Generally, these laws are in place to protect the general public from inherently dangerous animals. They're prevalent and we've seen a few Joeys on our front porch. As long as you own 2.5 acres, you can keep many types of animals in Florida, including bears, large cats, rhinos, crocodiles and chimpanzees, and more. Indiana is one of the most lenient states when it comes to owning exotic pets. Bearded Dragons must live in an appropriately sized tank with lots of branches and rocks to climb on and hide under! Do you need a permit to own an African bullfrog/pixie frog in florida? Yellow Sliders are dark brown or gray on their heads and their underbelly and legs are bright yellow with stripes. Is the pet you want legal to keep in your state or city, or do you need a license? Legal exports of flying squirrel . Patagonian cavys arent aggressive and they are pretty small! There are no statewide exotic pet laws in North Carolina, but you may need a license to bring some animals into the state. The laws are very relaxed in Wisconsin, where people are allowed to keep almost all animals as pets without a permit. Two months after Reginald returned home with the alligator, a sheriff's deputy knocked on his door to issue a citation to Reginald for violating a state statute that makes it illegal to keep alligators as pets. his name is oreo. by xinem is licensed under CC BY 2.0. As they are used to living in dry environments they need regular dust baths. You can get a permit to keep almost any type of animal, including giraffes, monkeys, and hippopotamuses. A person can buy up to six individual native wildlife species. Answer: Most tropical birds, common pet rodents, tropical fish, various invertebrates like tarantulas, scorpions, millipedes, ect., chinchillas and ferrets. Affectionately known as Beardies, these reptiles can live for 10 to 15 years and are very easy to care for. Ultimate Beach Guide to St Pete Florida Area Beaches, Florida Smart Guide to Disney World Resorts, The Best Places to Learn about Floridas African American History, Laws on harvesting marine life and sea shell collecting, Floridas Original & Famous Cuban Sandwiches. Remember that laws may frequently change, so consult the latest rules before investing in a wild or exotic pet. Yellow-Bellied Sliders are not exactly exotic pets, as they are found in the wild in Florida and many other states. It's important to make sure these critters get the homes they deserve with someone who has plenty of knowledge on their care and keeping. New Jersey issues 11 different types of wildlife permits. But, they are commonly captive-bred for the pet trade. Currently only striped newt (last updated 2021). The Captive Wildlife Office does NOT have authority over or issue permits for conditional or prohibited species or imperiled species (see those sections). It includes cats, dogs, cattle, beefalo, donkey, sheep, goats, swine, including pot-bellied pigs, alpacas, and llamas. You can own alligators, crocodiles, alpacas, camels, chinchillas, ostriches, sugar gliders, and penguins without a permit. Owning one is a lot of work so why not get up close and personal with them at this animal sanctuary? Many pet stores in Florida even sell these animals. That all animals at fuzzy and loveable. What Reginald failed to do, however, was to research the law in New Jersey regarding exotic pets such as pet alligators. The Mississippi Map Turtle is a brown turtle with pale yellow-white contour lines on its skin. MSN also provided a story of two people who were sentenced after their pet Burmese python escaped its cage and killed a woman's 2-year-old child. Tarantula 2. endstream endobj 142 0 obj <>stream These canids cannot come from the wild, but the captive-bred species that are allowable include fennec foxes, red foxes, arctic foxes, bat-eared foxes, swift foxes, and all other species that are in the trade. They also need to be groomed regularly. Kansas, Minnesota, New York and Wisconsin. 75% of reptiles from pet shops die within the first year. I've seen people do it on YouTube all the time. Generally, you cannot keep any type of wildlife in Colorado. Exotic pet statistics in the US reveal that on October . You can own many types of exotic pets in New Hampshire, including bison, wild boars, camels, sugar gliders, and zebras. Pythons can be fussy eaters, so they may require an owner that is more patient. This includes having a large, fenced-in area and a swimming pool. A permit is needed to keep many animals in Utah, including non-domesticated cats, monkeys, apes, kangaroos, ferrets, hedgehogs, and coyotes. Leopard Geckos are small lizards that make great pets. In Florida, it is legal to own certain exotic animals, such as snakes, lizards, turtles, and some birds. Hedgehogs can be housed like guinea pigs or hamsters in rodent cages. Hawaii, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada