NOTE: This did not happen to me, just sharing my experience.<P>I'll make a long story short. I am a Receptionist at an Animal Hospital, and I received a call the other day. I picked up the phone, and to my suprise the caller was from Florida. She had found our number on the internet as a Hospital that saw []http://www.sugarglider.net/ubb/images/icons/blush.gif[/] 's. Her daughter? had taken her []http://www.sugarglider.net/ubb/images/icons/blush.gif[/] to school that day, while it was there, it bit the little "troublemaker" boy. He complained about his hand hurting, like any child would I'm sure. Now the school wanted to do a rabies test on the []http://www.sugarglider.net/ubb/images/icons/blush.gif[/] . For those of you who do not know...they just don't poke the []http://www.sugarglider.net/ubb/images/icons/blush.gif[/] and return it to the owners. They actually take off it's head, send it in to a labratory, etc., to determine if it has rabies. If so, the person can get the neccessary shots...if not...the []http://www.sugarglider.net/ubb/images/icons/blush.gif[/] is dead. I did the best with the information that I had, and sent her addresses of vets in Florida. I have not heard from her again...maybe never will. Don't know if the school followed through with the test (which they have the right to do). Anyways...BE CAREFUL! If your []http://www.sugarglider.net/ubb/images/icons/blush.gif[/] bites somebody, bad things can happen.

That is very sad indeed!<BR>I have posted my concerns on this very []http://www.sugarglider.net/ubb/images/icons/blush.gif[/] topic awhile back. <BR> I have always been concerned with anyone letting strangers handle their []http://www.sugarglider.net/ubb/images/icons/blush.gif[/]'s.<BR>(Especially children & in a school setting) <BR> Most []http://www.sugarglider.net/ubb/images/icons/blush.gif[/] owners are aware that []http://www.sugarglider.net/ubb/images/icons/blush.gif[/]'s are fearful of unfamiliar scents, & at times will playfully nip or bite even us, but placed in new situtations, surroundings & add unfamilar strangers, is it any wonder that they can become very frightened & biting is bound to happen.<BR> Several years ago, I was inquiring about our exotic animal laws in my county in Michigan & was informed by Animal Control - that if any of my []http://www.sugarglider.net/ubb/images/icons/blush.gif[/]'s were to bite anyone they would be destroyed period!<BR> I have often wondered how many people are even aware of their own states exotic animal laws.<BR> I do not allow strangers to even touch any of my "Little People" to me it is simply not worth the risk of losing anyone of them!<BR>It is my responsibility as a []http://www.sugarglider.net/ubb/images/icons/blush.gif[/] owner to protect them []http://www.sugarglider.net/ubb/images/icons/blush.gif[/] & I take that very seriously!

I will take this warning to heart, since on Teusday I am presenting some of my gliders to a high school biology class as a favor to a friend. If anyone asks to hold them I'll just tell them why I won't risk it!

Is it true that gliders don't get rabbis? Therefore they do not need rabbi shots?

while it is possible for a glider, like all mammals, to get rabies--since they are kept indoors and their contact with other animals are limited it should not be a problem. HOWEVER, they SHOULD NOT receive a rabies shot...the shot alone would be enough to kill them....

i'm so glad u've posted about this. Gliders should never be held by strangers, b/c u do not know how the person, or the glider will react. Furthermore, a classroom environment is too stressful for a glider.

I am sorry for what happened but I brought something to my attention. I have my own business and work at flea markets on the weekends and we travel alot. I makes me think twice about anyone petting or holding her in case she does bite someone.I think maybe I'll just keep her to myself.

I will defidently take your warning!Although, I do not think I'm going to take my gliders to school!<P>------------------<BR>Gliderlover2