5 Wild Animals NJ Residents Want As Pets, But Are Illegal To Own

I was watching a documentary on owls the other day, because I really am just that cool in my free time, and the entire time I was watching this documentary, I was just thinking to myself, "Wow, I really want a pet owl now." Granted, I don't think an owl and my cat would get along well at all, but I think it would be so cool to have a pet barn owl or something like that.

That got me thinking: there are a lot of wild animals I think would be cool to have as pets, but at the end of the day, it would be a bad idea, and they're also illegal to own.

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1. Owning A Pet Owl In NJ Is Illegal

I'm not surprised, but I'm also bummed. How cool would it be to have your own owl, sitting on a perch in your home that would fly down and land on your extended arm when you walked through the door? It'd be a cool party trick. Plus, they'd help keep the rats and unwanted rodents away from your home.

2. Owning A Monkey Is Illegal In NJ

We've all seen friends, right? How cool does Ross look walking around with Marcel the Monkey? Sadly, in NJ, you can't just own a monkey; they're considered possibly dangerous animals.

But with their opposable thumbs, big personalities, and curious nature, I think it'd be a ton of fun to have a pet monkey go to the beach with you!

3. Owning A Seagull In NJ Is Illegal

Alright, so I know not everyone would be on board with this one, but a pet seagull? That'd be cool!

You could train it to swoop down into the yard of the neighbors you don't like, and steal burgers off their grill or something. Maybe that's just me.

4. Owning A Bear In NJ Is Illegal

Again, may lose some people on this one, but have you ever looked at a bear cub and thought "I just want to give it a hug?" Because that's all I think about.

Bears, though, are considered possibly dangerous animals and are therefore illegal to own as a pet in New Jersey. However, how much fun would it be to have a pet bear greet you at the door every day after work?

5. Owning A Bush Baby Is Illegal In NJ

Thanks to National Geographic, I know what a Bush Baby is, and they are absolutely adorable, just look at this guy!

However, a Bush Baby is a marsupial, and most marsupials are illegal to own as pets. But could you imagine this little guy swinging around the house? I think that would be fantastic.

Sadly, all of these animals are illegal to own in Jersey, even if you really want one as a pet. My recommendation? Stick to your cats and dogs!