. Facts About Beavers
2. What to do about beavers

Read More

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2. Ravens & Crows as Pets?
3. Can Koalas Be Pets?
4. Can Komodo Dragons be Pets?

If you ever saw a Sugar Glider at a friend’s place or on that busy Subway while walking to your office, you may have thought you could use a companion as ‘chocolate some’ as a Sugar Glider. 

Since these are exotic pets, you obviously know they aren’t going to come off cheap, and they are nowhere next to inexpensive when it comes to taking care of them.

So, here is a manifested guide to know how much Sugar Gliders cost to buy and take care of… 

How much do Sugar Gliders cost?

Considering both buying and petting expenses, Sugar Gliders are pretty premium priced. Since these pets aren’t available in just any pet shop down the lane (unless you are thinking of backyard breeders, which we HIGHLY discourage), buying a Sugar Glider from a professional breeder or an exotic pet shop if your city has one can cost you anywhere between $300 – $800 dollars. 

The drastic gap in the range is mainly dependent on the age of the Glider and the reputation of the breeder or the exotic shop. For an old Sugar Glider (over 12 weeks), you can expect to pay about $250- $300 on average; however, the babies that are 8 to 12 weeks old are sold for over $400. 

The cost of the SG also depends on its health, color, temperament, or physical attributes; thus, if you want to buy a Sugar Glider, contact multiple breeders (licensed, and we can’t stress enough about it) or shops before settling the deal with one.

These creatures do not come ‘on the cheap,’ and just in case you found a breeder that offers you an unbelievably low price, it’s not your lucky day. There are high chances that the animal is inbred or illegally imported (remember what we said about the plastic bottles) or carry some diseases or health issues, which is why the breeder is trying to get rid of it as soon as he can. 

There are high chances of inbred or unethically bred Sugar Gliders to carry Salmonella or suffer from genetic diseases that they will never be able to recover from in the future. 

To be succinct, DO NOT SEEK TO BUY A SUGAR GLIDER IN CHEAP!

How much does it cost to take care of a Sugar Glider?

Buying a Sugar Glider isn’t where your responsibility ends. They are equally premium-priced when it comes to their maintenance and care. 

A Sugar Glider needs to jump, run, glide, climb and do everything that it usually does in the wild to stay healthy. This means it needs a large space and an expensive gigantic cage when it’s not roaming around in the house. 

It also has a specialized diet and needs to be left under a professional’s watch if you are going out for a while. The additional vet bills again spike up the price of petting and taking care of a Sugar Glider.

How much does a cage for a Sugar Glider cost?

Considering the fact that we are talking about large vivariums and not a typical guinea pig cage, a medium-sized cage to provide ample space to your Glider can cost around $40 – $60 dollars, but the prices can escalate if you opt for a mammoth-sized cage (which wouldn’t be so mammoth for your Glider). 

To eradicate the monotony from simple four-walled confinement, it is suggested to add accessories and toys to the cage, such as hiding holes, hammocks, and climbing posts. These additional accessories can be purchased from any pet shop and cost an extra of $10 – $25. 

Whether you pet a Sugar Glider or not, these marsupials are better left alone in their natural habitat amidst the rustling leaves and the grassy grounds where they can not only live like an animal deserves to but also grow up and interact with their own pack. 

How much does it cost to feed a Sugar Glider?

Given a ball-park estimate, it costs about $5 dollars a month to feed your Sugar Glider, a diet that contains only veggies and fresh fruits. However, in order to provide daily meals of high nutritional density, you also need to pack in protein in their diet, either plant or animal-based, which makes an additional cost of $15.

The Sugar Glider also needs to be provided with calcium multivitamins so it doesn’t fall prey to bone fractures and health issues associated with calcium imbalance. These supplements can cost $8 – $10. A special pellet for Sugar Gliders, ideally Glider Complete, costs $31.99 for 5 lbs and can be an easy and highly nutritious meal for your Glider that rounds up all nutrients in one. 

What are the additional vet bills that you may have to incur for a Sugar Glider?

A one-nighter emergency room in a hospital for a sick Sugar Glider is charged at approximately $400. A five-day intake program, on the other hand, can cost anywhere between $1000 – $1500, which includes a 24-hour watch on the sick Sugar Glider and emergency treatments.

What should you feed a Pet Sugar Glider?

The Sugar Glider’s diet should compose meals that contain calcium and phosphorus in the ratio of 2:1. They should consume 15-20% of their body weight daily, and an ideal Sugar Glider food consists of pelleted kibbles that make up ⅓ of their meals, Leadbeater mixture, or any nectar or sap mixture that gives them enough nutrients without balancing out on the phosphorus. 

Since calcium is one of the most crucial minerals that an SG should never be deficient in, it should be given a calcium-based multivitamin supplement daily. Apart from this, the meal should comprise fruits and vegetables that are preferably not canned and fresh. You should also keep some special kibble made just for Sugar Gliders available for them at all times.

They should always be given a treat of insects rich in protein or powdered with protein every other day.

What fruits to feed your Sugar Glider?

Ideally, you can feed your Glider a mixed fruit meal of apples, avocados, figs, grapes, mangoes, pineapples, and pears. Mixing these up refrains the Glider from picking out a favorite fruit.

Peaches, oranges, and cantaloupe are also equally great options for an SGs meal.

What vegetables to feed your Sugar Glider?

Sweet potatoes, sugar corn, tomatoes, DSLVs, or dark green leafy vegetables make for great meals for a Sugar Glider.

Hard-boiled and shelled eggs are the best and easiest options for a protein-rich diet for a Sugar  Glider. Yogurt and cottage cheese can be relatively inexpensive protein options. Sugar Gliders, being omnivorous, also enjoy feeding on cooked lean meat cut into slices. 

Tofu is a great replacement for cottage cheese to fill the protein requirement of Sugar Gliders.

If you are trying to go for easier alternatives, say, dog, or cat food, we’d stop you right here. Dog and cat foods may be a high source of protein, but they are sparingly designed to be consumed by Sugar Gliders and do not check into all the nutritional requirements of these tiny marsupials. 

What treats to give to your Sugar Glider?

Earthworms, crickets, and other live insects that are easily attainable make great treats for your favorite exotic pet. Keep in mind to not feed your Sugar Glider an insect caught outside in your lawn or one that has been feeding on pesticides. 

Insects should only be used as treats on a gap of 2-3 days because of their high-fat content, which can be counterproductive if fed daily. 

There are insects, and then there are NUTS that are the star-treats of Sugar Gliders. Unsalted and raw nuts are ideal treats for Sugar Gliders.

What supplements to give to your Sugar Glider?

Any calcium-enriched multivitamin supplement would be good to go for a Sugar Glider. However, a reptile multibit supplement is a preferably better option for Sugar Gliders.

No, Carol, they are not reptiles!

Is it Illegal to own a Sugar Glider?

Well, the legality depends on where you stay. 

Native to Australia, Sugar Gliders are banned as pets in all parts of Australia, the simple reason being the fact that they are wild animals and shouldn’t be kept captive. Making them peer at the outside world where there’s lush, and branches from within a cage are utterly inadmissible and immoral, which is why the Australian government doesn’t allow the export or sale of Sugar Gliders as pets.

In the U.S., Sugar Gliders are considered novelties and can be kept as pets legally in almost all cities and parts, except for the states of Alaska, California, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania.

There are special regulations in Georgia, New Mexico, and a few other states that you should read through and abide by before you venture out to buy a Sugar Glider. Some cities such as California, Minnesota, NY, and St. Paul have also banned their residents from keeping Sugar Gliders as pets. 

The United Kingdom, on the other hand, has been seeing surging demand for Sugar Gliders as pets. With almost no prohibitions or license required to buy or pet Sugar Gliders, it is easier to consider buying Sugar Gliders as novelties in the United States. 

A number of countries have illegalized the owning or buying of Sugar Gliders, and some have made it only borderline legal to enjoy Sugar Gliders as pets in your home. 

With all that said and done, why is it so hard to find a pet shop selling Sugar Gliders? Due to regulations on the import of Sugar Gliders, myriad countries have banned the export of these beady-eyed marsupials, which is why they are sporadically found in pet shops.

Apart from this, the neglect and abuse of Sugar Gliders in the U.K. or the U.S. result in the banning, hefty fine, or prison sentence of a certain timeframe, which is why most breeders and sellers do not risk themselves with these novelties (for good).

How to check the legality of Sugar Gliders as pets in your state?

Laws for breeding, selling and petting a Sugar Glider or any other exotic pet for that fact keep varying from year-to-year and place-to-place. If you want to buy a Sugar Glider in your state and you aren’t sure if they are legally sold or allowed to be owned by your state government, here’s what you can do:

• Look up online, and if you are still in ambiguity, wanting to know further, call local government agencies and ask them about the legalities. You can call the city hall or county office to request further details on whether you can own a Sugar Glider where you live.
• The best and the easiest way to be sure is to go to a local pet shop and ask them if Sugar Gliders are legal around the place. If you feel misled, you can contact a local official and find out more.
• If you are still unsure (you shouldn’t be to this point), scrutinize and contact your province or state government or get in touch with a state official who can inform you of the jurisdiction of the state and legalities regarding Sugar Gliders or any other novelty pets.

Why Should You not Buy Sugar Gliders?

1.Most Sugar Gliders are bred and sold with cruelty.

No, it’s not about the legalities, it’s not about the affordability or the adaptations, but in the end, it all boils down to how they are farmed and bred. Due to legal issues and regulations levied on their import, export, and handling, many breeders resort to illegal and immoral methods to breed these pint-sized adore balls. 

According to PETA, a significant portion of Sugar Gliders live in hellish conditions before being sold to the owner, and a lot of exporters bottle them, literally, in plastic bottles before selling them in some dodgy backyard sale.

When these breeders should be reported for cruelty and mishandling, a number of novelty-obsessed people buy Sugar Gliders from breeders like these, which eventually leads to increasing demand and freedom to treat these delicate marsupials like stuffed toys. 

The relatively low production of Sugar Gliders because the females give birth only once or twice in the whole year to only one to two baby SGs, leads to unethical breeding of Sugar Gliders.

Overbreeding often results in trauma, shortened lifespan, stillborn offsprings, and infertility in the mother Sugar Gliders. The baby Gliders born through overbreeding or inbreeding are highly vulnerable to mental instability, genetic disorders, dwarfism and increased risk of diseases, the fracturing of bones, and a weak skeletal structure.

Think of this as pedigree dog breeding. 

Buying exotic pets or Sugar Gliders accelerates the rise of such breeders who, in order to make some hard cash, treat animals with sheer harshness and cruelty. However, if you still want a Sugar Glider, one way to go with this would be to only purchase from professional and licensed breeders who guarantee the safety of both the parents and the offspring.

To put a stop to the cruelty that these marsupials are met with, we encourage adopting a Sugar Glider from someone in close vicinity or a shelter instead of buying them.

2.Sugar Gliders are expensive to buy and pet.

Do you know what is synonymous with ‘exotic’? For us, it’s a truckload of money (just an analogy). Earlier the chinchillas and now Sugar Gliders, the demand for exotic pets keeps changing, but the one thing that remains constant is the -burn-a-hole-in-the-wallet price tag that comes attached to them.

Not only are Sugar Gliders expensive to buy, but they are also expensive to keep. There are multiple reasons to such as:

• A specialized diet
• A specialized vet care
• A huge place and access to a gargantuan cage
• An additional partner (not necessary, but SGs like to live in colonies, and if not a colony, they love a partner SG)

3.They are nocturnal animals.

Sugar Gliders are nocturnal marsupials who prefer to sleep during the day. If they are unable to adjust to your schedules, they will keep lazing and slugging around during the day and forage for their toys and make all the noise they can in the world at nighttime. 

However, just like cats (that too are nocturnal), Sugar Gliders can be trained to sleep at night and possibly bless you with some good-night sleep instead of doing acrobatics in the house. If you do not train your Sugar Glider to transform its sleep mechanisms, it will possibly be asleep during the day and look for darker and quiet environments to sleep.

If they are not given a dark and quiet environment to sleep in the day (unless trained), the disturbed sleep pattern can seriously affect their health. 

What can you do? The best that you can do is carry these pint-sized babies in your pocket where it isn’t just dark but also snuggly so they can catch some zzz’s. 

