WHEN PEOPLE THINK of pets, they usually think of cats or dogs. But in Utah, some people are getting more creative. Strange pets, from hedgehogs to tarantulas, are becoming more popular.

“I wanted something no one else had,” Maya Bennett, who has two sugar gliders, said. These tiny animals can glide from one place to another, which makes them pretty fun to watch.

Hedgehogs are also becoming popular because they’re small and cute. “I have a hedgehog named Spike,” Derek Han said. “It’s like having a moving cactus.”

For those who like something a little creepier, tarantulas are a surprising choice. “My tarantula, Fluffy, is actually really calm,” Mr. Tanner, a dad about to go to the office of Granger High, said.

But taking care of unusual pets can be tricky. They need special care, and it’s hard to find vets who can help them. “It takes time to learn,” Maya said about her sugar gliders. “But they’re worth it.”

Owning weird pets is a fun way to be different. For some, it’s just cool to have something unusual. “Spike doesn’t go to the park, but he’s still fun,” Derek said.

So, next time someone at Granger High wants a pet, they might want to think about something different. Why not try a pet that’s a little weird?