Actress Angie Harmon, celebrated for her roles on Law & Order and Rizzoli & Isles, has garnered significant fan attention for her unique role as a “squirrel mom,” frequently sharing updates on her rescued rodent friends, Simeon and Thomas, highlighting her deep commitment to animal welfare.
In the world of celebrity pets, dogs and cats often steal the spotlight. However, beloved TV actress Angie Harmon, 53, has carved out a unique niche, captivating her fanbase with her unwavering dedication to rescuing and caring for squirrels. Known for her stunning presence on screen, Harmon proves that compassion and charm extend beyond conventional pet ownership, establishing herself as a devoted “squirrel mom.”
Fans know Angie Harmon from her iconic roles during the ’90s on Baywatch Nights and Law & Order, and her critically acclaimed performance as Jane Rizzoli on TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles. A mother of three, the brunette beauty has also explored directing and producing. Yet, it’s her deep love for animals, particularly her unconventional choice of companions, that truly shines through her social media presence.
Simeon: The Latest Little Troublemaker
Just last week, Harmon delighted her followers with a heartwarming video featuring her newest rescued squirrel, affectionately named Simeon. The video captured a tender moment as Simeon perched on her shoulder, happily nibbling on his lunch.
“What are you doing, little man? He’s having his lunch,” Harmon cooed to the camera. “Just a little bit of a snack. Oh my god, he’s so cute and precious. Little Simeon. Sweet baby boy. I love him.”
Despite having a rodent companion on her shoulder, Harmon maintained her signature chic look. With minimal makeup and oversized black glasses, her natural beauty was as captivating as ever. She captioned the video, “Snack time with tiniest troublemaker 🐿️❤️ Simeon is doing GREAT!! 💕 #squirrelmom #squirrelrescue,” showcasing her playful yet committed approach to animal care.
A History of Compassion: The Story of Thomas
Simeon is not Harmon’s first foray into squirrel rescue. In 2023, she opened up to People magazine about another rescued squirrel named Thomas, who was just three months old when he came into her care. The story began when her youngest daughter discovered the baby squirrel alone on a sidewalk, with no tree in sight for its mother.
“I mean, when he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was me,” Harmon told People, reflecting on their initial bond. After waiting in vain for Thomas’s mother to return, Harmon made the compassionate decision to take him home. “So, I was like, ‘Okay, I’ll come get him,’ and then I’ve had him ever since.”
The commitment to caring for a baby squirrel was immense. Harmon revealed that she would wake up every hour and a half to feed Thomas, a demanding schedule that left her without sleep for an entire month. She candidly described the experience as “brutal,” yet her dedication never wavered. As Thomas grew, he became a regular feature on her social media, often seen accompanying her even during her makeup routine.
The ‘Squirrel Mom’ Phenomenon and Celebrity Reactions
Harmon’s unique role as a “squirrel mom” has resonated deeply with her followers, sparking discussions and admiration across social media. Her posts often garner comments from fellow celebrities, highlighting the widespread appeal of her unconventional animal advocacy.
Singer-songwriter Jewel commented on Harmon’s first Thomas video, recognizing her innate maternal instinct: “Awww—universal mothering mode activated!” Chef and author Tabitha Brown shared similar sentiments, writing, “Your tribe is real ❤️” on a video of Thomas climbing on Harmon’s shoulders.
However, the topic of keeping wild animals as pets often brings cautious perspectives. Actress Sharon Stone, for instance, offered a word of caution on Harmon’s post about Thomas: “He can carry rabies so take him to your vet.” While well-intentioned, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that small rodents, including squirrels, “are almost never found to be infected with rabies and have not been known to transmit rabies to humans,” as reported by Parade.
Ethical Considerations: Wild Animals as Pets
While Angie Harmon’s actions come from a place of deep care and rescue, the broader topic of keeping wild animals as pets raises important ethical questions. Organizations like The Humane Society of the United States strongly advise against it. They emphasize that habituating wild animals to domestic life can be detrimental to their well-being and pose potential safety issues for humans.
In a statement obtained by People, The Humane Society explained: “It is neither humane nor appropriate to attempt to habituate a wild animal and keep them as a pet. Not only does it present significant concerns for the wild animal’s wellbeing, but also numerous human safety issues.” For individuals seeking companion animals, the organization suggests contacting local shelters or rescue groups for pets like dogs and cats, which are domesticated and better suited for home environments. The CDC also provides guidelines on preventing rabies, noting that small rodents like squirrels are very low risk for transmitting rabies to humans.
Angie Harmon: An Enduring Star with a Heart for the Wild
Angie Harmon’s decision to open her home and heart to rescued squirrels like Simeon and Thomas showcases a profound level of empathy that goes beyond the typical celebrity narrative. Her willingness to undertake demanding feeding schedules and share the realities of animal rescue with her fans fosters a unique connection. It reinforces her image as not just a talented actress but also a genuine animal lover whose compassion extends to even the smallest and most vulnerable creatures.
Through her “squirrel mom” journey, Harmon continues to inspire conversations about animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and the extraordinary bonds that can form between humans and the natural world, even if those bonds are with a tiny, bushy-tailed troublemaker.