If you’re worried about them pooping or peeing in your pocket as you sit in a restaurant or visit a friend’s home, let us tell you that they are super clean animals who do not like to mess up where they sleep or eat. Though they can’t be potty-trained, they surely keep themselves squeaky clean by not defecating in their cafe or your pocket, for that fact.

PS: They may urinate or defecate if they are frightened or injured while you carry them, so there’s that. 

4.They are highly social and active animals.

There are social ‘butterflies,’ and then there’s the Sugar Glider. Sugar Gliders are extremely social animals who need attention more than your dog does (no offense!). Just like other pets who yearn for attention, except for the cold and desolate ones, Sugar Gliders, if left unattended, fall into depression, which can lead them to fall sick often or potentially die a premature death.

A lot of pet owners are completely oblivious to the fact that buying an exotic pet or ANY pet isn’t where it ends; giving them ample attention and nurturing them with care is of paramount importance to keep them healthy and happy. Sugar Gliders are no exception. 

If you work a 9 to 5 job or have chores that exhaust all your time, you should not consider buying a Sugar Glider. These, apart from care, also need specialized attention in terms of diet, sleep, and health, which is often looked over by many owners that eventually induce illness or even death to the poor animals.

If you can not provide enough attention to your Sugar Glider or you do not have an alternative to leaving it on its own for extended periods, locked up in a cage, you can buy an additional Sugar Glider, so they can keep each other company. 

What we mean to say is, ‘If they can’t buy your attention, you have to buy them a companion.’

In the wild, Sugar Gliders live in packs or colonies; thus, isolating a Glider from its natural habitat and pack is somewhat unjust. However, there is no hard and fast rule that you have to have a pair when you are buying a Sugar Glider. It can do well on its own, but in that case, it will need a significant portion of your attention.

There are certain signs that say your Sugar Glider needs a companion:

• It doesn’t eat its food.
• It keeps sleeping all the time, whether the day’s burning bright or during the night.
• They do not move a lot.
• They keep sitting in one place instead of playing at times when they were usually the most active before.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s highly probable that the Glider is depressed and is in need of a companion. 

This means putting a dent in your pocket and buying another exotic pet. So, what do you do? Don’t buy the first one, to begin with!

5.They need massive space to live and play.

This is a hard pill that most Sugar Glider owners can not swallow. Just because Sugar Gliders are small, it doesn’t mean you can make a snuggly home for it in a worn shoe-box that you found in the basement.

No! Sugar Gliders are marsupials who jump and climb branches, gliding from tree to tree in their natural environment. In the wild, they reign their own kingdom and have stellar space to play and live in. 

These little acrobats, as mentioned, are highly active and should not be refrained from jumping, climbing, and of course, ‘GLIDING’ and running within their own space.

When they are locked up within the four walls of your home, we aren’t going to advise you to write your house’s deed in their name (just a joke), but they do need ample space to be able to live comfortably without feeling claustrophobic. 

This translates to the fact that Sugar Gliders need cages that aren’t just the regular rat or degu cages. Sugar Glider owners, who care enough about their pets, should build an indoor cage resembling an aviary or large vivariums that are at least 4 feet high and double up in width. It’s simple – the larger space, the happier the Glider. 

Since most households can not offer this much space to their Gliders, it is highly advisable to not buy them and confine them in a small apparatus, which in turn is a great compromisation to not just their play but their health in general. 

6.Sugar Gliders have a specialized diet.

In the wild, Sugar Gliders consume eucalyptus gum, sap, and nectar. They also feed on a substantial amount of honeydew, and these omnivores regularly feed on bird eggs and small insects rich in protein.

In proportions, Sugar Gliders consume 75% gums, sap, and nectar, including honeydew. The rest, 25%, is composed of insects and flesh, which translates to baby birds or eggs of small birds. 

With such a refined spectrum of diet, it is almost impossible to reiterate and duplicate their diet in captivity. If the nutrient requirements aren’t met, the Gliders suffer from a number of health conditions. 

Improper diet makes Sugar Gliders prone to diseases and bone fracture.

So, maybe you thought missing out on a proper meal (we’ve discussed what proper meal is for Sugar Gliders in captivity on the top) one fine day would really do nothing to your Glider. Maybe you craved an all-junk Sunday, abandoning a clean diet, and you thought maybe your Sugar Glider could use some fast food too.

THAT’S WHERE YOU’D GO WRONG!

An improper diet, one potentially rich in phosphorus and low in calcium, can lead to the leaching of calcium from the bones of the Sugar Glider. Scientifically speaking (yes, Einstein), Sugar Gliders, if deprived of Calcium in their food and fed with more phosphorus, will have softened bones which will be highly vulnerable to fractures. 

Apart from susceptibility to fractures, Sugar Gliders, if fed an improper diet, are prone to metabolic bone diseases and innumerable other problems that come in parallel with calcium and phosphorus imbalance.

With that many troubles that come stringing behind the absence of a strategic meal diet, you do not only have to be utterly careful and cautious, but you also can’t leave them to just anybody else when going on that much-dreamt trip to Hawaii. 

Unless you are in contact with a professional watcher to take care of your Sugar Glider while you’re away, forget going on holiday! 

Fun Facts about Sugar Gliders

1. Sugar Gliders lean back and emit chattering sounds in order to warn their opponent when they get angry, and they strike the opponent with full force if the warning attempt is unsuccessful.
2.  A Female Sugar Glider can simultaneously produce two types of milk in each nipple suitable according to the ages of two different Joeys or baby Sugar Gliders.
3. Sugar Gliders have a unique mechanism that helps them to move freely between trees; they have a gliding membrane between their wrist and ankles, which during a flight, which they can control in aspects of shape and size. This allows them to change the position of limbs and glide in the direction they want to.
4. A Sugar Glider can glide up to 45 meters, and with the help of their sharp claws, they cling onto nearby branches after finishing the glide.
5. Male Sugar Gliders have a special scent gland that is found on their forehead and chest; they use their scent to mark the members of the group for identification.
6. Sugar Gliders have a wide variety of vocalizations, and they can produce barking, crabbing, chattering, and hissing sounds to communicate.
7. With the help of their 180-degree flexible ankle bone, the Sugar Gliders can easily climb down vertical tree trunks headfirst.
8. Sugar Gliders have a grooming comb made up of two webbed toes located on their hind limbs.
9. The Sugar Gliders got their name because of their love for sweet foods (not refined sugar), which includes honey, sap, and acacia gum. Their gliding membrane forms the other part of their name.
10. Sugar Gliders are nocturnal marsupials; their large eyes help them to see at night, and their ears help them to locate prey in the dark.
11. During the daytime, they sleep in their personalized nests made of leaf twigs.

Taking care of small monkeys isn’t an easy task, especially with their special health care restrictions. Although they are legal pets, considering buying one is a big decision, and you should deeply analyze how you and your naughty little friend will be able to cope and live happily in the same environment. 

• Aggressiveness: The worst thing about small monkeys is that they can be highly aggressive. The aggressiveness is often mistranslated to anger when they are just overly-enthusiastic creatures with really high energy levels. As small monkeys tend to grow, aggressiveness becomes more prominent.
• Expensive– Small monkeys can cost a fortune. They are somewhat rare to keep as pets; thus, the sellers charge a bomb for these creatures. Apart from this, taking care of small monkeys in order to nourish and nurture them towards a long and healthy life means spending extra bucks for a special diet and health plan.
• Commitment– This isn’t the monkey’s problem but can you commit to a pet that will stay as long as about 20-30 years. Most dog and cat owners start getting indifferent to their pets and lose interest in enjoying their presence altogether. Make sure you are ready to commit 20-30 years of your life to a small monkey because that friendship will go a long way.

Other than this, small monkeys can sometimes be mean, and how do they show it? Well, they will pee on the couch. What worse revenge for not letting him eat his 23rd banana in a day, right? These animals do not like cuddling with humans and enjoy their own company amidst food and fun.

How much do small monkeys cost?

Small monkeys come with a hefty price tag swinging down their tails. If you wish to pet a young monkey that has been trained and being sold by a reputable breeder, it will cost you around $10,000. However, a slightly older monkey can typically cost about $5000-8000 bucks depending on the breeder, location, and temperament of the monkey.

Are Small Monkeys Strong?

With respect to their weight, they are pretty strong. They may lack the strength the big monkeys possess, but finger monkeys are strong enough to cling to the tree branches with ease.

The strong muscles and limbs allow these tiny creatures to jump and leap to about 5 meters. With a strong jaw and mouth, small monkeys can eat a number of foods, which would otherwise have been difficult considering their small mouth. Most of them have strong and flexible necks that can be rotated to great angles with ease.

1.) Pygmy Marmosets or Finger Monkeys (Pets)

Pygmy marmosets or finger monkeys are the smallest primates with grizzled brown fur mingled with light and contrasting dark shades. The back is somewhat black- a mix of grey and tawny brown, and the fleshy or the underparts are usually orange to pale white- their color helps them camouflage in their surroundings easily.

Unlike other monkeys, finger monkeys do not use their nonprehensile tail to grip onto tree branches and other things. The hands and feet with long, narrow, sickle-shaped nails help them grip and cling onto trees. They weigh merely 99 grams and 160 grams at the most, with a height of only 4 to 6 inches.

Diet

Finger monkeys have long teeth that allow them to feed on a number of things that would otherwise have been difficult, considering their tiny size. 

In the wild, finger monkeys with their narrow teeth, pierce into the trees’ bark to suck on the sap. They also consume resin and vines of trees alongside gum and a variety of fleshy fruits. Consuming tropical flower nectar maybe their favorite past-time hobby fruit. Pygmies are omnivores that also feed on small insects like grasshoppers, butterflies, and arthropods such as spiders.

As a pet, finger monkeys can typically eat anything you do, from ice cream and pizza to mealworms and crickets. They always love a rewarding treat consisting of Arabic gum; however, apart from these, it is suggested to serve them fruits like bananas, papaya, mangoes, strawberries, and apples daily.

Habitat and Distribution

Finger Monkeys usually live in bamboo thickets and dense rain forests alongside rivers. Tropical rainforests and tropical evergreen forests are ideal homes for finger monkeys since it is easy for them to hide in such a habitat, thus preventing predatory attacks.

Finger Monkeys live in the Amazon region of Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Columbia. They can often be spotted on the edge of farms, which helps them search around the area for potential predators and food.

2.) Tarsiers

Tarsiers have thick, silky, and gray to dark brown colored fur. They have an unusually long ankle bone, a short body, and a round head, which they can rotate 180°. Some of their distinctive adaptations include independently moving membranous ears, which helps them to locate potential prey, large eyes and hand, padded fingertips, and a long tail.

Diet

They are carnivores, and their diet comprises small flying insects like locusts, beetles, and cicadas. Occasionally their diet may also include small invertebrates like lizards and bats.

Habitat and Distribution 

The habitat of Tarsier ranges from lowland evergreen rainforests to lower montane rainforests. Tarsiers are more likely found living in primary and secondary rainforests due to the abundance of food items. Some of them may also be found in mangroves and scrub forests. Tarsiers are found mainly on the island of Southeast Asia, including Philippines, Borneo, and Sumatra.

3.) Common Marmosets (Pets)

Common Marmosets, also known as the white-eared marmoset, have their face covered with short hair, their coats are grey, dense with their tail having dark and light rings, and their ears have white tufts. The forelimbs of tarsiers are comparatively shorter than hind limbs, with elongated feet and hands.

They have some adaptations for their environment, including claws, which help them grasp tree bark and swing between the branches and trees. With their sharp incisors and canine teeth, they gnaw holes in trees to extract sap and gum for consumption. They have an average lifespan of 12 years, they weigh about 230-450g and are about 150-300mm in size with a tail length of 170-400mm. 

Diet

They are omnivores who usually feed on small insects, spiders, snails, eggs, flowers, sap and gum from trees, and small animals like lizards. Their diet is very similar to that of pygmy marmosets, and they are also known as gum feeders for the large amount of gum they consume on a daily basis.

Habitat and Distribution 

Tarsier can live in a wide variety of forest habitats, including Atlantic coastal forests, semi-deciduous forests, primary forests, riverine forests, scrub, and even in orchards and gardens. They are native only to east-central Brazil, but they have also been introduced into other areas and cities of Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

4.) Squirrel Monkey (Pets)

A Squirrel monkey is about 12 inches in length, with a long tail of 16 inches. They have short greyish coats with a slender and lithe build and have bright yellow legs. They possess nails in place of claws and have a nonprehensile tail.

