These tiny marsupials have become quite fashionable as exotics pets in Australia and New Guinea. Most are drawn to the large eyes of sugar gliders and playfulness, which makes it difficult for the owner and the pet to separate their lives. Nevertheless, one should be aware of the legalities on owning such animals before bringing a sugar glider to Florida.
Sugar Gliders and Status of Exotic Pets
Sugar gliders are nocturnal and of the possum family. Diet, social life, and special care demanded make sugar gliders exotic pets. Because there is no federal regulation, laws regarding exotic pets in the United States have become state by state or jurisdiction by jurisdiction, even more stringent in some places.
In Florida, exotic pets fall under the regulations of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, abbreviated as FWC. The FWC categorizes animals into various classes according to the level of potential danger they may pose to the public and the environment.
Legal Status of Sugar Gliders in Florida
Owners of sugar gliders in Florida do not require any special permit or license. They would, therefore, fall into categories as small, harmless pets and be generally like hamsters and guinea pigs. There would, in this regard, be no special permission required to buy and own them as pets as they have satisfied all the usual expectations governing the ordinary regulations on the keeping of pets.
Though sugar gliders are allowed in Florida, the source of the sugar glider has to be legal and responsible. Avoid buying from illegal or unlicensed breeders or sellers since such practice may be adding to illegal wildlife trade. In buying a sugar glider, it should always trace its origin to a good source.
Potential Restrictions on Sugar Glider Ownership
The possession of sugar gliders is allowed in Florida, but local ordinances could still be present. Cities and counties might have ordinances that restrict or prohibit certain exotic pets, including sugar gliders.
Before bringing a sugar glider to your home, check with the local government and find out if any municipality has some restrictions for the pet owners. Failure to adhere to the local ordinances will bring some fines or remove the pets from your custody.
Care Responsibilities With Sugar Gliders
Sugar gliders are actually rather high-maintenance pets. They're difficult to care for-they require specific diets, stimulating environments, and lots of social interaction. Because sugar gliders are so social, it is usually advised that a person keep two.
They are nocturnal, so they are active at night. That makes them not suitable for the owners who need pets to be active during the day. Also, a sugar glider lives for 10-15 years; therefore, it requires long-term commitment.
Importance of proper care and ethical ownership
Yes in Florida, as long as there is responsible ownership. They do not meet their specific needs, or they fail to give them their particular needs, which will bring behavioral and health problems. Read fully the general care for sugar gliders that concerns your diet, cage setup, and health maintenance before buying one.
These animals can be kept, but local laws may prohibit that in Florida. Anyway, these are considered to be exotic pets, so extra care must be taken in deciding based on the animal's needs and preparing the proper environment. In fact, owning sugar gliders could be quite rewarding, though definitely not something to be taken lightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does an authorization need to be granted to keep a sugar glider in Florida?
A sugar glider is not a state-threatened species in Florida, hence, there is no special license needed to possess one. This state might have some local provisions which can restrain their ownership.
2. Do sugar gliders get along well if left alone?
No, sugar gliders are very social animals and must be kept in pairs or groups for optimum success. Solitary confinement can be depressing and stressing for sugar gliders.
3. What is a diet for sugar glider?
Sugar gliders need to be fed with a balanced variety of fresh fruits and vegetables coupled with commercially prepared sugar glider pellets, together with other protein sources which includes insects and hard-boiled eggs.