Illegal pets: from the surprising to the obvious -

They may be cute and furry but quite a few of them are banned in several states and countries.

© Getty Images

Salamanders - Salamanders are the smiliest of lizards, but they're also known to carry salmonella. This bacterial infection can easily be passed to humans, so these little fellas have been banned in countries such as Singapore.

© Shutterstock

Pitbulls -

Pitbulls have a bad reputation for being aggressive and dangerous. Unfortunately, this started when dog fighting became popular in the 1980s and some owners trained their pitbulls to be violent.

© Getty Images

Pitbulls -

There were some unfortunate attacks in the following years. The public outcry resulted in bans in countries around the world. However, legislation is being reconsidered in many places.

© Getty Images

Mini pigs -

The growing trend of mini and micro pigs as pets was a concern for health departments around the world.

© Getty Images

Mini pigs -

While they can be very cute, pigs may also become aggressive and can develop rabies. It's also a problem when you think you've bought a cute micro pig and it grows into quite the big boy!

© Getty Images

Hedgehogs -

Surprisingly, hedgehogs have been banned as pets in some areas. Although they're small and cute, they're capable of creating a large population if released into the wild.

© Getty Images

Hamsters - Shockingly, hamsters are banned in Hawaii. The Hawaiian Islands take strict measures to preserve their environment and local species, so they are wary of any pets that could have a negative impact if released.

© Shutterstock

Bengal cats -

Bengal cats don't look that different from your average house cat, but they're actually a hybrid cross of a domestic cat and a small Asian leopard cat. There's a blanket ban on hybrid animals in a lot of places. In the US, owners are petitioning a change in the laws.

© Shutterstock 

Quaker parrots -

Quaker parrots are native to many countries. But they're banned as pets in most places, as they may be invasive to the local animal population. Some US states allow them as pets, but with restrictions that seriously impact the bird's quality of life.

© Getty Images

Burmese pythons -

The Burmese python is a large exotic snake. They are illegal to keep as pets in many places, as they wreak havoc on the local species if released.

© Getty Images

Ferrets -

Ferrets are beloved pets to many, but they can carry rabies and could create an army if released into the wild to breed.

© iStock

Sugar gliders -

Sugar gliders are the cute nocturnal cousins of the squirrel. But they're not the best pets. They require a lot of outdoor space, they make a lot of noise, and they may be a threat to local species. It can also be difficult to source their food.

© Getty Images

Wolf dogs -

Wolf dogs are crossbreeds between domesticated canines and wolves, and still have a lot of wolf DNA. Some countries accept them the same way they would any other species of dog, but others find them too risky.

© Getty Images

Hermit crabs - Hermit crabs are another strange animal banned in Hawaii. They didn't provide any reason for the law, but it's likely they're concerned about the possible impact on local species.

© iStock

Fennec foxes -

These tiny adorable foxes are native to Africa. Naturally, their size and playful nature make them coveted pets, but their ownership is banned in several US states. As exotic imported animals, their physical and emotional needs may be impossible to meet in a domestic environment.

© Shutterstock

Indian star tortoises -

This rare and beautiful breed of tortoise is an endangered species, so it is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna or Flora.

© Getty Images 

Bearded dragons - Some places have banned the importation of bearded dragons as pets because they have no natural prey in a new environment, and are likely to compete with the local species. They're also known to prey on birds and their eggs.

© iStock

Servals -

The serval is one of the most beautiful exotic cats, and has become a desired pet for many cat lovers. They're commonly outlawed as pets because they are truly wild and struggle with domestic settings.

© Getty Images

Servals -

Though they can be affectionate companions, they also hunt, hiss, and pee on everything as they get older!

© Shutterstock

Slow lorises - These sweet-looking creatures are illegal to export from their native lands in Northeast India and Southeast Asia. It's legal to buy them in countries like Russia and Japan, but in most places you can't even find them in zoos.

© Shutterstock

Skunks -

It's surprising that it's even necessary to ban skunks as domestic pets, but some animal lovers have been domesticating them for more than 60 years.

© Shutterstock

Wallabies -

Wallabies are often referred to as "mini kangaroos" and are common in the wilds of Australia. They are sometimes imported to the US, but they are banned within cities as they require a large amount of space and special care.

© Getty Images

Chimpanzees -

While they're adorable creatures, chimpanzees can grow up to 150 pounds (68 kg) and can have a lifespan of 50 years. That's a lifelong commitment, and they're not easy pets. They're banned in most places, as they really do belong in the wild.

© Shutterstock

Skunks -

It's necessary to have their scent glands removed as a baby to be able to keep them in the home. Nevertheless, they are a risky pet as there is currently no rabies vaccine for skunks.

© Getty Images

Capybaras - Capybaras are semi-aquatic rodents that can grow up to 140 pounds (64 kg). They do better with company, so you should have more than one capybara, lots of space, and lots of water for them to swim in. It's pretty hard to provide them with the right conditions!

© iStock

Alligators -

This one is on the obvious side, but apparently it still needed to be said! Naturally, alligators are extremely dangerous and would require a very specific environment and care. It's possible to obtain a permit for an alligator in some US states, if you can prove you've got what it takes!

© Shutterstock

Penguins -

All species of penguin are heavily protected, so it's impossible to own them as pets, even though they adapt well to milder climates.

© Shutterstock

Gibbons -

These monkeys are usually cruelly captured by force. The entire family may be killed just to obtain one baby, which will be sold as a pet. This is one of many reasons gibbons aren't allowed as pets.

© Shutterstock

Bats -

Bats are a protected species in most of the US, so it's illegal to capture them from the wild. There's just not much sense in trying to have a pet bat.

See also: Civet cats, bats, and other animals who spread deadly diseases

© Shutterstock