25 million cats and dogs are euthanized in the US each year. 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. 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. Theyre very intelligent and need so much stimulation , just like an African parrot but maybe 10 times more. The fact that these otters require a tropical climate may be why they tend to be kept mostly by zoo professionals. Answer: Australia is extremely strict with entry and exportation of exotics, so no. Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia Watch HD Videos. Living with a Pet Otter There are many effects which you should be aware of before getting a pet otter. Expect to pay at least $3000; it could also be a lot higher. Aquarium where you can touch otters? - aquariums - 2023 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. Their bite is sharp and piercing. iPhone 13 Pro Otter-box case | Phone Accessories | Gumtree Australia For example, in Nevada, lions and elephants are actually legal to own, but fennec foxes (which weigh 3 lbs) are not. 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. However, they also mark territory with scent glands at the base of their tail. Owning a pet otter is considered illegal in several countries including the US, Japan, and the UK. Otters are very playful creatures. Not only do these animals make terrible pets, but they're also nearly impossible to domesticate. As stated in the introduction, otters are mustelids. From a legal standpoint, owning an otter can be trickier than a skunk, but it is possible. Otters are notoriously difficult to potty train, and even when they are, they may decide to go against their training. Unfortunately, this fad has lead to the illegal smuggling of otters into Japan[6]. 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). Otter as a pet [Facts & Guides] | Pet Comments Very few are owned by private individuals and habited in domestic environments. Or someone actually get it and have no proper information on how to care for it? In the wild, otters can live up to 10-15 years, while those in captivity may live longer. Question: Are pet otters legal in Canada? You just made that up and got angry for no reason. 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? Theyre destructive and will hurt you or your kids and they will get depressed ! Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. Finger Monkey Lifespans: How Long Do Pygmy Marmosets Live as Pets? After otter hunting was banned in the UK in 1978, their numbers dropped. 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. Check out Otter Bingo and Otter Kotaro on U-Tube. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 31, 2019: Katouchka, I have seen breeders. However, just like any other wild animal, otters can be dangerous and aggressive. No, it is not safe or ethical to swim with otters. Smitten. Also They really have an annoying squeal. They are carnivores with a high metabolic rate, requiring them to consume 20% of their body weight per day. However, this is a highly regulated process and requires meeting strict requirements for the care and housing of the animal. Retrieved from, Smith, C. (2017). When I worked for the park service, every year after easter people dump the bunnies,chicks and ducks they got for kids in the park because they grew up and couldn't handle them. Put a ring on it! Poisonous bite symptoms and treatments, 8 AMAZING jumping spiders types you can get as pets, 31 Interesting Axolotl Facts That Will Blow Your Mind. Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? 2023 Bestie Paws Hospital WOW!! Australia boasts a huge variety of animals. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). 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. 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. That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! You can have 2 of each of the following animals: American Bullfrog. The larger the group, the larger the smear. Weird Pets: Sugar Gliders Sugar gliders are quickly becoming America's new exotic pet darling. Even if you could get an otter certified as a therapy animal, it would still be illegal to buy or sell one. Native birds are also federally protected. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. 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. NO. Dont take my word for it read this! Question: Are otters legal in Pennsylvania? Im looking to train otters at the zoo to learn how to care for exotics. In the wild, they feed on mostly invertebrates and occasionally frogs. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes don't make complete sense. 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. They are cunning! I bet thats bigger than you expected! Wildlife rehabilitation centers These centers take in injured or orphaned wild animals and care for them until they can be released back into the wild. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. Can Dogs Have Whipped Cream? I have grown up in the redwoods of California. Yes, you can own an otter in Massachusetts as long as you have a permit from the state. