Prospective pet owners may be looking for something different, the sort of creatures that roamed in the days of dinosaurs. But once they bring exotic reptiles into their homes, they may find it's more modern day nightmare than glimpse into prehistoric fantasy. Illinois Department of Natural Resources experts are offering a list of suggestions for prospective pet owners who are considering adoption of such pets as iguanas, pythons, boas, or alligators.
"Most people buy these pets on an impulse," said Scott Ballard, IDNR reptile expert and herpetologist. "Then, they get them home, and when they can't care for them properly, the reptiles either die in captivity, or they are dumped, and die in the wild."
Ballard offers basic advice before adoption. Find out in advance if the pet you're thinking of buying is legal. If the pet is endangered, such as an alligator, a permit is required. Some municipalities and counties have more strict regulations than the state, so check at all levels to see if your purchase is allowed under the law.
Research the needs of the pet, including what it eats, and how much space is required. Don't just take the word of the dealer from whom you purchase the pet. Talk with a veterinarian, zoologist, or herpetologist.
Learn how big the pet will get, and how long it will live. A Burmese Python may grow several feet in the first six months of life. Iguanas grow to be five feet in length. Pet owners should be committed to take care of a pet for however long it will live. Most zoos have limited budgets and are unable to take in abandoned pets.
Provide adequate medical care. Ballard says many iguanas starve because of parasites in their intestinal track.
If for some reason, you are unable to keep your pet, don't dump it. Consult a reptile rescue agency, or be prepared in extreme circumstances to euthanize it. Most reptiles cannot survive Illinois winters. The creatures do well in tropical climates and Illinois summers, but die in winter. During months they may live in the wild, as invasive species, they can damage the ecosystem with predatory behavior.
Ballard says reptiles can be rewarding pets. They are easier to care for than mammals, needing less frequent feedings. However, the IDNR herpetologist says don't confuse a reptile's poikilothermic make-up with affection: when a reptile snuggles, it's to take advantage of body heat, not out of affection. Poikilothermic is just another way of saying cold-blooded. |
