45 Animals That Are Illegal to Own

Exotic pets are popular across America, but some animals are illegal in several states.

Pets are beloved members of our households and quickly become members of our families. Dogs, cats and fish take the top three spots for the most popular pets in the United States. And while exotic pets are also popular across the country, just as many are banned in several states.

That means you’ll need to do your research on what pets are and aren’t permitted in your hometown. These animals are illegal to own in parts of the U.S.

45. Wildebeest

Blue Wildebeest crossing the Mara River in Kenya

Wayne Marinovich / Getty Images

Illegal in: Colorado

The Colorado Wildlife Act forbids the keeping of most exotic pets, wildebeest included.

Skunks, hedgehogs, raccoons and wild hogs are also banned, but some native reptiles are allowed.

The Backstory: Wildebeest

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Wildebeest are native to southeastern Africa. While they’re not endangered, keeping them isn’t the best idea.

Hunting them is illegal worldwide, and in Africa, they’ve been known to pass parasites and other diseases to local livestock.

Even if these issues didn’t exist, acquiring wildebeest in the U.S. would be nearly impossible.

44. Shrew

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Illegal in: California

Why would such a cute, harmless creature be illegal to keep? For the creature’s sake, of course.

In California, some shrew species are endangered, and interference from humans can potentially lower their chance of long-term survival.

The Backstory: Shrew

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The Buena Vista Lake shrew lives only in Kern County, California. Habitat loss due to agriculture along with the reduction of genetic diversity has weakened the species and reduced their numbers to dangerously low levels.

For this reason, the state passed the Act for the Buena Vista Lake shrew to help preserve the species.

43. Wolverine

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Illegal in: California

In addition to shrews, California regulates the keeping of numerous other unusual animals.

For instance, wolverines are banned because keeping them in areas outside their natural range can pose a threat to local wildlife and potentially to public safety as well.

The Backstory: Wolverine

Wolverine lying on a log and yawning or snarling.

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The North American wolverine isn’t nicknamed the “mountain devil” without cause. It’s the largest weasel on the planet, weighing up to 40 pounds.

Wolverines are fearless, fending off attacks from much larger predators with ease. They’ve even been known to attack bears.

The real reason they’re illegal to keep, however, is that their fur was once highly sought after, making them prime targets for illegal trappers.

42. Antelope

Impala in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania Africa

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Illegal in: Wyoming

Wyoming made the smart move to ban all big-game animals and trophy animals.

Trophy animals include apex predators like bears and mountain lions, while big-game animals include a variety of deer species, moose, mountain goats and antelope.

The Backstory: Antelope

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While antelope are not endangered, they’re not native to the United States and can potentially introduce diseases to local livestock.

In some states, however, they can be kept with a permit.

41. Bighorn Sheep

Brown bighorn sheep near Sheep River, Alberta

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Illegal in: California and Wyoming

Bighorn sheep join the long list of animals banned in the Golden State, and they’re banned in Wyoming as well.

While they don’t pose a threat to public safety or agriculture, they play an important role in the preservation of other species in their natural habitat.

The Backstory: Bighorn Sheep

Bighorn sheep in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada

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Bighorn sheep live in the mountain ranges of North America all the way from southern Canada to Mexico.

Golden eagles, mountain lions, bears and coyotes all prey upon them, and removing them from their natural range would have deleterious effects on the larger predators that feed off them.

Fortunately, the population of bighorn sheep in California has been stable for years.

40. Quail

Adult male California Quail perches on a park bench

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Illegal in: Arkansas

Arkansas won’t allow residents to keep lions, tigers or bears, but some more ordinary creatures are banned as well. Both rabbits and quail are illegal to keep.

Strangely, keeping bobcats is fine, as long as you have less than six.

The Backstory: Quail

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The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission teamed up with an organization called Quail Forever to help preserve local quail populations.

While keeping them as pets is frowned upon, the organization is working to educate farmers and landowners on the management of northern bobwhite quails that live on their properties.

39. Elk

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Illegal in: Alabama

Alabama doesn’t have a specific reason why elk are banned as pets, but look at those horns and the reason becomes obvious.

Elk can weigh over 700 pounds and can cause severe damage to property, vehicles and people who get in their way.

Does that sound like a good pet to you?

The Backstory: Elk

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Cervids, the family that all deer belong to, are classified differently by different states. Some classify them as wildlife, while others consider them livestock.

