Hamsters are a great pet and make a perfect companion to spend time with and have fun with. Being small, furry, social, and friendly, they are pretty easy to tame too.
But hamsters are actually evolved excellently to survive in the wild, too, without any owner, toy, or support. They are sneaky, which makes it difficult for us to spot them in the wild.
Usually, people think that hamsters are domestic animals, but the truth is hamsters are wild animals. In recent years, a few species of hamsters have started to be domesticated.
So, yes, hamsters do live in the wild, but domesticated hamsters will find it difficult to survive in the wild. So, in this article, let us see how hamsters actually survive in the big bad world.
Contents
Can A Hamster Survive In The Wild?
Yes, if the hamster is not domesticated or is living in the wild already, they are capable enough to fight the odds and survive.
But, if you plan to leave a domesticated hamster in the wild, the chances of survival are quite low. So, for domesticated hamsters, the wild is not a home where they are safe.
Where Do Hamsters Live In The Wild?
Hamsters are small creatures and need a safe place to stay away from predators. They are great diggers and make underground burrows and shelters.
Hamsters prefer warm and dry areas for the home. They are uncomfortable with very high or low temperatures. They usually hibernate during such periods in the wild.
How Do Hamsters Survive In The Wild?
Hamsters are great animals. They are small, curious, and remarkably adaptive. Today they can be domesticated as well as can live in the wild too.
Usually, one can find hamsters in Europe and the Middle East. Hamsters are nocturnal and are more active during the night.
They are omnivores, too, which means they can eat small animals or insects too. Also, they are aggressive in the wild and are completely loaners, potentially attacking even other hamsters.
In the wild, they usually dig burrows and live underneath the ground. The burrows are usually tunnels where they store food, breed, and live peacefully.
With super-sensitive ears and whiskers, they develop awareness about their surroundings. Most of the time, hamsters keep their burrow filled with food and avoid going out or hibernate during high or low temperatures.
Being small creatures, hamsters need to stay aware of the predators too. Indeed, hamsters are pretty smart and capable enough to tackle the dangers of living in the wild.
What Do Hamsters Eat In The Wild?
Most of us are aware of the hamsters’ diet at home. It includes nuts, vegetables, and various other nutritious supplements that they need to keep them active.
But when hamsters live in the wild, the diet is entirely different. The omnivores so, their diet will include:
- The usual diet includes nuts, grains, seeds, cracked corn, vegetables, and fruits.
- They also eat insects, frogs, lizards, and other small animals.
- They also love to have mealworms or even eggs sometimes.
Hamsters are hoarders and usually store their food in their borrow whole living in the wild.
How Wild Hamsters Differ From Domestic Hamsters?
The most significant difference between wild and domesticated hamsters is in their lifestyle. The primary differences are:
- Wild hamsters are comparatively furious and fight for themselves. Domestic hamsters are social and friendly.
- Domestic hamsters are bigger due to proper care, while wild ones are smaller due to inadequate food or water.
- Wild hamsters are aggressive and hate human touch, while domestic ones are docile and love cuddling.
- Domestic hamsters can be tamed and gradually can live with other hamsters. In contrast, wild hamsters cannot be tamed and will fight with other hamsters who try to enter their burrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Pet Hamster Survive In The Wild?
Absolutely not! Leaving a pet hamster in the wild is the worst decision that you can make. Not only will the pet hamster find it hard to survive but also it lacks the basic skills required to search for food and keep himself safe. In adverse climates, there are chances that a pet hamster will die in the wild.
Are There Hamsters Still Living In The Wild?
Yes! There are few breeds of hamsters still living in the wild. They are deemed to be endangered species. They live in dry and warm places. Hamsters are nocturnal and, in the wild, prefer to hoard food to avoid going out a lot. They are loaners and can fight with other hamsters trying to enter their burrow.
Can A Pet Hamster Be Released In The Wild?
Never! Releasing a pet hamster in the wild is not a great decision. It can impact its life quite adversely. Pet hamsters are dependent on their owners for food and care, so lack the basic life skills needed to survive in the wild. In rugged adverse conditions, they may die very soon or can even become prey.
How Long Can A Hamster Survive In the Wild?
The average lifespan of a hamster living in the wild is around 2 to 2.5 years. In the wild, they will be required to fend for themselves. Some hamsters might live a longer life, while others will live a shorter life. All depend on their skills to survive in the wild, which is better with wild hamsters.
Conclusion
Hamsters are not only great pets but also amazing animals. Domestic hamsters are warm and friendly; the wild ones are aggressive and know how to fight for their survival.
But the two are entirely different and opposite in nature. Taming a wild hamster is not possible, but leaving a pet hamster in the wild can be disastrous.
Being totally dependent on their owners, it is never a great decision to leave the pet hamster in the wild. It can impact their survival, and there are chances that they may die soon.
Pet hamsters are cuddly and totally dependent on you. So, if you have a hamster, love him, and never leave him in the wild, it will not be able to make it.