They have some survival adaptations, including cheek teeth, which help them eat insects, and small thighs and lower legs for swift leaping. Squirrel Monkeys have an average lifespan of 25 years.

Diet

Squirrel monkeys are omnivores who commonly feed on various types of insects, eggs, small vertebrate animals, and different kinds of fruits, flowers, and leaves. 

Habitat and Distribution 

Squirrel Monkey prefers tropical rainforests, primary and secondary forests, gallery forests, and forest edges. They are found in the tropical rainforest of South America, Amazon Basin, Brazil, Colombia, French Guiana, Peru, and a small population in Florida, and some live in the Caribbean Islands. 

5.) Guenon Monkey (Pets)

Their bold markings, the off-white, or vibrant bright colors make it easy to distinguish them from the other monkeys. These monkeys are skinny and elegantly carry themselves with their long arms and legs. A short face and nonprehensile tail like tarsiers and pygmies make them look somewhat similar to them.

They have a soft and beautiful coat that is commonly grayish, reddish, brown, or yellow. They have large cheek pouches to store food, and it can store as much food as their stomach; their rump pads are of tough skin which cushions their rear end for sitting. Guenons are mostly diurnal animals that seek food while it’s still bright. They are about 42-55cm in length, weigh from 5-7 kg, and they live for more than 20-30 years.

Diet

A Guenon diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, lettuce, seeds, and insects. Guenons are slightly larger than most other small monkeys and eat small lizards and snakes and, most frequently, small mammals.

Habitat and Distribution 

Like most of the guenon species, they are arboreal, living in the tropical forests and woodlands. They are found in Western and Central Africa. 

6.) Golden lion tamarin

Golden lion tamarins have a vibrant orange fun that is a sight to the sore eyes! Along with the thick fur, they have long hair dominantly forming the mane of their cheeks and throat. The face is comparatively darker than the body and lacks hair. Just like their close relatives, the marmosets have modified claws in place of nails.

Their average head to body length is 200-336mm, weigh around 370-780g; they live for upto 20 years or more. They have numerous adaptations, which include acute sight, hearing, a good sense of smell. Their claws are an excellent ecological adaptation that allows them to cling to vertical surfaces. They have slim and long nails with slender hands that help them look for food in constricted spaces.

Diet

They are omnivores, whose diet mainly consists of about 78% fruits, flowers, gum, and nectar. They also feast on crickets, spiders, birds and bird eggs, lizards, and other small insects.

Habitat and Distribution 

These arboreal species live on trees at the height of 3-10 meters. They prefer primary and secondary lowland rainforests and are found in Southeastern Brazil’s Atlantic Coast.

7.) Red-handed tamarin

Red-handed tamarins got their name because of their bright, reddish-golden hands, with their body covered in black fur and few reddish flecks around its neck. These small monkeys usually are 8-11 inches in length, weigh about 14-20 ounces; they may live for 10-16 years. Their joints act as shock absorbers that cushion them from the force of the fall, and it helps them to leap 60feet from trees to the ground. 

Diet

Since they are omnivores, their diet consists of fruits, insects, flowers frogs, lizards, spiders, and nectar.

Habitat and Distribution 

They live over a wide range of rainforests, primary and secondary forests, flooding forests, and many other open habitats. They are found in Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana.

8.) Capuchin Monkey

The Capuchin Monkeys are agile and lean; the color of their coat is dark brown with a light tan coloring around their face, neck, and shoulders. Their cute little faces are white to pink, their prehensile long hairy tail is flexible, and they can wrap it around branches. Capuchin Monkeys are about 30-56 cm in length, weigh around 1.5-4kg, and have a lifespan of 20 years.

Diet

Capuchin monkeys are omnivores and feed on eggs, bugs, fruits, vegetables, flowers, small mammals, and reptiles. Being diurnal, they search for their food and prey during the daytime.

Habitat and Distribution

Capuchins are all arboreal, and their prehensile tail helps them swing swiftly between the trees’ branches. They inhabit the low-lying forests, mountain forests, and rainforests, the areas with a wide variety of food sources. They are mainly found in Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Paraguay, South and Central America. 

States of America where it’s legal to pet some monkey breeds

1. Alabama
2. Florida
3. Georgia
4. Idaho
5. Indiana
6. Kansas
7. Michigan
8. Missouri
9. Minnesota
10. Nebraska
11. Nevada
12. North Dakota
13. North Carolina
14. Oklahoma
15. Pennsylvania
16. Rhode Island
17. South Dakota
18. South Carolina
19. Texas
20. Virginia
21. Wisconsin
22. Wyoming

Sources

1. Melanie Parker 10 Reasons Monkeys Should Never Be Pets, Primaterescue.
2. Finger Monkeys, Pet assure.
3. Pygmy Marmoset, Animals.sandiegozoo.

Read More

1. 10 Cute Big-Eyed Animals
2. 15 Animals With Glowing Eyes: Red, Yellow, Green and White
3. 7 Most Loyal Animals

No, crows and ravens are illegal to pet in the United States (however, the legality varies in certain countries). They are illegal to pet in America under the Migratory Birds Act, first implemented in 1916, since allowing them to be owned will lead to a reckless capturing and selling of these creatures as novelty pets. Also, since these birds are partially migratory, you can’t capture them and lock them up in a cage both morally and lawfully.

Now that you know that they are illegal to pet let’s understand why you shouldn’t pet them in the first place.

Is it illegal to pet Crows and Ravens?

Yes, it is illegal to pet a crow or raven, and it’s not. How? Sadly, for corvid enthusiasts, the Migratory Bird Act, 1916 banned people of the United States from owning crows or ravens that are NATIVE TO THE UNITED STATES. However, you can legally own a crow or a raven that isn’t native to the states of America (although, we’d still suggest against it). 

Why are they illegal to pet?

There are two reasons why you can’t pet a crow or raven in the US: first, they are wild creatures who, the law believes, should be left in the wild. There have been instances where people have tried stealing and reselling raven babies to be kept as exotic pets. Thus, officials who find a person wrongfully detaining a baby crow or raven take the creature into their custody to find them a new home in the wild. 

Secondly, they are migratory birds that need to fly during certain seasons to survive and mate. Crows are partially migratory birds that migrate towards the south during the winters for myriad reasons.

However, the causes aren’t completely clear to the corvid researchers. Most commonly, it is believed that these corvids move from north to the southern areas to survive the cold during the chilly winters of the United States. 

Which species of crows and ravens can you not pet?

Any American species of crow or raven is illegal to be pet by the residents of the country. The migratory corvids protected by the Migratory Bird Act are American crows and common ravens. Bummer! You can’t pet these two birds because they are partially migratory, and not being able to fly can deeply impact their mental and physical health. 

It is a common notion that the ravens were imported from Europe whereas they can be found all over America, naturally, since ages. The ravens are also common to Asia, other than Europe, and these birds naturally settled in the US through traveling between continents post the ice ages. Some Of the Californian corvids have a completely different genetic legacy to their fellow mates in Europe and Asia.

Since these two birds are native to the American state, selling, stealing, and owning them is outright illegal and punishable by the law. They are so common and abundant in the US that you must be thinking that petting one will make no difference.

However, it is a necessary precaution that is very much likely to avoid the extinction or any threat to these native bird populations by restraining people from shamelessly seeking to sell them as novelty pets. 

Why else shouldn’t you pet Crows and Ravens?

Although they are illegal to pet, let’s consider what would have happened even if they were legal to pet. First things first, on a moral stand, they are wild birds and should be left in the lap of nature.

Also, petting crows and ravens require specialized attention and care since it is arguably difficult and time consuming to look after them. Let’s understand why you shouldn’t be petting crows even if you were somehow (legally) able to.

1.) They are wild (and noisy)

We aren’t going to stretch this out, but crows and ravens are wild birds that should be left in nature, where they belong. They (and no other bird) like to be caged up and thrown in a corner for serving as an amusement. 

Even if you were allowed to legally pet a crow, you shouldn’t because these wild creatures love freedom, and with their high intelligence, it’d be a shame to lock them up in a cage. Crows and ravens are curious animals that love exploring and discovering things, so keeping it in a confined space will bore it, degrading its personality- they do have individual personalities.

Crows and ravens can be obnoxiously noisy and loud, and the shrill caws aren’t any tunes you’d want to dance to. You can occasionally find them perching on the top of the lamppost, screaming in their shrill tone for 10 minutes straight- now imagine what it is going to be like inside your calm and serene home when you pet one.

The American Ravens and Crows can produce about 250 different calls, each one varying in severity, length, and shrillness. These caws serve their moods and actions such as begging, fighting, and alerting others in the group. 

The high-pitched scream of crows and ravens can showcase a lot of emotions like anger, disappointment, pain, and sadness. Yes, they do feel emotions, just like we do, so their caws may be noisy and annoying for us, but that is how they communicate and express, and it isn’t their fault after all. 

2.) Their bite can be bad

Ever noticed the long and potentially harmful beak that the crows and ravens possess? Yes, right. That beak may not be able to harm humans severely, but it can definitely make you bleed. In the worst-case scenario, their beak is powerful enough to break a bone in your finger- combine this with the fact that crows and ravens are aggressive. Bad for you!

Though their bite can break a small bone and cause pain, crows and ravens do not usually attack a person unless they are trying to protect their offspring or mate. Crows have a very sharp memory, and they can remember your face for as long as three years- so if you ever pestered it, be sure that it’ll be holding a grudge against you for quite some time. A crow can hit you with a flurry of wingbeats and may hammer your head with its sharp prodding beak, so beware!

How to avoid being bitten by a crow or raven?

If you ever got off on the wrong foot with a crow or raven, they may be holding grudges against you- they may also mob-bully you. What can you do in this case? The first thing you can do is wear a hat while you cross their territory.

You can also carry an umbrella so that the crows can’t attack you with their wings or hit their beak on your head. Most crows or ravens attack humans during their nesting period since they are very protective about their offspring, so avoid getting too close to their nests and the babies.

Lastly, desperate times call for desperate measures- the best way to ward off crows is to carry unsalted peanuts in your pocket while going out. Shelled peanuts are an even better option to distract crows, which will give you more time to escape while the crow is cracking open and feasting on its favorite food.

3.) They need to fly

These corvids are partially migratory birds, whereas some individuals, even within a roosting community, seem to migrate alone. The major reason as to why they are illegal to pet is that the American crows and ravens are partially migratory birds that usually move towards the south during winter. Crows that already have a residence in the southern parts don’t seem to be migrating as often as those in the Northern parts of the States.

Why do they migrate? Scientists aren’t sure. However, they believe it is an evolutionary path towards developing the ability to start with complete migration to distant parts of the world to survive.

They need much space

Crows are territorial animals that feel threatened when someone tries to intrude in their space. If you ever violate their privacy, be prepared to experience some loud and complaining vocalizations along with intense aggression.

In case you can ever manage to pet a crow or raven, you will have to build a huge aviary to let it have its own space- this can be both metaphorically and practically too costly. Hence, unless you want to throw your money down the drain, stop thinking of petting one.

4.) They are societal birds living in groups/ pairs 

Crows are highly social animals that live in groups and pairs, so isolating a crow from its natural social environment is a huge ‘no-no.’ Both crows and ravens have a tight-knit family that consists of the partner, nestlings or yearlings, and other crow adults.

Crows and ravens roost in huge numbers, which can be in thousands, to help each other and survive against the predators like raccoons, owls, and hawks. A crow or raven never lives alone, and it is very important to find them a mate since they maintain one mate for the whole of their life. 

There are some raven species where the non-mating adults, and most often the yearlings, live in a community. These communities are called roosting communities and are very important for the proper development of the crows, both physically and physiologically. 

What is a group of crows called?

A group of crows or ravens is called a murder, and we aren’t completely sure why. There are myriad explanations; however, the most befitting one is possibly the fact that the mythologies have always considered crows to be ominous and a symbol of death.

The origin of the term ‘murder’ is sourced from these myths and old folk tales that paint these marvelous and surprisingly intelligent creatures in all the wrong colors.

However, we also believe that a ‘murder’ of crows reflects a time when people came up with all these crafty names for the wildlife. These poetic and sometimes ridiculous names have extended to not just crows but also peacocks (ostentation), owls (parliament), and so on.

What can you pet instead of a Crow or Raven?

It’s not like you can’t pet a crow or raven; it’s just that you can’t pet one that is native to the US. So, to legally acquire a crow/raven pet, start by picking a species that isn’t exclusive to America. The frequently bought and pet species of corvids are white neck ravens and pied crows. These two bird species never migrate to the US, both of them being native to Africa.