and Washington. Many people love their small size and adorably oversized ears. . Hybrids are regulated the same as their more restricted parent. All species of squirrels, except the grey squirrel, which is considered to be a game animal and requires a Game Farm License Application and adherence to those requirements, are legal. The exotic pet industry is worth $15 billion a year. More animals are also on the prohibited list, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. These small wild cats have a slender and agile body covered in dark brown spots and stripes. You can make an application for an exception, but it must be backed with lots of scientific data. It is against the law to keep wild animals as pets in Massachusetts. They need a large area for plenty of exercise. You can see them fly out into the sunset if you aren't too sure about keeping one at a pet. Bats should have a suitable large aviary that they can fly around in. Despite all of this, exotic pets are becoming more and more popular due to their unique appearances. They should only be purchased from captive breeders. Red-Eyed Crocodile Skinks are small lizards and do not need a lot of space. It is illegal to export Hyacinth Macaws from South America, but their population is still declining due to illegal exportation and habitat destruction. The list of mammals legal to import into the islands consists of guinea pigs, chinchillas, rabbits, mice, and rats. Unlike tortoises, turtles are semi-aquatic. So I bet your opinion is based on that idea. Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink 9. As they fall into the realm of Class 3 wildlife, sloths, which are receiving a lot of interest from the public as pets, are legal with the permit, although they are expensive and difficult to care for. ); all species. This bird is a beautiful exotic pet, but it should not be owned by just anyone. All rights reserved, Den Sleeper (not Dangling from a Tree by my Tail Sleeper) on November 15, 2019: Are Opossums legal in Florida? 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. For a Class 3 permit, you are asked some basic questions about the species you are applying for and how you plan to care for it. Question: What class permit do I need to own a Fox in Florida? Forget the Gators: Exotic Pets Run Wild in Florida Give this article By Abby Goodnough Feb. 29, 2004 Burmese pythons are wrestling alligators in the Everglades. Individuals cannot own an animal that the state considers inherently dangerous, like primates, wolves, bears, and African buffalos. Please help Im looking for an exotic pet in Florida that is small not aggressive and cute and suggests? Any wild animal that you find should be taken to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. It is against the law to own most wildlife in Georgia, including kangaroos, primates, non-domesticated canines, non-domesticated felines, crocodiles, alligators, elephants, bats, piranhas, air-breathing catfish, Gila monsters, and cobras. Florida is one of only a handful of states where you can have a pet squirrel, including chipmunks, red squirrels, flying squirrels and more exotic species like Prevost squirrels. The only special permits required are to move llamas, cattle, bison, domestic dog, horses, ferrets, goats, poultry, sheep, and pigs on the states roads. It's also illegal to own cheetahs, komodo dragons, bears. This type of gecko is native to the deserts of the Middle East. There are exotic and wild pet laws in every state. Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. If you are going to keep elk, then you must obtain a special permit. I absolutely adore her.but shes definitely a high-maintenance pet that I wouldnt recommend for everyone. Question: What are some of the animals you don't need a permit for that may be considered exotic? The state offers three types of permits, but they admit that they are practically impossible to get. It's also worth noting that Florida law prohibits certain species of animals from being caught and kept from their wild habitat. Some exotic animals in Class II and Class III categories can be kept as personal pets most will require you to have a permit showing you have the proper facilities and the experience necessary to care for them. West Virginia bans the ownership of dangerous animals. Im agoraphobic and my anxiety dog and emotional suppport bird died right before my mother was killed in front of me. Bringing wild animals into your home always carries some risk, even if they are hand raise by humans. Sand boas are small and dont require huge enclosures or high humidity. All foxes fall under Class 3 Wildlife. The California Natural Resources Agency has banned most wild animals, including seals, bighorn sheep, otters, elephants, and falcons from being as kept as pets in California. It is legal to own many