10 animals that are illegal to own as pets in the US

Some animals may look fascinating or even adorable, but that doesn’t mean they belong in our living rooms. In the US, laws around exotic pets are strict for good reason—many of these creatures can be dangerous, destructive, or simply unable to thrive outside their natural environment. Here are ten animals you can’t legally keep as pets in most states.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general awareness only. Laws regarding pet ownership vary by state and may change over time. Always check your local, state, and federal regulations before considering any exotic or restricted animals as pets.

(Images are for representational purposes only)

Cobras, vipers, and other venomous snakes are banned in many states, including California, Florida, New York, and Georgia. Even removing their venom doesn’t make them safe to own. Just last year a 13 foot Burmese python was seized from New York home, after someone tipped the police about the illegal ownership of a reptile in the neighborhood.

You might spot plenty of alligators in Florida, but that doesn’t mean they make good companions. While Florida allows ownership with a license, most states do not. Fully grown gators can stretch beyond eleven feet and are powerful enough to seriously injure or kill. Since 1948, Florida has recorded at least 24 deadly alligator attacks—showing why they’re best left in the wild.

Some people think a descented skunk—one with its scent glands removed—could make a quirky pet. But in reality, skunks are illegal to own in most of the country. Only 17 states allow it. Beyond their famous smell, they have unusual diets and a destructive nature that makes living with them difficult.

African pygmy hedgehogs, small and spiky, have grown popular as pets. Yet they’re banned in places like California, Hawaii, and New York City. Their sharp quills can injure handlers, and they often carry salmonella or ringworm. Despite looking cute, hedgehogs generally don’t enjoy human contact and can become stressed when handled.

Their masked faces might make them look charming, but raccoons are notoriously mischievous. They can break into locked containers, act unpredictably, and turn aggressive without warning. That’s why most states ban them as pets. A few, like Texas and Florida, allow ownership with strict rules, but even then, they remain risky companions.

From capuchins to chimpanzees, primates are often romanticized as pets, but caring for them is nearly impossible. They need constant stimulation, social interaction, and plenty of space. Laws vary: some states allow only monkeys and not apes, others restrict ownership to certain breeds, and a few ban them altogether.

They may look harmless, but squirrels are not meant to live indoors. In 26 states, including Alaska and Alabama, keeping them as pets is against the law. Their sharp claws destroy furniture, and their high energy levels mean they need wide outdoor spaces that no cage or home can provide.

It goes without saying that lions are far too dangerous to be kept privately. Their sheer size and strength make them a threat, no matter how tame they may seem. In December 2022, former President Joe Biden signed the Big Cat Public Safety Act, banning private ownership of lions and other big cats nationwide.