Their relatives include wolverines, badgers, and, of course, weasels (stoats). They also mark their territory by smearing their feces around, which contributes to the odor.. This species is not for beginners. However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. Habitat destruction, hunting, and pollution threaten their conservation. Unique or exotic pets. This is highly recommended if you want to keep your otters happy and in good mental and physical health. Several countries have legislation protecting otters from being kept as pets. Of course, this depends on whether or not you can find someone willing to sell you one in the first place. Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. I bet thats bigger than you expected! No, you cannot keep a jackal as a pet. This article is very upfront and honest, however when reading the comments I was overwhelmed with all the ignorance. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. can u own a otter in ohio or any other place please respond because im in highschool and i have plans to move to a place that allows pet otters please respond this important or my dreams wil be crushed to live a happy life, really i cant find any where to own one now i feel depressed so where, cus im planning to move to a state that allows them whith a friend. Most states make their laws for certain animals unclear and otters could be regulated under some laws when it appears they are legal under another law. So, here are some of the reasons you should not keep an otter as a pet: Above all, otters are wild animals that are happiest in their natural habitats and are not meant to be kept in our homes. But there are many factors to consider. Food is expensive. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. Before considering obtaining a permit to keep an otter, it is important to thoroughly research the requirements and responsibilities involved. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. Supplement their diet with vegetables, soft-boiled eggs, and insects. It's scary to think of what it'll be like in just 5-10 more years. The recommended space for a pair of otters is 60 m, roughly the size of an average apartment. All those things you find cute on IG are them showing their distress ! Animals and mostly exotic ones are not our toys or our means to make money. There should be hollowed-out logs, aptly placed shrubs and trees, and various cage furniture that will make the space more interesting. I don't approve but it amazes me the animals aren't showing obvious signs of distress. Objects, such as hollowed-out lots, well-placed shrubs and trees, and items of cage furniture. You may be asked to demonstrate this. However, this is highly unethical and illegal, so be cautious and thoroughly research the seller and the legality of owning an otter as a pet before making a purchase. August 20, 2021. The best enclosure for an otter is outside. Eastern Red-backed Salamander. They're actually very aggressive animals. A lot more animals are legal in New York State, as opposed to New York City, where most animals are illegal. I greatly agree that some animals are better of wild but I read somewhere as well that as more human encroach on their natural habitats, these animals need to be protected. 11:06. I do not even need to mention you all the reasons why. Some animals are illegal to keep in Queensland. They have sharp teeth, powerful prey drives, and they're little bundles of furious energy in motion whenever they are awake. hairs per square inch. Fr Rudi, as . I will stick with my donations and wish them love. Otters are usually kept outdoors because they emit an odor. As mentioned earlier, they have specific needs that are challenging to meet in a domestic setting. Otters are considered to be wildlife, so you will need to follow the state guidelines for ownership. Keeping an otter as a pet has become fashionable in some countries for some time. 2. Check out Otter Bingo and Otter Kotaro on U-Tube. They are cunning! Canadian Arctic Marble Fox as Pets (Are they good pets? Mrs Smith, inform yourself, go back to University to learn the BASIC ethics of your job. Otters make loud whistling or screeching noises. Also it's diet would not only be what is in the ponds clearly but only then would I even think about getting an otter. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. If you keep a pet otter, be very careful when you have visitors. I just wanna make sure. This permit requires that you have a secure and adequate enclosure for your otter, and that you provide proper care and nutrition for your pet. That cute, fluffy sea otter you have in your photo? Question: Are sea otters legal in Kentucky? The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T12302A21936349. Also, according to mink expert Joseph Carter, their bites can cause severe injury, although this is likely not worse than anything an otter bite can inflict. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has previously released a general, but not exhaustive, guideline to keeping otters in captivity[4]. Call state wildlife officials to confirm. Are otters good pets? Not only do you need the right enclosure and dietary resources to take care of a pet otter, but you need to have access to specialists in your neighborhood. However, there are few countries which appear to favor having otters as pets. If you want to have an otter as a pet, make sure that they have a pond or a lake filled with their food, or you can manage to bring them fresh one from the market. After reading your expose, I realize that it would not be fair or practical. She said yes . Owning native otters is illegal in many countries including the UK, Japan, and the U.S. I have seen so many animals killed because of ignorance. Remember when 101 Dalmations came out and everyone ran and got a Dalmation and thousands got dumped at animal shelters? Not only will we let you know if you can have an otter as a pet, we'll look into the different reasons why this might not be the best idea for both legal and practical reasons. You should remove this article and every advise on owning exotic pets. Because Dalmations are high energy dogs that were bred to run 25 miles a day under carriages, and the families couldn't handle them. Its various extant subspecies, numbering a total of 13, can be found on almost every continent (its too cold in Antarctica, apparently), and come in a range of shapes and sizes, and levels of ferocity. