What would you consider is something normal to own? Things like houseplants, cooking appliances, perhaps an action figure or two. Well, there are places in the world where things a bit more outlandish are treated as normal, with no one really seeing the issue of people owning them.

Of course, it depends on the use you’d give the object and if you have any required permits. It remains surprising, though, that owning these things is possible at all. These are the ones we thought were the most puzzling, at least until we find out about even more bizarre things.

Fully Functional Flamethrowers In Most US States

You might think shooting fire requires special clearance, but the federal government does not even classify these as firearms. They are perfectly legal to own without a permit in 48 states, though Maryland bans them entirely.

Demilitarized Military Tanks In The United Kingdom

British civilians can actually purchase ex-military tanks, provided the main gun is fully deactivated and certified. If you want to take your tracked vehicle out for a spin on public roads, you just need a category H driving licence.

Radioactive Uranium Ore For Educational Use

Collecting radioactive rocks sounds like a terrible idea, but small quantities of natural uranium ore are exempt from specific US licensing rules. You can legally purchase display-grade radioactive minerals like autunite to brighten up your desk.

Real Human Bones And Skulls For Display

Having a skull on your mantle is completely legal in the UK, as long as it is a private collection. There is also no broad US federal ban, though laws strictly protect Native American remains from being owned.

Giant Capybaras As Pets In Texas And Pennsylvania

If you want a rodent the size of a dog, a capybara might be for you. States like Texas and Pennsylvania have historically allowed private ownership of these giant swimmers, as long as your local municipality approves.

Demilitarized Fighter Jets Flown By Private Citizens

Private citizens in the United States can buy and fly decommissioned military jets under special FAA certificates. Before purchase, the military strips out all the fun stuff, removing weapons hardpoints, guns, and any classified avionics.

Live Kangaroos Kept As Pets In Wisconsin

Wisconsin state statutes completely skip over kangaroos, which means you do not even need an exotic pet permit to own one. You just need to submit proper health documentation and a veterinary inspection certificate to state officials.

Grenade Launchers Registered As Destructive Devices

You can legally own a military 40mm grenade launcher in the United States. They are regulated as destructive devices under the National Firearms Act, meaning you just need to register them and pay the appropriate tax stamps.

Concealed Sword Canes In Certain US States

Walking around with a hidden blade feels like something out of a spy movie. While states like California have banned these concealed sword canes outright, several other US states still allow you to legally own and carry them.

Military Grade Body Armor For Private Citizens

If you feel the need to gear up for a trip to the grocery store, federal law allows it. Law-abiding civilians can legally purchase and wear military-grade body armor, provided they do not have a violent felony conviction.

Firearm Suppressors For Hunting In The UK

Movies make suppressors look like tools for assassins, but in the UK, these sound moderators are perfectly legal for hunting. In fact, they are highly encouraged to protect the shooter’s hearing and minimize noise disturbance for neighbors.

Live Flesh Eating Piranhas In Home Aquariums

Dropping your hand into a fish tank gets a lot riskier when you own piranhas. States like California and Texas ban them completely, but maintaining a home aquarium full of these predators remains legal in Ohio, Illinois, and Indiana.

Venomous Gila Monsters Kept As Exotic Pets

Taking one of these venomous lizards out of the wild is heavily restricted by state and federal laws. However, if you find a captive-bred Gila monster, you can legally keep it without a permit in Wisconsin or Wyoming.

Live Zebras Roaming On Private American Ranches

Texas does not classify these striped animals as dangerous wildlife, which makes owning one surprisingly easy. There are currently thousands of zebras living on private ranches and in private collections across the state without requiring special permits.

Two Toed Sloths Kept As Household Pets

Several US states allow you to keep two-toed sloths as pets, though some require special permits. Keeping them alive in a house is incredibly challenging, as they demand a constant temperature of 85 degrees and 80 percent humidity.

Fennec Foxes Kept Legally In Many Countries

Native to the Sahara Desert, the fennec fox is the smallest fox species in the world. Several jurisdictions across the United States allow people to keep them as private pets, though local rules range from required permits to total bans.

Pet Skunks In The United Kingdom

Keeping a pet skunk in the UK is totally fine, but you have to accept the risks. Under the Animal Welfare Act of 2006, surgically removing their scent glands is classified as an illegal mutilation, so they stay intact.

Wild Serval Cats Kept In Private Homes

If you want to keep a wild serval at your British residence, you must secure a licence from your local authority. Private owners and breeders often use these exotic cats to produce highly sought-after hybrid Savannah cats.

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