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sofia >
forest hill high school >
2002 envirothon
Information
Here is a recommended chart to fill in with plenty of research before purchasing any pet:
| Category |
Response |
| Exotic Pet Choice |
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| Scientific Name |
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| Natural Habitat |
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| Adult Size/Weight |
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| Dietary Needs |
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| Special Health Issues |
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| Source of Medical Care (if needed) |
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| Safety Issues for Humans |
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| Size of Cage Area Needed |
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| Special Environment Needs |
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| Social Needs |
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| Cost of Purchase |
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| Cost of Maintaining (monthly estimate) |
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| Care Issues (high/low mediums) |
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| Additional Information |
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Additional Information:
- There is no way to determine how many exotic animals are held as pets because the states don't keep accurate records of the exotic animals coming into each state.
- 6,000-7,000 tigers are held by private individuals
- Usually when people decide they can no longer take care of their exotic pet, the responsibility is handed over to zoos and other institutions such as sanctuaries. Because of the high numbers of animals these places are receiving, many animals are euthanized, abandoned, or doomed to live in unsuitable conditions.
- One of the reasons people buy exotic pets is that they are easily accessible. More then 1,000 internet sites make it possible to buy exotic pets.
- Monkeys are the most common non-human primates owned by a private person. They are dangerous animals that often bite to defend their territory. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), 52 people have reported being bitten by a monkey between 1990-1997.
- Felines such as lions, tigers, leopards, and cougars are often brought when they are small, but get out of control, as they grow larger. They have been known to get lose and attack people.
- Reptiles are commonly owned, with snakes being at the top of that list. About 3% of the U.S. households own 7.3 million pet reptiles. These pets are potentially dangerous, especially to small children and pets. On August 28, 1999, in Centralia, IL, a 3-year-old boy was strangled to death by the family's pet python.
- Exotic pets are known to carry many foreign diseases. Monkeys can transmit the Herpes-B virus, Ebola virus, monkey pox, and other deadly diseases. Salmonella is also carried by about 90% of reptiles. Reptiles such as iguanas, snakes, lizards, and turtles often carry the disease. Many don't show any signs, making it difficult to detect any sickness. When a human contracts any of these diseases, a result can include severe diarrhea, headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and even death.
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