STEPHENS COUNTY, Ga. — Lions, tigers — and wolves?
Georgia's Department of Natural Resources is reminding people that many animals cannot be kept as pets in Georgia. On Thursday, they confiscated an "illegal" pet wolf in Stephens County.
They say a female wolf was captured by DNR officials and then taken to "a legally permitted facility."
The individual who illegally possessed the wolf was fined, DNR says.
According to the DNR, Wolf hybrids are not legal pets in Georgia, but they're not the only animals that are not allowed to be kept as pets.
In fact, they say most wild animals can't be pets. To have a wild animal like a wolf, you need to have a license, which is not granted for those looking to keep them as a pet.
DNR explains why on a page on their website.
They say there are a variety of potential health risks for you and your family. Many veterinarians also can't care for exotic pets due to their unique health needs, and if you have that pet illegally, many won't treat them due to liability issues.
Plus, they mention exotic animals can live very long lives, and in the case of pet monkeys, they can live more than 40 years. They raise the question: "Who would care for the animal should something happen to you?"
So if you have a friendly squirrel in your backyard or stumble on a cuddly monkey, Georgia DNR has a simple message to you: don't keep it.
If you want to become friends with a monkey, elephant or Hippo, get a membership at your local zoo. You also will help with animal conservation while you're at it!
