42 Rare and Unique Exotic Pets You'll Want ASAP originally appeared on PetHelpful.

Dec. 11, 2006 — -- It may seem like a stretch to think of exotic animals as a threat to national security, but that's exactly what a recently released report from the Centers for Disease ...

Flying squirrels are illegally trafficked. Because flying squirrels are considered cute, exotic creatures, the demand to own one has created a dangerous flying squirrel smuggling ring.

These exotic beings are legal to keep in Tennessee and Wisconsin, while permits will be required to keep these bouncing beauties as pets in the likes of Florida, Idaho, New Jersey, Hawaii ...

Furthermore, many of these exotic pets, acquired as babies when they are cute and manageable, grow into wild, dangerous creatures that are expensive and difficult to care for.

The Animal Health Institute hosted its 17th annual Celebrity Pet Night, where the winners of the 5th annual Cutest Pets on Capitol Hill contest were announced. The contest was open to all animals ...

Our third version of the Cutest Pets in Dallas competition was as tough as ever. We invited our readers to submit their beloved pets for consideration. A full 1,000 did so.