Eastern Box Turtles – These small, hardy turtles are often found in the wild and can live for decades in captivity. However, it's important to check local laws, as taking them from the wild may be illegal in some areas due to conservation efforts.
American Robin – In some states, it's possible to rescue and rehabilitate an injured American Robin, though keeping them as a pet permanently is typically not allowed due to wildlife protection laws.
Eastern Gray Squirrels – While it’s illegal in many places to capture wild squirrels, in some states, rehabilitating or caring for an injured one may be permitted with proper permits.
Bearded Dragons – Although not native to the U.S., some people might catch wild ones in areas where they’ve been introduced. They're legal to keep as pets in many states, as long as they're bred in captivity.
Rats and Mice – Wild rats and mice can sometimes be kept as pets, especially if they’re rescued or bred for captivity. However, their wild counterparts can carry diseases and may be hard to socialize.
Cottontail Rabbits – In some cases, young cottontail rabbits are rescued from the wild and raised in captivity, but keeping them requires knowledge of their specific care needs. Many areas have strict laws about keeping wildlife.
Wild Ducks (Mallards) – If you find a mallard duckling, you may be able to raise it in captivity, but depending on your state, it may be illegal to take wild animals from their natural habitat.