Want an unusual pet? 7 wild animals you may legally be able to own

So, has it ever occurred to you that "I could totally have a wild animal as a pet"?

No, we're not joking. Many people love to have exotic pets. So you're definitely not alone. Now, dogs and cats will always be the classic choices; make no mistake. But some people are absolutely fascinated by 'exotic' animals. There's a long list here: sugar gliders, skunks, capybaras, and lots more.

But there's something important that we need to remember. Not all animals are legal to have everywhere. And in some places, you cannot have them in your backyard without a legal permit.

And then there's the bigger question: Is owning one actually a good idea? Here are seven wild or exotic animals that may be legal to keep in some places, depending on local laws and permit requirements.

Fennec Fox

This is the smallest fox in the world. When you look at them, you notice the ears first. It makes the creature look like something out of the Looney Tunes.

These small guys are native to the deserts of North Africa. In several ways, these tiny foxes are quite fascinating. They're very curious, energetic, and very, very intelligent.

Their small size may make them easier to house than some larger exotic animals , but fennec foxes still have demanding behavioral and care needs. But be warned; they're not dogs. These 'good boys' can wreck your furniture, and their urine smells absolutely rancid.

Sugar Glider

Sugar gliders are very small marsupials that can glide from one surface to another. These tiny squirrel-like creatures look extremely cute and fascinating.

They're very social animals in nature. Not only that, they are like pint-sized live wires that can become attached to their human caregivers. So, no wonder people like them. But they are nocturnal and need specialized diets. Also, they're prohibited in some places.

Capybara

Capybaras are getting more and more popular by the day. These enormous rodents have a sort of 'zen' energy. It's very easy to understand why you might dream about having one. Capybaras are highly social animals with complex care needs, and keeping them properly requires plenty of space, companionship, and access to water.

Another problem is their size. They can weigh well over 100 pounds, so they need a lot of room. They also love water, so that's something you need to consider.

Hedgehog

Hedgehogs are lovely and quite manageable, if we might say so. They're very small and quiet and do not create a lot of problems for the one adopting them. Hedgehogs don't need much space, and they also have a lot of personality.

If your little hedgehog is making a grumpy face, just hold a little bit of apple in front of it. And then, watch the magic. But then again, they can require a lot of care, and they're also nocturnal like the sugar gliders. Also, it is not legal everywhere.

Wallaby

If you wake up and see a wallaby hopping around, you'll probably laugh and go back to sleep. Or maybe just make an Instagram reel. In order to make this dream come true, you need…a wallaby as a pet! They are smaller relatives of kangaroos and are legal in some places.

Additionally, they are herbivores, so you don't need to get a meat-based diet. On the flip side, they need a lot of outdoor space and secure fencing. If one kicks anybody, it can cause serious injury.

Skunk

Yes, skunks. You read that right. There are some people with really weird tastes. If you can ignore the occasional…spraying, then skunks are actually quite okay.

In fact, domesticated skunks are affectionate, playful, and quite entertaining. These creatures are intelligent, mischievous, and entertaining. They also have plenty of personality. But then, some can be destructive and require specialized veterinary care.

And even domesticated skunks can spray when frightened or stressed, so prospective owners need to be prepared for that reality rather than treating scent-gland removal as a simple solution.

Serval

The serval looks like an elongated domestic cat with gigantic ears. In keeping with their looks, these wild cats are quite athletic. They can jump quite high and are master hunters.

Nobody can deny that these creatures are beautiful to look at. But is that enough to make it a pet? Let us remember that the serval is a wild predator, not a domestic cat with an exotic appearance. It can scratch, bite, jump extremely high, and behave unpredictably. So, we say 'forget it.'

Conclusion

Look, we get the appeal. It's a big ego boost to own an animal that almost nobody else has. And if the pet is easy to adjust to, then it's a party. But it's far from a smooth ride.

Most exotic species haven't undergone the long process of domestication that shaped animals such as dogs and cats. Their instincts, dietary requirements, social needs, and behaviors can make them much more difficult to care for. So always think a hundred times before making a final decision.