Properly cared for and treated kindly, certain native wild animals make wonderful pets. You must always remember, however, that from the moment you capture and cage a wild creature, you take on certain responsibilities; you become its provider and its protector. It goes without saying that it is inhuman to make an animal a captive and then to neglect or mistreat it.
Various states in the United States and provinces in Canada have laws against collecting and keeping certain forms of wildlife. This is particularly true in the case of mammals and birds, although some regions also protect amphibians and reptiles of certain species. However, there are many forms of animal life that you can keep without a permit if you are sincerely interested in collecting, studying and exhibiting them in a home zoo. Before you attempt to keep any wild creature as a pet — especially a bird or mammal — find out what the law is where you live. You can get information from your wildlife or game commissioner, a game warden or perhaps an Audubon club.
Some creatures, such as foxes, raccoons, woodchucks and certain kinds of birds and reptiles, do not take to captivity readily when they are caught as adults. Do not try to keep them, because fierce animals in Captivity will give you no particular satisfaction: On the other hand, many of these animals often make fine pets if caught when young.
It is, advisable to keep birds and also the larger mammals, such as raccoons, foxes and opossums out of doors. All of our small native mammals and birds, except those that hibernate or migrate, can be left outdoors in winter provided they have good shelter boxes to protect them from the elements. Small mammals, reptiles and amphibians will do better if kept indoors.
Mammals are particularly responsive. but many other forms of animal life make satisfying pets. By observing the habits and actions of all these animals closely, you will learn many interesting things; you may even unearth new facts about them.
If there is a zoo in your vicinity, by all means visit it. Study the cages of small animals and the methods used to care for the animals. The keepers will probably be very glad to give you useful hints, if you ask questions.
