Continued: Sugar gliders banned in St. Paul

Several states — including Alaska, California and Massachusetts — have banned them.

'I’m not convinced’

There are lots of animals that are hard to take care of, said Council Member Dave Thune. “I question at what point you make a decision to ban a breed,” he said. “I’m not convinced they’re dangerous or a nuisance.

They’re fun and demanding, said Hovde, who has six gliders.

They fit in your hand, are known to sleep in bras and sweatshirt hoods, and some people carry them around in little pouches, she said.

Veterinarian Keith Hedges, of Brighton Veterinary Hospital in New Brighton, said he’s been dealing with sugar gliders for two years.

“I think they’re pretty neat little animals,” he said. “But they’re not for everyone, by any means.”

City Council members agreed, noting that it’s hard to tell in advance whether someone will be a responsible pet owner. And that, they said, is what inspired the ban.

Chris Havens • 651-298-1542

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