Ferrets are illegal in California, but many people still keep them as pets. In addition to federal laws governing animal ownership and treatment, every state has certain prohibitions or restrictions on which exotic animals can be owned as pets. However, there are a few places where it's still illegal - Pennsylvania, Hawaii, California, Georgia, and Maine. We know, of course, that it depends on which animal you are talking about (and when). Although native to Australia and New Guinea, sugar gliders are classified as exotic animals in the US. Exotic is a subjective term when talking about pets, so California has assembled a pretty extensive and convuluted list of restricted pets. Here’s why non-native animals like hedgehogs, sometimes desired as pets, are not a good idea or legal under current regulations. You might have heard from someone that exotic pets or so-called "wild animals" are illegal to own as pets, but this is exactly like saying it is illegal to hunt animals—it's not exactly true. Summary: In California, all gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans, bonobos, and gibbons are classified as “wildlife” that must be restricted by the state for their own health and welfare. Here are 10 exotic pets and where they are legal to own. It is illegal to own one of these big cats in all other states. Pets like ferrets and hedgehogs have been banned in certain states in the U.S. for decades. California. So if you're thinking of adopting a more unusual pet, check your local laws about what pets you can own. 4. Sugar gliders are illegal to own as pets in a few states, including Alaska, California, Hawaii, and Pennsylvania. Fennec Fox. Cruelty to animals is illegal in California, as it is across the country. Some animals are banned as pets because they aren’t meant to be domesticated, others are dangerous to California’s ecosystem. But California’s laws on the subject are extensive and detailed, covering a wide range of specific behavior, situations, and types of animals—from service dogs and racehorses to circus elephants and exotic species. It's illegal to own gerbils, hamsters, snakes, geckos, ferrets and hermit crabs in The Aloha State. Some of these animals, like hamsters, gerbils, and ferrets, are illegal to own in California, too. According to the legislature, it is necessary to regulate the import, possession, use, and treatment of Great Apes. While there are plenty of amazing animals that we're not legally allowed to own, there are almost as many awesome exotics that are legal in certain areas. CDFW receives frequent inquiries about why various non-native species are restricted from being kept as pets in California. But, although you may not be able to own a tiger, there are interesting and exotic pets you can own in California. State wildlife officials say they are a threat to poultry and some native animals, including ground-nesting birds. Miniature Farm Animals Legality of bestiality in the States looks at the laws prohibiting bestiality in the United States of America.The legality of sex with animals has been steadily decreasing over the past 20 years. Don't Get Bitten by Your State's Exotic Animal Laws. As of February 10, 2018, 45 states and 2 territories ban sex with animals, while 5 states and the District of Columbia have decriminalized it (due to repeal of sodomy laws). Although, you may be able to own one with a … If you live in Hawaii, you may not realize that your pet options are much slimmer than the rest of the country's. Private Possession BANNED. Some cities, such as St. Paul, Minnesota, and New York City, also prohibit the pint-sized, nocturnal marsupials.