I have seen so many animals killed because of ignorance. Their appearance may be similar to a friendly dog's, but their temperament is quite the opposite. 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. Asian small-clawed otters - the only otter sometimes allowed as pets - need a mixture of land and water in their enclosure. However, a recent uptick of otter attacks has caused distress to many fish owners across the island. Food is expensive. 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. You can give them a complete cat food as the base, but make sure that over half of their diet is meat-based. Are otters dangerous? Are otters legal pets? The Answer May Surprise You! Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. You can usually visit the otter you have adopted, and some programs offer other perks, like behind-the-scenes tours. You need resources to own any pet, much less an exotic one. Emergency Vet Prices: How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost? Their relatives include wolverines, badgers, and, of course, weasels (stoats). Can you have a pet sea otter? In such a case, the average dog run won't cut it. Most pet otters are actually owned by private zoos and animal educators. Using food dispensing devices available for dogs and cats that must be manipulated to dispense treats. I have recently embarked on this career change due to my passion for the natural world and our role within it. They arent easily housetrained and theyre very active, social animals. Theyll need a dry area as well as a pool. They can have up to 1 million (thats 1 with six zeros!) The space aka property with a huge pond that I would build a huge enclosure around. As stated in the introduction, otters are mustelids. But there are many factors to consider. Can otters be released into the wild after being in captivity? In conclusion, it is not advisable to keep otters as pets. Can i legaly own a short clawed otter here in Ontario Canada? Or someone actually get it and have no proper information on how to care for it? Otters are not ferrets; they are not animals that should be kept with the intention of cuddling them. Additionally, otters require specialized care and a suitable habitat, making them unsuitable as pets for most people. However, keeping otters in captivity is not the same as keeping an otter as a pet. This article is very upfront and honest, however when reading the comments I was overwhelmed with all the ignorance. 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. They also mark their territory by smearing their feces around, which contributes to the odor.. 07:55. Canadian Arctic Marble Fox as Pets (Are they good pets? 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? Thank you for this VERY enlightening article. 2. Aggression when stressed. Keeping an otter in a home is a surefire way to destroy anything valuable you own. They have an oil, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which makes them good swimmers. Hundreds of thousands of newborn kittens are euthanized at shelters because no one can take care of them. Otters are cute, furry water animals that hold hands and groom each other to bond. In some cases, it is possible to obtain a permit to own an otter. Its not like they are using them for fur or food. Poor animals in those cages, would you like to be in jail ? Yes, otters can be trained using positive reinforcement techniques. Are Emperor Scorpions Poisonous? I was headstrong about owning an otter and this article actually dissuaded me people are insane nowadays, would you rather there I have not come across this information then got an otter and regretted? North Carolina: Otter ownership is legal in North Carolina with a permit from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. These include many species of native birds (mostly parrots), some captive-bred reptiles and frogs from a licensed breeder or society. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. Keeping an otter as a pet would be unfair to the animal and potentially dangerous for you. It's scary to think of what it'll be like in just 5-10 more years. However, it is important to remember that even trained otters are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. To raise an otter away from its natural family group is a tragedy, so if you are still planning on keeping an otter, know that you will have to keep several otters in order to maintain the sanity and mental wellbeing of each one! Answer: Sea otters are not legal anywhere under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Otters can carry and transmit diseases that can be harmful to humans, such as salmonella and giardia. Interestingly, however, otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. While it's common to keep dogs and cats as pets, other unique and interesting animals including reptiles, insects, amphibians and terrestrial . Taking feathers directly from the bird so the scent is present, and scatter them in various places. DeKay's Brown Snake. Vets are expensive. (Diet and Feeding Frequency). A lot more animals are legal in New York State, as opposed to New York City, where most animals are illegal. 