Here in Tennessee we used to be able to keep anything we wanted as pets. My great-grandmother had three pet skunks (descented of corse) and I guy I know had a pet ground hog. The laws have changed now and no animal that is native to the area is allowed to be owned without a permit. Which is a good thing really because even though it sounds cool to tell some one you have a pet ground hog, you may not think it too cool when you stick your hand under the bed one night and get your finger bit off. (They are protective of thier nests).