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Experienced Pet Owners Can Adopt Exotic Species

NAPLES (CBSMiami/AP) - It's one thing to care for a dog or cat, but owning an exotic pet, like a sugar glider or a boa constrictor, is a whole other task.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Southwest Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area, are looking for experienced pet owners to adopt exotic species.

Officials are offering qualified adopters the chance to take home exotic species turned in by those who no longer can keep them. The animals include a boa constrictor, leopard gecko, African spurred tortoise, African grey parrot and sugar glider.

Those who are qualified and willing to take in the pets can show up at the Exotic Pet Amnesty Day on Saturday at North Collier Regional Park in Naples. The free event also discourages owners from releasing the nonnative animals into the wild.

The FWC says adopters must have an understanding of the natural history and safe caging requirements for the animals.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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