wildlife mammals in Illinois, except for bears, lions, tigers, leopards, ocelots, jaguars, cheetahs, margays, cougars, lynx, bobcats, jaguarundis, wolves, coyotes, and hyenas. In most cases, animal ownership is up to counties in Texas. Their keeper must be able to read animal body language too. Vermont has nine classes of wildlife and exotic pet ownership permits and licenses. They are just ten inches long and come with beautiful tan bodies and brown Leopard spots. This also includes grey squirrels, rabbits, wild hogs, elk, antelope, and buffalo, but not bison. These pets include bats, deer, New Guinea singing dogs, Asian leopard cats, marmosets, foxes, squirrels, skunks, raccoons and get ready for this one sloths! What exotic pets are legal in Florida? All businesses must be located in Florida to be included. If you want a low-maintenance exotic animal, and do not have arachnophobia (fear of spiders), this may be the pet for you! You need to prove you have experience handling and caring for capuchins. Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Concerning the so-called "Singing Dog" of Papua New Guinea, this Canine is actually considered to be the oldest domestic dog. Like Servals, Fennec Foxes are shy and nocturnal. In most states, owning wild deer is illegal, and this is also the case in Florida. They are used to wondering free and not being leashed and do not do well in an urban setting. Llamas are social, friendly and easy to train from a young age. Animals in Tennessee are placed in one of five categories. They tend to form a strong bond with their handler for up to 50 years. Birds of prey for falconry, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders can be owned in Idaho, along with cats and dogs. Leaving your bird in its cage to sit all day is not a good life. Each permit comes with its own set of stipulations on what you can and cannot own. They are very intelligent, so they need lots of space and lots of things to do. Laws and Regulations. . You need a permit to keep non-domestic even-toed ungulates, tapirs, rhinoceroses, Asian and African elephants, along with nonhuman primates in South Dakota. PERMIT required for import or transport of Leopard, African spurred and Bells hingeback tortoise with certificate of veterinary inspection at least 10 days prior, containers disinfected before import and either incinerated within 24 hours or exported within 72 hours. The Asian Leopard Cat is the precursor for producing the popular domesticated Bengal cat breed. They are very happy living in sandy, dry, desert-like environments. FWC says Burmese pythons and the other 15 exotic species are a significant threat to Florida's ecology, economy and human health and safety. Unfortunately, Florida has recently decided to consider them to be wild animals, but they've been placed as Class 3 wildlife, so they are still obtainable. Answer: You need a Class 3 permit to own one. These animals are closely related to sheep, goats, and alpacas. PERMIT (Conditional/Prohibited/Nonnative Species permit) required to transport into the state, introduce, or possess any listed non-native freshwater fish, aquatic invertebrate, marine plant or animal, or wild animal for any purpose that might result in liberation. They are also found in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas as well as along the Missouri, Mississippi, and Ohio Rivers. Bearded Dragons are the most popular pet lizard and the best exotic pet! Question: Is a license, or permit required to own a pet lynx, or bobcat in Florida? This includes chipmunks, red squirrels, flying squirrels and more exotic species like prevost squirrels. It is against the law to keep lions, tigers, leopards, ocelots, jaguars, cheetahs, margays, mountain lions, Canada lynxes, bobcats, jaguarundis, hyenas, wolves, bears, nonhuman primates, or coyotes in Missouri. Their skin will become too oily without dust baths. Yellow-Bellied Slider 5. Leopard Gecko 1. Personal pet permits are only issued for animals which are captive bred and are obtained from a legal licensed source. You can keep almost any other animal without a license, but you cannot allow public contact with many of them. Wolf hybrids, unlike other dogs, are considered captive wildlife and not pets. Mississippi Map Turtle 11. Scientific Collecting Permit holders need to apply for one 90 days before permit expiration. . They are better suited to someone who has experience caring for a variety of pets such as rodents and other wild animals found in the United States. There are over 900 species of Tarantula found in South America and the southwestern United States. These companions should be other capybaras. Some of those permits cover only one animal while others cover up to five individuals of the same species. They like to eat vegetables, fruits, and even sometimes various dog or cat foods. Every state