10 Animals That Are Illegal to Own in Most States

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Tiger
Lovelooking/Pixabay

Many pet enthusiasts are often surprised to learn that owning some animals is strictly prohibited by state laws. These laws are typically enforced to protect public safety, wildlife conservation, and local ecosystems. Animals that are difficult or impossible to domesticate pose safety risks, while others could become invasive species if they escape captivity. Here’s a look at 10 animals that are illegal to own in most states across the U.S.

1. Hedgehogs

hedgehog
Amaya Eguizábal/Pixabay

In many states, including California, Hawaii, Georgia, and Pennsylvania, owning hedgehogs is not allowed. Known for their spiny appearance, hedgehogs may seem like a cute pet option, but their nocturnal nature can disturb sleep with activity during the night. Additionally, these animals can carry foot-and-mouth disease, which is transmissible to humans. Their delicate, defensive curling-up behavior also makes handling risky, as trying to uncurl them can result in injury.

2. Ferrets

Ferrets
Michael Sehlmeyer/Pixabay

Despite being domesticated for centuries, ferrets remain illegal in California, Hawaii, and cities like Washington D.C.The primary concern with ferrets is their potential impact on local ecosystems if they escape or are released. Ferrets are known escape artists and can wreak havoc on native species. They also emit a strong musky odor if not groomed regularly. Moreover, ferrets pose a risk of transmitting diseases, such as rabies, making ownership legally and ethically troublesome.

3. Monkeys

Monkeys
Andre Mouton/Pixabay

Keeping a monkey as a pet is prohibited in 19 states, including California, New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Monkeys are highly intelligent but difficult to care for in domestic environments. They often form strong bonds with their owners but see others as enemies. Additionally, monkeys are messy animals, prone to throwing feces, and have biting habits. Their susceptibility to diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as herpes, makes them a risky pet choice.

4. Sugar Gliders

Sugar Glider
Gayleenfroese2/Pixabay

Sugar gliders are not allowed in places like Alaska, Hawaii, California, and cities such as New York City. These nocturnal animals require specific environments, including dark spaces during the day, to thrive. Their specialized diet of nectar and water supplements can be challenging to maintain. Additionally, they need regular veterinary care, but most vets do not specialize in exotic pets like sugar gliders. Their social and dietary needs make long-term care difficult in a typical household setting.

5. Bengal Tigers

tigeer
jose-almeida/pexels

The majestic Bengal tiger is illegal in at least 19 states. These animals are endangered in the wild and highly protected by conservation laws. Private ownership poses a threat to conservation efforts since capturing Bengal tigers for breeding purposes can reduce genetic diversity. Additionally, Bengal tigers bred in factories often suffer from health issues and behavior problems. Their sheer size and strength make them impractical and dangerous pets, requiring large enclosures and significant resources.

6. Chausies

master1305/Freepik

The Chausie, a hybrid of a domestic cat and a wild jungle cat, is prohibited in many states. These cats are much larger than standard house cats and require significant exercise and stimulation to remain well-adjusted. Owners often find that Chausies are aggressive and antisocial, refusing to use litter boxes. Their genetic background makes domestication difficult, and their need for specialized diets and gluten-free food adds financial strain. These challenges make them impractical for most households.

7. Skunks

Skunks
Silvia/Pixabay

Skunks are illegal in 17 states, including Alabama, Florida, Michigan, and Indiana. Even skunks with their scent glands removed are problematic pets. They have strong natural hunting instincts and can pose dangers to smaller animals like rodents and birds. Skunks require a highly calm environment, making them difficult to handle in households with children. Moreover, they need frequent medical care, including regular deworming, and they have no available rabies vaccine, risking disease transmission to humans and pets.

8. Lemurs

Lemur
jansedlon/Pixabay

Lemurs are illegal in states like Ohio, Nevada, Florida, and North Carolina. These social animals prefer living in groups and do not thrive when kept alone, which is a cruel situation for pet owners. Lemurs emit a strong odor from scent glands across their bodies, which can mark homes and cause unpleasant living conditions. Their vocalizations are loud and continuous, and they can become aggressive, especially during mating seasons, posing a safety risk to humans and other pets.

9. Zebras

A wild Zebra
Alpcem/PixaBay

Keeping a zebra as a pet is prohibited in Nevada and several other states. Zebras are wild animals that cannot be fully domesticated, and their powerful kicks are capable of inflicting serious injury. Even with years of dedicated care, gaining a zebra’s trust requires time and patience. Zebras often escape enclosures due to their determination to find new opportunities, running themselves to death in their attempts to escape, and creating logistical and safety challenges for owners.

10. Turtles

Chikilino/Pixabay

Turtles are illegal in North Dakota and North Carolina, and many other states restrict their sale if their shells measure less than 6 inches. This regulation helps prevent salmonella transmission, which turtles often carry on their shells. Salmonella germs can pose serious health threats to children and adults alike, spreading through direct contact or contaminated surfaces like tanks and cages. These restrictions aim to safeguard public health while ensuring that turtles do not pose a zoonotic disease risk.

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