After a Connecticut woman was attacked and seriously injured by a friend?s pet chimpanzee Monday, some Hudson Valley residents wonder if fellow New Yorkers can own exotic pets in their areas.

According to Phillip Ciuffetelli, of Critter Comforts in Scarsdale, New York state has tighter restrictions on owning exotic animals, including large snakes, lizards, crocodiles, alligators and wild cats. Future owners, Ciuffetelli says, must obtain permits through several state and federal agencies.

Experts say there are explicit regulations on proper space, food and vaccinations for exotic animals, and violators could be fined, jailed and forced to give up their pets.

Sandra Herold, of Stamford, Conn., owned her pet chimpanzee, Travis, for several years. Authorities say the chimp got out of control and attacked Herold?s friend, Carla Nash, Monday evening. Nash suffered extensive facial injuries. She came out of emergency surgery Tuesday evening.