They might be cute when they are young, but alligators, crocodiles, lions, tigers, bears, wolves, and many other animals do not grow up to make good (or even cute) pets. Even knowing what they will grow up to be it seems that people still decide to make pets of these wild and dangerous creatures. Most of them learn the hard way and the trouble really begins when they want to get rid of their pets, only to discover that sanctuaries are rare and usually full, zoos don’t have room for new animals and don’t want those who have been raised as pets, and no animal shelter is equipped to deal with them. And so, without further ado, here are a few of the top animals that should be on your list of animals that are not pets, at any age:

Primates. Monkeys are endearing, it is true, but they require more care than most people have time for. They may behave violently when angry and can carry diseases that are deadly to humans.

Large Cats. Panthers, cougars, lions, tigers- if it’s not a domestic cat, it doesn’t belong in your house. They cannot be declawed, they can easily kill a person, they are very expensive to care for and require a great deal of space.

Poisonous Snakes. Some snakes can kill you with a single bite – and unless you have a doctor and the anti-venom at the ready in your home, that will be it for you! And then there are cobras that can leave you blind and in horrible pain by spitting at you!