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T12302A21936349. In some cases, it is possible to obtain a permit to own an otter. But. If an otter does attack, they have sharp teeth which can be very dangerous, especially to children. Remember when 101 Dalmations came out and everyone ran and got a Dalmation and thousands got dumped at animal shelters? You can keep these animals as personal pets, but you cannot sell, barter, or exchange them. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. Home / My Animal / Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Well address some of the most frequently asked questions about buying an otter. Otters climb, so a roof or top is required, and they are keen diggers, so any fencing needs to be extended in-ground. You need a vet. They tend to attack when they are intimidated. please can someone help. No, and you don't want one. I understand how people strongly oppose having otters as pets. Giant otter: Native to South America, these otters are very large, quite noisy, and actually very social. Answer: I would guess no, but it might depend on the animal and your particular talent in animal training. Otters are accustomed to preying on live animals; hunting is an integral part of an otters life. 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. Money Box Personalised Otter Money Box Coin Bank Otter - Etsy UK Call state wildlife officials to confirm. I thank you for the info! Retrieved from. They swim 17km everyday , live in large groups of 20 individuals esprantes in multiple families. Some might make an argument that an animal like the cat was not originally domesticated, but now fares well under human co-existence. We are living in a world full of ignorant, entitled, beings who have little/no respect for anyone or anything. In the wild, otters roam over a large area, including terrestrially and aquatically over land and water. What exotic pets can you own in Australia? Hands-on experience with an otter : r/aww - reddit Of course, this depends on whether or not you can find someone willing to sell you one in the first place. Theyre not for us to publish to get likes ! Can You Have A Pet Otter In Australia. Otter licences - GOV.UK But can you keep one as a pet? They are cunning and intelligent and predatory and like to know every nook and cranny of their dwelling place. Canadian Arctic Marble Fox as Pets (Are they good pets? Likely, your otter will spend most of its life in the enclosure. Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. Otters are excellent diggers and have sharp claws and teeth. Can you have an Otter as a Pet? - Petaddon You can supplement the diet with monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, crayfish and insects, introduced at irregular intervals with a scatter method. Average Lifespan, What Do Parakeets Like to Eat? While they are the smallest otter species in the world, Asian small-clawed otters can still grow to 24 inches (61cm). Thanks. Some introduced animals, have become serious pests in Queensland that attack pets and damage crops, the environment and the economy. You are wrong. 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. How otters are protected. Habitat destruction, hunting, and pollution threaten their conservation. I tend to state that theres no such thing as a good or bad petit depends on what youre looking for in an animal. 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. Retrieved on 29 November, 2019. Can i legaly own a short clawed otter here in Ontario Canada? Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia Watch HD Videos. IM SO SAD READING THESE COMMENTS AND THIS ARTICLE IN GENERAL! This could devastate our unique environment. I can only make educated guesses as to where they might be legal due to researching what isn't legal. Guests must be fit and healthy, have full motor skill and intellectual capabilities. 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. 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? Uncovering the Price: How Much Does a Canadian Marble Fox Cost? Otters can give dogs Salmonella, just like humans. 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. 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. Who knew? But would only ever do it if I had the money #1, a lot of money. After reading your expose, I realize that it would not be fair or practical. 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. Online classified ads Sites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have individuals who breed or sell otters. You can usually visit the otter you have adopted, and some programs offer other perks, like behind-the-scenes tours. In many states, do you think it's illegal to keep river otters, beavers and many exotic animals as pets? Otters can be destructive. This has spread to the opening of various hedgehog and even owl cafs. Before they used to be chased by humans for destroying rice cultures but now the parents are killed at first sight to get the youngs to make money! The space aka property with a huge pond that I would build a huge enclosure around. Otters and most exotic pets may not like to be restrained, especially with strangers. There are several websites and online sources where pet otters are sold. That includes all game animals, birds and furbearers, including bear, beaver, coyote, deer,. Below is a basic care guide. In some states, it is not illegal to keep an Asian small-clawed otter as a pet. If I live in Australia can I own a pet otter? - Quora