Here's why:
* Wild Animals: They are wild animals, not domesticated like hamsters or guinea pigs. This means they have natural instincts that can make them difficult to handle and care for.
* Stress and Anxiety: Keeping them in captivity can cause them significant stress and anxiety, leading to health problems.
* Complex Needs: They require a very specific environment with plenty of space, burrowing opportunities, and specialized diets. Replicating these needs in a home setting can be challenging.
* Disease Transmission: Wild animals carry diseases and parasites that can be harmful to humans and other pets.
* Legality: In many areas, it's illegal to keep wild animals as pets.
Alternatives to keeping a field vole as a pet:
* Observe them in the wild: Enjoy watching them in their natural habitat through binoculars or wildlife photography.
* Support wildlife rehabilitation: Volunteer at a local wildlife rehabilitation center, where you can learn about and help animals in need.
* Choose domesticated rodents: Consider hamsters, guinea pigs, or rats, which are bred for companionship and are better suited to life in captivity.
Remember: The best way to appreciate and protect these creatures is to respect their natural environment and leave them in the wild.