Why Are Gerbils Illegal in Some Places?

Gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) were first available on the American pet market since 1964, according to author and gerbil owner Sue Fox in "Gerbils" (TFH Publications; 2007.) It can be hard for American Baby Boomers to realize that gerbils have only been domesticated since that time because many of us have grown up knowing friends or family members with pet gerbils. But they are illegal to import, buy or own in two American states - Hawaii and California. They are also illegal in Australia and New Zealand.

What's the Problem?

The reason why gerbils are illegal in these places is that officials fear what would happen if gerbils were set loose. Just look to Australia and see what havoc cats, rabbits and the cane toad have done to local wildlife. The theory is that if gerbils were set loose in the wild, they would take over and cause environmental chaos, displacing native wildlife and damaging crops.

In California, other rodents such as the Chinese hamster also have ownership restrictions for precisely the same reasons. But a few pet rodents are allowed under California law, including the guinea pig, the Syrian or golden hamster (the oldest species to be domesticated) and the white, lab or fancy rats and mice. The theory is that these species have become so domesticated that they are completely dependent on human beings for survival.

Are Gerbils Domesticated?

Many gerbil owners and fanciers argue that after hundreds of generations, pet gerbils are domesticated. If they were intentionally or accidentally released into the wilds of California or Hawaii, they would soon die of starvation, getting hit by traffic or as a snack for carnivorous animals. Also, there has been no known case of a colony of feral gerbils popping up outside of their native range of northeast China and Mongolia.

The law argues that there has not been enough time for gerbils (or other banned pet rodents) to become domesticated. Gerbils are considered wild animals under the laws. If you are caught owning gerbils or bringing them into the state, you will be fined and possibly face jail time. This is mild compared to what happens to the gerbils - they are impounded and usually euthanized.

In Conclusion

Although the gerbil ban seems very strange, please do not bring gerbils into places where they are banned. Until the laws are changed, this is all that can be done. If you currently own gerbils and are planning to move, please check the laws of where you are moving to. You and your gerbils may be in for a nasty surprise.

References

"Gerbils." Sue Fox. TFH Publications; 2007.

"Gerbils." Rebecca Sparling. Eldorado Ink; 2009.

Author's personal experience.