Camels, big cats, wolves and and hundreds of wild boar are living in the gardens and parks of Wiltshire, figures reveal.

They are among almost 1,000 wild, exotic or dangerous animals for which Wiltshire Council has issued homeowners with a licence.

They include 900 boar, 60 bison, 12 cats including an ocelot, two wolves, two Bactrian camels and an Asian clawed otter.

Under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, everyone who wants to keep a wild or exotic animal must get permission from their council’s licensing team. Zoos and safari parks are regulated under different laws, meaning the Wiltshire figures do not include animals at Longleat’s safari park.

Campaigners the Born Free Foundation, which obtained the figures under freedom of information rules, have called for more restrictions on those keeping wild animals.

Dr Chris Draper, head of animal welfare and captivity for Born Free, said: “The keeping of wild animals as pets is a growing concern. The widespread use of the internet has made it easier than ever to order or purchase a wild animal without clarification as to where it has come from or how it should be cared for.

“Wild animals are particularly vulnerable to welfare problems because of their complex social, physical and behavioural needs. They require specific housing conditions, dietary requirements, and furthermore, the safety risk these animals pose to their owners and the wider public should not be ignored.”

Wiltshire Council defended the licences, saying they would not issue permission to keep wild animals without a report from a vet or veterinary nurse about where the animals would be kept.

A spokesman said: “The animals listed are permitted under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 and inspected in accordance with the legal requirements. The act requires inspections to be carried out every two years.”

In Wiltshire, three years ago a Royal Wootton Bassett man in his 40s died after his car struck a wild boar on the M4. Police were confused over how the boar had been able to get onto the motorway.

The RSPCA said they were concerned about the number of wild animals being kept as pets.

The charity's Dr Ros Chubb said: "People may buy them with little idea of how dangerous they are, or how difficult they can be to keep which can result in neglect when the novelty wears off and the commitment hits home.

“Licences for exotic animals classed as Dangerous Wild Animals - such as cobras, ostriches and caiman - are granted by local authorities. There is no centrally-held list to determine how many are kept across the country, which makes it necessary to ask each and every local authority.

“The emphasis of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 is on making sure the owner takes reasonable steps to prevent the animal from being a threat to the public, rather than the welfare of the animals concerned.

“This legislation is weakly drafted and badly enforced, and many owners simply don't bother to get a licence and are therefore escaping inspections.

“There is little or no consequence for those found to be keeping dangerous animals without a licence.

“Local authorities are under-resourced and their licensing officers may have little experience in dealing with dangerous wild animals.”