"I think they try to discourage...people from buying an animal and then abandoning it at the end of the year. A pet isn't just for a year," she said. "It's for life."

The pet rule does not apply for proctors or tutors living on campus. Karen L. Heath '84, a senior advisor for the North Yard and a proctor in Mower, owns a one-year old cat named Natasha. She said the reason for the exception is not to frustrate students, but to protect pets.

"I'm sure this is one rule some students aren't happy with, but since undergrads are so busy, I can see where pets could become neglected," Heath said. "Proctors can own pets because they live here year-round, which lends stability to the pet."

Other students said they were annoyed with the rule for different reasons. First-year student Elye J. Alexander '94, who keeps a weevil in an Absolut bottle in his room, said the pet rule is too "ambiguous."

Alexander, acknowledged that his weevil technically violates University policy. But realistically, he said that he does not think it hurts anyone.

"The weevil is quiet and well-kept, and liked by all of the dorm. It would be ridiculous to have to get rid of it," Alexander said.

But for others, the ambiguity of the rule has been a blessing.

One Harvard senior, the proud owner of a mudpuppy salamander named Rocky, said the wording of the rule was the reason he was ultimately allowed to keep his pet.

"[The senior tutor] said he didn't believe such an animal existed, so he couldn't tell me if I was breaking the rules, "the senior said.