If your kid wants a pet turtle – just say no!

Turtles are popular pets for kids – but you might be better off with a pet tarantula.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the number of salmonella cases linked to tiny turtles is on the rise. In case you didn’t know, these little critters are considered contraband, and keeping them as pets is illegal. Turtles with shells 4 inches or smaller have been banned by the FDA since 1975.

Little children are most at risk because they often touch the turtles and then put their hands, or the turtles, in their mouth. Even just touching the water in the turtle tank is a risk. Washing the turtle tank and paraphernalia can also spread contamination.