Birds are protected by federal law, mammals and other wildlife by state law. You must have a permit from the proper governmental agency to keep a wild mammal or bird. And, strange as it seems, it may be perfectly legal for a pet store to sell you a wild animal and illegal for you to possess it. Cuddly puppies grow into dogs, cute kittens into cats, and helpless little wild animals into big wild animals. Eventually you will have to face this situation.
All wild animals are susceptible to parasites and disease.
While most of these parasites and diseases are not communicable to humans, some are. The result may be painful and anxious moments for your family and the animal. All warmblooded animals may contract rabies. A wild animal has definite needs every day. It will not graciously understand if you leave for a two-week vacation or visit the relatives during the holidays.