Animals that used to give people bad dreams are now becoming beloved pets.

Interest in exotic pets has increased considerably in the last few years, said David Metcalf, owner of The Ark pet store in Ames. Part of the interest is because of a drop in prices. Metcalf attributes the price drop to the successful breeding of these pets in captivity.

At Earl May Nursery and Garden Center, a large part of the store’s income comes from their pet department which sells traditional as well as exotic pets, according to Matt Colburn, a manager trainee. Sales of exotic pets have increased within the last five years at Earl May, said Colburn.

There are as many different types of people interested in exotic pets as there are different types of these pets.

“We have many men and women, young and old, interested in lizards, snakes, anything. There are really no boundaries,” Metcalf said.

Reptiles are tolerant, but not generally affectionate creatures, said Metcalf. “I always hate the word abuse, but in all honesty a reptile would take more abuse than any bird or any small animal or fish would dream of taking,” said MetFish are one of the few options for students living in ISU residence halls. The 1994-95 Guide to Residence Hall Living states, “You may have fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and mollusks provided they are not capable of surviving outside a controlled environment.” A minimum charge of $25 and additional sanctions may be imposed on violators.calf.

Reptiles and amphibians, such as the White’s tree frog, operate on a “gorge-and-starve concept,” consuming a huge amount of food, then not eating for extended periods. Large snakes eat an adult rabbit once a week.

Customers not only buy, but also drop off exotic animals at local pet shops. Colburn says he receives fish that have outgrown the owners’ tanks. The Ark coordinates with the Ames Animal Shelter to find new homes for exotic pets.

Ames Pet Hospital also deals with exotic pets. About half of the owners who bring in these pets are students, said Dr. Kathy Stohlmeyer, veterinarian for Ames Pet Hospital.

Stohlmeyer noted that exotic pets are harder to treat in some instances and simpler in others. “[Reptiles] don’t have as wide a variety of diseases,” Stohlmeyer said. Owners bring in exotic pets that are not healthy because the owner doesn’t know how to care for the pets properly, she said.

There is responsibility in owning exotic pets, Metcalf said. Customers need to understand that a baby Burmese python will grow to a size of 12 to 15 feet. “It’s not a pocket pet.”

Proper equipment is needed to provide these pets with a healthy environment. The right amount of space, heat and light are among the factors. A minimum cost for reptilian housing ranges anywhere from $30 to $200 depending on the pet’s size, said Metcalf.

Business at Earl May and The Ark fluctuates throughout the year. According to Metcalf, The Ark has a slight decrease in business during the summer months. Earl May sees a drop in pet sales in both spring and summer, said Colburn.

In both cases, the weather is key. “We see an emphasis going from indoor pets to outdoor fun and games,” said Metcalf.