You'd be surprised what kind of wild animals people try to have as pets throughout the United States. Every state has certain laws when it comes to owning exotic animals. Some states require owners to get permits for certain animals and some state has no specific requirements for having wild animals as pets.
But many states are serious about their rules outlawing specific exotic animals, leading to fees or criminal charges for illegally owning exotic pets that are banned.
Colorado has some interesting rules when it comes to exotic animal ownership.
According to MSN, wildlife, in general, is banned from private possession in Colorado as well as wildebeests, raccoons, hedgehogs, and monk parakeets.
Despite the ban on general wildlife, the state does have some very specific exceptions.
MSN says people are allowed to own up to six live native reptiles or amphibians as pets. Falcons, hawks, and eagles are also allowed but for falconry purposes.
Many of these state laws are for the safety of pet owners.
Amy Zimmer on the Colorado State Publications Blog says, "The reasons certain species are prohibited varies; some are due to the threat of the spread of disease, while others can have damaging effects on native habitat and wildlife populations."
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