has a different view on keeping exotic pets and you should check them thoroughly before getting an exotic pet. Chinchillas are small rodents that look like a mouse! With correct care, they can live up to 14 years, but they need a high level of dedication to give them a happy and healthy life. Florida is one of the few states that allow bats as pets, provided they are not taken from the wild (you wouldn't want to take in a potential rabies vector from the wild, anyway). They have a list of animals that you cannot own, including hyenas, wolves, big cats, elephants, and rhinoceroses. Despite the states leniency, you need a Class I permit to own many others where no permit is required in other states, including many rabbits. They like to eat mice and small rats, so they suit owners who are comfortable feeding other animals to their pet. If you get one of the six types of permits, you can own subhuman primates, skunks, raccoons, foxes or sylvatic carnivores, and many other animals. The Bodyguard by ken wilson lee is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Carnivores (weasels, ferrets, foxes, cats, bears, wolves, etc. Cheetahs are Class 1 Wildlife (e.g. A permit may be given for scientific and educational purposes by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Sloth by Rhys A. is licensed under CC BY 2.0. However, Llamas are also kept as pets throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. Question: Can you own a flamingo in Florida? As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Skunks are popular for exotic mammals, and they are said to be one of the "easier" exotic animals to care for. Kentucky is another state where it is easy to own exotic animals. I appreciate this article, but the opening statement, that these animals are restricted "for no logical reason" is clearly a misstatement of fact. What makes tortoises difficult to care for is that they require consistent care to keep them healthy. You cannot own any dangerous exotic animal or any animal that is usually wildlife in the state. Sign up forour monthly enewsletterto stay up to date on what's happening in Florida, upcoming events and special deals. Overall, they are docile, friendly snakes. Due to this, Hyacinth Macaws are classified as an endangered species. With hundreds of educational care guides covering the health, habitat, husbandry and behaviour of lizards, snakes, turtles, and more;we are here to provide anyone keeping or studying reptiles and amphibians with expert guidance. They are also more readily available and are not endangered in the wild. Answer: No. Exotic Pets and Where They Can Be Owned 1. What sets them apart from other skinks is how well they thrive in captivity in social groups and their unique appearance. As far as pets go, most of us will opt for fluffy puppies and kitties, maybe a hedgehog if you're extra wild. Capybara 12. The most common species of bat that people keep as pets are fruit bats. The state offers five different types of permits, including one for wildlife abatement. They are incredibly playful cats, who can warm up to their owners. Included are native caribou, white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose, antelope, mountain sheep, mountain goat, reindeer, pigs, hippos, yaks, and bison. Generally, residents cannot own mountain lions, tigers, African lions, and bears. Of course, if you don't think you're up to owning one, you can let them love on you at this Florida animal sanctuary. Please help. May 11, 2021 at 08:12 . Skunks are popular for exotic mammals, and they are said to be one of the "easier" exotic animals to care for. Any cat must be from a breed listed in a national or international multi-cat registry. They use their teeth to eat a diet of timothy hay. Exotic animals can make great pets for the right people. They are considered exotic pets in the United States. Compared to many of the exotic animals on this list, they make great pets, especially for those who have done their research and are ready to dedicate their time. Except for an entity operated by federal, state, or local government, you cannot own wolves, non-domestic felines, skunks, or bears in Nebraska. Ball Python 3. As far as exotic pet ownership is concerned, it is illegal to keep most wildlife species in California, including hedgehogs, all rodents except for hamsters, non-domesticated rabbits, and many others. They eat a variety of insects and need vitamin and mineral supplements. exotic pests and disease vectors) are not listed below; they also require permits and are considered case by case. Flying squirrels have gained popularity as exotic pets, sold in the United States and abroad, despite the fact that they're high-energy, nocturnal, wild animals. Permit: Required. If their enclosure is set up properly the Red-Footed Tortoise is a low maintenance pet that can live for