Imprinting means that the young animals substitute humans for their parents. They also do not realize that they are a raccoon, squirrel, opossum, etc. When this happens, the animal cannot be released to the wild because they are unable to feed and protect themselves. They are either destined to a life in captivity or may slowly starve to death if released. Disease is another reason that wild animals should not be kept as pets.
Wildlife can spread rabies, skin diseases, tuberculosis, distemper and respiratory problems.
Rabies, which is always a threat in the wild, can be transmitted to humans with a bite or scratch. Skunks are the most common carrier of the disease, although coyotes, raccoons and foxes frequently carry rabies. In addition to these diseases, wild animals can carry mites, lice, ticks, fleas, heartworms, roundworms and tapeworms. Caring for wild animals requires much time, experience and expertise. It is not as simple as taking a young bird home and feeding it a worm.