Some breeders will sell a hybrid of these two birds, and the offspring often share the traits of both the parents. These white-neck ravens and pied crows are usually sold as exotic pets since neither of them is protected by the law under the International Union’s endangered species status for the Conservation of Nature. Therefore, it is completely legal to acquire these birds as pets under ownership.

How much do they cost?

If you want to buy a raven or crow, we would suggest you find some reputed breeder who has a history of selling healthy crow/raven offsprings. Since these African corvids aren’t as widely sold and bred as the others (magpies and others), buying one can somewhat burn a hole in your wallet.

These corvids are sold for at least $2000 and $6000 at the most. There can also be additional shipping charges since white-neck ravens, and pied crows aren’t sold in every part of the United States. 

How to befriend a Crow or Raven?

Well, if you can’t pet a crow, then what options are you left with? It’s simple- befriend it. It isn’t as ridiculous as it sounds. As we’ve mentioned numerous times in the article, crows and ravens are highly intelligent creatures that have also been seen to express emotions and recognize individual humans. This gives us a fair advantage to strike a meaningful friendship with a crow or raven. How? We’ll cover that in few basic steps:

Stock on its favourite food

So, this step may require a lot of patience and determination to try out different foods to analyze which one the crow or raven likes the most. Crows are surprisingly finicky, so if you think every crow likes the same food or plain meat, you’re wrong. A crow’s behavior can be a great indicator of which offer they like the most- however, make sure whatever you feed them is healthy and ultimately good for the crow.

A few favorite foods of crows and ravens:

• Unsalted peanuts, in the shell
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Wet or dry cat/dog foods
• Unsalted meat
• Table scraps

Keep a distance

These corvids are wild birds after all, so never try to get too cozy with them. If you try to get too close to them, there are possibilities- either the crow will be scared and fly away, or it will feel intimidated and, in turn, try to attack you.

Now, both of these scenarios are undesirable, so your goal is to befriend it, make yourself more acceptable, and not tame it. Observing these curious birds from a distance will keep the boundaries safe for them and us alike.

Keep it silent

Birds, including crows and ravens, like to enjoy their time in the quiet so, if there’s too much noise around you, they will never really come to you. They are cautious and solitary animals that may be standoffish even after months, so creating a quieter environment won’t just make them feel secure and safe while visiting you. It will also make it easy for you to befriend them.

Install a birdbath

Crows and ravens love to take a good bath, so if you want to lure one into your backyard or garden, install a birdbath. It will make the yard more enticing and help crows and other birds drink, cool off, and bathe in it. Adding the right size of birdbath will allow the crow to enjoy a deeper basin and have a sturdy ledge.

Establish a schedule

Establish a feeding schedule to let the relationship gel. This will help the crow or raven understand when you’ll be offering it food. When the crow starts appearing at the same place at the same time, it’s a good sign since the crow is now beginning to recognize you.

Keep in mind that although you are feeding it, you shouldn’t overdo it. Overdoing, it will only lead to confusion, and the crow or raven will now be completely dependent on you for food. 

FAQs

How long do crows and ravens live in captivity?         

In captivity, ravens and crows may live for more than 20-30 years- the oldest documented crow in captivity lived for 59 years. However, you shouldn’t keep crows or ravens in captivity on a moral basis since they are birds that need to travel long distances. When locked in a cage, these migratory birds often end up losing interest and will unambiguously be upset (they do have emotions).

If you’re nursing a crow back to health, keeping it captive for its own sake, you should free the bird as soon as you can since wildlife belongs to nature, not in human settlements.

How to catch a crow or raven to keep as a pet?

First and foremost, it is completely unethical to acquire a crow to keep as a pet and if you still wish to do so, check the legality in your country since it varies. If you want to catch a crow yourself, move to the solution and purchase a Larsen trap, but you can’t do it before licensing it online.

Once you have a license to use a Larsen trap to catch crows or ravens, deploy it in an open space with a live bird inside. Crows are intelligent animals that try to help each other, so if it finds another crow in distress, it’ll try to rescue it. This is your chance to trap it in and acquire it as a pet. 

However, we completely discourage doing anything of this sort to these free and wild creatures since it lacks a sense of morality and humanity. 

Do Ravens and Crows interbreed?

Yes, they do crossbreed, but there are higher chances that they just won’t. Ravens are bigger than crows, so crows see them as threats, and 97% of the time, crows try chasing ravens away from their territory.

Also, crow babies are an easy meal to ravens, which is why crows never let ravens loom around their nest too long. So, yes, there have been instances where crows and ravens have produced offspring, but they generally don’t because of the aggression, need for space, difference in interests, etc.

Do Crows and Ravens make the same sound?

No, they don’t make the same sound. Crows usually give a cawing sound while the Ravens produce low croaking sounds. Ravens can even imitate a huge variety of sounds, whereas the crows can’t. 

The crows may produce rattling sounds and shrill squeaks, but a raven, if raised in captivity or one that has learned to recognize and spend time with humans, can imitate various sounds such as flushing of the toilet, starting of an engine. Some ravens are shown to talk and mimic human voices better than parrots; however, crows lack this ability.

Do Crows and Ravens get along?

Though crows and ravens share similar resemblance, it’d be wrong to think that they get along. Crows are aggressive, and so are ravens. However, the major reason why they can’t get along is that ravens are predators to crows. Ravens can kill crows in a mob fight while also being a constant threat to their preserved food sources. 

Crows do not like to share the same space with ravens since they try to protect their offspring from becoming an easy and nutritious meal. This is one of the reasons why crows are seen to be attacking and chasing off ravens in about 97% of cases, even though ravens are much larger.

Are Crows and Ravens intelligent?

They are intelligent; in fact, they are one of the smartest species of birds. Crows have a large brain to body ratios, and their intelligence level is quite close to chimpanzees and humans.

Their intelligence and fearless attitude makes them deadly predators. Ravens can imitate a different variety of sounds, and they can even understand human speeches. Just like humans, they can make tools and use them efficiently. 

Yes, they are different, but you may not be able to differentiate among themselves. Though they look similar to you, there is a difference in their flight pattern, behavior, and their size. Ravens are larger in size with wedge-shaped tails and large bill, whereas the Crows have a fan-shaped tail and small bill. There is a difference between Raven and Crow’s call, and the Ravens are slightly more intelligent than the Crows.

Interesting Facts About Ravens and Crows 

They are playful: These acrobatic fliers are found rolling, somersaulting in the air, and sometimes playing with a stick by dropping them in the air and then catching it before it touches the ground.

Both Crows and Ravens are intelligent: A Raven’s intelligence makes it a deadly predator. Though Ravens are solitary, they gather in flocks to hunt large animals. They call the wolves to a carcass to tear the animal’s body and make the scrape more accessible. While hiding their food, if they come to know that another Raven is keeping an eye on them, they pretend to hide but hide the food somewhere else. They raid on the eggs of other birds while one of them is distracting an incubating adult. 

The brain to body ratio of crows is equivalent to the apes. This makes them one of the intelligent birds who have problem-solving skills and awesome communication skills.

They can also be white in color: The rare white-colored Ravens are found in Canada, near Qualicum Beach. A genetic disorder called leucism is the reason why the Crows and Ravens are white-colored. 

Ravens can imitate sounds: Ravens can imitate sounds of their environment, and when raised in captivity and trained, they can imitate human speeches. In the wild, Ravens communicate with each other by making varied sounds, and they even express their emotions with these random sounds. Ravens can even produce other birds’ sounds, including clapping, toilet flushing, garbage trucks, and wing whistles. 

Crows communicate among themselves by making different types of sounds and even imitate the cry of other birds.

They are highly adaptable: Both Crows and Ravens can live in various habitats, ranging from snow, desert mountains to forests and these scavengers can easily survive and feed on fish, meat, seeds, fruit, carrion, and garbage.

Ravens don’t tolerate a cheat: Ravens work together and get equal shares of food, but if a Raven takes more food than its share, then the other Ravens lose trust and never cooperate cheat in the future.

Crows and Ravens remember faces: Just like humans and primates, Ravens and Crows can also remember faces and other characteristics, and it is because of their episodic memory. If mistreated, Crows hold grudges, and they pass on this grudge among the others too. 

Ravens are empathic: Ravens are surprisingly empathic, who share their feelings with each other. They console the victim Reven who lost a fight, by beak to body touch, preening, and sitting close to them.

Ravens also use “hand” gestures: Just like humans and primates use hand gestures, Ravens use their beaks and wings to point at an object or to get their attention and even interact with each other by clasping their bills together.

The groups of Crows and Ravens are referred to by several spooky names: Ravens are traditionally considered as negative beings, and hence they got spooky names like unkindness, conspiracy, or constable. A group of crows is called murder.

Crows hold funerals for their dead fellows: Whenever a crow dies, the other crows gather around and make a lot of noise. They do this to learn about the cause of death and threats.

Sources:

1. Brian Mertins, Crow Territorial Behavior, Nature Mentoring.
2. Garth C. Clifford, How to Befriend Crows?, World birds.
3. 8 tips to prevent crow attacks, Dailyhive.

Read More

1. Can Pandas be Pets 
2. Can Koalas Be Pets
3. Can Komodo Dragons be Pets
4. Do Beavers Make Good Pets?

There you have it: You can’t legally own a koala, no matter how adorable and cuddly you find them to be. It is illegal to keep Koalas under your ownership in any part of the world, including Australia and the US, and for all the good reasons. Koalas have recently been added to the Red List of species. They lie under the ‘vulnerable to extinction’ category due to constant poaching, killing for the fur, and destruction of their natural habitat. 

In the early 1900s, Koalas were driven to the verge of extinction due to an alarming surge in their hunting for fur. However, with constant efforts, the Koala population has significantly increased. But wait- this doesn’t mean there are a lot of them in Australia; the Australian Koala Foundation provided with an estimate that suggested there are possibly as few as only 43,000 koalas now left in the world. 

It is illegal to even hold a koala

Koalas are solitary animals, and they do not like much human interaction. The Australian State of New South Wales and most others comprising the Koala population prohibit visitors of the zoo from holding a koala. Koalas have a natural fear of humans, and they feel stressed upon introduction to human interaction. Therefore most states have made it illegal for people to hold Koalas in the zoo. 

Queensland and a few other states allow visitors to contact Koalas; however, all of this is under the supervision and care of a keeper of the zoo. So, if you are visiting a zoo in Queensland, be careful and pay utmost attention to the Koala’s comfort while holding that adorable baby.

Koalas have an inflexible diet

Even if you can manage to own a koala legally (which you can’t), you will never be able to handle the Koala’s diet unless you plan to starve it (to death). Koalas feed exclusively on Australia’s native trees- the eucalyptus and some other trees native to Australia, which means they have a pretty inflexible diet. 

This is just the start of being picky since koalas don’t just eat only eucalyptus, but they are also highly selective about the eucalyptus species they eat. Even after choosing what species of eucalyptus to eat, they choose certain individual plants among those species, so yes, koalas are the pickiest eaters of Australia. 

Did you think you could easily arrange 500-800 grams of eucalyptus leaves (the amount Koala eats in a day) since it’s not a big deal at all? Well, now you know how big a deal it is. And if you are wondering that maybe you could plant a few eucalyptus trees in your backyard, good luck with that. 

You will have to plant at least hundreds of them (and about 30 different eucalyptus species that koalas prefer to eat) so that the Koala may choose a few from those. Seems impossible, right? So is your pursuit to pet a koala!

In addition to eucalyptus, the koalas can occasionally be found to eat Acacia leaves, paperback leaves, and leaves of Melaleuca, Callitris, Allocasuarina, and Leptospermum. 

Koalas stink of urine (and eucalyptus oil)

An adult koala stinks of urination and cough drop, which is gross. It’s not hard to understand why the Koala may smell so. Eucalyptus oil is most commonly used in cough drops due to its anti-inflammatory properties that come from a compound called cineole- and what do koalas eat? Right, eucalyptus leaves. Other than eating, koalas mostly dwell on eucalyptus trees to avoid predators.

Since they are tree dwellers, koalas don’t care about where they pee (usually on trees they live on), which makes them stink of urine and eucalyptus oil, and you probably won’t be able to stand the stench for too long.