up to 50 years in captivity. You can own many animals in Nevada that it is illegal to own in other states, including tigers, lions, monkeys, and zebras. Joe momma says. They need an owner that has the room and dedication to properly care for them. If you are going to sell wildlife or an exotic pet, then you need a commercial license. Most, if not all, commercial cages are too small for this parrot. You will need to erect an 8-foot tall "deer-proof" fence or abide by the standards required for your species. Different sexes must be kept in separate cages. Jungle cats are another uncommon species of wild cat that are legal. Their care will vary depending on which species you choose. Furthermore, you cannot own a member of the tegu family. The list of animals that people are allowed to own in Hawaii is extremely limited. Compared to the chinchilla, shes very easy to care for! Listen online or download the iHeart App. this really helped me to know what animals i can have as pests so i can convince my parents on why i want a fox as a pet, What happens if people bring cheetahs to Florida. Even though they are usually docile, they do have a venomous bite. (with whichever permit?) They are not for beginners and it is not always easy to care for them. Some have banned the usual suspects as pets (bears, lions, tigers, etc.) Copyright 2021 EverythingReptiles.com. Tarantulas are great pets, but not for handling. The state is more liberal than most in the animals that you can own without a permit as they allow many types of lizards, chinchillas, hedgehogs, ferrets, opossums, rabbits, and sugar gliders. Like most tortoises, they do need a lot of space to walk and exercise. Most exotic cat hybrids, such as a savannah cat, are not a legal pet in Georgia. It's also illegal to own cheetahs, komodo dragons, bears. Massachusetts. regulates the entry of many livestock and poultry breeds and most exotic species into Florida and into shows and exhibitions in the state. You will need to fill out a Game Farm License Application, which doesn't appear to restrict ownership for private purposes. Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Tennessee, Texas, Nevada, Idaho, Wisconsin, Alabama, North and South Carolina, West Virginia, North and South Dakota, Oklahoma, Arizona, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Maine. Johnathan leads the Everything Reptiles editorial team as our Editor in Chief. Do you know of any other breeders that I can look up. Raccoons do require a bit of care and socialization to remain tame and fulfilled, or they can be prone to aggressive behavior. I also recently adopted a beautiful Kenyan Sand Boa (wild-type adult). Marmoset by Leszek Leszczynski is licensed under CC BY 2.0. They are best suited to someone who has owned livestock or backyard goats or sheep. Note: European ferrets are legal as pets if neutered by 7 months old and vaccinated against rabies. I do, however, truly appreciate that this state has taken the time to figure out how to regulate exotic pets fairly without stripping people of their rights. Anyone may complete the application to become an approved adopter. And this is only just a handful of all the exotic pets you can own legally in the state of Florida. Despite their work, Capybaras are entertaining and fun pets. Squirrel by GalgenTX is licensed under CC BY 2.0. As such, there are different regulations that apply to them. It is only illegal to own Great Apes and non-native bears in South Carolina. WATCH: Sharks biting alligators, the most epic lion battles, and MUCH more. Llama 10. M ok with not renting them out to haunted houses and horror films. Aardvark; all species Elephants; all species Category 1 animals are those who pose little threat to humans and are domesticated. These animals include primates, bears, canids, and felids. The animals cannot be sold but must be gifted to another person. Raccoon by David Slater is licensed under CC BY 2.0. Question: Is it legal to keep a cheetah as a pet in Florida? No hamsters, snakes, ferrets, or gerbils are allowed. Hyacinth Macaw 15. In addition, it is important to consider whether your environment is suitable for the animal you would like to import. Florida does have a hospital climate for them to remain outdoors for most of the year, however. There are many things to consider when choosing a rare pet. The fence will need a top and must go several feet into the ground as servals love to dig and climb. The only permit that the state offers is a special falconry permit. BANS conditional species as pets. _hm|_Vipqz6JEJ)bbuFi%_YTl>x-#.y5 X(B|wd7f Yy:Q$z3W=k/E<3=9 pZHoH4Z>e&oMpx\ig[&(Jq>DF1bOCG0,TuaDAgEmdP@KETSItfJ [=tJ===dl{gAm>{ `Nuskzqn2[EcR3"iDu[XM 4m C`]GWWW)N3>mFo m~AjgNyZKFH';S>mapj[vuDa4w &WIb!qAr%OJqwU=S{nN{wlO?o&: u*s/7,]]-N3|Au`b-0 53x;ExUZywr~T p Any movement restrictions for intrastate movements of exotic or