Animals you didn't know you could have as pets

The fennec fox is naturally found in the Sahara of North Africa but many people keep the nocturnal animals as pets. Often described as a cross between a cat and a dog, fennecs have the aloofness of a feline mixed with the playfulness of man's best friend. (Reuters)

The Romans were the first to domesticate the hedgehog and keep them as pets. The spiky, nocturnal animals require a lot of care. They are prone to many diseases and must live in environments that don't reach below 70 °F as colder weather may cause them to hibernate and die. Despite the effort that goes into keeping a hedgehog, those who do own one swear they make great pets. (TheSorryGirls/Youtube)

The spotted animals may look more like their feline cousins, but the Genet is actually more closely related to the mongoose. The carnivores can live up to 20 years and are nocturnal. (JandaExotics/Youtube)

Wallabies are often referred to as "miniature kangaroos" but the furry creatures are small enough that they can be kept as pets to hop around your backyard. The playful animals love the outdoors and are extremely social. (Reuters)

In 1959, the Soviet Union scientist Dmitri Belyaev set out to breed the domesticated silver fox. He sought out the friendliest foxes and was able to breed foxes that were safe to keep as pets. Unfortunately, Belyaev also created a breed of vicious foxes to study their behavior. (TheFlashmans/Youtube)

Sugar gliders get their name for their preference for sugary foods and their ability to glide through the air. The omnivores are highly social and require a lot of space to keep as pets. (Reuters)

Believe it or not, stinky skunks can be kept as pets. They are highly curious and require a lot of attention. (S Decker/Youtube)

Capybaras are the largest rodents in the world. They also eat their own feces. This disgusting habit helps them extract the maximum amount of nutrients from their food. It also aids the creatures to help digest their cellulose-heavy diet. Do you still want one as a pet? (Reuters)

The Savannah cat, or ashera, is the largest domesticated cat. (Reuters)