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. Pet Guide: How to Care for a Pet Emperor Scorpion, Blue Parakeets: 5 Step Complete Care and Color Mutation Guide, How Long Do Budgie or Parakeet Live as Pets? (Complete Budgie Diet Guide). The answer is no. Find Out Now! Their ideal temperature is 75 to 85 degrees. Answer: I would guess no, but it might depend on the animal and your particular talent in animal training. However, just like any other wild animal, otters can be dangerous and aggressive. Participants must be able to squat/kneel down and stand up quickly and without assistance. 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. The name otter derives from the Old English word otor which, alongside other Indo-European cognates, ultimately stems from the root word *wdr, which, you guessed it, gives us the modern word water. No, it is not safe or ethical to swim with otters. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. Sea otter: Illegal to own under the Marine Animal Protection Act. They are cunning and intelligent and predatory and like to know every nook and cranny of their dwelling place. Otters are considered to be wildlife, so you will need to follow the state guidelines for ownership. On the 4 Asian species 3 are under protection because theyre getting extinct ! Crested Gecko Enclosures: Whats the Best Choice? Expenses such as those mentioned above are not the only detrimental factors in keeping an otter as a pet. Live animals and animal products from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. Otters are wild animals and require specialized care. Background on Otter Otters eat 15 to 25% of their body weight daily. If you cannot provide an outdoor area, you must provide a large, heated (it must not fall below 50F), secure indoor area, with a pool kept at 75-85F. Smell may seem a minor consideration, but should not be overlooked. Cats Domesticated Themselves, Ancient DNA Shows. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision! Of course, this depends on whether or not you can find someone willing to sell you one in the first place. The space aka property with a huge pond that I would build a huge enclosure around. Being A Pet Is Not Good For an Otter If you love animals, then please do not keep otters as pets! Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. For many, ferrets make a viable alternative. Pet otters are sought after in many Asian countries like Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia.. Below is a basic care guide. Otters are smelly, loud and extremely active; they have sharp teeth and jaws strong enough to crack open shellfish. Thanks. 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. The food they eat will also need to be considered with an appropriate diet and at least 350 g of food per day for each animal. Conservationists may need to keep an otter in captivity for protection, post-rescue or for research purposes. Unique or exotic pets. In conclusion, it is not advisable to keep otters as pets. More otters smuggled for sale in Japan as demand as pets grows. Other animals in the Mustelidae family include the ferret. Captive otters require caging. All 13 species of otters are wild animals, extremely sensitive to environmental changes, and are a marking, latrine species. can also be offered to supplement the diet. Check out Otter Bingo and Otter Kotaro on U-Tube. Are otters friendly with humans? In fact with a fast google search youll find that its 100% illegal but it seems theres a twist depending where you live. Some of the different types of otter species include: The North American river otter is the only river otter found in north of Mexico. No. Retrieved from. Valentina z not all exotic pets are ripped away from their habitat some are rescued. Otters like to climb and dig, so your enclosure will need a top and to be dug into the ground. Because Dalmations are high energy dogs that were bred to run 25 miles a day under carriages, and the families couldn't handle them. Additionally, otters require specialized care and a suitable habitat, making them unsuitable as pets for most people. Retrieved from. North American river otter (or common otter): Found in and along North Americas waterways and coasts, these otters weigh between 11 and 31 lbs (5-14kg). Alabama law prohibits any wildlife protected by law being held in captivity (as in kept as pets.) In the wild they live in families of up to 15, which contrasts with their life in captivity. Zoological parks Some zoos have captive breeding programs for otters and may offer the opportunity to adopt one. Under provincial and federal law, it is illegal to keep a wild animal, as designated under the BC Wildlife Act, as a pet. you, an, otter, as, a, pet, unit, australia, s, can, have, in. But they are legal in some states. Stop being sensitive everyone. Uncovering the Price: How Much Does a Canadian Marble Fox Cost? Some species of otter exist discontinuously in patches unconnected by land because of over-poaching. The short answer is yes, but it comes with many caveats or catches. No, you cannot keep an otter as a therapy animal. Additionally, swimming with otters can be harmful to the animals, as it can disrupt their natural behaviors and expose them to human diseases. Dogs and otters do not get along. Question: Are otters illegal in western Australia? 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. You will need to provide a heated area for them when temperatures drop below 50F. 