Can i own a sloth

We have worked with hundreds of sloths over the years, both wild and human-reared and they can all inflict serious injuries if scared or irritated. We have seen a sloth bite through a human hand leaving a hole big enough that you could look through. In addition to their seriously sharp teeth, sloths are astonishingly strong. Despite their small size, sloths are 3x stronger than the average person. Meaning that if you are up against an angry sloth who wants to bite you, chances are the sloth will be the winner of that wrestling match.

When they reach independence at the age of about 18 months , even the most gentle of hand-reared sloths just do not want to be handled any longer. Unlike many animals, sloths do not show obvious external signs of stress. Their natural response to fear or danger is to hold still, and as a result, it is difficult to tell when a sloth is scared or stressed. A pet sloth may look perfectly happy to us — but the reality is probably very different.

We have absolutely no doubt that the sloth photo shoot with the baby was staged with the sole purpose of creating a viral hit. But aside from our concerns for the safety of the baby, we are worried about the negative repercussions these images will have for sloths in general.

Whether this was intentional or not, the tone of the story effectively glamorizes the concept of owning a pet sloth. And that is where the problems begin. The sad reality is, sloths that are sold as pets usually come from the wild. In the wild, baby sloths usually spend a full year with their mothers before reaching independence.

This means that the sloths currently being held in captivity in the US cannot physically produce enough babies to meet the ever-increasing demand from people wanting pet sloths. So every year, hundreds of sloths are removed from the wild and shipped to the US from countries such as Venezuela and Ecuador where export laws are slack. These individuals are then forced to breed and the babies are sold into the pet trade at eye-watering prices.

As a consequence of the pet trade demand, sloth numbers are crashing rapidly in the wild. For an animal that is an expert at maintaining a low profile, it is remarkable how quickly they have risen to fame.

But with their increased popularity, sloths are also finding themselves in places where they do not belong — in yoga studios, swimming pools, and private homes. So if you are considering having a sloth as a pet before you do so, here are some answers to your most frequently asked questions:. The short answer is, in some places, yes. In fact, after Hawaii, which is probably the strictest state in the nation when it comes to pet ownership, California is a close second.

When you think about it, it makes sense that California, with its crowded cities and fragile habitat, would have strict laws about exotic pets. One animal that is clearly restricted is the sloth. However, whereas many animals are restricted because of the threat they pose either to the natural wildlife of the state, agriculture, or the public at large, sloths are deemed illegal for another reason: to prevent the depletion of wild populations.

Native to Central America and northern South America, several different types of sloths, including the Maned Sloth and the Pygmy Sloth are endangered species. Owning either species, or any sloth for that matter, in addition to being detrimental to the sloth itself, could potentially hurt sloth populations in their natural habitat. If you are caught owning a pet sloth or any other exotic animal that is restricted without the proper permits and documentation, you could face stiff fines and even jail time.

Depending on a number of factors, you could face up to six months behind bars. In captivity, secure water and feeding bowl high up in the enclosure as well as on the ground. Also, strap big lettuce leaves and greens around the enclosure and on branches where the sloth likes to hang out. Find an exotics vet in your area who will treat your sloth. Sloths in captivity are susceptible to nutritional issues, digestive problems, respiratory problems, and physical injuries.

Dietary issues are the most prevalent issue since it is quite challenging to replicate a sloth's natural diet in captivity.

Other states may allow sloths, but their state laws do not explicitly state it. Other states may issue permits to own a pet sloth, but that will only be for the pet owner at one address. Some laws ban boarding sloths, crossing state lines with them, and other restrictions. Contact your state and local officials to verify if it is legal for you to own, board, or transport a two-toed sloth where you live. The illegal pet trade also captures wild specimens for selling, which is unlawful, and also attempts to sell three-toed sloths, which do not live well in captivity.

If this will be your first sloth, you should not look for anything other than a captive-bred baby. Steer clear of adult sloths as they are usually unsocialized or may be wild-caught. Both do not do well in captivity. Despite their rise in popularity, there are very few legal breeding facilities where you can purchase a two-toed sloth; it might be a bit difficult since they are so rare to find, but they are available.

Sometimes exotic pet stores sell them, which is often a questionable source. An exotics pet broker will likely be your best way to find one. Seek a seller who proactively gives you a lot of information about the animal and ask a lot of questions about you and your suitability to care for a sloth. Some sellers may not even sell to you if you are not a zoo or registered with the U. Department of Agriculture. If you are interested in pet sloths, check out:. Otherwise, check out other exotic animals that can be your new pet.

Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Before buying any pet, you should check with local regulations to make sure you are in compliance and know the rules. The first thing you should do is seek immediate medical attention.

The next thing you should do is contact our qualified personal injury attorneys in West Palm Beach who can walk you through the next steps of your case. Fort Lauderdale West Palm Beach Personal Injury Blog click for a free case review.