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at PetSmart? I have recently embarked on this career change due to my passion for the natural world and our role within it. Otters can also be loud and destructive. Are Emperor Scorpions Poisonous? Asian small-clawed otters are one of 13 species of otters in the carnivore family Mustelidae. It is illegal to have an otter in most states, Pet otters require a lot of space and water, Axolotl Care: How to take care of an axolotl, Vietnamese Mossy Frog Pet Care (10 Steps Complete Guide), American Green Tree Frog as Pets (4 Care Facts You Must. Asian small-clawed otter: This is the only otter to have entered the pet trade. Under provincial and federal law, it is illegal to keep a wild animal, as designated under the BC Wildlife Act, as a pet. Eastern Newt. I'm leaving school and need to know where to move to own one okay kids you really need to go move to where you can own a bear and just let it live with you in your house just do us all a favor and go get mauled people are really dumb holy shit lmfao. No, you dont need to have a massive zoo enclosure with a natural lake (although it wouldnt hurt), but housing Asian small-clawed otters will still present a challenge for the average person or even an advanced exotic pet keeper. Some of the different types of otter species include: The North American river otter is the only river otter found in north of Mexico. Otters should not live in a domestic household, and a demand for pet otters helps drives illegal animal trade and decimate wild populations. Otters are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and their trade is heavily regulated. So, if you keep an otter as a pet, be ready to clean the potty of your otter several times during the days from different parts of your home. Can you pet otters? Your email address will not be published. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 16, 2018: Can you have an Asian small clawed otter as a pet in the state of Georgia. Pet owners must provide a secure and appropriate habitat, as well as proper nutrition and veterinary care. Or someone actually get it and have no proper information on how to care for it? No matter how much you fantasize about them, you must accept the fact that they are not house pets. As such, captive otters need ample space to move around, including a deep enough freshwater source in which to swim, bathe, and socialize. Otters are smelly, loud and extremely active; they have sharp teeth and jaws strong enough to crack open shellfish. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Eastern Racer. If you like animals you can cuddle, ferrets are popular domesticated pets and can be a fine substitute for their larger and aquatic brown cousins. Answer: I would guess no, but it might depend on the animal and your particular talent in animal training. Heres what you need to know to provide adequate nutrition to a captive otter: Otters emit an odor, and smear their spraint (a fancy word for otter dung) at latrine sites, using their hind feet and tails, in order to mark their territory. Where can I hold hands with otters? An otter needs to have the life he was intended to have and need to be around their own kind in order to thrive. If you are bit by an otter, you'll need to treat the wound immediately. Messy housemates. - Once you have that set, click "Add to Cart". Otters and most exotic pets may not like to be restrained, especially with strangers. Aggression in otters is also something important to consider. Otters are wild animals and require specialized care. In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. Much more fun fact: Otter poop has an aroma that has been compared to jasmine tea. In fact with a fast google search youll find that its 100% illegal but it seems theres a twist depending where you live. Parasites and general hygiene issues created by otters are also significant factors in why you shouldn't keep an otter as a pet. Dv Kaufman's Adventures 44.5K subscribers OTTERS AS PETS?!? Prohibited mammals, reptiles and amphibians You are not allowed to keep prohibited animals as a pet in Queensland. This can be fed irregularly with a "scatter" method to ward off stereotypic behaviorsomething that occurs when certain animals are fed at specific times. Can i legaly own a short clawed otter here in Ontario Canada? 70-80% can be meat-based, and can include chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. Therefore, purchasing an otter can do more harm than good and is not advised. you, an, otter, as, a, pet, unit, australia, s, can, have, in. While most countries and states have made keeping a jackal as a pet illegal, others will require you to get . In most countries, only dogs and miniature horses are recognized as therapy animals. Unless you do what Joseph Carter does for his mink to keep them busy, I wouldn't recommend them as pets to most people. