Use your imagination to think about what it would be like to be a wild animal.  If you were a coyote, raccoon or crow in the wild where would you go?  What would you do?  Now image that you are the same wild animal kept in a cage as a pet.  How would this feel different?

Why Do People Want to Keep Wild Animals as Pets?
There are many reasons people want a wild animal as a pet.  Most people are fascinated by wild animals.  Since wild animals usually have a natural fear of humans, people don't see them very often, which can make them even more mysterious and fascinating.  These feelings can lead people to want a wild animal close to them.  Other people want a wild animal such as tiger so they can be cool or seem tough.

Some inexperienced people try to raise wild animals on their own, and this often leads to the animal being so unafraid of people that he can't be returned to the wild. Animals who are not afraid of humans can be seen as dangerous if the animals approach people.  A natural fear of humans is important for a wild animal's survival as not all people will be kind to that animal.

But keeping wild animals as pets is not good for the animals, or for the people and companion animals, or pets, around them. That is why it is against the law to keep most wild animals as pets.

Why Don't Wild Animals Make Good Pets?
Wild animals have needs that cannot be met in a house.  For example, Raccoons climb trees and prefer to find their food along the edge of water.  Cougars and tigers need miles and miles to roam and explore. They can't do these things as pets, and they may destroy your house trying.

Wild animals can carry diseases that can spread to people and other animals. For example, Prairie Dogs sometimes carry Monkey Pox.  Some people who have kept these animals as pets have become very sick.

Wild animals have natural instincts that can be dangerous, even if the animal was raised by humans.  For example, animals may bite or scratch without warning.  The animal is not trying to be mean, but is acting out his natural Behavior.  Many children and adults have been badly injured by wild animals kept as pets.

What Can You Do to Help?
If your family is having a conflict with wild animals, or you found a wild animal that you think is injured or Orphaned, you can get free help by calling the PAWS Wildlife Center at 425.787.2500 x817

Observe wild animals in their natural Habitat.  Don't take wild animals from the wild to keep as pets.

Teach others that wild animals don't make good pets.  Encourage people to find a new Companion animal or pet at their local shelter instead.

Want to Know More?
There is a lot to learn about wildlife at PAWSkids.org!