Kinkajous!

Kinkajous are in the bear family. They can weigh up to 3-9 pounds. They live in Panama. Kinkajous are nocturnal, meaning they are most active at about 8 PM to 2 AM. Kinkajous like to live in hollow trees after hunting. They have tails that look like monkeys tails. The tail is about the length of its body.

Kinkajous can turn their back feet backwards. Which means their clawed toes can be used to hang. Their front paws are bare-skinned and sensitive.

Kinkajous have very bad vision. They can't see the difference in colors. They communicate with each other by scent. The scent glands are located in the corners of their mouth, their throat, and their abdomen. They also communicate by calls and screams. Kinkajous might have scent glands but have no noticeable odors.

Their wild diet is fruits like figs, bananas, melons, and grapes, along with leaves and honey. Their tongues are about 6 inches long. They eat on their backs.

Kinkajous live between 20 and 25 years. Females have 1 or 2 babies. Kinkajous make great pets, and they do not bite. They like attention. I would consider one for a pet, and I hope you would too. They think that movement and loud noises means Fight or Prey. So until they know their owners they get scared easily. - Kelsey,10,Indiana

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Keeping Wallaroos

Although there are many wild pets out there, one of the most interesting and odd pets is the wallaroo. A wallaroo is a stocky and powerful animal, with a black snout and shaggy fur. Females are somewhat smaller; their maximum weight is 50 pounds, which is the same weight as the average six-year-old human! Males are larger; they can weigh up to 100 pounds, the same weight as an average twelve year old kid.

The average life span of a wallaroo is about 17 years. Wallaroos live about the same amount of time as cats. Wallaroos are curious, playful and affectionate critters, but they can be mischievous. Wallaroos can be trained to do some neat tricks as well.

If you plan on raising a wallaroo, you will need a secure pen and pasture, because wallaroos eat grass and hay. They need to be fed vitamin supplements as well. Wallaroos sometimes eat vegetables.

Obvious by its name, the wallaroo is related to the wallaby. The wallaby is a marsupial, and so is the wallaroo. Other animals in the marsupial family include kangaroos and koalas.

If you are looking to buy a wallaroo, good luck. Because of their rareness as pets, wallaroos are not often easily found. If you do find one, have a great time! - Kendra, 12, Alberta, Canada