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? As wild animals, otters will not want to be kept in a small enclosure and their dexterous claws mean they will try to climb or dig their way out. The smell of an otters spraint has been likened variously to that of freshly mown hay to putrefied fish. Can you own an otter in BC? You can supplement the diet with monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, crayfish and insects, introduced at irregular intervals with a scatter method. Captive otters are also required to have a registered veterinarian who is happy to see them whenever required, which is hard to find at the best of times. This is the way for all animals, but the fundamental problem is that wild animals are better off wild, no matter how well we think we can look after them. Guess what, they are picked off by predators within 3 days. This time around, the slippery creatures sneaked into a home at Serangoon Gardens near Brockhampton Berwick and killed a whole pond full of koi. If you were able to find one, the cost of their expertise would be prohibitively expensive to most households. Can you pet otters? All goods sold at cash converters are cleaned and tested to ensure you're completely satisfied with your purchase. Even many experienced pet owners would not try to take on an otter. Where can I hold hands with otters? West Virginia: Otter ownership is legal in West Virginia with a permit from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoor enclosures. They live in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps in Southern Asia. Are otters legal in New York? However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. They are hard to potty train, and their fast metabolism means they poop a lot, and often. - Once you have that set, click "Add to Cart". 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. When it appears that an otter is legal under one statute but not another, the animal may be regulated by several laws. This is usually at the behest of a larger authority, often governmental. They are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Many of these facilities have otters on display, and some even have interactive exhibits where you can watch them play and swim. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Additionally, otters are considered indicator species, which means that their presence or absence can indicate the health of the surrounding ecosystem. What states are otters legal in? States where Otters may be legal, New York. Required fields are marked *. They swim 17km everyday , live in large groups of 20 individuals esprantes in multiple families. Feel free to share this guide with anyone who loves otters! Many Asian countries have taken measures to protect them through bans and regulation.. The woman in the video DOES SAY she would 100% NOT recommend an otter as a pet Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 27, 2019: Shame on you! Maybe they are for you, maybe not! Not all our wants are positive. That way, youll get advice direct from the source! 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. 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. But there are many factors to consider. As a vet you shouldnt explain people what to do if they still wanna keep a wild pet! However, some US states may allow you to own exotic pet species such as otters. Here are several reasons why: Legal restrictions: Otters are protected by law in many countries and it is illegal to keep them as pets. I guess they'd much rather be coddled and have everything handed to them SMH. She did nothing wrong shes a vet giving you advice on a animal that people love and right now have are popular. However, pet owners must meet strict requirements, including providing a secure and appropriate habitat, proper nutrition, and veterinary care. Theyre not for us to publish to get likes ! Supplement their diet with vegetables, soft-boiled eggs, and insects. 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. However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. About. Hundreds of thousands of newborn kittens are euthanized at shelters because no one can take care of them. Before considering obtaining a permit to keep an otter, it is important to thoroughly research the requirements and responsibilities involved. However, even if you could buy an otter, the cost of owning one would be significant. Fun fact: Otters have the thickest coats in the animal kingdom! But even if this is the case, keeping them as a pet will be discouraged by animal control and the Department of Health. What exotic pets can you own in Australia? They are cunning! 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. If you are handling or cuddling your otter, it will know if it doesnt have your full attention, and scream in order to get it. Why is is not right to have an OTTER as a PET? Specifically, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Nebraska and a handful of other states appear to allow the private-ownership of otters. They are mustelids which means they belong to the same family as weasels, minks and badgers, but form a part of the subfamily Lutrinae. Answer: Sea otters are not legal anywhere under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Additionally, otters can carry diseases that are harmful to humans, which is another reason why they are not suitable as pets. Asian small-clawed otters - the only otter sometimes allowed as pets - need a mixture of land and water in their enclosure. You need a vet. Question: Could an otter, raised from a young pup, make a unique and workable therapy animal or visiting moral animal for elderly / disabled / children? Additionally, if you live near a river, lake, or other natural body of water, you may be able to spot otters in the wild. If you do not live in a warm climate, supplementary heat is necessary for land. How To Care for A Pet Otter? Living in captivity is simply not a good life for an otter. The heaviest weigh in at up to 100lbs again, you wouldnt want to get on the wrong side of an animal of that bulk. Enjoy an otter stuffed animal The Answer May Surprise You! 