Reading through the news the other day, I came across a story titled “Baby Skunk Sold as Pet in S.D. Has Rabies.” It was more of a recall than a news story actually. I wasn’t sure whether I would be concerned that a neighbor’s pet had rabies, or that my neighbor owned a pet skunk. Finding out that people can own skunks as pets was a new one to me.

So, that got me thinking...what are the most unusual animals to have as pets in the U.S.? Here are the most unusual (listed from sort of normal to just plain wacky):

Pot Belly Pig
Chinchilla
Monkey
Squirrel
Fennec Fox (pictured)
Chipmunk
Skunk
Sugar Glider
Hedgehog
Possum
Wallaby
Degu (aka Starter Chinchilla)
Kinkajou (aka Sugar Bear)
Coati 

If you are thinking about getting an unusual pet, like the ones above, do your homework and make sure it is legal in your state and you get any required permits. Check your state’s website for more information.

Personally, I think it is a little strange to own tarantulas, snakes, and pretty much anything other than a cat, dog, hamster, bunny, bird or guinea pig...but then again, that’s just me.

Do you or anyone you know have an unusual animal as a pet?

Thanks to Flcikr: Yvonne in Willowick Ohio for the photo of the Fennec Fox!