Skunks
Sugar Gliders
Sugar gliders are popular pets with some owners because they're super cute and relatively easy to care for. Technically a type of possum, these "flying" marsupials are similar in size to most pet rodents, but don't let that fool you into thinking they're quite as low maintenance as your typical hamster or gerbil. A sugar glider needs a larger cage in which to dwell, more toys and structures to keep it stimulated, and more attention and affection from you, its owner.
Be forewarned that sugar gliders carry with them a distinct odor — not as intense as that of a skunk's spray, but somewhat similar to a ferret. They're also known to be quite chatty, and since they're mostly nocturnal, that means they'll be up all night, making noise. And as with chinchillas, sugar gliders are social animals. Even unfettered affection from their human owners is not enough. All potential sugar glider owners are very strongly encouraged to adopt at least two of the creatures, so they have another of their own kind with which to interact.
Even with these caveats, there are some stalwart animal lovers for whom sugar gliders can make ideal exotic pets. (But as always, check your local laws to be sure you're legally allowed to have them in the first place.)
Chilean Rose-haired Tarantulas
Tarantulas are pets that may send some people screaming from a room while thoroughly delighting others. There are many kinds from which to choose, but Chilean rose-haired tarantulas are the most popular species of their kind to be kept as pets. The reasons for this are because these tarantulas are, like emperor scorpions, both large and extremely cool-looking, yet very docile and easy to care for. A room-temp habitat and about one cricket per week will do your tarantula just fine.
Also like emperor scorpions, however, these tarantulas are best enjoyed without touching. They are skittish and don't like to be handled, so you're liable to get a dose of venom if you don't keep your hands away. Of course, if you're in the market for a pet tarantula, you're probably not expecting to adopt a snuggly cuddle buddy, anyway.
Chilean rose-haired tarantulas are quite hardy, and can easily live 15–20 years, so make sure you're aware of that commitment before you sign on the dotted line. If you want a long-term crawly pal, get yourself a female; they tend to have longer life spans than males.
Long-tailed Chinchillas
Chinchillas are unique, adorable and increasingly popular rodent pets. In the wild, these plump furballs are found exclusively high up in the Andes mountains in Chile, but they are commonly bred as pets. Once you touch a chinchilla and experience its indescribably soft fur and fun personality for yourself, it's inevitable that you'll start to consider chinchilla ownership.
Before you make the leap and bring home a chinchilla of your own, you need to know about their very specific care requirements. Chinchillas are active, and they like a lot of room to play and a lot of attention. It's a good idea to have two chinchillas instead of one, especially if you can't personally provide a lot of your own time for keeping your chinchilla company.
Chinchillas also require a special dust bath several times a week. Contrary to popular belief, getting a chinchilla wet will not kill it or cause its hair to fall out, but it is true that their dense fur will not air dry easily, so getting them wet is a bad idea. In the wild, they clean themselves by rolling around in dust formed from volcanic rock, but you can buy a commercial version. Depending on your perspective, this can be a fun part of owning a chinchilla, or a hassle to clean up after.
African Bullfrogs (aka Pixie Frogs)
The stereotypical cartoon image of a frog depicts a small, green cutie catching flies with its tongue. But pixie frogs aren't typical frogs, and despite their nickname, they aren't small or cute. On the contrary, these beastly amphibians (the largest, found in South Africa) can grow to 9 inches and weigh more than 4 pounds.
Pixie frogs are aggressive, carnivorous and hungry. They possess sharp teeth and boundless appetites, so be prepared to provide plenty of food if you want to keep a pet pixie frog. In the wild, their prey includes mice and small birds, so feeding your frog some measly crickets won't do the trick. No, you'll need to buy feeder mice to keep your friend full. (Watch a video of a pet pixie frog eating a rat in one bite.)
As with snakes, the idea of keeping such a deadly animal as a pet and feeding it small, mammalian prey may make your skin crawl. But if you have a different personality, a pixie frog may be exactly what you're looking for. It certainly is a unique pet that probably not many of your friends have. You could be the first kid on your block who gets to feed mice to a frog.
Emperor Scorpions
For folks of a certain disposition, pets that are creepy, crawly and intimidating-looking are attractive options as pets. Emperor scorpions make an excellent pet choice for a person of this sort. These natives of African rainforests are large for scorpions, one of the largest species of scorpion in the world, growing to approximately 8 inches. They're also shiny and black and have big, scary-looking pedipalps (front claws). Yet, despite their fearsome looks, emperor scorpions are quite docile, and while they do carry venom (as all scorpions do), theirs is quite mild.
Still, if you're someone who has to handle and play with your pet, an emperor scorpion isn't for you. You can't exactly snuggle with these bad boys. Even though their venom is relatively mild, it'll still hurt quite a bit if you happen to be stung — although, you're more likely to be pinched with those big claws if you agitate an emperor scorpion, which won't feel great either. And that mild venom could potentially send you into anaphylactic shock if you happen to be allergic to it, so caution is the name of the game here.
But let's be honest, the mild danger involved with with keeping a huge, scary scorpion as a pet is half the appeal!
Fancy Rats
As with snakes, the idea of owning a rat is repellent to some (maybe even most) people. Humanity tends to regard the rat as one of the lowest, filthiest, most objectionable creatures on Earth. This is one of the greatest injustices in the world of pets. While we don't suggest you pick out a pet rat from the dumpster in the nearest alley, the domesticated rats (aka "fancy rats") you can obtain from a reputable breeder are among the most loyal and intelligent pets available.
The rat's high level of intelligence means that you can train yours just as well as you could train a dog. A rat will learn its name quickly, and can easily be taught any number of tricks. And as with dogs and cats, handling and petting your rat often (and properly) will only increase your bond. Fancy rats are well known for riding on their owners' shoulders and otherwise being close and affectionate.
Perhaps the greatest downside to rat ownership is their lifespan. Fancy rats have such wonderful personalities and may bond so closely with their humans that their relatively short lifespan of 2–3 years may mean too soon a goodbye for some owners.