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 26, 2020: Nixie Nox I guess this also means dalmatians shouldn't be pets then. This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! Nevada: In Nevada, owning an otter is legal as long as you have a permit from the Nevada Department of Wildlife. No, otters cannot be domesticated. People who like to physically interact with their pets will be disappointed. Nevertheless, otters are personable, entertaining little creatures, as you would expect from their reputation. Likely, your otter will spend most of its life in the enclosure. Put a ring on it! When she isn't creating content for blog posts, Hannah enjoys long walks with her Rottweiler cross Senna, reading fantasy novels and breeding aquarium shrimp. (Lifespan Guide). All rights reserved. In the wild, otters roam over a large area, including terrestrially and aquatically over land and water. Otters need plenty of environmental enrichment. Are otters legal in New York? Toys are expensive. However, these permits are usually only granted to licensed wildlife rehabilitators, educators, or researchers. 25 million cats and dogs are euthanized in the US each year. You see, otters are members of the weasel family. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. But theyre probably more likely to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors! Freshwater otters live in family groups of up to 15 in the wild. Even a pair of otters is not ideal and you will need another 5 m per additional otter. This has spread to the opening of various hedgehog and even owl cafs. Nutritionally complete cat food can serve as a base subsistence food. This classification means that only native otters are legal which includes the river otter. NO. Otters are excellent diggers and have sharp claws and teeth. Living in captivity is simply not a good life for an otter. They are hard to potty train, and their fast metabolism means they poop a lot, and often. -They are relatively low-maintenance, compared to other animals. A otter is a species protected by both state and federal wildlife laws, and it is illegal to take them from the wild. These animals include bears, primates, big cats, canids, venomous and large reptiles (crocodilians, large constrictor snakes, and large monitor lizards). They're wild animals. If you want to see otters, your best bet is to visit a zoo or aquarium. About. Thank you for this VERY enlightening article. Finger Monkey Lifespans: How Long Do Pygmy Marmosets Live as Pets? They belong in the wild, where they can swim, run, hunt and live freely. Cole West from Birmingham, West Midlands on March 03, 2020: Anya Ali from Rabwah, Pakistan on February 01, 2020: This certainly put me off the idea of ever getting one. They bite and they have glands to produce a vile smell , people get those removed , its cruel. AnimalWised takes a look at the different aspects of domestic otters. I understand how people strongly oppose having otters as pets. Slightly less fun, but much more gruesome, fact: Male otters have been known to forcibly penetrate baby seals while holding their heads underwater until they drown. It is important to work with trained professionals and follow guidelines for releasing otters back into the wild. However, Asian small-clawed otters, despite being the otter species best suited for captivity, are not commonly kept, even in the exotic pet-keeping community. They can be very destructive when they dont get what they want., Strong odor. When you see horror movies about canibbals or something you feel freaked out do you eat meat how do you think the cows,pigs and lambs feel and so on. To stay warm in the water for so long, otters have incredibly thick fur, and very fast metabolisms, which means they need to eat a lot 20% of their body weight per day, during certain months. Eastern Garter Snake. They smear their droppings, which they produce constantly to mark their territory. Thanks. Otters require a large enclosure with access to water, a specialized diet, veterinary care, and enrichment to keep them mentally and physically healthy. So why don't you see more otters playing in the park on a Sunday afternoon? Otters arent happy to be one or two with a child pool and a bathtub ! The space aka property with a huge pond that I would build a huge enclosure around. And I really want to pet or hold hands with an otter. Dogs and otters do not get along. Veterinarians are well trained in looking after a variety of animals, but most will not have the specific training required to look after the health and well-being of an otter. If you want to read similar articles to Can You Have an Otter as a Pet?, we recommend you visit our What you need to know category. Yes, in some cases, you can adopt an otter. !" EatRawPotatoes. But. People in Indonesia, Thailand, Japan,. Their bite is sharp and piercing. Can Dogs Have Whipped Cream? Otters are so adorable, I can understand why we would want to have them as a pet, but it's not right. I guess they'd much rather be coddled and have everything handed to them SMH. Im in Canada, BC, and it didnt say anything about owning a pet otter, and I left a comment on the other page, but I was wondering if its legal in BC. The only way to know for sure would be to contact your state's Department of Agriculture/Fish and Game, and even they sometimes don't know. Despite being the state small mammal of Texas, they are illegal as pets there because they are one of the few animals which can transmit Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy. I have grown up in the redwoods of California. Other animals in the Mustelidae family include the ferret. 