What is a wild or exotic animal?
Wild animals are those species that have not been domesticated and genetically shaped by humans for their products (food, fibers, etc) or services (guarding, companionship). Species native to the United States are commonly termed wildlife or wild animals: cougars, raccoons, bears, wolves, etc. Any non-native species is considered exotic: lions, tigers, primates, pythons, macaws, etc. In terms of the trade in exotic and wild animals for pets, the species of greatest concern are: lions, tigers, leopards, cheetahs, cougars, wolves, bears, reptiles, non-human primates, and some birds; all of which are considered dangerous animals and belong in their natural habitat and not in the hands of private individuals. These animals are wild, potentially dangerous and do not make appropriate pets.
