WILD MAMMALS AS PETS

Stressing, first of all, that ""it is not intended as a guide to encourage persons to catch, trap, or otherwise obtain small wild animals. . . ,"" this handbook offers a serious-minded and humane approach to the maintenance of wild mammals, particularly orphaned babies. Taking each species in turn, the animal's dietary needs (how to wean a weasel), habits and susceptibility to taming are reviewed in terms of its general suitability as a pet. The information is consistently specific, including plans for building concrete bottomed cages, listings of applicable state laws and even brand names of nursing formulas. Though many of the species dealt with will never end tip in the average backyard (and are not recommended), the author's first-hand observations provide a solid introduction for the beginning naturalist and offer a beneficial corrective to many old wives' tales and the over-optimistic claims of pet store owners.