Most states, however, consider them wild animals and treat them as such, rather than lumping them in with less dangerous livestock like cattle and horses.

38. Venomous Reptiles

Western diamondback rattlesnake in Arizona ready to strike

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Illegal in: Most states, besides Arkansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska and Georgia

Of all the weird laws in the United States, Georgia’s reptile policy is among the weirdest. Residents are forbidden from keeping harmless, nonvenomous snakes as pets, including commonly kept species like corn snakes and ball pythons.

Weirdly, a loophole allows the keeping of venomous snakes, even the lethal copperhead, as long as you acquire a permit.

The Backstory: Venomous Reptiles

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Do we really need to explain why keeping a pet that can kill you isn’t legal in most states?

While a handful of snake species have venom that causes only minor discomfort, like that of the hognose snake, others can cause extreme pain, organ failure, tissue decomposition and even death.

They can be kept safely by experienced handlers, but it’s a terrible idea for the vast majority of people.

37. All Primates Over 35 Pounds

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Illegal in: Connecticut

Connecticut bans the keeping of any animals that are deemed potentially dangerous, including bears, wolves, big cats and primates.

There is one caveat: If you owned a primate under 35 pounds before Oct. 1, 2010, you can keep it.

The Backstory: All Primates Over 35 Pounds

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It’s hard to look at a tiny monkey and see how it could be dangerous, but most primates are not so small or harmless. Several people have attempted to keep larger primates as pets, entranced by their human-like qualities and intelligence.

While some small species have been kept safely, keeping larger species like chimps and gorillas can lead to horrifying tragedies. The most famous case happened in 2009 when a woman was left permanently disfigured following an attack by her friend’s pet chimp.

36. Falcons

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Illegal in: Every state

Falcons, like most birds of prey, are really not designed to be pets.

In all states, they’re only allowed to be kept by registered falconers who have extensive training.

The Backstory: Falcons

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Before you get any ideas about keeping a cool-looking raptor, owl or falcon, getting a permit to do so requires more than passing a test or two.

The point of falconry is to preserve natural wildlife, and falconers have to essentially become zoologists dedicated to conservation efforts to legally keep the wild birds.

Even if they were legal, their giant claws and voracious appetite would make them terrible pets.

35. Piranhas

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Illegal in: Alabama

Alabama actually has a long list of banned species, which must be why the state felt the need to put this extremely predatory fish on its list of illegal pets.

Typically found in South America, piranhas are not for the faint of heart.

The Backstory: Piranhas

big piranha - Amazon, Brazil, South America

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If you’ve seen the James Bond film, “You Only Live Twice,” you’ll understand why this fish is listed here.

In fact, its name translates roughly to “biting fish” in Portuguese, as they have one of the world’s strongest fish bites that make them capable of tearing flesh.

34. Jackrabbits

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Illegal in: Alabama, Arkansas and Kentucky

Yes, rabbits are a common household pet, but you’re not allowed to make the larger jackrabbit a part of your family in Alabama, Arkansas and Kentucky.

The Backstory: Jackrabbits

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Jackrabbits are in the same family as rabbits, but they’re technically hares, which means they’re larger and faster than their rabbit cousins.

The main reason for making these animals illegal is likely due to the fact that these states simply don’t want people to capture wild hares and try to domesticate them.

33. Wild Turkeys

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Illegal in: Alabama, Maine and South Carolina

The wild turkey is another animal that Alabamans can forget about keeping as a pet.

And while Maine allows residents to own most wild birds with a permit, turkeys are not one of them.

The Backstory: Wild Turkeys

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South Carolina, however, had no restrictions on owning any wild animals until Jan. 1, 2018.

Now, several species are illegal in this southern state, including, yes, the wild turkey.

32. Kangaroos

Wild kangaroo and her joey staring right at me

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Illegal in: Georgia and Utah

Kangaroos are considered “inherently dangerous” to humans under state law in these two states.

The Backstory: Kangaroos

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Believe it or not, New York is one state that allows you to own a kangaroo without any kind of permit.

So, if you’re hoping to own this marsupial, New York’s where you should be.

31. Ferrets

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Illegal in: California, Hawaii, New York City and Washington, D.C.

While it’s pretty common to see ferrets kept as pets across the country, several states have bans on them, including California, Hawaii, New York City and Washington, D.C.