11:06. Otters have an odor that lingers around them. Are otters good pets? On the 4 Asian species 3 are under protection because theyre getting extinct ! Half the houses in my neighborhood can't even take care of their own dogs right. The only reason is if they cannot survive in the wild and need to be protected. You are wrong. If not..why? If you are interested in adopting an otter, you will need to provide a specialized diet that includes a variety of fresh fish and shellfish. Retrieved from. You should include fish. The water not only needs to be the right temperature (your local climate may not be able to maintain this correct temperature), but it needs to be free of disease-promoting bacteria. Product details: Item Number: 001000265731 Brand: Otter Box Model Number: iPhone 7 Plus Colour: Pink We ship nationwide! Sadly, due to the difficulties that come with owning an otter, many are abandoned or discarded to rescue groups., National Geographic: Wild otters are the latest exotic pet trend., PetHelpful: A Guide to Legally Owning and Caring for a Pet Otter., Sea Otter Savvy: Dangerous Liaisons: Interactions Between Pets and Sea Otters., The Furry Companion: FAQs for Aspiring Pet Otter Owners., WORLD ANIMAL PROTECTION: Why You Shouldnt Share That Cute Pet Otter Video.. As a vet you shouldnt explain people what to do if they still wanna keep a wild pet! Animals and mostly exotic ones are not our toys or our means to make money. They have high exercise and socialization needs and require a large living space with access to water. Prohibited mammals, reptiles and amphibians You are not allowed to keep prohibited animals as a pet in Queensland. In Japan, pet fads appear with a certain regularity. The short answer is yes, but it comes with many caveats or catches. 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. Otters are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and their trade is heavily regulated. However, owning an otter requires a permit, which can be obtained from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. WOW!! More on each of these later. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes dont make complete sense. 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. That includes all game animals, birds and furbearers, including bear, beaver, coyote, deer,. Guess what, they are picked off by predators within 3 days. As always, wed be delighted to read your comments. Some animals are illegal to keep in Queensland. I tend to state that theres no such thing as a good or bad petit depends on what youre looking for in an animal. Yes, in some cases, you can volunteer with otters. But. All rights reserved. Otters can also be loud and destructive. They live in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps in Southern Asia. 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. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. You can supplement the diet with monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, crayfish and insects, introduced at irregular intervals with a scatter method. Dont take this as an endorsement of keeping them, but in purely legal terms, you may be able to own an otter in the following states: In the majority of the US, it is completely illegal to keep an otter as a pet. 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. - Repeat the above steps to add more items as needed. Here are a few to get you started, plus some basic information about how they fit into the otter pet trade: 1. I completed my post-graduate studies at Nottingham Trent University in 2021, securing an MSc Biodiversity Conservation qualification. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several otter species as either endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. Note: All information comes from online resources and personal knowledge. Question: How much does a pet otter cost? 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. 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. If you don't provide sufficient environmental enrichment, they will likely find it for themselves, probably among your things. 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. Sea otter: Illegal to own under the Marine Animal Protection Act. Fun fact: Otters are one of the lesser-known tool users of the animal kingdom. They travel in groups and maintain family ties, for life. Otters do climb, adding to the complexity of the habitat, so a top is required. Otters require specific conditions to live well: a large area to roam (the larger the better); a clean water source in which to swim, bathe and (ideally) catch live prey; and adequate daily nutrition. Participants must be able to squat/kneel down and stand up quickly and without assistance. 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? Theyre destructive and will hurt you or your kids and they will get depressed ! Their ideal temperature is 75 to 85 degrees. Ana Sayfa; En iyi videolar; Hafta iin en iyi; . The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest species of otter. As a pet, otter ownership can be difficult for a variety of reasons, but owning one is not an easy choice. Even if you are granted a permit, you will need to provide proper care for the otter and follow strict regulations. Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia. Otters are very territorial and live in family groups. "Oh honey~~~ you shouldn't have! It is very difficult to find anyone who sincerely recommends keeping an otter as a pet. Other zoological animals like meerkats, raccoon dogs, slow lorises, and pangolins can't be owned privately for many reasons, at least in the United States. While sea and river otters are deemed federally illegal due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Asian small-clawed otters are not covered by the same level of protection. Check out Otter Bingo and Otter Kotaro on U-Tube. Not having enough entertainment or putting stress on your pet otter can also lead to destructive, aggressive behavior. Some introduced animals, have become serious pests in Queensland that attack pets and damage crops, the environment and the economy. Can you have a pet penguin in Canada? They are expensive to buy and house. !" EatRawPotatoes. Question: Are Otters legal to own in Texas? Likely, your otter will spend most of its life in the enclosure. When