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. Thank you for this VERY enlightening article. They are not commonly available, and you would likely need to get on a waiting list. NO. 3. 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. From a legal standpoint, owning an otter can be trickier than a skunk, but it is possible. Asian countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, have thriving pet otter industries. The ideal temperature for their pool is 7585F, but they also need a dry area because if they are wet all the time, they can develop health issues. Plus I would never just have one. Owning native otters is illegal in many countries including the UK, Japan, and the U.S. 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. Otters are usually kept outdoors because they emit an odor. There are many otters kept in captivity, but these are in animal welfare centers, zoos or conservation areas. But in Japan, where more than a dozen animal cafes now feature otters, they have . They're actually very aggressive animals. Summary of Husbandry Guidelines for Asian Small-clawed Otters in Captivity. I am currently an ecological project officer at Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. They love to swim and dive in shallow waters although there are records of sea otters diving as deep as 100 meters. They prefer flat stones that are as wide as a large orange. No matter how much you fantasize about them, you must accept the fact that they are not house pets. Answer: Since pet otters are rare, a dealer has a lot of leeway when naming their price. And pets are different again to 'keeping otters'. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. This article is very upfront and honest, however when reading the comments I was overwhelmed with all the ignorance. The base can consist of nutritionally-complete cat food. You may be asked to demonstrate this. In the wild, they feed on mostly invertebrates and occasionally frogs. However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. They are semi-aquatic animals, and they are well adapted to life on both land and in water, like rivers, streams, freshwater wetlands, and the sea. I just wanna make sure. Dont take my word for it read this! 12:34. You are wrong. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several otter species as either endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. What is the Difference Between a Donkey, a Mule and an Ass? Their bite is sharp and piercing. Otters are so adorable, I can understand why we would want to have them as a pet, but it's not right. Are there any research programs to help repopulate endangered species of otters such as the Congo clawless otter which so little is known about. Living with a Pet Otter There are many effects which you should be aware of before getting a pet otter. Otters are protected under the law, and it is illegal to keep them as pets or attempt to care for them yourself. The following is a list of reasons why you shouldn't. Nevertheless, otters are personable, entertaining little creatures, as you would expect from their reputation. 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. These toys are excellent for species that hunt and forge. (2018). It is important to exercise caution and practice good hygiene when interacting with otters or their environment. Otters can be dangerous around children, full grown adults as well as pets. In the majority of the US, it is completely illegal to keep an otter as a pet. If you try to teach an otter right vs. wrong, for example regarding littering outside the litter box, it will likely perform the negative action just in order to elicit a reaction from you. The cage should have a decent size that allows the animal adequate room to exercise and forge. Avoid rigid structure in order to prevent stereotypic behavior. Using food dispensing devices available for dogs and cats that must be manipulated to dispense treats. Those nails are perfectly manicured, oh yes they are! Taking feathers directly from the bird so the scent is present, and scatter them in various places. However, like all mustelids that arent domesticated ferrets, they are also challenging to keep, and will require large enclosures and extensive enrichment. This species is not for beginners. Speaking from experience in both areas, the caregivers who work with them are not taking on an easy job - they're noisier than a Siamese cat on an airplane. Swimming in circles , chanting, running around like crazy is them showing they suffer! Home / My Animal / Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? 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. Interestingly, however, otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. Put up you have it off otters every bit pets uk How To Get A Pet Otter (Realistically) slowelevator . They are all semiaquatic, aquatic or marine mammals, and subsist on diets mainly based on fish and invertebrates, such as mollusks. No, otters are not good pets. They have an oil, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which makes them good swimmers. Otters are generally well loved in Singapore. Thanks to hunting, habit destruction and many other human activities, almost all species of otter are either endangered or at least threatened. Question: Are otters legal to have as pets in North Carolina? Otters do climb, adding to the complexity of the habitat, so a top is required. Yes, I said scream. 