These big furry dogs were bred to hunt otters, which were considered as pests back in the day. They smear their droppings, which they produce constantly to mark their territory. Therefore, purchasing an otter can do more harm than good and is not advised. This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! What is a good pet? 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. Well address some of the most frequently asked questions about buying an otter. seni, var, bir, pet, otter, iinde, Avustralya, olabilir. This could devastate our unique environment. I just have no words for it! If you want to see otters, your best bet is to visit a zoo or aquarium. Likely, your otter will spend most of its life in the enclosure. 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. Unique or exotic pets. However, it is important to remember that even trained otters are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. The local authority's regulations will need to be assessed before it could even be considered. if you want to have a wire sort of cage and live in a winter climate would i have to make a little room with heating. (Complete Budgie Diet Guide). These are wild animals who suffer greatly being kept in our houses. In conclusion, it is not advisable to keep otters as pets. Hi I'm looking to buy a otter I want to know how much they go for. Yes, otters can be trained using positive reinforcement techniques. Otters are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and their trade is heavily regulated. 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. 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. The larger the group, the larger the smear. Smell may seem a minor consideration, but should not be overlooked. That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! 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. Ana Sayfa; En iyi videolar; Hafta iin en iyi; . I tend to state that theres no such thing as a good or bad petit depends on what youre looking for in an animal. Retrieved from. As we have stated, they are not domestic animals. Answer: I would guess no, but it might depend on the animal and your particular talent in animal training. 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. 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. Otters can be destructive and are difficult to housetrain. However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. 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. They are the smallest otter species in the world. 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. They need plenty of space and care., An otters enclosure needs to be large enough for them to get exercise and forage. However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. Question: Are Otters legal to own in Texas? They belong in the wild, where they can swim, run, hunt and live freely. Not to mention that an otter in a home life most likely is not going to get the water time he needs. Otters are very playful and charming and it might seem easy to interact with them or have them as pets. Guests must be fit and healthy, have full motor skill and intellectual capabilities. Otters are protected under various laws and regulations, and owning one without proper permits can result in fines and other legal consequences. You need another animal carer to assist you if you need to leave. There are only 13 extant species of otter across the world[1]. It is illegal to own most otter species as pets. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Petco? Trained professionals can provide the care and rehabilitation necessary to ensure the otter can be released back into the wild. People's Trust for Endangered Species. North Carolina: Otter ownership is legal in North Carolina with a permit from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. As stated in the introduction, otters are mustelids. For example, in Nevada, lions and elephants are actually legal to own, but fennec foxes (which weigh 3 lbs) are not. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Question: Specifically what is required to own an otter in North Carolina and what type of otter(s) can you have? They are wild animals and do not like to be restrained., Owning an otter is a big commitment. 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. This is the smallest. Some might make an argument that an animal like the cat was not originally domesticated, but now fares well under human co-existence. You need a vet. In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. Why is is not right to have an OTTER as a PET? This may not seem very big, but their high metabolism and intelligence mean they can take up a lot of space when they need to, or want to. 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? Can you pet otters? They are extremely uncommon, and you would likely need to contact a broker who can track down a breeder or import one. In the wild, otters roam over a large area, including terrestrially and aquatically over land and water. All rights reserved. Aggression when stressed. I couldn't agree more. That way, youll get advice direct from the source! Retrieved from. Can Caracal Kitten be good pets? In the United States, it is legal to own an otter with a license, although regulations vary from state to state. most native mammals are nocturnal and some, such as possums and gliders, can only be kept . This time around, the slippery creatures sneaked into a home at Serangoon Gardens near Brockhampton Berwick and killed a whole pond full of koi. Both these habitats need to be well-tended. Call state wildlife officials to confirm. Im looking to train otters at the zoo to learn how to care for exotics. What exotic pets can you own in Australia? Even with the best intentions we cant give them enough , enough playtimes, enough nutrition.l enough everything. 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. This requires a fence which is not climbable and has a horizontal ledge at the top. And I really want to pet or hold hands with an otter. The recommended space for a pair of otters is 60 m, roughly the size of an average apartment. As the otters like to make a burrow in the land, you will need to have the right sort of soil ans terrain. Other otter species, like the ocean otter and giant otter, can reach lengths of 6 ft (1.8m), as long as a tall human. Another relatively popular pet fad in Japan is the practice of keeping otters as pets. Who knew? 