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Keeping wild and exotic animals as pets threatens public health and safety as well as animal welfare. Wild animals can attack, they can spread disease, and the average pet owner cannot provide the care they need in captivity. Help us keep wild animals in the wild!


From anacondas to bears to chimpanzees, it’s simple as ABC: These are dangerous wild animals. It may come as a surprise that in some states they are legal as pets.

Even captive-bred wild animals have wild instincts, and smaller animals can attack, too. There’s also the risk of diseases such as Herpes B virus and Salmonella.

Often bought as cuddly babies, when exotic pets become too much to handle they may be kept in small cages or even let loose—putting other wildlife at risk.

Help stop the trade in dangerous wild animals as pets. And if you want a pet, please visit a local shelter to find a domesticated pet suited to be a lifelong member of your family.


Could Your Neighbor Have a Lion?

State laws regulating the ownership of dangerous exotic animals vary widely. Check our map to find out where your state stands.

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