I don't know how legal all of it was. I know folks in Indiana can keep things like skunks with the proper paperwork, and large animals take more. I imagine this stuff is similar in other areas.
Other animals, such as boa constrictors and iguanas, are bought when small and quickly grow larger than the person can take care of. I imagine large cats, bears, and whatnot are similar to this situation, with more paperwork. I imagine there are lots of places where a rich enough person can have a private zoo, complete with lions, tigers, and bears.
Additionally, there is a thriving black market for restricted animals. Some places, this might be as "mundane" as ferrets. Others, alligators, endangered turtles, and even large cats can be had. I'm also guessing that some folks kill the mother bear and trap the baby with intentions of keeping it.
Other animals, such as boa constrictors and iguanas, are bought when small and quickly grow larger than the person can take care of. I imagine large cats, bears, and whatnot are similar to this situation, with more paperwork. I imagine there are lots of places where a rich enough person can have a private zoo, complete with lions, tigers, and bears.
Additionally, there is a thriving black market for restricted animals. Some places, this might be as "mundane" as ferrets. Others, alligators, endangered turtles, and even large cats can be had. I'm also guessing that some folks kill the mother bear and trap the baby with intentions of keeping it.