Travis the chimp goes ape in Connecticut, 2 young boys in the Bronx are surprised to find they’re sitting on a couch inhabited by a four-foot long boa constrictor, alligators in bathtubs and exotic fish swimming in non-native waters – all examples of people’s compulsion to possess something rare, exotic and alive.  Endangered species ranging from butterflies to komodo dragons are smuggled into the U.S. everyday.  Time to tighten import laws and sale and possession regulations for wild animals.  There are plenty of dogs and cats in the local animal shelter for those who want a pet or companion.  If someone can smuggle a giant lizard into the country, how hard could it be to bring in a shoe bomb?  Time to better protect both humans and animals.