5 Step Pacman Frog Care: Are they good pets? Stoats as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, The Ocelot as a Pet: Everything you Need to Know, Silver Foxes as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Ostriches as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Gov UK. Otters are notoriously difficult to potty train, and even when they are, they may decide to go against their training. Messy housemates. 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. If left untrained, they can leave many droppings around the house. Dogs can infect otters with canine distemper and rabies. Dont get a pet to show off get a pet because you have heart ! Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. If an otter does attack, they have sharp teeth which can be very dangerous, especially to children. The humble, or not so humble, otter is one of the most widespread mammals on Earth. There should be hollowed-out logs, aptly placed shrubs and trees, and various cage furniture that will make the space more interesting. Native birds are also federally protected. Habitat destruction, hunting, and pollution threaten their conservation. Or in a zoo? As a result, these pets are often abandoned. It is illegal to keep this indigenous otter as a pet in the United States, and not advised to take it out of North America. Online classified ads Sites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have individuals who breed or sell otters. (8 Best Scorpions Types as Pets), How Often Do Scorpions Eat? 12:16. They would come to the nano-reef forums posting spotless 10 gallon tanks loaded with fish including tangs. This has spread to the opening of various hedgehog and even owl cafs. If you want to see otters, your best bet is to visit a zoo or aquarium. They're very aggressive and bite, and they have very sharp teeth. I understand how people strongly oppose having otters as pets. Yes, otters can be trained using positive reinforcement techniques. This does not even take into consideration the amount of capital needed to install the appropriate enclosure and keep the otters well fed. Well I did come come across an instragram account of a pet otter in Japan, and I never saw a outdoor cage in the account. Otters are accustomed to preying on live animals; hunting is an integral part of an otters life. Lets look after wildlife, please! 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. Where can you shake hands with an otter? Even you own a river its not enough! I just have no words for it! How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at PetSmart? Otters are very playful creatures. It could benefit the scientific community as well since little is known about their behaviors. These include: Keeping an otter in a home is a surefire way to destroy anything valuable you own. 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. Here are a few to get you started, plus some basic information about how they fit into the otter pet trade: 1. !" EatRawPotatoes. Also They really have an annoying squeal. A otter is a species protected by both state and federal wildlife laws, and it is illegal to take them from the wild. If you keep a pet otter, be very careful when you have visitors. Due to their high fish diet, an otter's excrement is particularly foul. Otters are delightfully cute. Are there any health risks associated with otters? Mrs Smith, inform yourself, go back to University to learn the BASIC ethics of your job. Giant otter: Native to South America, these otters are very large, quite noisy, and actually very social. She said yes . Dont encourage this craziness! 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. I spearfish the invasive fish in the eel river and have had wild otters swimming feet away from me eating the fish I kill. Laws change, and this list is not necessarily exhaustive. Half the houses in my neighborhood can't even take care of their own dogs right. They are extremely uncommon, and you would likely need to contact a broker who can track down a breeder or import one. This is the smallest. Great job on this article, Melissa! Otters are protected under various laws and regulations, and owning one without proper permits can result in fines and other legal consequences. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). They are the masters of disaster. That includes all game animals, birds and furbearers, including bear, beaver, coyote, deer,. But can you keep one as a pet? This is the otter species Ill be focusing on in this guide, as it is the only one you could, feasibly or otherwise, keep as a pet otter. American Toad. Theyre not for us to put them in cute hats ! You need another animal carer to assist you if you need to leave. Because I love otters. After reading your expose, I realize that it would not be fair or practical. And if they do, it could get messy. Your email address will not be published. They travel in groups and maintain family ties, for life. Otters are wild animals. They are expensive to buy and house. you, have, a, pet, otter, in, australia, can. They can be very destructive when they dont get what they want., Strong odor. Because theyre so cute, theres been a high demand to own them as pets., Illegal poaching and sales have hurt the global otter population. [removed] 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.