Those of us who have dogs and cats will be quick to tell anyone who asks how much we love them. And we'll tell the dog and cat, too. Yes we do! Yes we do! Who's a good boy? Who's a good boy?
They're part of the family in most cases, and our pets often make everything better.
We know people who've had birds, too--and lizards, fish, horses and even tarantulas. We don't judge them, though in the case of the tarantula owners, keep it in its cage, will ya?
Some animals, however, were not meant to be pets. For good example, think those pretty white-tailed deer that (over)populate our state's forests. Who could possibly say "no" to a nice little doe looking for a backyard to call her own?
Well, all of us. We're all supposed to say no.
The Arkansas Legislature had the good sense to make it illegal to capture deer and keep them as pets in 2012. AGFC officers found deer kept in unsanitary conditions, and captive bucks would sometimes attack their "owners" during mating season. Those antlers hurt when they make contact with fleshy parts.
Some animals have evolved to be kept by humans, but deer aren't one of them. People might find a fawn in the woods and think it abandoned, feeling the need to bring it home and "save it." Don't, AGFC says. The mother is likely nearby and will return after you leave.
They're called wild animals for a reason, emphasis on "wild." If you want to see a deer up close, buy a deer feeder and appreciate the creature from a distance with binoculars.
But fear not, animal lovers. If a dog or cat just isn't doing it for you, the UofA Division of Agriculture Research and Extension reported on some animals you are allowed to capture from the wild and keep as pets. They include bobcats, coyotes, gray foxes, red foxes, possums, rabbits, raccoons and squirrels.
But if you want our advice, go to the local shelter and adopt a dog or cat. They'll love you so much more than a bobcat plucked out of the woods.
They'll probably do less damage to the couch, too.
Editorial on 09/17/2018