Additionally, there may be wildlife rehabilitation centers in your area that need volunteers to help care for injured or orphaned otters. No. Otters attack again lol Serangoon Gardens | HardwareZone Forums Serfass, T., Evans, S. S., & Polechla, P. (2015). But there is one species, the Asian small-clawed otter, which could be legal in some states. These are wild animals who suffer greatly being kept in our houses. Would it require witchcraft for an otter to stay alive like that? Buy iPhone 11 Otter + Pop Symmetry Series Case at Amazon. All rights reserved. They belong in the wild, where they can swim, run, hunt and live freely. Do otters like to cuddle? If left untrained, they can leave many droppings around the house. No, otters are not good pets. Yet otters are still being illegally smuggled into these countries to be sold as pets., Loud noises. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several otter species as either endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. These can grow up to 6 ft long, almost 2 meters, and have a nasty bite, so you probably wouldnt want to own one anyway! Pets banned in Alabama - al.com Otters are being poached from the wild to become pets in Japan and Thailand The Asian small-clawed otter has become a popular pet in Southeast Asia. Yes, I said scream. 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. Other animals in the Mustelidae family include the ferret. Question: How much does a pet otter cost? - Repeat the above steps to add more items as needed. But theyre probably more likely to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors! Asian small-clawed otters are one of 13 species of otters in the carnivore family Mustelidae. Hence the name. Its time to wake up and change, seriously. Rage at the cruelty of man. 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. On the 4 Asian species 3 are under protection because theyre getting extinct ! The bad news is that this leaves them vulnerable to poachers, who hunt them for their velvety fur. They require about 2-2, 5 pounds of meat every day. Marvel at the patience that the author must have had. Otters can carry and transmit diseases that can be harmful to humans, such as salmonella and giardia. They do not like intruders in their space or near their family and will defend accordingly. Is there anywhere (somewhere in Australia ideally) where I can - Quora Can Otters Be Pets - Petsnetic Are there any health risks associated with otters? They like attention but do not like to play with humans, in the way humans like to interact with pets. Hi I'm looking to buy a otter I want to know how much they go for. Can you have a pet otter in australia. 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. However, mascotism damages biodiversity, since it does not focus on . Listen people, trying to stifle information will only lead to more of that thing your trying to stop dont be ignorant. Eastern Garter Snake. You can give them a complete cat food as the base, but make sure that over half of their diet is meat-based. They would come to the nano-reef forums posting spotless 10 gallon tanks loaded with fish including tangs. They can cause damage. Otters can be destructive and are difficult to housetrain. Otters are very playful and charming and it might seem easy to interact with them or have them as pets. Let us learn more about this incredible creature as we read this article. If you love animals, then volunteer at shelters, rescues, or an ACA accredited zoo. For instance, in Nevada, lions and elephants are technically legal to own but not 3-pound fennec foxes. With that said, most or all states will likely ban possession of native otters, and the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act strongly protects marine species (sea otters). They're very aggressive and bite, and they have very sharp teeth. Summary of Husbandry Guidelines for Asian Small-clawed Otters in Captivity. However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. Aggression in otters is also something important to consider. Hundreds of thousands of newborn kittens are euthanized at shelters because no one can take care of them. The otter is not a domesticated animal species. Fortunately, many governments and jurisdictions have created contingencies to try to protect these animals. Can Otters Be Pets? - wildlifefaq.com In most countries, otters are considered wild animals, and it is illegal to buy or sell them. In the wild, they mostly eat fish, while sea-dwelling otters use stones to break open mollusks. Can you have a pet sea otter? 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. They deserve to be out in the world in environments which we do't interfere with. Otters need a tropical climate. Please be better than that and get a pet that we breed for generations. If you want to see otters, your best bet is to visit a zoo or aquarium. If you find a wild otter, it is best to leave it alone and contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center. Trained professionals can provide the care and rehabilitation necessary to ensure the otter can be released back into the wild. Fun fact: Otters are one of the lesser-known tool users of the animal kingdom. While otters can form bonds with humans, they still retain their natural instincts and behaviors. They bite and they have glands to produce a vile smell , people get those removed , its cruel. -They have a lot of personality and can be very affectionate with their owners. Otters are adorable animals, but keeping them as pets is not a good idea. They have specific dietary and environmental needs, and not everyone is equipped to meet them. 