When Pets Attack!

People are fascinated by chimpanzees and monkeys because they can seem so human. This is one reason why many people have tried to keep them as pets. Even if they're gentle their whole lives, chimps and monkeys may turn violent out of instinct at some point, and people have been severely injured by chimps and monkeys acting out. Readers find out the fundamental differences between people and their fellow primates. These disparities highlight why it's unwise and even cruel to keep chimps and monkeys as pets.

Coyotes and wolves may look like the neighbor's dogs, but don't be fooled. They're wild animals and are ruled by instinct. This book explains how dogs were domesticated over hundreds of years to be suitable companions for people. Readers come to know the differences between coyotes, wolves, and man's best friend. Real-life canine encounters underscore the issues and offer a persuasive viewpoint about the practice of keeping wild animals as pets.

All cats are incredibly cute when they're kittens and cubs. But when they grow up, wild cats are not so cuddly. Yet, some people keep big cats such as lions, tigers, and leopards as pets. They think they can tame them, but a wild animal is always wild, and many big cats owners are responsible for the deaths of people when their pets attack. This book describes the attributes of big cats that make them unsuitable pets. Readers discover the reasons why it's more humane to leave these exotic animals in their native habitats than to cage them.

Readers might know someone with a snake as a pet. But after reading this book, they'll think twice about getting one themselves. The US Humane Society recommends that snakes be left in their native habitats. It's very difficult for people to create artificial environments that can keep snakes healthy and content. This book contains stories of people who tried to keep snakes such as constrictors as pets with sometimes terrifying results. Readers discover why it's best to respect wild animals for what they are: wild.

Alligators are reptiles with one thing on their minds: meat. These cold-blooded animals make horrible pets. That doesn't stop some people from trying to make them pets though. Often the alligators get too big to care for and their owners release them into the wild. Readers will find out why some states don't even allow people to feed alligators and what is being done to control the alligator population.

Ostriches are funny-looking birds with their long legs and huge, popping eyes. But don't get too close. An ostrich's huge talons are sharp enough to kill a lion. Ostriches also eat anything they can find, such as rocks, buttons, and even alarm clocks! Though these animals are increasingly raised on ranches, they're not domesticated, and should never be kept as pets. Readers will love learning about these odd, record-breaking birds.