“There are several reasons why they have been made illegal, including being a potential carrier of rabies, a threat to wildlife and biting,” says Connie Monico, a veterinary technician.

The Backstory: Ferrets

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While the reasons for not owning a ferret may sound serious, lots of owners have found ways to safely keep them as pets.

“Most ferret owners take them in for vaccines, deworming, and even spaying or neutering to ensure that they are healthy, just like dogs or cats,” Monico adds.

30. Squirrels

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Illegal in: Most states

Diana Ludwiczak, who runs the site How I Got Into Veterinary School, saw all kinds of exotic pets when she was a veterinary student.

“In the U.S. in most states, it is illegal to keep a squirrel as a pet. But when they are orphaned as a baby and come crying to a human, it can be easy to want to take one in, especially because a baby orphaned squirrel will go up to humans looking for the mom,” Ludwiczak says.

The Backstory: Squirrels

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Despite their adorableness, squirrels are not ideal for domestic living. Their teeth continually grow throughout their lives, and it’s impossible to provide them the bark and other hard, woodland supplies they need.

“They will start to chew on your walls and furniture,” Ludwiczak says. “If you find a squirrel, it is best to bring it to a licensed rehabber. Each state has licensed rehabbers that can care for and release the wild animal.”

29. Bats

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Illegal in: All states

These long-living animals — some live for 25 years — are considered illegal pets throughout the United States.

Some bats are even federally protected animals, which means you can’t kill them even if they fly into your house.

The Backstory: Bats

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The same laws that protect the lives of bats also prevent citizens from capturing them and keeping them as pets.

If you have always dreamed of working with and learning more about bats, the U.S. does provide permits for sanctuaries, scientific organizations and registered establishments that focus on educational programming.

28. Raccoons

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Illegal in: Alabama, Colorado, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota and Wisconsin

If you have a permit, you can actually own a raccoon as a pet in a handful of states, but these seven outright prohibit it.

The Backstory: Raccoons

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Yes, smaller raccoons are cute and cuddly looking. Who can resist that “masked bandit” look?

But don’t be deceived. Raccoons are very high maintenance and are notorious biters. They don’t like to be kept in cages or even in small bedrooms, so if you do find yourself wanting one as a pet, make sure you have the space to accommodate one.

27. Moose

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Illegal in: Alabama, Maine, Nevada and Wyoming

Moose can be domesticated in the same way that horses can.

But even if it’s legal in your state, should you really own one?

The Backstory: Moose

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Big game, such as the moose, don’t like being ridden the way horses do.

Plus, they prefer to eat a wide variety of vegetation, which makes them difficult to feed in a domestic setting.

26. Deer

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Illegal in: Alabama, Maine and Wyoming

There are several states that don’t allow deer to be kept as pets without a permit for similar reasons that moose can’t.

If you simply must have one, though, reindeer are more likely to be legal in your state.

The Backstory: Deer

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Because deer range in all sorts of sizes, there are some that are better suited for domestic life. For instance, the muntjac deer grows to be about the same size as a medium-sized dog.

One thing to keep in mind is that deer are a very social species, so if you are considering owning one, expect to give it a lot of attention and socialization.

25. Fennec Foxes

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Illegal in: Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada and Washington

Foxes have taken over Instagram as the exotic animal to keep as a pet.

And there is no cuter fox than the Fennec fox, which is also the smallest breed.

The Backstory: Fennec Foxes

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Fennec foxes are tiny and furry, but their big ears make them memorable. A handful of states have made keeping them as pets illegal, while other states ban all exotic animals, so they might not be a fit for your household.

While it is still legal to have them in some states, sadly, Fennec foxes are often sold illegally. This leads to habitat loss in the Sahara Desert and other parts of North Africa, where Fennec foxes originate.

24. Mongooses

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Illegal in: Most states

The mongoose is a small carnivorous mammal that’s native to southern Europe, Africa and Asia.

They typically feed on insects, lizards, birds and rodents, which is actually a blessing and a curse.

The Backstory: Mongooses

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Mongooses are often imported to specific areas or even kept as pets to control vermin like rats and mice.

Sounds great, but the reality is they also feed on other native species, which can have an adverse effect on an area’s ecosystem. This very thing happened in the late 1800s when mongooses were brought to the islands, which is why they’re now illegal in most states.

23. Alligators and Crocodiles

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Illegal in: Most states

In southern states like Florida, you’ll see alligators all over the place (grocery stores, Disney World, golf courses).

