Too often we find ourselves fascinated by those cute little baby iguanas, pythons, or boa constrictors in the pet shop. We make a hasty decision that we later regret and take one of these creatures home. But iguanas and large constrictor snakes do not stay small for long and we may soon have a large intimidating animal that we can no longer care for properly.

Every year Chihuahuan Desert Wildlife Rescue receives numerous calls from individuals wanting to dump their pet. The organization takes them in and tries to place them in qualified homes where they will receive proper care. Many people just release their animals to fend for themselves. This is a cruel practice as few will survive long in a habitat not their own. The lucky ones will be picked up by Animal Control and turned over to the CDWR. Just this year, alone, The CDWR has taken in several iguanas, boas, pythons, hedgehogs, monitor lizards and a caiman that had been found wandering the streets of El Paso.

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Before taking home an exotic pet, do your homework. Research the proper care and housing of the animal. Are you really prepared to take on the responsibility? What will happen to the animal when it reaches its adult size?