Can Anteaters be pets?

It it legal to keep anteaters as pets in the US?

• Answer:

  There is no federal law that I am aware of that prohibits the import and sale of Ant Eaters by licensed exotic animal brokers, however there may be state laws which govern this.  In New Jersey, though not specifically named as an exotic animal requiring a license as a pet, there is a sub-section of the same law that any exotic animal owner may be required to apply and be approved for a license to keep said animal.  Refer to your state (and City if you live in a larger urban area) laws regarding exotic animals. EDIT - This would also depend on the species of Ant Eater - Silky, Southern and Northern Tamuda's are not threatened species.  The Giant Ant Eater is considered 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN.  As with any exotic animal, you should ensure that yours are coming from breeders (which is dubious as Ant Eaters are a slow breeding species, making them commercially unattractive)  and are not captured wild animals.