But, thankfully, it’s still frowned upon to own an alligator in most states.

The Backstory: Alligators and Crocodiles

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For the few states where one is permitted to own an alligator, there are several restrictions to protect the animal, owner and the general public. For example, you’ll likely need a special permit and a custom enclosure that makes it impossible for the alligator to escape. Plus, since alligators grow very quickly, you’ll need to be prepared to expand your pet’s enclosure several times without sacrificing safety measures.

You’ll also have to entertain regular visits from wildlife authorities, who will inspect your pet’s home and check on the alligator’s health.

22. Penguins

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Illegal in: All states

The good news is that many zoos across the country have penguins you can visit. The bad news is that there is no hope of having these fun animals as pets.

Though many breeds of penguins live outside of arctic temperatures, all 18 species of penguins are protected and therefore not available for domestic living. Some species have an additional layer of protection, too, since they are classified as endangered under the Endangered Species Act.

The Backstory: Penguins

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If the legality of owning one isn’t enough to deter you, penguins also don’t make the best pets. For one, they are social creatures, so you would need more than one or two.

Then, there is the expense of feeding them. Each penguin needs about 400 pounds of fish per year.

21. Sugar Gliders

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Illegal in: St. Paul, Minnesota; New York City; Alaska; California; Hawaii; and Pennsylvania

Sugar gliders are adorable small marsupials that glide through the air like flying squirrels.

Though they are cute and pretty safe, many states and a few cities in the U.S. have made it illegal to keep the exotic animal as a pet.

The Backstory: Sugar Gliders

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The sugar glider gets its name from its love of sugary substances like sap and nectar. They are native to Australia and New Guinea, but several have found their way into homes in the United States.

But these nocturnal creatures are difficult to care for, as they prefer being outdoors and having room to climb trees.

20. Tigers

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Illegal in: 21 states in the U.S.

The Netflix documentary, “Tiger King,” introduced the world to the bizarre business of big-cat breeding.

While almost everyone agrees that the show’s stars had way too many animals, period, the documentary also highlighted the danger that comes with owning these kinds of animals.

The Backstory: Tigers

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Twenty-one states ban all dangerous exotic pets. Obviously, tigers fall into that category, as they are extremely dangerous.

But Nevada, Wisconsin, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina all have relaxed laws regarding owning exotic pets. And while we wouldn’t recommend it, if you are looking to add a tiger to your family, you’ll want to head to one of those states.

19. Lions

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Illegal in: 21 states in the U.S.

Like tigers, lions won’t be found in most homes throughout the country.

But the same five states — Nevada, Wisconsin, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina — are the most likely places you’ll find a lion kept as a pet.

The Backstory: Lions

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What is more common in the United States is for pet enthusiasts to obtain permits. That means Pennsylvania, Texas and Montana will allow folks who get a permit to keep a lion as a pet.

Other states require people to get licenses for large, dangerous animals to be used for commercial purposes. But even then, they don’t allow lions and tigers to be kept as household pets.

18. Jaguars and All Other Non-Domestic Cats

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Illegal in: 21 states in the U.S.

Yep, the jaguar is also considered to be a dangerous big-cat species that most states forbid you to own.

Same with bobcats and all other non-domestic cats.

The Backstory: Jaguars and All Other Non-Domestic Cats

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Let’s just remember that jaguars are capable of speeds up to 50 mph.

Cheetahs — which aren’t specifically mentioned in any state lists of illegal pets but are certainly considered non-domestic cats — can reach incredible speeds of 80 mph.

17. Quaker Parrots

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Illegal in: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Wyoming

There are hundreds of species of parrots, and sadly, many of them are extinct.

Quaker parrots, which also go by the name monk parakeets, are native to South America.

The Backstory: Quaker Parrots

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These medium-sized birds have become so prevalent in particular states that they have formed wild colonies in Florida, Texas and New York. Some people view the parrots as intrusive to agriculture, leading to a ban in some states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Wyoming.

That said, at least 10 states allow the birds if certain restrictions are in place, including banding, microchipping and permits.

16. Slow Lorises

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Illegal in: All states

Slow lorises are native to Northeast India and Southeast Asia and can be purchased in Russia and Japan.

While you can easily find videos of slow lorises and their big, sweet eyes on the internet, these small primates are not legal in the U.S.