Koalas sleep all the time

It’s a known fact koalas sleep for about 18-22 hours a day, and this unusual sleeping habit of the koalas, unlike all marsupials and herbivores, is linked to their eating habits and digestive system. Koalas feed on a staple diet of highly toxic eucalyptus leaves, have little to almost no nutritional value, with negligible energy (as calories) to fuel the Koala’s body. Eucalyptus is also hard to digest since it’s very high in fiber, so even if it weren’t poisonous, no other herbivore would eat it anyway. 

Thus, koalas have to conserve energy to digest the highly fibrous leaves by slowing down their metabolism rate- and what better way to slow down the metabolism than lying down static, hugging their favorite trees, and finally getting lulled into a deep sleep for 18 hours straight. This allows the Koala to let their digestive system burn down and extract the limited nutrition from the eucalyptus leaves and allow the toxins to be expelled from their body.

They wake up to eat again from the same eucalyptus tree (about 1000 leaves a day), then cradle back to sleep. All of their monotonous life revolves around these two activities- so it is pretty much invalid a point to keep them as pets because they’ll never really be able to play with you or at least be awake. 

Koalas rest on only certain trees

Koalas stay on the ground for a very short time, and they never sleep on the ground so, if you could ever pet a koala in your home, you’d have to plant a lot of those high and tall trees native to Australia. But wait, that’s just one side of the story; apart from living only on trees, koalas live on certain trees, and a group of these individual trees make up the koalas’- ‘Home Trees.’ 

Change in the Koala’s habitat can negatively impact it

Koalas may be solitary, but they tend to live in societies with each Koala having a ‘Home Range’ that often overlaps with the other koalas.’ Like humans, they need to come into contact with other koalas, and for this to happen, there must be suitable eucalyptus forests that can support them and their population. Change in a koala’s habitat can deeply negatively impact its health because they may not meet other koalas, in turn, feeling stressed.

And as mentioned before, Koalas can’t live without feeding on eucalyptus leaves, so; if you’re petting a koala and do not feed it its favorite snack, you are ultimately starving the creature to death. Other than this, changing a koala’s habitat (including change in the weather conditions) can also impact koalas.

They can’t live in too hot places, so they do not occupy the northern parts of Queensland, where temperatures scale up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (48.9 Celcius). Koalas are more comfortable in cooler weather, and they are highly sensitive to heat.

Koalas are wild and can be dangerous

No matter how much you tame a koala, it’s still built for life outdoors. They have sharp teeth that are strategic adaptations overtime to nip and chew the leathery eucalyptus leaves- the teeth are sharp enough to pierce human flesh and make you bleed, so beware! The powerful jaws pack a punch, and combined with sharp teeth, a vigorous bite to humans is a piece of cake for a koala.

The zoo koalas haven’t been reported to scratch or nip at humans. However, you should never attempt to hold a wild one- they will not think for a second before giving you some impressive scratches on the face to let you show your friends. If you do nothing about the scratches, they might as well go septic and make it complicated for your health. 

Koalas are territorial animals, so if you’re thinking of petting a wild one that you just rescued, think twice. They feel threatened upon human intervention and can go ‘ninja-mode’ if they think there’s a need to. The ‘ninja’ koalas can be aggressive, following you long distances to chase you away while belching at you, rarely attacking.

Koalas aren’t friendly to pets or humans

Koalas aren’t friendly to humans or our pets, either. No, don’t cry in a corner; hear us out first: koalas aren’t to be blamed when it comes to why they don’t like human intervention in their lives; it is basically how they are designed. 

Koalas feel stressed upon unwanted handling

Koalas aren’t teddy bears- they are wild animals that are shy and relatively tame who do not see us as their friends. Koalas do not like to be handled by humans, and unwanted handling causes them stress. They release cortisol- a stress hormone in response to an undesired and unwanted stimulus, including handling by humans. Male koalas seem to be more stressed upon unwanted handling than females unless they are lactating. 

What do Koalas do when stressed? A wild Koala, if annoyed and touched incessantly, may try to attack you, but it’ll only be mild; however, a pet koala (the ones in zoos) will become more vigilant. When stressed, Koalas stare at you nervously, which may be funny for us but considering the low-energy levels of koalas, it can be highly detrimental for them.

What effect does stress have on Koalas? It’s just stress; how bad can it be? Right? Well, for koalas, stress negatively impacts its health. As animals with extremely low energy, stress can be an ‘energy-costly’ mechanism that affects koalas’ foetal development. 

Other than that, increased stress means koalas have to spend much longer time digesting their food since all the time they spent sleeping to conserve energy and digest food just went into vain. Even noisy surroundings can put a koala under stress, so when you visit a zoo, make sure not to coo, call them over or get too touchy with them.

If you can’t hold a koala, we think it’s pretty invalid to keep them as pets at all since, no matter how adorable they are, you can’t cuddle with them for their own sake.

Koalas are prone to catching Chlamydia

It seems that Koalas are particularly vulnerable to catching chlamydia (a sexually transmitted disease) rather than any other animal, and researchers aren’t completely sure why. Surveys show that some koala populations may have an infection rate ranging from anywhere near 80-100%. 

Most of the time, chlamydia goes untreated, leading to the blinding of koalas, kidney failure, and cancer. They also experience excruciating pain due to the expansion of the urinary bladder. The pain can be so severe that the areas surrounding the tract wall can slough off, causing the Koala’s death. Yes, that’s how bad it can be.

But antibiotics must be able to help, right? It’s not as simple as it is for humans. Yes, the antibiotics do help, but in the end, it’s more harm to koalas than it’s good. How? After receiving treatment, koalas profusely lose weight, and some die soon after, even though they completely recover from the disease. 

We know that eucalyptus forms the staple of a koala’s diet, which has a highly toxic compound known as tannin. This tannin is broken down by the gut bacteria of koalas, which allows these creatures to feed on more eucalyptus and survive. The drugs that act as antibiotics to treat the koalas interfere and upset their gut diversity, slowing down or hindering the digestive abilities of the Koala’s gut. If the antibiotics kill the microbes in the Koala’s gut, they may get poisoned from constant feeding on the highly toxic eucalyptus.

Note: No significantly effective vaccine can cure chlamydia in koalas. Recently, scientists have developed a vaccine that can help female koalas suffering from chlamydia to a great extent.

Koalas may also transmit chlamydia to humans

There are pretty high chances that you can get infected with chlamydia through a koala. How? Well, the Koala’s adorable gestures and looks play the part here. Like most marsupials, koalas don’t care about where they exactly pee, and when you hold an infected koala, trying to be all cuddly, it may pee on you. When this happens, there may be a transmission of the chlamydia strain to the human (you, if you’re petting it). 

In men, it can cause swelling and intense pain in the testis when urinating or during intercourse. It is more severe in women and can lead to severe complications if left untreated, such as permanent damage to the reproductive system.

What Can You Do To Save Koalas?

Koalas are in danger from not just being hunted by dogs, cats, or being hit by cars or chlamydia- their home is on the verge of destruction with Koalas continually being in trouble. Forests in Australia are disappearing at a shocking rate, which greatly affects the koalas- the constant reports of wildfires don’t help either. The biggest threat to koalas is climate change, and scientists predict that if we do nothing about the surging deteriorative effects on climate, Koalas may not exist at all in the next 30 years.

We ask you to help these little buddies and be a part of the change, but how can you help koalas? Donate to the koala hospitals, wildlife parks, and rehabilitation centers in Australia. Myriad GoFundMe accounts help you make the necessary donations that are used by organizations and structures to help recover injured and diseased koalas. These donations that you make will also help ensure that the koalas get a stable home without the threat of having to move from one place to the other.

The Koala habitat is getting destroyed for all the bad reasons, so whenever you go on a trip to Australia (especially parts where Koalas live), plant a Koala’s food tree in enough fertile soil so that you can help save their habitat from destruction. Several organizations, such as the Australian Koala Foundation, help you plant these trees for the koalas.

When you visit a zoo, refrain from holding a koala or from being too loud- this is the best method to maintain the Koala’s good health. Apart from these, spread the word, create awareness about them, and you can help save the koalas from going extinct. 

Myths about Koalas

Myth: Koalas are slow

Debunked: Koalas do sleep most of the time and are not involved in too many activities, but this doesn’t mean they are slow. The Koalas are surprisingly fast, agile, and powerful animals, who can run at a speed of 20mph, and these skillful climbers can leap up trees in 2-meter spurts.

Myth: Koalas get high on eucalyptus 

Debunked: This is the most popular myth about Koalas. Eucalyptus does not contain alcohol and is intoxicating to them; it has low nutritional value and takes a lot of energy to digest. Hence, the Koalas sleep for 18-20 hours a day to conserve their energy to digest food and not due to hangovers.

Myth: Koalas feed on only eucalyptus leaves

Debunked: Though the Koalas have high preferences for eucalyptus trees, there are many other gum trees like blue gums, yellow gums, sugar gums, ironbarks, manna gums, red box, and some other native trees of Australia that Koalas feed on.

Myth: Koalas are close to bears in the Animal Kingdom 

Debunked: Surprisingly, there are no similarities between the Koalas and the bears other than the fluffy fur. Koalas belong to the marsupials category, and they are in no way linked to bears either genetically or behaviorally. 

Koalas look like small bears with those big beady eyes, a cute button nose, and all that fur, but surprisingly they are just mammals with downward pouches (animals with pouches are marsupials) to develop their immature children, unlike bears that are placental mammals.

Myth: Koalas love to be petted, cuddled and are docile

Debunked: Koalas are solitary animals, and they experience stress when humans get closer to them. Hence prefer no human contact.

A minimum 10 meters of distance is found to be the closest you should ever be to the Koalas. When we approach closer to Koalas, they stop resting or feeding and stare at you nervously. A Koala may enjoy being petted but only by their wildlife caretakers who raised them. 

Myth: Koalas are highly populated, and you’ll find them everywhere in Australia

Debunked: The effect of habitat destruction, bushfires and road accidents have brought the Koalas to the age of extinction, and around 5,000 Koalas were killed in Australia’s bushfires. The International Union for Conservation of Nature added Koalas to the Red List of species at risk due to climatic changes. 

Myth: Koalas are drop bears that attack and kill humans.

Debunked: It’s thought that Koalas are drop bears who jump on you from over the trees and attack you. It’s actually funny to think of something like that, but in reality, koalas are pretty calm and peace-loving animals who love their solitary space and would never really jump on you to attack and kill you, if that’s what you’re wondering. 

However, koalas drop sometimes: during extreme heat, koalas get easily dehydrated, which weakens them, and as a result, they may faint and fall to the ground (it’s sad and awful). However, we’ve never heard of them accidentally falling on humans.

Interesting Facts About Koalas

1.) Koalas can be found in Southeastern and eastern Australia: Koalas are an intrinsic part of Australia’s culture. Unlike the mainstream notion that Koalas are found all over Australia, they are usually found in only the southeastern and eastern parts of Australia.

2.) Koala Bears aren’t actually bears: The Koalas are marsupial animals who carry their young once in a pouch as the Kangaroos do. They may share resemblance with bears and look like toy bears, but they aren’t.

3.) Koalas have a grooming tool: Koalas have an adaptive evolution that allows them to comb their long fur. How? The first and the second toes of the Koalas are fused together- they have two claws as well, which combined together aid in combing their fur.

4.) Koalas have individual fingerprints: The Koalas belong to the set of mammals that have fingerprints, and sometimes it’s difficult to distinguish between fingerprints of a Koala and a human.

5.) Koalas have a supporting butt: The Koalas rump (rear end) is densely packed with fur, which acts as a cushion, and cartilage over the curved spines provides them more padding so that they can survive easily on high up on eucalyptus trees. 

6.) Koalas drink water: In Dharug, an Australian Aboriginal language, the word “Koala” means “no water,” and based on this, it was believed that Koalas don’t drink water. Most of the moisture that they get is indeed derived from the gum trees that have large amounts of water, but they do drink water from different sources during heatwaves and in times of drought when the water content of eucalyptus is insufficient.

7.) Baby Koalas are called “Joeys”: A Joey, when born, is 2 cm long, blind, and furless given birth to by young koala females during the breeding seasons. Joey stays about 6-7 months in their mother’s pouch and drinks only milk until they are fully mature to step out in the world. 

8.) Koalas have a unique digestive organ: Caecum is a specialized fiber-digestive organ that helps them digest toxic eucalyptus leaves by detoxifying it. Although the caecum is present in humans too, the caecum in Koalas is really long, as long as about 200 cms, which is why koalas can digest the high amount of fiber in the eucalyptus diet without any difficulties.

