Polar bear as pet...?

Question

This is a serious question.

I would like to raise exotic animals. I don't mean keep them as a pet in my house and make them do tricks, I would like to adopt animals like bears, etc and raise them in environments close to natural. Not like a zoo, but on land that I own. How do you go about adopting a bear? Is it legal? What are the regulations?

I am not looking to start a debate about whether or not people should have exotic animals. I would like information on how the process works and the legal stuff involved.

Thanks everyone. Just to clarify I will graduate from college this spring with a biology degree. I don't plan to care for the animals by myself I know I will probably have to hire expert help. Basically what I am hearing is that I need a permit, I need to be a "wildlife park" to have these kind of animals. Any body have any additional suggestions?

Answer 1

Most states ban private ownership of exotic or dangerous animals, or any endangered or threatened species; however, if you are talking about a zoo-like situation, or a safari park environment, you might be able to get an exhibitors license. It would be extremely costly. It is also not in the best interest of the animals, unless you are an expert in the field and are overseeing a captive breeding program designed to prevent the extinction of a species.

Here are some websites that may help.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/awlicreg.html

http://www.api4animals.org/b4a3_exoticexhibits.php

http://www.api4animals.org/b4a2_exotic_animals_summary.php

Answer 2

First, I'm not sure if it is legal to adopt a bear, but out of every kind of bear, a polar bear is the kind you'd never want to have. Unless you live in the artic,you can't properly provide the environment it needs to survive. Zoos have a hard time replicating the climate they need. And second, polar bears are not like other bears in the way that they actually hunt humans.

Owning exotic pets isn't bad,it's pretty cool, or so I think, but a polar bear is definitly one to stay away from. Good luck though

Answer 3

Nope, and effective you like a puppy polar bear once you progression to Canada, yet I surely have a extra helpful thought. pass to them on the close by zoo and pretend they're your pets from afar. Rule of thumb: in case you may no longer puppy a hippo or polar bear, then they'd't be pets!!! yet they're style of amazing.

Answer 4

Hi... Every state has different regulations regarding which kinds of exotic animals are allowed. Usually you need to purchase licenses for a petting zoo or wildlife park. You may also need to purchase alot of liability insurance in case one of your critters mauls someone. You will find this may or may not be something you can afford to pursue. Check your state license bureau and ask alot of questions. Good luck, you'll probably need it!

Answer 5

Personally I doubt if you would have the finances to keep up with them, and it is Illegal in most states to have exotic pets, most people that do , have had schooling and worked with those type animals 30 years + and are licenced. Best bet is go to school and work with them.

Answer 6

It is illegal and it shouldn't be done. Besides, as for polar bears, you can't own land on the north pole! Why don't you volunteer to work for a wildlife rescue centre instead?