Random Weirdest Animals You Can Legally Own In US (15 items)

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  (#13) Ball python

  • Python regius

  If you've ever dreamed of owning a ball python, you're in luck. In states like New Jersey, it's legal to keep these sub-Saharan African natives. In fact, you don't even need a permit or license to have one in many places.

  Some exceptions are New York, Iowa, and the city of Baltimore, where pythons are banned. Florida prohibits pythons, as well, unless you have a permit issued before 2010.
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  (#14) Madagascar hissing cockroach

  • Gromphadorhina portentosa

  If your first apartment didn't satisfy your cockroach craving, you might consider owning a Madagascar hissing cockroach. The only thing that could make a standard cockroach more appealing is the ability to hiss at you from across the room. Originating from their namesake African country, the Madagascar hissing cockroach doesn't have wings like many other breeds. They do grow unusually large, though - as much as two or three inches long. 

  It's perfectly legal to own Madagascar hissing cockroaches in the United States, but some states, like Florida, reportedly require special permits. It's also important to keep in mind that their bodies and feces can harbor certain types of mold dangerous to humans. 
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  (#7) Fennec Fox

  Fennec foxes are undeniably adorable, but that doesn't make them an ideal house pet. As the smallest fox breed on the planet, they only grow (on average) to a little over three pounds. Native to North Africa, their energy and appearance make them similar to puppies. But they also possess an independent streak, which is more of a house cat trait.

  They reportedly can't be owned in California, but many states, like New York, consider them "non-dangerous exotic animals" and allow them to be kept as pets.  
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  (#11) Emperor scorpion

  • Pandinus imperator

  So, you want a pet who won't cuddle, snuggle, or acknowledge your presence in any way? The emperor scorpion might be your ideal match. People do keep these arachnids, which are native to Western Africa and one of the largest scorpions on the planet. On the plus side, they are super low-maintenance and don't require much to thrive.

  There don't seem to be legal or regional restrictions when it comes to owning this scorpion, but it's important to do one's homework before bringing one of these exotic creatures home. They are scorpions, after all, and while they aren't easily provoked, and their venom is relatively mild, they can still sting. 
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  (#6) Chimpanzee

  Out of all the animals in the world, chimpanzees are perhaps the most closely aligned with humans. We share 96% of our genetic makeup with chimps. In several states, like Alaska and Texas, you must obtain a license to keep a chimp, while others outright ban owning the primates. Many other states don't have chimp-specific laws on the books, but it's always wise to check with your local wildlife service before adopting one.

  Living with a chimp is a big commitment. These fascinating creatures, native to sub-Saharan Africa, can live well over 50 years and require just as much care and attention as humans. And while chimps aren't typically suited for life as a service animal, some breeds of monkeys are.
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  (#15) Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pig

  Though not common, pot-bellied pigs are kept as pets in many American households. There's no one specific type of Vietnamese pot-bellied pig; in all likelihood, the ones in the US descend from a variety of different pot-bellied pig breeds native to Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia.

  Pot-bellied pigs can be aggressive, but they're also known to be gentle, devoted, and affectionate when brought up properly. They are also sometimes utilized as therapy or service animals. It's important to check with your local wildlife agency to make sure your area allows pot-bellied pigs as pets, as states like South Dakota have outlawed "non-domestic pigs."

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