9.) Koalas sniff and use their nose to recognize their friends and enemies: Koalas have special nasal abilities, and they use their big black soft to the touch leathery nose to smell the plant toxins. They have certain enzymes expressed in the linings of the nose, which helps them detoxify the plant toxins. Other than this, the Koalas use their nose to communicate and make friends. 

FAQs

How do Koalas catch chlamydia?

Well, just like humans, adult koalas catch chlamydia through sexual transmission but wait, what about the young koalas? The young koalas catch chlamydia too, not because they are already copulating, but the reason is generally linked to coprophagia (eating stools of their own or others).

Young koalas eat the pap or stool of their mothers, which is nutritious and incorporates a lot of bacteria that is required for them to digest the food that’s hard to break down in the digestive system. Now, you koalas eat the pap of their mothers that maybe and quite often are infected, thus transmitting chlamydia to their young ones.

Why do Koalas prefer to eat only certain species of Eucalyptus leaves?

Currently, there are about 600-700 species of eucalyptus trees, out of which koalas prefer to eat only 30 species. The reason is simple- eucalyptus leaves are much devoid of any nutrition, and they are too high in fiber. However, these 30 species preferred by koalas have higher amounts of protein in comparison to the rest with less lignin and fiber, which is hard to digest.

To name a few species of eucalyptus, Koalas love to eat; they are Eucalyptus tereticornis and Eucalyptus microcorys, etc. At least 20% of the Koala’s diet is made of the leaves of two tree leaves, including Eucalyptus camaldulensis.

How do Koalas climb trees?

The long and sharp claws of koalas are of primary assistance when it comes to climbing tree trunks. You may have noticed that they have curled hands. However, they have curled feet too, which helps them hold or hug the tree better. Additionally, each hand has two opposable thumbs, and what do they do? They provide a better grip to the Koala for climbing trees.

Why do Koalas usually stay on trees?

Koalas are pretty tame animals that do not like violence unless provoked; thus, they are often in danger from other wild animals, including wild dogs, cats, and others. Since they have low energy levels (they aren’t slow, however) and weigh only 4-15 kilograms at the most with a small size averaging between 70-90 cms, they aren’t exactly built for a fight. Staying on the ground means being vulnerable to attack. Thus koalas, with their long claws and ability to climb high, usually spend their time on trees.

How long do Koalas live?

It depends on where the Koala lives. If the Koala lives in the wild, in its natural surroundings, without catching chlamydia (which greatly reduces their lifespan), Koalas can live from 15-18 years. In captivity, due to less availability of eucalyptus leaves and much more stress to handle on a daily basis (due to human interaction and high levels of noise), Koalas can live up to 15 years and sometimes more.

Sources

1. 10 Facts About Koalas!, National geographic kids.
2. Koala, Save the koala.

Read More

1. Can Pandas be Pets
2. Can Komodo Dragons be Pets
3. Ravens & Crows as Pets
4. Do Beavers Make Good Pets?

We’ll stop you right here by answering this simply and in all brevity: No, Komodo Dragons can not be pets either in the US or any other country since they are a vulnerable species protected by the international and the national organization of Indonesia. Setting apart the legal angle of petting a Komodo, they are very aggressive and dangerous animals, which possibly makes them one of the worst pets for your ‘home’.

If you are wondering that the Komodos will make as good a pet as the dogs and cats that you so adore, you are terribly wrong. Komodos are huge and hypercarnivores, so unless you want them dangling on your leg, chewing it with multiple lacerations of their knife-like teeth creating a pathway for the highly toxic venom to get into your blood, you can’t really pet a Komodo Dragon. 

Apart from being hypercarnivores, these endangered species will suffer poorly if you try to pet them because no matter what, they will never be able to adapt to the change in their meal or the climate and the habitat- so even if you were allowed to pet a Komodo Dragon by the law, they would make the worst option as pets.

Why are Komodo Dragons illegal to pet?

Komodo Dragons (Varanus komodoensis) can not be trapped, transferred, or kept on private land since they were an endangered species a few years back that have successfully made it to the list of ‘vulnerable’ species. Komodos are illegal to pet since they are rare and can now only be found on the Indonesian Islands.

The Komodos that freely roamed the lands of other parts of the world such as Australia and parts of Asia in India and Sri Lanka have all gone extinct or migrated from there, and the species is now completely restricted and concentrated to the five Indonesian Islands that are a part of Komodo conservation national park. 

Komodos are illegal to pet and are protected by the national law and the international organizations under CITES I protected endangered species. Since only a fraction of Komodos have survived through the years, they are now a protected species due to hunting, killing, and illegal trafficking, and you sadly can’t pet them. 

If you think you can take better care of them if you pet them, you can’t. These carnivores are massive, and petting them means feeding them with the body of a dead animal, which is quite impossible.

Unless you are running an accredited zoo, you will never really be able to pet these rare creatures.

Why else do Komodo Dragons not make good pets?

Well, now that you know privately owning a Komodo is illegal, let’s understand the other factors that still don’t make Komodos an ideal pet.

Komodo Dragons are venomous

Yes, Komodos are poisonous, and one steak of their bite can dangerously lower the blood pressure and stop blood clotting, making the prey bleed to death. The prey goes into shock from the Komodo’s venom; it isn’t able to struggle, and the movements are almost completely restricted, which ultimately kills it. The venom is similar to Gila monster’s poison, and the effect on the body is sudden and devastating.

Earlier it was believed that Komodos killed their prey with the bite (with bacteria that covered their teeth) that was considered to be as powerful as the crocodiles, but recent studies reveal the bite is comparatively less lethal than the venom.

The dirty secret is not in the teeth, but the lower jaw, which has a venom gland that isn’t a trivial structure but a big bulge that gives the Komodo the venomous capability it has. The mystery of the Komodo’s killing method was revealed upon magnetic resonance imaging scans that prove Komodos are venomous, and that is their greatest arsenal for killing their prey.

Komodos bite hard

If you seriously thought you could pet a Komodo, then here is a big blow to that insanity- Komodos bite real hard, and it’s going to be excruciatingly painful. Delivering one of the most fatal bites in the reptilian world (not as lethal as a crocodile, as the rumor goes), Komodos have serrated knife-like 60 sharp teeth, measuring about 1 inch each, that are capable of tearing animals apart with the bite force of about 39 newtons.

Komodo Dragons hide and wait for the prey to ambush them by charging forwards with their jaws open. Leaving the boars and deer to bleed to death, they track these injured animals down with their extreme olfactory senses to relish the meal once dead.

These beasts keep biting and mauling the spot with their teeth until it opens a path for the venom to seep in and finally run its course on the prey.

Komodo Dragons are Dangerous and Aggressive

These dragons are ‘dragons’ for a reason, and dragons are dangerous- Komodos are too formidable creatures, they may not be as potentially dangerous as lions and tigers upon human encounter, but they will definitely love a snack out of you if they are hungry. So think twice before wanting to pet a komodo. 

Komodos are aggressive reptiles that get excited when they smell blood; Steve Irwin, an environmentalist, and TV personality proved that Komodos come at you with their mouth wide open if you are bleeding from an injury on his visit to Indonesia. Komodo Dragons are capable of running faster than humans when it comes to short distances.

There may not have been many reports of Komodos killing humans, but 5 is still a number. If Komodos can easily take down a 40 kilo Rusa deer with their powerful and muscular body and razor-sharp teeth, how hard is it going to be killing a human?

The venom is what makes them the most dangerous reptiles in Indonesia or the whole of the earth. They may not be very prominent at killing humans, but they can injure you and send you into a mild to moderate shock while tearing open a spot on the flesh and gladly watch you bleed to death like crazy before devouring you.

Komodos are Big and Bulky

If you have been watching the television, thinking, ‘that isn’t so big,’ you are most definitely wrong. Komodo dragons aren’t just huge; they are muscular too, which contributes to their heavyweight. They are the world’s largest reptiles for a reason!

The most massive lizards by weight, Komodo Dragons are covered with Osteoderms (bony plates) and come armed with a strong tail, powerful claws, and a strong tail. To talk of how much Komodo Dragons weigh, it can be anywhere near 50-70 kilograms.

Other than being heavy, they are tall too. The adult male Komodos reach an average length of 3 meters (10 feet). Yes, they are by far taller than humans. The females, although smaller, still reach ‘merely’ 1.8 meters, which is 6 feet. With the average height of 5 feet and 7.5 inches of human males, we are still nowhere even close in comparison to the towering Komodos.

Can Komodo Dragons be trained?

If you’re thinking that maybe if you train a komodo, it will start living with you happily, and maybe sometimes more than often, you will tickle its belly, and it shall roll around with happiness- NO! You can’t train a Komodo.

It generally all depends on what ‘training’ a Komodo means for you. Do you want to tame it down so that it doesn’t come at you hungrily, trying to eat you alive, or do you want to pet it in a way that it will respond and come to you when you call him and play frisbee with you? The first is quite possible.

The Komodos in the zoo are tamed to not attack the zookeepers or bite them. However, there have been several instances where the Komodos have severely injured their caretakers.

If you are considering the second option where you want to pet a Komodo like you would any other animal, most generally a cat or a dog, then you’re very very wrong. You can’t train Komodos in that manner- they are true sociopaths and having an intelligence higher than the average lizard, you’d think maybe it’s not going to be hard training them (just like the tigers in the circuses), well they may be intelligent but they aren’t intelligent enough to let you offset other characteristics that you want in them.

Thus, training them will probably be worth nothing because they are dangerous and aggressive while being too formidable to try attacking their owners. You may better pet a cute and snuggly dog because Komodos will never make an ideal pet.

Where do Komodo Dragons live?

In the general sense, Komodos have a dual-purpose home. They make burrows to live in, which at night keep them warm and in the day keeps them cool from the humid and hot weather.

Komodos are rare reptiles that are mostly (can say only) found in Indonesia (South Asia) on the five islands, namely- the Lesser Sunda Islands of Komodos (also called Komodo Island), Rinca Island, Flores Island, Gili Dasami, and Gili Motang Island. These islands are all a part of the Komodo National Park, where the Komodos roam freely. Komodo Island, out of the five, is the most populated island. 

Besides living in burrows on these islands, Komodos are also found to live in the trees, caves, and mangrove swamps near the sea. The Komodos thrive and live in tropical places, and what better location can they live in other than these Indonesian Islands that are tropical and hot, mainly because they are situated close to the equator.

There have been sightings of Komodos in Europe but the chances of surviving there are very low due to the cold weather conditions. 

What do Komodo Dragons eat?

As you know, they are carnivores; Komodo Dragons eat what they can hunt based on their size and what’s naturally found in the regions they live.

The carrion is the favorite food of the Komodo Dragons, which is the decaying flesh of animals, and thus Komodo Dragons are scavengers too. Other than carrion, Komodos hunt and eat living animals too, such as invertebrates like the other reptiles, birds, and their eggs. Komodos’s densest meal consists of small mammals such as monkeys, goats, wild boars, pigs, and deer.

They seldom eat horses and water buffalo too. If they luckily find livestock near their habitat, they feast on sheep and cattle other than snakes from their habitat. Although rare, Komodos have been reported to attack and sometimes kill humans for food, too. 

Komodos are cannibalistic, which means they often eat smaller Komodos they encounter and their own children. They also prey on sick or older dragons that are weak. Shockingly, about 10% of their diet consists of the other Komodo Dragons.

The Younger Komodo Dragons primarily feed on lizards and small rodents, insects, and little birds, and upon attaining the age of 5 years, they move onto bigger prey.

With their flexible skull, an expandable stomach, and loose jaws (much like most other reptiles), Komodos swallow their meal if it’s the right size. The undigested contents in their stomach can poison them since, a lot of times, the prey they eat are killed by their venom; thus, they have a fast digestive system. These tertiary predators can not just scavenge for carcasses but eat their own kind too; this is proof that Komodos are true carnivores.

Why are Komodos an endangered species?

We’ll correct you here- Komodos were an ‘endangered’ species that have successfully crawled their way to the list of ‘vulnerable’ species. There are only 3000-5000 Komodo Dragons remaining in Indonesia.

The researchers and wildlife experts believe to be a fraction of the Komodo’s population when analyzing their demography for the last 50 years. Now, this isn’t very rejoiceful news, either since they are still a threatened species who have seen a sharp decline in their population due to several factors. 