7080% of the diet can be meat-based and can consist of day-old chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. You need a vet. - Repeat the above steps to add more items as needed. They are mustelids which means they belong to the same family as weasels, minks and badgers, but form a part of the subfamily Lutrinae. Otters climb, so a roof or top is required, and they are keen diggers, so any fencing needs to be extended in-ground. However, if youre still keen on the otter, and live in a state where you can legally own one, youre welcome to take the next step. 3. They deserve to be out in the world in environments which we do't interfere with. Quite possibly. . Otters are notoriously difficult to potty train, and even when they are, they may decide to go against their training. In Australia, it is illegal to keep an otter as a pet. That way, youll get advice direct from the source! Are otters legal pets? Otters play an important role in their ecosystems. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Protect Your Cat From These Household Hazards. They can have up to 1 million (thats 1 with six zeros!) In the wild they live in families of up to 15, which contrasts with their life in captivity. There are many different laws and regulations regarding "exotic" animals as pets and they vary from state to state, so the answer depends on where you live. I spearfish the invasive fish in the eel river and have had wild otters swimming feet away from me eating the fish I kill. However, it is important to remember that even trained otters are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. Otters are carnivores and primarily eat fish, shellfish, and other aquatic creatures. (Diet and Feeding Frequency). My dogs have full access to run outside and play in the backyard but they choose to stay inside on a bed watching tv and eatting treats. slowelevator . Here is a list of places where you might be able to find a pet otter: Exotic pet stores These are specialty stores that deal with rare and exotic animals. Their appearance may be similar to a friendly dog's, but their temperament is quite the opposite. most native mammals are nocturnal and some, such as possums and gliders, can only be kept . I guess if someone owns a exotic pet then theyd really need to keep it in a space like theyre natural environment and take really good care of it, not just like its a dog or cat. Otters are highly social, very active, semi-aquatic, and need a lot of space - so having one single one as a pet would certainly be unethical - even if it were possible. Sometimes people can't handle the truth. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. Click to attach a photo related to your comment. She did nothing wrong shes a vet giving you advice on a animal that people love and right now have are popular. Most pet otters are actually owned by private zoos and animal educators. This does not even take into consideration the amount of capital needed to install the appropriate enclosure and keep the otters well fed. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Note that you still require special permits in many of these states, and local city governments also stipulate whether it is legal or illegal to keep exotic animals within city limits, so make sure you find out this information before buying an otter! Yes, I said scream. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/otters-protection-surveys-and-licences#how-otters-are-protected, http://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/Library/TaskForces/OCT/OCT_ASO_Husbandry_Guidelines_Summary.pdf, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/07/17/national/otters-smuggled-sale-japan-demand-pets-grows/#.XeDfjZNKiUl, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/12302/21936349, https://ptes.org/get-informed/facts-figures/otter/. Otters can be dangerous around children, full grown adults as well as pets. If an otter does attack, they have sharp teeth which can be very dangerous, especially to children. There are many exotic pets that people fantasize about owningbaby penguins, panda bears, dragonsbut they are often shocked to hear that some people can and do legally keep exotic pets like fennec foxes, wild cats, and marmosets. Can you have a pet penguin in Canada? While otters can form bonds with humans, they still retain their natural instincts and behaviors. Zoological parks Some zoos have captive breeding programs for otters and may offer the opportunity to adopt one. you, have, a, pet, otter, in, australia, can. Because they are cute is not a valid reason for keeping captive otters, even if it is an enjoyable bonus. Most people do not know what they are doing. Crested Gecko Enclosures: Whats the Best Choice? Their ideal temperature is 75 to 85 degrees. As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. Sea otters carry around a favorite rock in a pouch under their arms between meals, which they use to crack open the shells of various crustaceans. Arkansas: Arkansas is one of the few states in the U.S. that allows otter ownership as a pet. Asian small clawed otters may be kept with a permit. Otters are adorable animals, but keeping them as pets is not a good idea. Who knew? If you believe your state should be on this list, check with your local state department. Additionally, if you live near a river, lake, or other natural body of water, you may be able to spot otters in the wild. All states have bans on at least some exotic pets, even states that are notorious for having lax pet laws. The heaviest weigh in at up to 100lbs again, you wouldnt want to get on the wrong side of an animal of that bulk. some native mammals, particularly wallabies and kangaroos, are prone to diseases caused by the stress of contact with humans, domestic pets (cats and dogs) and noise. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 21, 2016: People in Japan are notorious for doing whatever they want and making it work. Although the ferret needs their own considerations when adopted into a family, they are more suited to the role of domestic pet and are a good recommendation for those who previously considered having an otter as a pet. They are considered to be very high-maintenance, as you would imagine. On the 4 Asian species 3 are under protection because theyre getting extinct ! If I become rich in my future I will definetly buy a otter, This is great for kids like me to learn about otters, I just bought a baby otter and it is really scared and it attack me how to tame and make him bite me. If you have a dog in your home, they can get into fights with your otter., Dogs and otters can transmit diseases to each other as well. Negative impact on the wild population: Keeping otters as pets contributes to the decline of wild populations, as individuals are captured from the wild and taken away from their natural habitats. This may not seem very big, but their high metabolism and intelligence mean they can take up a lot of space when they need to, or want to. And for those shaming her in the comments. Avoid rigid structure in order to prevent stereotypic behavior. Otters can give dogs Salmonella, just like humans. Uncovering the Price: How Much Does a Canadian Marble Fox Cost? In most countries, otters are considered wild animals, and it is illegal to buy or sell them. If you have managed to acquire an otter, please make sure you know how to care for it properly and that you are committed to keeping it for the entirety of its lifetime. They have varying sizes across all species, weighing between 2.2 to 99.2 lb and having lengths between 2.0 to 5.9 feet. The Answer May Surprise You! (Complete Budgie Diet Guide). Not only does this depend on the country, the legality of keeping an otter as a pet will also depend on regions and jurisdiction within a given country. Because theyre so cute, theres been a high demand to own them as pets., Illegal poaching and sales have hurt the global otter population. (2019). As we have stated, they are not domestic animals. They have exotic pet stores with meerkats in rabbit cages. Thank you for taking the time to look at our personalised otter ceramic money box. There are several ways to support otter conservation efforts, including: In conclusion, otters are unique and fascinating animals that are best appreciated from a distance. As always, wed be delighted to read your comments. If not..why? Question: Are otters legal in Pennsylvania? Owning a pet otter is considered illegal in several countries including the US, Japan, and the UK. They are carnivores with a high metabolic rate, requiring them to consume 20% of their body weight per day. They have high exercise and socialization needs and require a large living space with access to water. Can you have a pet otter in australia. I have to say that most though not all of the comments cause me extreme concern regarding our society today. That includes all game animals, birds and furbearers, including bear, beaver, coyote, deer,. Printed on the money box will be a beautiful otter with your required name. Keeping an otter in a home is a surefire way to destroy anything valuable you own. In the wild, they feed on mostly invertebrates and occasionally frogs. Yes, there are some health risks associated with otters. And pets are different again to 'keeping otters'. What Does It Cost to Adopt a Pygmy Marmoset (or Finger, How To Setup a Red-eared Slider Turtle Tank, How Long Do Red-eared Slider Turtles Live? 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Fortunately, many governments and jurisdictions have created contingencies to try to protect these animals. In some states, it is not illegal to keep an Asian small-clawed otter as a pet. Its wrong for all the people who have commented to post where do I get get one, how much do they cost, etc why would you people even post shit like that. There is a high chance of one of them getting bitten. They are apex predators that help keep populations of fish and other aquatic creatures in check. WOW!! While they are the smallest otter species in the world, Asian small-clawed otters can still grow to 24 inches (61cm). Can you have a pet sea otter? Question: Are otters legal to have as pets in North Carolina? You may have seen videos on YouTube of otters playing in people's homes, but often these videos lack context. However, just like any other wild animal, otters can be dangerous and aggressive. Otters are social creatures. North Carolina: Otter ownership is legal in North Carolina with a permit from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. They prefer flat stones that are as wide as a large orange. They are so delightful, you could see why people might want to have an otter as a pet. Fun fact: Otters are one of the lesser-known tool users of the animal kingdom. Retrieved on 29 November, 2019. What is a good pet? The latter option may be ethically questionable given the species vulnerable status in the wild, and brokers are unlikely to tell you where the animals are obtained (which is standard in the industry). These have brought significant problems and it is very questionable if exotic animals will fare well in such environments. This is not a pet for beginners, or the faint-hearted! The lifespan of otters varies depending on the species and their environment. You can give them a complete cat food as the base, but make sure that over half of their diet is meat-based. Let us know in the comments below! Here are some pros and cons to consider: Pros: -Otters are very playful and active, which can make them fun pets. many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoor enclosures. I just have no words for it! Additionally, otters are considered indicator species, which means that their presence or absence can indicate the health of the surrounding ecosystem.
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