“Look, I found a turtle! Can I keep it?” How often has a parent heard this pleading scenario from a wide-eyed child? My mom heard it so frequently that she uttered a resounding “No” before I could breathe a word. One look at my cupped hands and it was “Get that thing out of my house!” And after my brother’s “pet” garter snake escaped, our captive animal days were over.
But there is more at stake than a dejected child who has to release her wild-caught critter. Many parents who actually said “yes” faced an unwelcome lesson in death for their child shortly after the animal arrived. So how does one balance the health of the animal with the desire of the child to learn more about the natural world? Parents can turn critter discoveries into a positive experience by acquiring some basic knowledge about Minnesota wildlife.
What constitutes a good pet? Cats and dogs are truly domesticated animals, documented as human companions for thousands of years. Research has shown that dogs can pick up human cues that wolves and more intelligent chimpanzees ignore. Although wild animals generally do not make good pets, we find birds, reptiles and rodents in children’s bedrooms. Some of these pets work out well; others don’t.
Is this animal legal to have as a pet? Federal regulations prohibit privately-owned animals that are on the endangered species list or are exotic species that can be harmful to native animals if released. It is illegal to have a Blandings turtle because it is a threatened species, but the common painted turtle can be an appropriate temporary visitor.
How do we care for this animal? Before an animal comes into your home, you need to be aware of its needs and make a commitment for its care. Many painted turtles have starved to death because they were kept in an aquarium with some bedding, rocks, and a dish of water. While this setup is perfect for an Eastern box turtle, a painted turtle needs to be submerged in order to eat, and therefore must be housed in an aquarium full of water. Diet is important, too. The box turtle can live on vegetables, but Minnesota turtles need fish and invertebrates in their diets.
Children can thrive with pet ownership. Caring for animals provides a valuable connection with the natural world and teaches lessons in responsibility. However, a captive animal needs to be cared for properly, and parents must be willing to take over care if an immature child loses interest. However, with a little research and some precautions, families can avoid disaster for themselves and the animals and turn critter care into a positive experience.
Find out about appropriate pets and their care at the I § Animals event from 1-4 p.m., Saturday, February 11, at Kroening Interpretive Center. See dogs and cats and visit with their owners. Get up close and personal with turtles and snakes. Get advice from experts on pet care. $5 per person, family and group discounts available. Call 763-694-7693 for info.