The Backstory: Slow Lorises

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It is also unethical to own a slow loris as a pet since they must be captured in the wild. From there, they’re transported in terrible conditions and often have their back teeth removed in a painful procedure.

Plus, they aren’t easy to breed or take care of, so there’s not much of an incentive to own one. Your best bet is going to wave to one at a zoo.

15. Monkeys

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Illegal in: Most states

Similar to slow lorises, you’re likely to see monkeys at any local zoo.

While about 4,500 monkeys are owned as pets in the U.K., it remains widely illegal in the U.S.

The Backstory: Monkeys

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Due to the popularity of keeping monkeys as pets, many states have a specific ban against it. Those include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Wyoming.

Plus, animal activists continue working to create bans in the few states left that don’t have specific laws against keeping monkeys as pets.

14. Tokay Geckos

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Illegal in: Hawaii

Hawaii allows pet owners to keep some wild geckos, but Tokay geckos are not one of them.

In fact, Day geckos are also illegal in Hawaii.

The Backstory: Tokay Geckos

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While Tokay geckos are currently banned in Hawaii, they might soon be illegal in other states as well, especially since Tokay geckos are wreaking havoc as an invasive species in Florida.

The Tokay gecko is common in pet stores across the country, despite it being known as ill-tempered. Plus, they’re brought to pet stores by unethical means, so it’s best to avoid owning this particular animal even if you live outside of Hawaii.

13. Bengal Cats

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Illegal in: New York, Georgia, Massachusetts, Iowa, Alaska, Hawaii, Delaware, Connecticut and Indiana

While Bengal cats aren’t as big or as scary as lions and tigers, many states and some cities (Seattle and Denver) ban people from keeping them as pets.

The Backstory: Bengal Cats

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Bengal cats are a hybrid of a domestic cat and a small Asian leopard cat, and they are very active and intelligent.

If you do live in a state that doesn’t have a specific Bengal cat ban, you’ll still need to fill out paperwork and secure a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

12. Pit Bulls

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Illegal in: Many U.S. cities

While there isn’t a nationwide ban on pit bulls, many cities across the country have made owning the dog breed illegal.

Iowa, Ohio and Kansas have the highest volume of pit bull bans, and in total, about 1,100 cities have some legislation against the dog.

The Backstory: Pit Bulls

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What’s sad about the ban of a particular dog breed is that most dogs are considered dangerous because of how they were raised, not because of the dog itself.

“All dogs, including pit bulls, are individuals. Treating them as such, providing them with the care, training and supervision they require, and judging them by their actions and not by their DNA or their physical appearance is the best way to ensure that dogs and people can continue to share safe and happy lives together,” The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says.

11. Hedgehogs

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Illegal in: Georgia, California, Hawaii, Pennsylvania and New York City

These small, spiky creatures might be famous on the internet, but they are not considered legal pets in several states as well as all five boroughs of New York City.

In New Jersey and Wisconsin, you can have one as a pet but will have to secure a permit and/or certificate of veterinary inspection.

The Backstory: Hedgehogs

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Despite their adorableness, hedgehogs are considered invasive species and therefore threaten local ecosystems and animals native to the U.S.

Plus, they can carry various diseases and bacteria, including salmonella. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention linked a multistate outbreak of salmonella to pet hedgehogs in March 2019.

10. Small Turtles

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Illegal in: All states

Similar to hedgehogs, small turtles became famous for spreading salmonella across the country. So, in 1975, the United States banned the sale of small turtles (less than 4 inches) in response.

Before the ban, there were about 280,000 turtle-related infections each year, according to NPR. Since the tiny turtles were mostly kept as pets for young kids, most of the salmonella outbreaks hit young children.

The Backstory: Small Turtles

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Despite the ban, infections can still happen.

“From May 2011 through September 2013, turtle-associated salmonella was linked to eight outbreaks across 41 states; Washington, D.C.; and Puerto Rico, covering 473 illnesses,” NPR reported. “Some 28 percent of those sickened had to be hospitalized.”

9. Wolf Hybrids

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Illegal in: Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island and Wyoming

A mix of wolf and dog is considered a domestic animal in the U.S. and therefore not technically illegal.

Instead, the government leaves the issue up to the states — several of which prohibit private ownership of wolf dogs.

The Backstory: Wolf Hybrids

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Still, other states allow people to keep wolf dogs as pets but require various limitations, including standards for enclosures and rabies prevention.

