I came across this article and found it very interesting and informational and thought I would share it with you all.  Just because an animal is considered an exotic pet doesn't mean it is harmful to people. In fact even animals such as rodent, ferrets, and small reptiles or other non mammals are exotics but are completely harmless as pets.

http://hubpages.com/hub/10-Exotic-Pets-that-Pose-No-Threat-to-Public-Safety