Because gerbils are very adaptable creatures and could find a way to survive, if the gerbil escapes it can thrive in the climate there possibly out competing several indigenous animals for resources. Arizona and Florida also tend to make owning certain animals difficult for the same reason.Why are gerbils illegial to own in california but not hamsters or other rodents ?
they are?!
i was planning on getting one a long time ago...Why are gerbils illegial to own in california but not hamsters or other rodents ?
I don't know, The department of Fish and Game thinks they'll get out and overpopulate the state, but I don't think that would ever happen. I hate all the illegal animal laws in California, you can't have a hedgehog or ferret either!
hamsters can't move around as well as gerbils.. they are slow and can't climb, and they are not as smart.. hamsters are very domesticated.. gerbils are very capable of living on their own in the wild and fending for themselves.. as are ferrets. Rats are too, but rats aren't illegal, maybe just in some cities.
it really sucks too.. my BF has always wanted a ferret.. and i really wanted a gerbil.. i didn't know gerbils were illegal.. was wondering why i couldn't find any in pet stores -_-;
i believe it is because the gerbils carry a diesese where the hamster does not
I think the only reason a considerably domestic animal is illegal in one area is to prevent possible ecological interference.
It has happened plenty of times in history. An alien animal arrives in one area, gets out, and sort of ';takes over'; the competing wildlife for the habitatss and food. This causes the native animals to die out, and the new animal to thrive. I don't know the technical reason, but basically the ecosystem gets messed up, and animals start migrating or just dying out.
Not only gerbils, but ferrets hedgehogs and rats, too, are illegal in California. They fall under the category of ';wild'; animals, and need a license for the keeping of wild animals. To get the license, you need a purpose like education, it unfortunately isn't open to pet owners.
I think hamsters remain legal, because for some reason, scientists do not see them as a threat. I personally do not get it. It seems like they just threw around some banning laws without considering whether that is totally necessary.
As others mentioned, it's due to gerbils' adaptiveness and the damage to the ecosystem if they were be released and become wild.
Though honestly, I think it's a little ridiculous. They don't populate THAT fast, and there are several resources to go around. The one real negative thing may be an increase in the population of ';predators';.
Also, to Eraser Eraser... rats aren't illegal or in any way restricted in California. They're sold at every pet store, and no special license is needed.
I knew about Ferrets........but Gerbils too? Odd.
Here's what I found, exploring the search engines:
';Gerbils are very adaptive animals and their has to be a concern of what would happen if animals released, on purpose or by accident, where to establish themselves in the wild. Areas which offer a suitable environment and climate would be foolish not to consider such issues. ';
';In some countries introduced species have wiped out other species native to that area. The law is in place to protect animals.';
Wow, you can't own ferrets or gerbils? What happened to ';freedom';?
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