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Discussion Should People be Able to Keep Native?

LilyB

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Every now and then you hear about someone keeping a wild animal they found, maybe a raccoon, squirrel, fox, or even a crow and raising it like a pet. Some people argue that if the animal can’t survive in the wild or was rescued as a baby, it’s better off living with a human who can take care of it. Others say wild animals are meant to stay wild, and keeping them as pets is unfair to the animal and can even be dangerous.

There’s also the legal side of it. In many places it’s actually illegal to keep native wildlife without special permits, even if you found the animal injured or abandoned. The reasoning is that wild animals have specific needs, behaviors, and instincts that are difficult for the average person to properly handle.

At the same time, some people argue that if someone has the knowledge, space, and resources to care for the animal properly, there shouldn’t be an issue. After all, humans already keep exotic animals as pets, so why should native species be treated differently?
 
LilyB said:
Every now and then you hear about someone keeping a wild animal they found, maybe a raccoon, squirrel, fox, or even a crow and raising it like a pet. Some people argue that if the animal can’t survive in the wild or was rescued as a baby, it’s better off living with a human who can take care of it. Others say wild animals are meant to stay wild, and keeping them as pets is unfair to the animal and can even be dangerous...
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I think it really depends on the species. A raccoon or fox is way too unpredictable for most people. Even if you raise them from babies, they’re still going to act wild in ways that could be dangerous.
 
Honestly, I can’t see a problem if someone really knows what they’re doing. I mean, there are people who successfully raise rehabilitated animals and then release them later. The issue is mostly people who don’t understand what they’re getting into.
 
NoahL said:
Honestly, I can’t see a problem if someone really knows what they’re doing. I mean, there are people who successfully raise rehabilitated animals and then release them later. The issue is mostly people who don’t understand what they’re getting into.
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NoahL @NoahL That’s true, but how many people actually do it right? I feel like most just get the animal for novelty or because it’s cute, not realizing the long-term commitment or risk.
 
I agree with Lily. Even native birds like crows or hawks shouldn’t be kept as pets. They’re not just animals, they’re part of the ecosystem. Removing them or changing their behavior can have ripple effects we don’t even see.
 
CharlotteKnowles said:
I agree with Lily. Even native birds like crows or hawks shouldn’t be kept as pets. They’re not just animals, they’re part of the ecosystem. Removing them or changing their behavior can have ripple effects we don’t even see.
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CharlotteKnowles @CharlotteKnowles Exactly! It’s not just about the individual animal, but the environment too.
 
LilyB said:
NoahL @NoahL That’s true, but how many people actually do it right? I feel like most just get the animal for novelty or because it’s cute, not realizing the long-term commitment or risk.
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I guess it makes sense when you put it that way. Maybe the “knowledgeable owners” argument only works if there’s regulation and proper permits, otherwise it’s just chaos
 
Bruh, I just can’t wrap my head around people keeping wild animals. Like… a fox in your living room? That’s straight-up asking for trouble.
 
Honestly tho, I lowkey get why some people do it. If you rescued a baby raccoon, it kinda feels like you have to keep it alive. But then again… it probably shouldn’t be your pet.
 
People always think they can handle “nature” in a cage. Like… nature doesn’t negotiate. You don’t get a raccoon to chill just ‘cause you want it to
 
Facts. I’d rather watch them in the wild than in someone’s “luxury cage mansion” or whatever.
 
Yeah, and the law’s there for a reason too. Permits exist for a reason, not just to make things annoying. Wild animals deserve proper care, not a TikTok video.
 
KameronM said:
Can we also just acknowledge how much people underestimate how aggressive raccoons and foxes can be? I swear, one wrong move and you’re basically asking for scratches and rabies shots.
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Exactly. You think you’re “saving” them but sometimes you’re just making more work for wildlife officers. Let the pros handle it.
 
People are going to keep them anyways, if they are not rare it should not matter too much
 
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