A Research Framework for the Geographic Study of Exotic Pet Mammals in the USA

Authors

Gabrielle C. Tegeder, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Paul R. Hanson

Second Advisor

Christina Dando

Date of this Version

Spring 1-2015

Document Type

Dissertation

Citation

A dissertation presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Major: Geography

Under the supervision of Professors Paul R. Hanson and Christina Dando

Lincoln, Nebraska, January 2015

Comments

Copyright 2015, Gabrielle C. Tegeder. Used by permission

Abstract

Exotic animals are not well-represented in geographic studies, even in the emerging sub-field of animal geography. With the dearth of exotic animal studies, and the relevance of exotic pets in the public consciousness and in the news, a basic, introductory study such as this is necessary to begin examining the myriad ways in which exotic pets intersect with, and have influence in, both the site and situation of modern human-oriented environments.

Exotic pet attack incidents and both state and federal laws regarding the private ownership of exotic mammals as pets were examined in detail within the scope of this research. In addition, a survey of 133 exotic pet owners across the country indicated a variety of animals owned, as well as diverse viewpoints on the issues associated with ownership of exotic animals as pets, many of which stress the health and safety of both humans and animals. This dissertation provides a foundation into the subject of exotic pet ownership in the United States, and gives some insight into the complex relationships between these animals, the people that own them, and the human-constructed environment they share. This largely unexplored topic requires more attention so that we may examine attitudes about, and laws regarding, exotic pet ownership and its impact on people, on animals, and on the spaces in which they interact. These and other issues can be – and indeed, should be – explored within a geographic research framework.

Supervisors: Paul R. Hanson and Christina Dando