They are cannibalistic, which means the larger and bolder Komodo Dragons often end up eating their eggs. This greatly puts them at the risk of diminishing their existence.

The Komodos are a threatened species primarily due to illegal hunting by humans to make certain products and loss of habitat due to exploitation led by increasing human settlement in their territories. The Komodo Dragons are still sought as awards for big-game hunters, despite the government’s countless efforts. They are killed for their skin and feet to make novelties, while some of them were earlier caught and sold to private collectors, illegally. 

Volcanic activity has greatly disrupted Komodo Dragons’ living patterns; infact, the Indonesian Islands have many active volcanoes that pose a constant threat to Komodo Dragon’s existence. One of the prime diets of Komodo Dragons is deer, but the continuous poaching of deer by humans has led to the scarcity of food for Komodo Dragons leading to their starvation and finally death.

A large part of Komodo’s conservation sites are now a part of ecotourism programs- the particularly popularizing ecotourism activities that allow thousands of people to mingle and co-exist with these mighty creatures have changed their behavioral patterns and also affected their habitat.

Mounting on the preexisting climate issues is derived that Komodos might be pushed to go extinct in the next few decades due to the drastic changes in the earth’s rapidly changing atmospheric conditions. Already living in restricted habitats, the Komodos may have to face even worse conditions with the radical changes that are starting to impact their lives with the increasing global warming.

How can you help save the Komodo Dragons?

The Komodo Dragons are protected under the laws laid down by the Indonesian government, and the illegal possession, killing, or unlawful trading of the Komodos can result in up to five years of prison sentence and up to $7,000 fine. If you ever as much as slightly detect any illegal trading or poaching of Komods, reach out to the Indonesian wildlife authority or the respective Indonesian Island’s authority where you encountered the activity.

The Padar breed is the healthiest and the boldest Komodo in the Indonesian Islands, which sadly is on the verge of extinction since it’s tapped and transferred for research. You can fund the wildlife reserves with whatever amount you can to help them actively stop this transfer while they expand their sources and vigilance. To save Komodo Dragons, do not buy any novelties that ‘boast’ the products are made from their skin and feet. Avoid buying timber or wood from its habitats and the Komodo Islands. 

As we already mentioned above, ecotourism has greatly exploited the Komodo’s habitat. The mass promotion of Komodos has attracted a deluge of visitors and illegal wildlife traffickers that steal and sell these precious creatures in the black market.

However, ecotourism has become necessary to support and manage these conservation sites; thus, you can fund these Komodo reserves as an incentive that will hopefully slow down the ecotourism activities. Other than this, you can raise awareness and avoid any actions that may harm the Komodo or its habitat.

Komodos are a crucial part of the ecosystem and the apex predators that balance the food chain while also clearing away the recently perished animals by scavenging on them. It is not solely the responsibility of the government and the international organizations to protect them from perishing from the face of the earth, but local communities, tourists, and all of us must contribute to save Komodo dragons from extinction since they are the wealth that belongs to Mother Earth.

Myths about Komodo Dragons

Myth- Komodo Dragons can breathe fire.

Debunked- Okay, so Komodos may have ‘dragons’ in their name, but they can’t breathe fire, smiting their enemies and transforming them into charred husks. This is a rather funny myth mainly because of the Komodo’s huge size and the suffix ‘dragon’ in their name. The Komodos have no such capabilities that allow them to breathe fire as an attacking or a defense mechanism. 

Myth- Komodo Dragons kill prey with bacteria and virulent substances in their teeth.

Debunked- For years, it was believed that the Komdos killed their prey with the bacteria that covered their teeth that seeped into the bloodstream. However, the new study proves that the dirty secret isn’t in the teeth that have bacteria and other virulent substances but the venom produced in their lower jaws in a venom gland. This venom is transferred into the prey’s body through the multiple lacerations of the Komodo Dragon’s teeth, ultimately killing the prey.

Myth- Komodo Dragons are friendly.

Debunked- No, Komodos aren’t friendly animals. They are sociopaths and are extremely formidable to humans. They can attack humans, and there have been five death reports caused by Komodos in the past few decades. Although the death number is less, the attack and injury reports are numerous and uncountable. So, Komodo Dragons in no way are friendly to humans.

Myth- Komodo Dragons can eat humans.

Debunked- The Komodos may be able to injure and kill humans with their powerful jaws and a strong neck, but they aren’t able to eat humans in the sense of swallowing humans as a whole. Humans may be smaller in size than Komodos, but they are still larger than the average prey the Komodos eat; thus, Komodos can’t eat humans.

Myth- Komodo Dragons have a great bite force.

Debunked- The Komodos have a powerful jaw, but their bite force isn’t as high as the rumors go. In comparison to their body and weight, their bite is pretty weak and may be equivalent to a dog’s bite with the force of about 32 newtons.

FAQs

Are Komodo Dragons able to regrow their tails?

Komodos can’t regrow their tails like geckos and other lizards that self regenerate several body parts. However, the theory still needs a lot of research; for now, all we know is Komodos aren’t able to regrow their tails and limbs, possibly because they have no predators and remain at the apex of the food chain, which translates to no necessity of fancy escape tricks for them.

The Komodo’s tail is pretty strong and hard, which means it will take much more strength to pull off a new tail, which they possibly aren’t biologically programmed to do. Also, for lizards, the tail is the tool for survival; the same isn’t the Komodos case.

Are Komodos cannibalistic?

Yes, Komodos are Cannibalistic reptiles that eat their own kind. The larger and the bolder Komodos eat the weaker, ill, or older Komodos that have lost their ability to fight. The Komodos also eat their children when they are starving, which is why the younger Komodos spend their lives hidden and mostly on trees to avoid becoming the prey of matured and stronger Komodos.

The Komodo Dragon’s diet consists of about 10% of the other Komodos, which makes them highly cannibalistic creatures.

Why are Komodos only found in Indonesia?

These varanids were earlier found in Indonesia and many other parts of the world, such as Java, Timor, Queensland, and India. However, what caused them to congregate in Indonesia is still a mystery. However, researchers believe they are now only found in Indonesia since there has been so much exploitation of their habitat and increment in the human settlement in conjunction with the changing climates that the Indonesian Islands best suited them, which made the prehistoric ancestors migrate and thrive in Indonesia.

How fast do Komodos run?

Komodos can run at a speed of 20 kmph, which is pretty fast when considered for short distances in comparison to humans.

Can Komodo Dragons reproduce asexually?

Yes, female Komodos can reproduce asexually through parthenogenesis, and a male isn’t usually required for reproduction. These behemoths, thus, are the largest vertebrates that can self-reproduce.

Can Komodo Dragons climb up trees and walls?

The baby Komodos are light, and with the sharp claws, they get an excellent grip to climb trees. However, as they get heavier, they lose the ability to climb trees. This is one survival mechanism used by the younger Komodos to prevent being eaten by the older Komodos.

However, Komodos can’t climb walls either as infants or as adults.

Can Komodos be eaten?

No, Komodos can’t be eaten both from the geographic and cultural perspectives. They are highly protected by the Indonesian Government, and harming them, let alone killing and eating their meat, is severely punishable by a prison sentence of 5 years and a hefty fine of about $7000. 

You can legally eat their look-alikes, another smaller brother, the monitor lizards (Varanus sp.). They may look like Komodos, but they are much smaller in size and a delicacy in Indonesia.

Can Komodo Dragons swim?

Aside from the prowess in running, which is a great defense and attack mechanism in Komodos, Komodo Dragons are talented swimmers. They can swim up to 300 meters and move back and forth between the different islands of Indonesia where they currently live.

Read More

1. Can Pandas be Pets
2. Can Koalas Be Pets
3. Ravens & Crows as Pets
4. Do Beavers Make Good Pets?

But, are pandas really as cute, clumsy, and adorable as they look on those Instagram handles that are so obsessed with Panda bears that all you could ever see in the feed is a Panda doing something like- fall off a tree branch or munch on bamboo leaves? Well, yes. They are. And you will know WHY below in the article. However, that’s not why you’re here, right? 

You are so adoring Pandas that it makes you wonder, “Can Pandas be pets?”. We shall answer this beforehand and in all brevity with a big, fat NO! Why? Because Pandas are a vulnerable species that quite recently crossed the ‘endangered mark’. Due to deforestation and excessive poaching, the number of pandas in the world has alarmingly decreased.

You also can’t pet a panda because of their feeding habits. Pandas subsist ONLY on bamboos, and their inefficient digestion means they have to make up for it by consuming 26 to 84 pounds of bamboo per day (and they chew on it for at least 10 to 16 hours in a day).

This means you’d either have to relocate to somewhere that’s much nearer to a bamboo forest or grow a bamboo field in your lawn yourself. But, both of them sound like gibberish options to pursue, right? Lastly, pandas can’t be pets because they are too expensive and China, which has the largest giant panda population in the world, leases each Panda to a zoo for at least 1.5 million dollars. 

Now that you have your answer and want to keep going, know that your perception of Panda bears is going to change completely by the time you get to the end of this article.

Let’s delve a little deeper and find why Pandas aren’t the ideal pets (even if you were permitted to have one) and so much more that goes beyond just a panda’s adorable looks.

Why don’t Pandas make an ideal pet?

There is so much misconception about pandas that they are painted in all the wrong colors- they are harmless, soft, love humans, bad at sex, keep sneezing, and picky about food. Let’s just start with forgetting everything that you think you know about pandas and get to the facts. We have possibly covered every reason why you couldn’t and shouldn’t (if you could manage to buy and pet one legally) pet pandas.

Pandas are strong and dangerous

Pandas are dangerous creatures. There, we said it! They are not the typical cuddly creatures you can smile with and tickle in the belly or pat on the back. You’ve mistaken pandas mainly because you find them ridiculously cute, but that’s not how it goes in real life. Pandas are bears, and we all know how petting a bear can turn out.

The inclination to infantilize Pandas is natural (keep reading to know why) but they are potentially dangerous animals with twice the strength. They might look gentle with propitious character, but giant pandas have been reported to harm humans in several instances, although they are usually docile.

Panda bite injuries are savagely excruciating, and this is mainly contributory to their eating habits that have led to the evolution of their physical features and teeth. The large molar teeth and musculature of the jaw is designed to crush bamboo.

They have sharp canines that can deliver the highest bite forces you will possibly encounter from any carnivore, thus be doubly aware before confronting a panda and trying to cuddly with it. Are we still counting how torturous a nasty bite from a panda could be?

Even in captivity, cooing over a panda can be potentially dangerous, mainly because of their strength and the chunky skull and Mohican-like sagittal crest. They might seem fluffy and cuddly, but they are bears after all and are built to be aggressive, so think twice before you go ‘aww let me hug you’ with a panda. 

Pandas mostly eat bamboo (and a lot of it)

Pandas are very picky about their food, and they mostly sustain on bamboo. You may think that the wild and captive pandas have different nutritional charts. Well, only slightly. Where the wild Panda’s diet consists of 99% bamboo, the captive Panda eats 75% bamboo in its diet along with protein-rich fruits and food. 

This picky behavior of pandas generally goes back to its predecessors that adapted to a vegetarian diet when they started going extinct due to scarcity of food. Pandas were initially carnivores that preyed on animals, but over some time, they turned omnivorous to favor their survival instincts, and gradually pandas saw physical evolution like the pseudo-thumb to aid in eating bamboo.

They lost their appetite to meat due to genetic changes, and now, all they eat is bamboo with diversions like small rodents, fish, or eggs, occasionally. Now, you must be wondering: why bamboo, only? Because bamboo is a plentiful food resource that is present everywhere in their natural habitat (Asia). 

Okay, bamboo, but why so much of it? This has basically everything to do with their strategic evolution. Pandas may look like extreme herbivores, but they have a carnivore’s digestive system with a simple stomach and a small intestine.

This means that pandas are unable to digest the plant matter they consume efficiently, causing them to chomp on a lot of it, and also bamboo has a very low nutritional value. In order to make up for the low nutritional content of bamboo, pandas eat almost half of their body weight over a day, the consumption being anywhere between 26 to 80 pounds.

One suggested explanation by scientists is that bamboo might be the reward food to pandas like sugary and fatty foods are to humans thus fitting in all the pieces of the puzzle as to why pandas are picky about bamboo. It is suggested that bamboo might produce a kind of reward response in the Panda’s brain, causing a dopamine bump that is usually associated with happiness. 