you see cute baby otters interacting with their keeperssuch as those in the videos hereremember that these are often socialized babies that have not yet undergone maturation. Gonna go out on a limb and say that's where the otter encounters take place. In the U.S. there is only one otter species that can be kept in the home so to speak - the Asian Short-clawed Otter . They're cute and playful when you see them on nature specials and at zoos, but in reality: They aren't domesticated in the slightest. Dv Kaufman's Adventures 44.5K subscribers OTTERS AS PETS?!? From a legal standpoint, owning an otter can be trickier than a skunk, but it is possible. They do not like intruders in their space or near their family and will defend accordingly. There are owners who have domesticated otters. I think otters are fun to watch, have exciting personalities and overall give out positive vibes. And pets are different again to 'keeping otters'. As the otters like to make a burrow in the land, you will need to have the right sort of soil ans terrain. The local authority's regulations will need to be assessed before it could even be considered. -They have a lot of personality and can be very affectionate with their owners. They have sharp teeth, powerful prey drives, and they're little bundles of furious energy in motion whenever they are awake. Would it require witchcraft for an otter to stay alive like that? In some cases, it may be possible to keep an otter with the proper permits and licenses. Stop being sensitive everyone. If they are constantly wet, they can develop health conditions.. Listen people, trying to stifle information will only lead to more of that thing your trying to stop dont be ignorant. It is important to work with trained professionals and follow guidelines for releasing otters back into the wild. Click to attach a photo related to your comment. However, mascotism damages biodiversity, since it does not focus on . [removed] They can be very destructive when they dont get what they want., Strong odor. These big furry dogs were bred to hunt otters, which were considered as pests back in the day. They're actually very aggressive animals. For many, ferrets make a viable alternative. It takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, patience, and experience to house them, provide them with enrichment, and keep them safe and secure. Such illegal trafficking is detrimental to wild populations of animals worldwide. . While most countries and states have made keeping a jackal as a pet illegal, others will require you to get . This doesnt make them automatically legal in every state. You just made that up and got angry for no reason. A certified veterinarian giving advise on how to get an exotic animal to own as a pet? If you do not live in a warm climate, supplementary heat is necessary for land. As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. Printed on the money box will be a beautiful otter with your required name. However, there are few countries which appear to favor having otters as pets. You need another animal carer to assist you if you need to leave. This is only a very simplified introduction to feeding. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 26, 2020: Nixie Nox I guess this also means dalmatians shouldn't be pets then. While they're widely illegal in the U.S., you may be able to own and care for an otter in some states with the proper permitting. 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. They would come to the nano-reef forums posting spotless 10 gallon tanks loaded with fish including tangs. Expect to pay at least $3000; it could also be a lot higher. They also mark their territory by smearing their scent; which is known as sprinting. 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. But can you keep one as a pet? The IUCN guidelines don't even provide a the space for a single otter as otters are social animals that need at least one other otter for company. 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. You may not think it, just to look at them, although even when stock-still they are adorable. However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. Additionally, there may be wildlife rehabilitation centers in your area that need volunteers to help care for injured or orphaned otters. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. No. Many Asian countries have taken measures to protect them through bans and regulation.. Additionally, otters can have sharp teeth and claws that can cause injury. Otters are very playful and charming and it might seem easy to interact with them or have them as pets. I guess they'd much rather be coddled and have everything handed to them SMH. Otters are wild animals and require specialized care. Answer: Since pet otters are rare, a dealer has a lot of leeway when naming their price. The fact that these otters require a tropical climate may be why they tend to be kept mostly by zoo professionals. 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. However, even if you could buy an otter, the cost of owning one would be significant. The otter is not a domesticated animal species. As mentioned earlier, they have specific needs that are challenging to meet in a domestic setting. Retrieved from, Smith, C. (2017). They need a much larger enclosure than a typical dog. Why is is not right to have an OTTER as a PET? This could devastate our unique environment. 