Some Really Perplexing Pets

Do you have a pet? Chances are you do, and it's more likely than not a dog or a cat. But what about the wild side of pet keeping? Some folks choose to buck the norm when it comes to keeping critter companions, and here are some of the most puzzling, if not outright perplexing, as well.

Venomous Snakes: Popular imagery portrays police calls to some remote Outback ranch wherein some terrified Aussie housewife shrieks and squeals as animal control pokes and prods a baby Diamondback out of a closet or crawlspace, but amazingly, some folks actually buy poisonous snakes instead of shooing them away. A baby Timber Rattler can command 300-400 dollars, incredibly, and usually comes with a set of instructions, and some anti-venom, hopefully.

Skunks: Of course most of us know that skunks kept as pets are "disarmed", in that they have their scent glands removed, and are thus odorless, but you can't take away the telling white stripe and olfactory inducing imagery from Pepe Le Pew that easily. Many owners describe pet Skunks as active and curious, affectionate, though often stubborn and headstrong, and sometimes even larcenous. So, if you are looking for a replacement for the in-laws when they're out of town, a Skunk may be just right for you. Illegal in some states.

Pot Bellied Pigs: What weighs up to 125 lbs., is intelligent, curious, territorial, and is always rooting around for food? No, not your teenage son, it's a Pot Bellied Pig! Pot Bellied Pig owners are a unique breed, and profess that pig-keeping is often strenuous and sometimes dangerous, as pigs tend to seize alpha-dominance much like dogs and can be destructive when bored. Are we talking about a teenage boy or the pig? Hmmm...

Iguanas: What has a brain the size of a pea, stares stonily without exhibiting a hint of emotion and isn't recommended for children or the elderly? No, not your estranged ex, it's an Iguana! While many Iguana owners find fulfillment in reptiles, most may not, as Iguanas possess the same set of reactionary nerves as their dinosaur relatives, can grow quite large and aggressive, and may harbor Salmonella in their digestive tract, so consider carefully.

Anteaters: I've always thought that an Anteater would be a great addition to any home's housekeeping toolkit, sort of like a highly specialized vacuum cleaner. The kids drop potato chips crumbles all over the rug, the ants move in, and presto! Reality is, some folks keep Anteaters as pets, and report that they are very affectionate and emotionally demanding. What to feed them when there are no ants around? One owner recommends Avocados and Blue Cheese, which makes them tasteful culinary companions as well. Endangered in some areas.

On a serious note, it is reported by the National American Zoo and Aquarium Association that many exotic pets are abandoned when their owners find them a bit too exotic, and most will perish in the wild, so please do serious research before leaping off with a Lenox or a Lemur.