Thus, if you think you want to pet a panda, think again. Even if you can arrange a meal of bamboo for your Panda, you will have to have a huge supply of bamboo loading a complete trunk of a minivan, and this doesn’t just sound insane but actually is if you are serious about this pursuit.

Pandas are not friendly to humans

Either you are in tears, getting to know this or utterly shocked- either way, the fact doesn’t change. Panda is a solitary animal that does not like the company of others, let alone a creature from a whole other species trying to pull its cheeks and pat its chunky head. 

Many panda keepers feel that pandas don’t reciprocate the love and care that they give to them. Panda keepers have adapted to the social behavior of pandas, and none of them share the illusion that they will ever get the same kind of affection from those cuddly looking bears that are so un-cuddly in real life. Whatever connections pandas form with their caretakers lasts for an ephemeral period since they are more drawn to what’s closer to food and sleep. 

Steering to the wild pandas, they don’t even have a meaningful and lasting relationship with their mates and cubs. Most giant pandas separate from each other after weaning, and it is possibly the only time that they spend time with the likes other than when they are babies. Panda families don’t live together, unlike most other mammals where male pandas separate immediately after copulation and female pandas raise the cubs alone.

This uncommunicative and eccentric temperament of Pandas makes them give humans little to no attention. Pandas are freedom-loving animals that like to be left alone, especially when they are eating, which is almost half the day, so beware when you interrupt a panda while it relishes its dinnertime. Humans are never on the priority list of pandas even if you bleed your heart for them, quite literally.

Pandas may not be able to adapt to your climate

Unless you’re thinking of moving to the mountains of China rich with bamboo, you might have to reconsider if you can pet a panda. Isolating a panda from its natural habitat can cause a severe impact on the creature, including its eating and reproducing habits. Pandas have a long generation time and low reproductive rate limiting their capacity to adapt to changing climates and weather.

The warm tropical and subtropical areas of China favors the existence and survival of Pandas, and they can resist up to -10 degrees of temperatures. However, it will cause a serious change in its eating patterns unless you are planning to starve your pet panda. 

The prime reason why Pandas can’t adapt to your country’s or region’s climate is the availability of bamboo. Bamboo makes for the largest portion of their diet, and it is itself quite vulnerable to climatic changes. It is a subject to synchronous flowering and die-off with certain abrupt changes in the climate and usually thrives in warmer regions with a subtropical climate. Since you already know pandas are picky about their food, the unavailability of bamboo in your region might deeply impact its health.

Pandas cost a fortune

The statement above is no exaggeration and in fact, might still be an understatement. Although you can’t buy or sell pandas, we have covered the estimates according to the price China charges for leasing a panda to zoos in a country. The Chinese government offers countries the opportunity to ‘rent’ a giant panda, but this comes with a hefty tag that can be anywhere from 1.5 – 2.0 million dollars. Yes, you did hear that, right!

In addition to the charge of renting a panda, the Chinese government also charges a fee of about $500,000 to $600,000 if a panda cub is born in the zoo of a foreign country. To these add the cost of maintaining the enormous infrastructure of the zoo, bear’s enclosure, medical care, and mountains of bamboo to feed the pandas.

Now, that you are starting to get an idea of the hefty price tag that comes with pandas and the cost of petting them, why don’t we consider some creature that is more budget-friendly and can actually reciprocate the love we give them? 

We’re not blaming pandas here; they are wired that way and just believe in an exaggerated definition of self-time.

China doesn’t permit the buying/selling of Pandas

If you’re wondering why we dropped this on you at the very last, that’s mainly because of two reasons: one, we didn’t want ‘this’ to be about why you couldn’t pet pandas but most importantly why you shouldn’t pet pandas. Secondly, we didn’t want you to be despondent and take this as the only possible factor that is impeding you from petting a panda.

The Republic of China owns nearly all the giant pandas on Earth, most of which are concentrated in the southern slopes and mountains of China. Poaching is a serious offense in the Republic of China, and even the rented pandas aren’t allowed to be mistreated or passed over to another country’s zoo without the consent of the Chinese government.

They are treasured as fortunes and are highly protected and respected in China, which is why you know that they just won’t allow anyone to buy or sell them. It impacts their integrity and values since they believe pandas are an intrinsic part of Chinese culture and of great value to the ecosystem, which makes them priceless. 

If not a Giant Panda, can I pet a Red Panda?

Okay, just because red pandas are smaller in size and look the size of a cat, doesn’t really make them an ideal pet- they are still built for life outdoors. There are several reasons why you can’t pet a red panda just as much as you can’t pet a giant panda. Here’s why:

Buying a Red Panda is illegal

Yes, buying a red panda is illegal too, and red pandas are protected by the law that prohibits the killing, poaching, buying, and selling of this creature. Unlike Giant Pandas that have successfully acquired the status of vulnerable species, red pandas’ survival and existence still remain a threat.

They are an endangered species, and many researchers believe that their population has demolished and degraded by 40% over the last 20 years. This is the prime reason why India, Bhutan, China, Nepal, and Myanmar provide legal protection to red pandas and allow the transfer of red pandas to zoos for breeding.

Thus, if you truly love animals and pandas in general, abolish the thought of petting a red panda too because they are critically endangered, and petting them properly isn’t an easy task.

Red Pandas are wild and dangerous

Red pandas are wild animals. Their resemblance to raccoon goes just beyond the appearance- just like raccoons, red pandas don’t make good pets, unless, of course, you want them wreaking havoc in your home. 

They may look cute, fluffy, and endearing, but their physical features are built for their survival in the wild such as the incredibly sharp teeth or the sharp claws. Their non-retracting claws will only contribute to scratches on your expensive wooden flooring and furniture.

These carnivores aren’t your regular giant pandas that are usually docile if observed from a distance. Red pandas with their forceful jaw and claws that don’t contract unlike cats are dangerous, and before you know, you shall be bleeding if they feel threatened by your closeness. These adaptations favor their climbing of trees or chewing on bamboo but are potential arsenal for defense if red pandas feel threatened.

Red Pandas eat only bamboo

You must be going “No! No again!”, but red Panda’s diet consists mainly of bamboo leaves- wait let us rephrase “Red panda’s diet consists of about 200,000 bamboo leaves EVERY SINGLE DAY”. Due to their specialized diet, red pandas make miserable pets and would starve without bamboo. 

Also, if you could feed a red panda that much bamboo (which is obviously impossible), you’d have to understand that bamboo is rich in fiber so, good luck cleaning all that poop around and inside your house.

They aren’t a big fan of humans

They are pandas after all! Do you really think just because they are a different color, the social attributes would be any different? Like giant pandas, red pandas would never reciprocate to the love you give them- think of this as a snooty, snarky, condescending cat who hates it when you pet her and would not let any chance to make your life worse go (but they are still cats and we love them at the end of the day). 

Red pandas are solitary creatures, best left alone with all their freedom and in their much-beloved isolation. They like to be by themselves and let’s just say they aren’t going to have those big beady eyes with a sparkle in them to show you they care for you and love you. In fact, for a red panda, you don’t even exist in the metaphorical sense. It sucks but this is how it works, pal.

Why do we adore Pandas so much?

While this might sound like an absurd question, it really isn’t. Why we find pandas ridiculously cute is much to do with neuroscience and human behaviour analysis. However, if you find pandas ugly, there’s something seriously wrong with you! Anyway getting back to cuteness associated with pandas, it is a behavioral instinct to infantilize pandas majorly because of their physical attributes.

It melts our heart to see pandas waddle and walk or topple in the snow, rolling through the slopes with that large head and a chubby body. Edgar E. Coons, a behavioral neuroscientist is of the suggestion that pandas set off ‘hedonic mechanisms’ in us with their features.

Pandas are a constant reminder of human babies with the big black patches around their eyes making them look really big, round and flat faces, snub little, button noses and really massive heads (humans tend to find creatures with a large head and tiny body more compelling to look at rather than creatures that have a small head and a large body). 

Their toddling gaits, clumsiness, and soft features excite circuitry in our brains that are usually related to interaction with human infants and the urge to protect them (the reason why we want to pat and hug pandas). All these factors are considerable evidence and innate releasers to our parenting instincts to protect the pandas from the world, so it’s quite natural to adore and love them.

What can you do to save Pandas?

Fortunately, giant pandas have seen an increase in their population in the last few years; however, they are still open to extinction, if not now then soon. You can help save Pandas from vanishing into thin air with little contributions to wildlife organizations working to promote the population of pandas.

With your help, certain organizations can ensure a future for pandas that is better without the knife of threat dangling on the heads of these lovable creatures. 

Donate whatever amount you can to WWF. WWF with your donation will work towards conservation projects on the ground in China, including a variety of initiatives like nature reserve protection, community development, and research and monitoring work. 

Opt for ecotourism when you venture to a region that is the natural habitat of a panda and create awareness among other people about the worth of the Panda and its importance in the natural ecosystem.

Five Interesting Facts about Pandas

• Panda bears do not hibernate like brown or polar bears. Pandas work throughout their day to collect and eat bamboo. In winters they opt for small rodents, fishes and they do not hibernate.

• Pandas have six fingers. Pandas have six fingers that are a part of their evolution strategy. The extra finger or the pseudo thumb is used to get a good grip on the bamboo stalk.

• Pandas don’t just eat bamboo. However, bamboo is crucial to a panda’s diet, and pandas require at least two types of bamboo in their meal, they eat other things too that are eggs, small animals, carrion, pumpkins, kidney beans, wheat, and domestic pig food.

• Pandas poop a lot. Due to the high fiber content in their diet, pandas poop about 40 times a day.

• Pandas can make 11 different sounds. This might come to you as a surprise, but pandas can make 11 different types of noises. Another fun fact is that they often climb a tree with their hind feet to leave their scent up higher either to mark their territory or to make them potential mates to female pandas.

Five Myths about Pandas

Myth: Pandas are rubbish at sex.

Debunked: Pandas have an intense sex drive for a certain period and are good at copulation and weaning when left in their natural habitat. A panda can mate over 50 times in a few hours in its natural habitat.

Myth: Pandas are harmless and cuddly.

Debunked: While a panda is relatively docile, it isn’t cuddly at all. It can potentially harm you, savaging your flesh beyond recognition if you get all chummy with it.

Myth: Pandas are friendly to humans.

Debunked: Pandas aren’t friendly to humans (at all!). They like to be left alone at their peace and are not a big fan of humans as much as we are of them.

Myth: Pandas are lazy.

Debunked: While they may be slow, tumbling, and frolicking in slow and eating all day, Pandas aren’t lazy. They collect their food and have great endurance. Unlike other bears, they do not hibernate in winters.

Myth: Pandas love each other.

Debunked: We aren’t saying that pandas hate each other, but they don’t exactly love their fellow mates either. These solitary animals only interact the most when weaning and even after copulation the male panda leaves, and the female Panda raises the cubs before they too separate from each other.

FAQs

Q. Can I pet a Panda in India, UK, and Canada?

Whether you stay in India, UK, USA, or Canada or any country for that matter, you aren’t allowed to buy, sell or keep pandas captive as laid down by the Republic of China, which means a panda as your pet is impossible (at least for now).

Q. Which celebrities have pet pandas?

Jackie Chan is the only celebrity in the world to have adopted two Panda bears upon consent by the Chengdu Research Centre to spread awareness about pandas in the world. Jackie Chan had to pay about $150,000 to adopt a female and a male panda named Long Long and Cheng Cheng in 2009. Jackie Chan became the Chengdu Panda Ambassador upon the adoption of the baby pandas.

Q. Why does China own nearly all giant pandas?

China owns nearly all giant pandas on Earth mainly because of its Panda rental diplomacy in which way the pandas are still the properties of the Republic of China even though they are in a foreign zoom. The panda cubs born in captivity in the zoos of other countries belong to China too.

Q. How long is a panda pregnant?

The gestation period of the female Panda is 95-160 days.

Q. Which pets look similar to pandas?

• Panda Cat
• Panda Dogs
• Panda Bunny
• Panda Sheep

Mastiff and other dogs were primped to look like Pandas. This may be funny to some, but it really isn’t. Use Photoshop when doing for fun, leave your pet alone.

Sources

1. Henry Nicholls, The truth about giant panda, BBC.
2. No panda pets, Red Panda Network.

Read More

1. Can Komodo Dragons be Pets
2. Can Koalas Be Pets
3. Ravens & Crows as Pets

4. Do Beavers Make Good Pets?