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. Question: Are otters legal to have as pets in North Carolina? Funny Otter Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift Sweatshirt, Cute Otter Sweatshirt, Punctuation Saves Otters, Punctuation Saves Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift . In the wild, they feed on mostly invertebrates and occasionally frogs. Obtaining a permit for keeping an otter is difficult, if not impossible. You can have 2 of each of the following animals: American Bullfrog. Space alone is not enough to mimic the otter's natural ecosystem. Otters make loud whistling or screeching noises. Or in a zoo? Can you have a pet otter in australia. Remember when 101 Dalmations came out and everyone ran and got a Dalmation and thousands got dumped at animal shelters? 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. This has spread to the opening of various hedgehog and even owl cafs. Living inside comes with many challenges, like cleaning up otter feces and keeping your furniture intact. 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. No matter how much you fantasize about them, you must accept the fact that they are not house pets. There are several strict guidelines concerning their care and upkeep, but, in theory, you can keep an Asian small-clawed otter as a pet in some states of the USA. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision! How much does a pet otter cost? Otters are excellent diggers and have sharp claws and teeth. Great job on this article, Melissa! Non-Domesticated Since these animals aren't domesticated, they're not 100% safe to be around humans full-time without proper training. Let us learn more about this incredible creature as we read this article. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. It is the smallest otter species in the world, reaching a length of just 3 ft, or 90cm. The smell of an otters spraint has been likened variously to that of freshly mown hay to putrefied fish. Many zoos and aquariums have volunteer programs that allow you to work with otters and other animals. If you are bit by an otter, you'll need to treat the wound immediately. They bite and they have glands to produce a vile smell , people get those removed , its cruel. Not all our wants are positive. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Ive occasionally seen them offered for sale on exoticanimalsforsale.net in the past, but not for a while. Objects, such as hollowed-out lots, well-placed shrubs and trees, and items of cage furniture. Yes, you can own an otter in Massachusetts as long as you have a permit from the state. Can you have a pet otter in australia. Due to their high fish diet, an otter's excrement is particularly foul. All you say and recommend is ethically against your Vet degree! Most products include Include a 90 day warranty for your convenience and to ensure you're completely satisfied! You can keep an otter as a pet with the proper permits that allow you to house game animals in captivity. An otter needs to have the life he was intended to have and need to be around their own kind in order to thrive. But shipping can be stressful, even if managed by a careful courier, so it is advised to go directly to a zoo, private breeder or animal educator, and enquire in person. They are hard to potty train, and their fast metabolism means they poop a lot, and often. Not all countries have strict protection laws and many otter populations are already in decline. All those things you find cute on IG are them showing their distress ! 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. NO. Maximum of two people per encounter. However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. While they are the smallest otter species in the world, Asian small-clawed otters can still grow to 24 inches (61cm). Otters are smelly, loud and extremely active; they have sharp teeth and jaws strong enough to crack open shellfish. After reading your expose, I realize that it would not be fair or practical. 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 love to swim and dive in shallow waters although there are records of sea otters diving as deep as 100 meters. Otters may bite when threatened and are not good housemates., Wild otters are not fit to live in your home environment., They need plenty of space to roam and to be with their family. In some cases, otters that have been in captivity can be released back into the wild. Answer: I would guess no, but it might depend on the animal and your particular talent in animal training. Yet otters are still being illegally smuggled into these countries to be sold as pets., Loud noises. Otters need space to roam. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. But above all, enjoy this unique and intimate insight into one of our wildest, shyest animals. Even cats and dogs require a team of people to help you. Licences to possess, sell or capture otters European protected species: apply for a licence to possess them (A37 and LR37) 8 March 2022 Form Licence to possess plants and animals for scientific. Yes, I said scream. As such, captive otters need ample space to move around, including a deep enough freshwater source in which to swim, bathe, and socialize. Lets look after wildlife, please! Question: Specifically what is required to own an otter in North Carolina and what type of otter(s) can you have? That being said, exotic animals from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. The base can consist of nutritionally-complete cat food. Even you own a river its not enough! Therefore, purchasing an otter can do more harm than good and is not advised. Squirrels as Pets - Is It OK to Have a Pet Squirrel? Rejoice in the sheer exuberance of otter life. However, like all mustelids that arent domesticated ferrets, they are also challenging to keep, and will require large enclosures and extensive enrichment. please can someone help. They are the smallest otter species in the world. 4. Even if you could get an otter certified as a therapy animal, it would still be illegal to buy or sell one.