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By: Selena Straughan '32
In the world today, there are a lot of weird and interesting pets. They might look different, act different, or just be plain exotic! Here is a collection of some of the unusual pets people own and about them.
Sugar-Glider
Sugar-Glider
The Sugar-glider, a cute marsupial related to kangaroos and koalas, is an adorable and popular pet! But what makes them different? They glide.
These animals use special, thick membranes of skin (called a patagium) that spreads from their wrists to their ankles. They can then spread their arms out and soar with their ‘parachute’, and very far too, over 150 feet!
These pets can cost from $500-$1000, and they are social, so most people get two! Not only that, but they are illegal to own in Pennsylvania. So, if you want one of these pets, not only would you have to save up your money, you also would have to move.
Capybara
Capybara
The Capybara, a well-known and loved animal, is a rare pet to have! These animals are actually rodents, and the biggest rodents of all!
Although it might not look like it, Capybaras love water, and need water to swim in.
Capybaras have webbed feet, making them excellent swimmers! They can hold their breath for up to 5 minutes, a time that would make most humans pass out!
Like the Sugar-Glider, Capybaras are social and need to be kept in pairs or groups. They are very expensive, the price ranging from $1000-$3000. They also need specialized care and a large inground swimming area, making the cost even more expensive. This is why experts recommend keeping them in sanctuaries instead of private homes.
African Pygmy Hedgehog
African Pygmy Hedgehog
The African Pygmy Hedgehog (otherwise referred as the four-toed hedgehog) is a small, cute hedgehog people have as pets. They live from 4-6 years of age, and tend to stay on the smaller side.
They have an excellent sense of smell and hearing that they use to locate prey, often detecting insects 2 inches underground! They are also nocturnal, hiding in burrows during the day.
They cost from $100-$300 normally. They, unlike the other two animals listed above, are solitary animals and like to be by themselves. Sadly, they are illegal to own in Pennsylvania so not many of us are getting these pets anytime soon.
All of these pets are unique and exotic, each with their own cool ability and cute characteristics.
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