Are otters dangerous? EXOTIC ANIMALS ARE NOT PETS. -They have a lot of personality and can be very affectionate with their owners. please can someone help. 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. In the wild, otters can live up to 10-15 years, while those in captivity may live longer. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. 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. They travel in groups and maintain family ties, for life. If i found a fox or coyote i would raise it. Thank you for this VERY enlightening article. Asian small-clawed otters are one of 13 species of otters in the carnivore family Mustelidae. These animals include bears, primates, big cats, canids, venomous and large reptiles (crocodilians, large constrictor snakes, and large monitor lizards). Otters are very playful and charming and it might seem easy to interact with them or have them as pets. -They are relatively low-maintenance, compared to other animals. As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. It is very difficult to find anyone who sincerely recommends keeping an otter as a pet. You see, otters are members of the weasel family. 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. Here are several reasons why: Legal restrictions: Otters are protected by law in many countries and it is illegal to keep them as pets. That being said, exotic animals from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. hairs per square inch. Because Dalmations are high energy dogs that were bred to run 25 miles a day under carriages, and the families couldn't handle them. Their unpleasant smell can permeate a home if they live indoors. Cage should have a top and fencing needs to extend in-ground. That cute, fluffy sea otter you have in your photo? Unique or exotic pets. In the wild they live in families of up to 15, which contrasts with their life in captivity. Funny Otter Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift Sweatshirt, Cute Otter Sweatshirt, Punctuation Saves Otters, Punctuation Saves Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift . She said yes . Native birds are also federally protected. Otters make loud whistling or screeching noises. They are apex predators that help keep populations of fish and other aquatic creatures in check. As always, wed be delighted to read your comments. 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. Have you think for A SECOND how do they take them from their habitat?? This requires a fence which is not climbable and has a horizontal ledge at the top. Nutritionally complete cat food can serve as a base subsistence food. It is extremely important that you provide diverse enrichment for ottersand all animals for that matter. Your bathtub or pool cant substitute for the large bodies of water otters are naturally found in. That way, youll get advice direct from the source! Question: Are pet otters legal in Canada? 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. Its so sad everyone just dont care about an species wellbeing just for the fact you as a human want to be cool having a otter pet. Its time to wake up and change, seriously. Living in captivity is simply not a good life for an otter. Hundreds of thousands of newborn kittens are euthanized at shelters because no one can take care of them. Not only do these animals make terrible pets, but they're also nearly impossible to domesticate. When theyre captured and sold as pets, otters are not living their full, natural lives. The local authority's regulations will need to be assessed before it could even be considered. Thanks. But in Japan, where more than a dozen animal cafes now feature otters, they have . Several countries have legislation protecting otters from being kept as pets. Here is we collected all that you wanted about Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia Watch free videos. Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. Animals other than those that are usually kept as a companion or domestic animal attract a lot of attention and generate curiosity to know what it is like to have one at home. Zoological parks Some zoos have captive breeding programs for otters and may offer the opportunity to adopt one. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 26, 2020: Nixie Nox I guess this also means dalmatians shouldn't be pets then. They smear their droppings, which they produce constantly to mark their territory. 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. They werent always domesticated they were rescued or ripped away from thier habitat as well for generations. That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! This doesnt make them automatically legal in every state. However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. Health and safety risks: Otters can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets, and their sharp claws and teeth can cause injury. WOW!! Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a42687def9b0fea2fd9b99208cd94d0d" );document.getElementById("ae31964646").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Cats Domesticated Themselves, Ancient DNA Shows. Can Dogs Have Whipped Cream? How otters are protected. (8 Best Scorpions Types as Pets), How Often Do Scorpions Eat? Dv Kaufman's Adventures 44.5K subscribers OTTERS AS PETS?!? Question: Are otters illegal in western Australia? Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). Don't even get us started on baby otter pups. In some cases, otters that have been in captivity can be released back into the wild. 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. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several otter species as either endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. 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. They swim 17km everyday , live in large groups of 20 individuals esprantes in multiple families. I have seen so many animals killed because of ignorance. A certified veterinarian giving advise on how to get an exotic animal to own as a pet? Hence the name. Maybe they are for you, maybe not! 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. In many states, do you think it's illegal to keep river otters, beavers and many exotic animals as pets? All those things you find cute on IG are them showing their distress ! Their fast metabolism and evolutionarily hard-wired habit of smearing their spraint in order to mark their territory mean that they poop a lot like, every litter box will need cleaning twice a day. Printed on the money box will be a beautiful otter with your required name. Vegetables, insects, crayfish, monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, etc. Can you own an otter in BC? Or in a zoo? Unfortunately, this fad has lead to the illegal smuggling of otters into Japan[6]. The smell of an otters spraint has been likened variously to that of freshly mown hay to putrefied fish. In Japan, pet fads appear with a certain regularity. Online classified ads Sites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have individuals who breed or sell otters. We are living in a world full of ignorant, entitled, beings who have little/no respect for anyone or anything. 