SEATTLE — When we saw a man with a big snake -- loaded up in a suitcase at Seattle Center -- we wanted to know how exotic, even dangerous, animals are allowed near one of the city's biggest attractions.
The snake charmer was ordered by police to leave the area; police told him the city is cracking down on exotic animals.
Any time you walk through Seattle Center you'll find plenty of colorful characters and if you were there for the Folklife Festival last week, you may have even come face-to-face with a boa constrictor.
A Seattle police spokesman said there is not a ban on exotic animals in the city, but you do have to have the proper permits if you are using an exotic animal to make money.
There are risks involved in handling exotic animals.
"All reptiles are assumed to have salmonella. It's a natural part of their microbial flora in their intestines," Dr. Tracy Bennett, an exotic animal veterinarian, said.
The Bird and Exotic Clinic of Seattle has a patient list of around 10,000.
"We get all manner of odd things," Bennett said. "I probably see 2 to 3 snakes a day. Whenever you handle a reptile, you just immediately go and wash your hands."
At Woodland Park Zoo the petting area is equipped with a healthy supply of anti-bacterial soap.
"Zookeepers always wash their hands after touching any kind of animal, whether it be a dog or a cat or a bird," zookeeper Diane Abbey said.
Exotic animals also have special challenges.
In Seattle, someone was keeping a pair of African Servals as pets -- and then released them into the neighborhood.
"You don't want to have any large animal running about the neighborhood," Abbey said.
The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife said there isn't a big problem here with exotic animals being released into the wild like some states.
But, remember: If you come into contact with any animal, immediately wash your hands with soap and water.