While many people agree that these hybrids are inherently dangerous due to their wolf origin, fans of these exotic animals insist they are misunderstood.

8. Gerbils

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Illegal in: Hawaii and California

These tiny fuzzy animals are super popular as pets for kids or first-time animal owners. They’re low maintenance and don’t take up a ton of space.

Despite their cuteness, they are still illegal in Hawaii and California.

The Backstory: Gerbils

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These two states have similar climates to the gerbil’s natural desert habitat.

If these rodents made their way into the wild, agricultural and environmental officials think they’d form colonies and cause drama with local crops, plants and animals.

7. Capybaras

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Illegal in: Most states

On the other end of the rodent spectrum is the capybara, which can weigh up to 140 pounds. They are banned in most states but legal to own in Texas and Pennsylvania.

A few other states will consider allowing you to have a capybara, but you’ll need to apply for and get a license first.

The Backstory: Capybaras

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Still, there are a few hangups with owning these animals. Capybaras are social animals, so it would be in their best interest to own a few or more, which isn’t always ideal for pet owners.

Additionally, you’ll need to provide or create access to water for swimming since capybaras are semi-aquatic animals.

6. Pigs

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Illegal in: Most U.S. cities

If you think pet pigs, especially the miniature variety, are beyond cute, you are not alone.

There are countless Instagram accounts dedicated to sharing the lives of pet pigs. While the micro pig trend continues, so do bans on them in cities across the country.

The Backstory: Pigs

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Pigs can become aggressive and get rabies, which has led to bans in various municipalities like New York.

Additionally, most governments consider pigs to be livestock, which is typically not allowed in cities.

5. Bears

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Illegal in: Most states

North America is home to three bear species: brown bears (grizzlies fall into this category), black bears and polar bears.

While most of us are comfortable seeing a bear in a nature documentary or at the zoo, some people consider keeping these large animals as pets.

The Backstory: Bears

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Most states ban bears from being at-home pets, but there are six that do not have any requirements.

Nevada, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina are all comfortable allowing their residents to determine if they should have a bear as a pet.

4. African Clawed Frogs

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Illegal in: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Virginia and Washington

The problem with African Clawed frogs is that they look a lot like African Dwarf frogs when they are young.

The latter stays small, while the African Clawed frog can grow to be as large as a bullfrog.

The Backstory: African Clawed Frogs

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These frogs are also known to be aggressive and carry a deadly fungus — no thanks! Because of these factors, they can become a menace and destroy native wildlife, including fish, other frogs and tadpoles.

This has prompted some states to enact bans against them. In Nevada, if you are caught with an African Clawed frog, you can potentially get six months in jail and a $500 fine.

3. Burmese Pythons and Similar Snake Species

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Illegal in: Many states

Snakes live all over the world, and there are at least 3,000 species. So, plenty of snakes are safe and legal for you to consider having as a pet.

There are a few, though, that the U.S. has banned.

The Backstory: Burmese Pythons and Similar Snake Species

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The importation and sale of Burmese pythons and similar species became illegal at the federal level in 2012 after becoming a severe problem in South Florida, especially in the Everglades. A few years later, the feds also placed a ban on boa constrictors and four species of anacondas.

If you are looking to add a snake to your household, consider nonvenomous ones, and check your local laws before purchasing.

2. Fake Service Dogs

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Illegal in: Many states

While dogs are one of the most popular pets in the country, there has been a big issue with dog owners falsely claiming their pets to be service animals.

Some people will put a fake “service dog” vest on their pet or obtain or create fake service dog licenses.

The Backstory: Fake Service Dogs

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“At present, there are 23 states that have enacted laws that punish owners for claiming to have a service dog,” says David Reischer, attorney and CEO of Legal Advice.

“The states that passed laws that punish a person with fine and a criminal misdemeanor for illegally misrepresenting their dog as a service animal are Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming,” Reischer says.

1. Skunks

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Illegal in: Most states

Surely, no one would consider adding a skunk to their household, right?

Wrong!

The Backstory: Skunks

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Apparently, people will go as far as getting a skunk’s scent glands surgically removed to keep them as pets — but that doesn’t mean you should.

“Skunks should be considered illegal until verified otherwise,” PetHelpful advises those interested in getting a pet skunk. “If you are determined to welcome a skunk to your household, make sure to check with your local government, as many municipalities have laws banning it.”