11:06. Do otters like to cuddle? But theyre probably more likely to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors! They have sharp teeth, powerful prey drives, and they're little bundles of furious energy in motion whenever they are awake. As the otters like to make a burrow in the land, you will need to have the right sort of soil ans terrain. They have an oil, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which makes them good swimmers. How much does a pet otter cost? This could devastate our unique environment. Otters can be destructive and are difficult to housetrain. Obtaining a permit for keeping an otter is difficult, if not impossible. The otter is not a domesticated animal species. Call state wildlife officials to confirm. Are there any health risks associated with otters? I though a pair of otters would love to have me as their human (based on youtube videos). 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. More otters smuggled for sale in Japan as demand as pets grows. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. Otters are notoriously difficult to potty train, and even when they are, they may decide to go against their training. Is it illegal to have an otter as a pet in every country? many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoor enclosures. It takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, patience, and experience to house them, provide them with enrichment, and keep them safe and secure. Otters can be destructive. 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. Some animals are illegal to keep in Queensland. Even you own a river its not enough! In the majority of the US, it is completely illegal to keep an otter as a pet. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. They love to swim and dive in shallow waters although there are records of sea otters diving as deep as 100 meters. 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? 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. 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. Different provinces have different laws. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. For enrichment, otters will need walkways, natural shrubbery, nesting boxes and lots of options for safe digging and foraging. No, otters are not good pets. They are so delightful, you could see why people might want to have an otter as a pet. Asian small-clawed otters - the only otter sometimes allowed as pets - need a mixture of land and water in their enclosure. You can usually visit the otter you have adopted, and some programs offer other perks, like behind-the-scenes tours. Toys are expensive. 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. In most countries, otters are considered wild animals, and it is illegal to buy or sell them. 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. Smell may seem a minor consideration, but should not be overlooked. Japan Times. However, pet owners must meet strict requirements, including providing a secure and appropriate habitat, proper nutrition, and veterinary care. They have specific dietary and environmental needs, and not everyone is equipped to meet them. I completed my post-graduate studies at Nottingham Trent University in 2021, securing an MSc Biodiversity Conservation qualification. Keeping an otter in a home is a surefire way to destroy anything valuable you own. Participants must be able to squat/kneel down and stand up quickly and without assistance. Pet owners must provide a secure and appropriate habitat, as well as proper nutrition and veterinary care. It is also something which could see a rise in other countries if the wrong information is spread. While they may have a better chance of coexistence with humans if socialized at a young age, it is not easy to predict their actions. Both these habitats need to be well-tended. They do not fall under the same laws because they are not technically marine mammals. Here are some pros and cons to consider: Pros: -Otters are very playful and active, which can make them fun pets. The cage should have a decent size that allows the animal adequate room to exercise and forge. Your email address will not be published. However, keeping otters in captivity is not the same as keeping an otter as a pet. Answer: You'd have to check with your local authorities, Asian clawed otters should be legal in NC and are the only type I know of that are obtainable. Lontra canadensis. 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). Question: are otters legal to own in New York? They are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 5 Step Pacman Frog Care: Are they good pets? Shes advising you not, To. In addition to common domesticated pets such as cats, dogs, aviary birds and aquarium fish, some native animals can be kept as pets under a special licence from NPWS. They are expensive to buy and house. You may not realize that the otter is likely there only as a stop gap in a larger conservation effort. I was looking into purchasing a friend but after all this I think its not the best for either of us. In such a case, the average dog run won't cut it. Domestication is a process that occurs over generations of selective breeding, and it is not possible to fully domesticate a wild animal like an otter. They're very aggressive and bite, and they have very sharp teeth. This is the smallest. 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. Fun fact: Otters are one of the lesser-known tool users of the animal kingdom. Mrs Smith, inform yourself, go back to University to learn the BASIC ethics of your job. Interestingly, however, otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. Many Asian countries have taken measures to protect them through bans and regulation.. The lifespan of otters varies depending on the species and their environment. Have you ever seen an otter in the wild? Otters can also be loud and destructive. Laws change, and this list is not necessarily exhaustive. What is a good pet? Yes, you can own an otter in Massachusetts as long as you have a permit from the state. You can have 2 of each of the following animals: American Bullfrog. You should include fish. You may be asked to demonstrate this. Supplement their diet with vegetables, soft-boiled eggs, and insects. In conclusion, it is not advisable to keep otters as pets. Serfass, T., Evans, S. S., & Polechla, P. (2015). 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. West Virginia: Otter ownership is legal in West Virginia with a permit from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Well address some of the most frequently asked questions about buying an otter. The otter is one of the cutest creatures you can imagine. There are some 83% of mammals, 89% of reptiles, 90% of fish and insects and 93% of amphibians that inhabit the continent are endemic to Australia. Maximum of two people per encounter. These include many species of native birds (mostly parrots), some captive-bred reptiles and frogs from a licensed breeder or society. On the 4 Asian species 3 are under protection because theyre getting extinct ! Otters are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Feel free to share this guide with anyone who loves otters! Yes, some otter species are endangered. Question: Specifically what is required to own an otter in North Carolina and what type of otter(s) can you have?