In a concerning trend, researchers estimate that millions of exotic animals are privately owned as pets in the United States alone.
According to recent statistics, approximately 17.6 million exotic pets are currently owned in the U.S., with about 9 million households having at least one exotic pet.1
While some may find the idea of owning a unique pet thrilling, the reality is that many of these animals are incredibly dangerous and pose significant risks to their owners and the public.
Here are 9 of the most dangerous animals people have kept as pets, and the tragic consequences that followed.
1. Tigers

Antoine Yates, a 37-year-old man from Harlem, New York, was attacked by his 400-pound pet tiger named Ming in 2003. Yates had been keeping the tiger in his apartment, along with a 3-foot-long alligator named Al.
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When Yates went to the hospital for treatment of a bite wound, authorities were alerted to the presence of the exotic animals.
A team of officers, wildlife experts, and animal control officials had to rappel down the side of the apartment building and sedate the tiger with a dart gun before removing it.
2. Chimpanzees
Travis, a 200-pound chimpanzee, brutally attacked a woman in Stamford, Connecticut, in 2009.
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The chimpanzee, who had appeared in television commercials and was known for using the toilet and drinking wine, mauled the woman, leaving her with severe injuries to her face and hands.
The chimpanzee’s owner, Sandra Herold, had to stab the animal with a butcher knife and hit him with a shovel in an attempt to stop the attack. Travis was eventually shot and killed by police officers who responded to the scene.
3. African Rock Pythons
Tragedy struck in Canada when two young brothers were strangled to death by an African rock python that escaped from its enclosure in a pet store in 2013.
The snake, which was approximately 14 feet long and weighed around 100 pounds, made its way through the ventilation system and into the living room where the boys were sleeping.
African rock pythons are known for their aggressive nature and are capable of killing adult humans. They are not suitable pets and are illegal to own in many jurisdictions.
4. Cobras
A Florida man’s life hung in the balance after he was bitten by his pet cobra in 2011. The man, who had a collection of venomous snakes, was feeding the cobra when it suddenly struck him on the hand.
He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors had to administer massive doses of antivenom to save his life. Cobras are highly venomous and can kill a human with a single bite, making them extremely dangerous pets.
5. Crocodiles
Tragedy unfolded in Indonesia in 2016 when a woman was killed by her pet crocodile after falling into its enclosure. The 14-foot-long crocodile, named Merry, dragged the woman into the water and drowned her.
Crocodiles are powerful predators with incredibly strong jaws and sharp teeth. They can’t be considered as pets and require specialized care and enclosures to prevent accidents like this from occurring.
6. Wolves
A Colorado woman met a tragic end in 2006 when she was attacked by a pack of wolf-dog hybrids she had been keeping as pets.
The woman, who ran a wolf-dog breeding operation, was trying to break up a fight between the animals when they turned on her and mauled her to death.
7. Venomous Lizards
A Florida man found himself in a dangerous situation in 2007 when he was bitten by his pet Gila monster, a venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States and Mexico.
The man, who had a collection of exotic pets, was feeding the lizard when it suddenly latched onto his thumb and wouldn’t let go.
8. Big Cats
Chaos erupted in Ohio in 2011 when a man released his collection of more than 50 exotic animals, including lions, tigers, and bears, before committing suicide.
The animals, which were kept in small cages on the man’s property, escaped and roamed the surrounding area, causing panic among local residents.
Police officers were forced to hunt down and kill most of the animals to protect the public. Big cats like lions and tigers are apex predators and are not suitable pets, requiring specialized care and enclosures.
9. Primates
A California man suffered severe consequences in 2005 when he was attacked by his pet chimpanzee, leaving him with devastating injuries to his face, body, and genitals.
The chimpanzee, named Moe, had a history of aggressive behavior and had previously attacked a police officer and a woman.
Primates like chimpanzees and monkeys are intelligent and strong animals that can become aggressive and unpredictable as they mature.
Source:
1. The Zebra
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.