New York State Bans 15 Exotic Animals From Being Sold for Meat!
If you love trying exotic foods, you may want to reconsider your menu the next time you’re in New York. While many people dream of tasting rare or unusual meats, New York State has strict rules about which wild animals can and cannot be eaten.
You’ve probably seen those bizarre scenes in movies, like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, where characters eat things like eyeball soup and monkey brains.
As a kid, I was disgusted by the idea, but it also made me curious about what kinds of animals are banned from eating.
According to New York law, the sale of meat from certain wild animals is prohibited. Here’s a quick overview of the animals you can’t buy or eat in New York:
1. Leopards, Snow Leopards, and Clouded Leopards
These big cats are off-limits. Whether it’s a leopard, snow leopard, or clouded leopard, you cannot find their meat for sale in New York.
2. Tigers, Asiatic Lions, and African Lions
Tigers and lions are iconic animals, but they’re also prohibited for consumption. The law bans any part of these animals from being sold.
3. Cheetahs
Known for their speed, cheetahs are another animal you cannot legally consume in New York.
4. Alligators
Alligators are banned as well, though there may be some exceptions in specific circumstances.
5. Crocodiles and Caimans
Just like alligators, crocodiles, and caimans are part of the Crocodylia order and are not allowed to be eaten.
6. Certain Tortoises and Turtles
Certain types of tortoises and marine turtles are also prohibited. Specifically, tortoises from the genus Gopherus and certain marine turtle families are banned.
7. Vicunas
Vicunas, which are similar to llamas, cannot be hunted or sold for meat in New York.
8. Wolves and Red Wolves
Both regular wolves and red wolves are off-limits, so you can’t find their meat in the state.
9. Tasmanian Forester Kangaroo
Despite their fame in Australia, the Tasmanian Forester Kangaroo is another animal you can’t legally eat in New York.
10. Polar Bears
You might think a polar bear steak sounds like something out of a survival story, but it’s banned in New York.
11. Mountain Lions (Cougars)
Also known as cougars, mountain lions are illegal to sell or eat in New York.
12. Jaguars
These beautiful big cats, known for their powerful build, are not part of New York’s diet.
13. Ocelots
Despite their small size, ocelots are on the list of prohibited animals.
14. Margays
Another wild cat, the margay, is banned for consumption in New York.
15. Rhinoceroses (Sumatran and Black)
Both the Sumatran rhinoceros and the black rhinoceros are protected under New York law, and their meat cannot be sold or eaten.
Why Are These Animals Banned?
New York State has put these rules in place for several reasons. First, many of these species are endangered, and it’s crucial to protect them from further harm. Secondly, consuming meat from exotic animals could have health risks, as their bodies may carry diseases or parasites that can spread to humans.
It’s also worth noting that many of these animals are protected under global conservation laws, so eating their meat could be illegal in other countries, too.
So next time you’re in New York, if you’re looking to try something wild, stick to the more common options on the menu. Remember, sometimes it’s better to leave these majestic creatures where they belong—in the wild.
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