Do captive tigers in the U.S. pose a danger to their brothers who live in the wild? The World Wildlife Fund says “yes” and wants to ban private tiger ownership in the U.S., claiming their body parts could enter the illegal trade and increase demand in Asia as well as poaching. But South African wildlife expert Michael ‘t Sas-Rolfes refutes this claim, noting that a recent census found less than 3,000 privately owned tigers in the U.S., with most found in licensed zoos and sanctuaries. Even if U.S. tiger parts did somehow enter the world market, it makes no sense that it would drive up price or demand. With only 3,200 Asian tigers in the wild, their conservation is essential, but banning U.S. ownership sounds like a paw on the wrong path.