I think the case in less educated people getting those kinds of pets is an issue of innocent curiosity interfering with being able to respect the animal. They stop viewing it as a living thing with needs, and rather a novelty toy essentially. No matter the animal, you need to respect it and know what it could be capable of. And if it's not going to receive adequate care in captivity under you then don't adopt it. If it's better off in someone else's care or in its native habitat around others of its kind, then don't adopt it.
There are of course people who keep large predatory animals and care for them well, but I assure you they have a huge level of respect for their animal. These are experienced people who are able to satisfy its needs and take extra steps and precautions. They communicate with their animal and, in those tragic situations, be able to read if there is anything off about its behavior. They will always have those instincts and remain opportunistic, and even common pets have the tendency to know when their owner lowers their guard--but in those cases, it's stuff that we consider cute or goofy like a dog stealing all the treats, and not sizing up their irresponsible owner.
Exactly.
For example, I love varanids (monitor lizards). I think they're fascinating, eerily intelligent, and very powerful lizards, that may or may not have inspired stories of real dragons (like St. George and the Dragon).
But I
do not recommend owning them as pets. They're quite aggressive, territorial, they have a nasty set of claws and teeth, along with venom that burns, on top of a powerful tail that can feel like you got hit by a bullwhip.
Going away from exotic animals, many people get Siberian Huskies, a breed I love, because of how they look. Then they complain they howl all the time, chew up furniture, escape from the backyard, and so on.
Then I'd ask, "Well how many walks have you taken them on, and for how long?" And 99.9% if the time I get, "Well, only once a week around the block."
Don't get a dog that's basically on turbo mode all the time if you ain't ready for 8 mile walks
DAILY.
Respect animals and their needs. At least, that's why I had the concern for the guy keeping a rattlesnake as a pet, few are qualified to provide for the needs of a rattlesnake.