It's illegal to sell wild animals or poisonous snakes in new York City. Many apartment buildings don't even allow dogs and cats, not to mention more exotic animals. Still, the ASPCA takes away most of the exotic animals not because of complaints, but because the pet's owner needs help. A cute lion or bear cub will eventually grow up to be a dangerous predator. "When they bite, it isn't because they hate you today. It's because they're wild animals," said exotic animal expert Kathi Travers. she has the bite marks and scars to prove it.