Collecting individual live animals from the wild can threaten
a species. International trade in live reptiles and small
mammals is big business. About three million live reptiles
are traded annually to supply the international pet collectors’
market. The United States imports about half that number.
For each animal that makes it to a pet store many others die en route. The uncontrolled collection of wild reptiles and mammals can cause populations to decline to the point of extinction. Avoid buying a mammal or reptile that has been collected from the wild.
If
you do buy a pet, make sure you purchase the animal from a
reputable breeder that can provide documentation of captive
breeding. Be very thorough in requiring documentation. A captive-bred
animal does not affect the wild population.
“It died. I am not sure why!” “It got too big so I gave it away.” People with good intentions may accidentally harm their pets through a lack of understanding the animal’s needs. Unlike a dog or a cat, a reptile or exotic mammal does not tell you when it is uncomfortable, and its care can be very difficult. Don’t even consider getting a pet, unless you are fully committed to caring for it throughout its life.
