Humans have a strange obsession with random animals. They see a cute animal and their instinct is to say, “I want one!” But a lot of the animals that humans love aren’t pets, they’re wild animals. And while it might seem easy and affordable to take an animal out of the wild and keep it, think again. Wild animals are not pets and shouldn’t be kept as domesticated animals. Here’s why.

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In many cases, owning an exotic animal is illegal. And even if it’s not, you’ll still need a license or permit to have most of them. So, it’s not easy to take an animal out of the wild and keep it. Plus, most of the people who do it are professionals who keep these exotic animals to rehabilitate them or care for ones born in captivity. IBut unless you’re a trained professional, it is not recommended pursuing these animals.

 

Furthermore, Many wild animals carry zoonotic diseases (illnesses that can be transferred from animals to humans), such as Brucellosis, Salmonella and Ringworm. They often carry parasites, as well, that can be transmitted to humans or other pets.

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Below are inks to helpful articles. If you’re unsure what your area’s laws are, you can check the exotic animal laws by state.