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. Question: Could an otter, raised from a young pup, make a unique and workable therapy animal or visiting moral animal for elderly / disabled / children? Some species of otter exist discontinuously in patches unconnected by land because of over-poaching. Live animals and animal products from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. Therefore, purchasing an otter can do more harm than good and is not advised. They need attention all the time. 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. Arkansas: Arkansas is one of the few states in the U.S. that allows otter ownership as a pet. Lets look after wildlife, please! That way, youll get advice direct from the source! Can you pet otters? Thank you for taking the time to look at our personalised otter ceramic money box. However, these permits are usually only granted to licensed wildlife rehabilitators, educators, or researchers. This requires a fence which is not climbable and has a horizontal ledge at the top. Many zoos and aquariums offer adoption programs, which allow you to support the care of an otter without owning one. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. All you say and recommend is ethically against your Vet degree! I have seen so many animals killed because of ignorance. Even if it weren't, keeping wild animals as pets is not a good idea. While it's common to keep dogs and cats as pets, other unique and interesting animals including reptiles, insects, amphibians and terrestrial . Your bathtub or pool cant substitute for the large bodies of water otters are naturally found in. Can I Have an Otter as a Pet? | FluffyStuffie.com But they are legal in some states. Over half of all 13 otter species are endangered or vulnerable and are not legally breed - they have to be capture, usually by killing the mother and confiscating the pups. However, some US states may allow you to own exotic pet species such as otters. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. Conservationists may need to keep an otter in captivity for protection, post-rescue or for research purposes. 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. From Otters To Capybaras, 6 Weird Pets That You Could Actually Own Maximum of two people per encounter. Otters like to climb and dig, so your enclosure will need a top and to be dug into the ground. Can otters be released into the wild after being in captivity? Many zoos and aquariums train their otters to participate in educational programs or to exhibit natural behaviors for visitors to see. 10 dog breeds facing extinction in the UK: Rough collies, greyhounds Fun fact: Otters have the thickest coats in the animal kingdom! White ceramic money box Personalised. The lifespan of otters varies depending on the species and their environment. I just wanna make sure. Asian otters require a tropical climate and room to explore and play. SafePetsForJoliet. Otters are much happier (and quieter) in their natural habitat. Background on Otter Otters eat 15 to 25% of their body weight daily. Not to mention the sad ways in which they are breed, in cages, only to then be separated from their significant others. I have an affinity for unique companions (my first buddy was a nurse shark that imprinted on me). All states have bans on at least some exotic pets, even states that are notorious for having lax pet laws. 9 Affordable Pet Insurance for Low Income Families, Donating to organizations that support otter conservation, research, and habitat protection, Purchasing products made from sustainable materials to reduce habitat destruction, Volunteering at a local wildlife rehabilitation center or conservation organization, Advocating for policies and regulations that protect otters and their habitats. States where Otters may be legal, New York. This species is not for beginners. 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 are apex predators that help keep populations of fish and other aquatic creatures in check. Enjoy an otter stuffed animal More on each of these later. Additionally, otters are social animals and need to live with other otters to thrive. 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. Quite possibly. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. More otters smuggled for sale in Japan as demand as pets grows. No matter how much you fantasize about them, you must accept the fact that they are not house pets. Otters have an odor that lingers around them. Emergency Vet Prices: How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost? Rejoice in the sheer exuberance of otter life. Unique or exotic pets - DAFF - Agriculture Vegetables, insects, crayfish, monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, etc. 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. 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. What zoos and aquariums have sea otters? Due to their high fish diet, an otter's excrement is particularly foul.