captive wildlife species are regulated by the FWC. Only several birds and aquarium-dwelling species are legal exotic pets in this unique state, with peafowl (a.k.a peacocks and peahens) being considered poultry. Sloths, which are receiving a lot of interest from the public as pets, are legal with the permit, although they are expensive and difficult to care for. The fourth class are those black bears and white-tail deer and require a permit. Most felines in Florida are grouped as either Class 2 or 1 Wildlife. Ideally, this bird should be kept in a large aviary. All other animals fall into one of three categories. They are usually wild animals found in other parts of the world and are not domesticated. They are used for protection and hunting by the Native People of Papua New Guinea and are really tough little dogs. Question: If I find a baby raccoon and take it in to help it get better, but it refuses to leave, what do I do? Most turtles, tortoises, and birds can live for over 50 years. . They also have varying color patterns. There is also a ban on owning wild turkeys, foxes, raccoons, skunks, and wild rodents. It is only possible to find wild Chinchillas in the mountains of northern Chile. You can apply for a particular wildlife permit to keep some others, but the permit must be signed by a person who is another holder of the same license or a higher one. One only has to do a minimal search on youtube.com to view hilarious and shocking stories of people who have tried it. Select the links at the bottom of the page to find summaries of the rules for bringing animals into Florida from other states . All species of squirrels, except the grey squirrel, are legal. But those creatures are just the tip of the. A special permit is needed for any dog that might be crossed with a wolf. It is best not to try and keep a wild porcupine. do you need a liscence to own o caracol on florida. The state sells at least nine different types of exotic pet permits. Otherwise, a person needs a permit, which is only given for scientific or medical reasons. Milk Snakes should live in a secured tank with space for lots of exercise and a source of light and heat. Question: Are Eurasian eagle owls allowed in Florida as pets like in the UK? If you are confident that you can properly care for one of the pets, then speak with a trusted breeder. Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming. An exotic pet must also be legal in your state, but you may need certain permits. Question: Do I need a permit to own ferrets in Florida? They have both dog and cat-like qualities. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The law in Washington is vague when it comes to naming particular animals. African monitor lizards, ill. I went through the container refuse and put it in dry ice. There's a lot of controversy on where these animals fall on the spectrum in terms of being considered "wildlife." Captive wildlife is regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissions Captive Wildlife Office. BANS take, possession and sale of federally listed endangered and threatened species and state threatened species. I never had an escape. Laws and Regulations. Residents may own up to six bobcats, coyotes, gray foxes, red foxes, opossums, rabbits, raccoons, or squirrels that they have taken from the wild. Overall, Leopard Geckos are very easy to care for. What can I do, and do I have to do to get another mixed colony of hissers going in Florida? Capybaras are group animals, and those that live alone do not live happy lives. Question: Are African Pigmey Heghogs legal to own in Florida? Question: Are monkeys legal to keep in Florida? Some exotic animals are legal to own in Florida, while others are not. r. 68A-6.002 which classifies animals into classes. GRANDFATHER: owners on 3/1/22 that obtain Diamondback Terrapin Personal Possession Permit by 5/31/22 and renew it every 10 years. Florida is one of the few states that will issue permits and allow people to own raccoons. People living in Rhode Island can keep water buffalo, alpacas, camels, yaks, and many other animals without a permit. The one you need depends on what you intend to do with the animal. Some live for many years, need large enclosures, and have very specific diets. Below is a summary of state laws governing the possession of exotic animals. Have some feedback for us? Captive Wildlife. They are becoming increasingly popular pets for experienced herpetologists. Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email. Red-Footed Tortoises are found mostly found in the savannas and forests of Panama, Paraguay and Brazil. They should have access to shelter and this area should be heated if it gets cold in the winter. Florida also has an Exotic Pet Amnesty Day, which allows people to turn in unwanted or illegal exotic pets while educating the public about pet care.