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. Not all our wants are positive. As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. This species is not for beginners. Can i legaly own a short clawed otter here in Ontario Canada? Captive otters require caging. Different provinces have different laws. Where can you shake hands with an otter? Here is a list of states in which owning an otter is legal, along with some important information to keep in mind if you are considering acquiring an otter as a pet. Otters can be dangerous around children, full grown adults as well as pets. Quite possibly. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T12302A21936349. 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. 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. Question: How much does a pet otter cost? They need a much larger enclosure than a typical dog. Can you have a pet otter in australia. A new fundraiser, Made by Mori: A Day at the Movies has been organised to raise funds for the recovery, with a day of iconic Mori-made films to screen at Silky Otter Cinemas across Aotearoa . Yes, there are some health risks associated with otters. Retrieved on 29 November, 2019. She did nothing wrong shes a vet giving you advice on a animal that people love and right now have are popular. Or someone actually get it and have no proper information on how to care for it? Additionally, otters can carry diseases that are harmful to humans, which is another reason why they are not suitable as pets. Live animals and animal products from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. But if you do decide to own an otter telling you how to properly care for your new family member. They like attention but do not like to play with humans, in the way humans like to interact with pets. However, owning an otter requires a permit, which can be obtained from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. In most countries, otters are considered wild animals, and it is illegal to buy or sell them. -They are relatively low-maintenance, compared to other animals. However, they also mark territory with scent glands at the base of their tail. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes dont make complete sense. It takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, patience, and experience to house them, provide them with enrichment, and keep them safe and secure. Even if you are granted a permit, you will need to provide proper care for the otter and follow strict regulations. Put a ring on it! The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest species of otter. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. Expenses such as those mentioned above are not the only detrimental factors in keeping an otter as a pet. These have brought significant problems and it is very questionable if exotic animals will fare well in such environments. Theyre not for us to put them in cute hats ! Otters are protected under the law, and it is illegal to keep them as pets or attempt to care for them yourself. 7080% of the diet can be meat-based and can consist of day-old chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. Are otters legal pets? But there are many factors to consider. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. In some cases, it may be possible to keep an otter with the proper permits and licenses. You should be ashamed Mellissa! Under provincial and federal law, it is illegal to keep a wild animal, as designated under the BC Wildlife Act, as a pet. However, a recent uptick of otter attacks has caused distress to many fish owners across the island. That includes all game animals, birds and furbearers, including bear, beaver, coyote, deer,. Food is expensive. This article is very upfront and honest, however when reading the comments I was overwhelmed with all the ignorance. 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. The fact that these otters require a tropical climate may be why they tend to be kept mostly by zoo professionals. All goods sold at cash converters are cleaned and tested to ensure you're completely satisfied with your purchase. Can you own an otter in BC? Money Box, Personalised Otter Money Box, Coin Bank, Otter Money Box, Otter Gifts, Piggy Bank, Savings Jar, Otter Presents. Fr Rudi, as . 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? And for those shaming her in the comments. Even many experienced pet owners would not try to take on an otter. 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. Veterinary Secrets 2022 Bestie PawsLower Manhattan, New York, NY 10038, USA, Pet otters: the truth behind the latest wildlife craze. 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. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. 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. 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. 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. If you love animals, then volunteer at shelters, rescues, or an ACA accredited zoo. If an otter does attack, they have sharp teeth which can be very dangerous, especially to children. The only reason is if they cannot survive in the wild and need to be protected. Crested Gecko Enclosures: Whats the Best Choice? Yet otters are still being illegally smuggled into these countries to be sold as pets., Loud noises. They're actually very aggressive animals. Home / My Animal / Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? While it's common to keep dogs and cats as pets, other unique and interesting animals including reptiles, insects, amphibians and terrestrial . They are mustelids which means they belong to the same family as weasels, minks and badgers, but form a part of the subfamily Lutrinae. However, there is also DNA evidence to suggest that cats were susceptible to the process of domestication and may have even domesticated themselves[3]. There is little similar evidence to suggest otters want to do the same. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). Otters are generally well loved in Singapore. As a pet, otter ownership can be difficult for a variety of reasons, but owning one is not an easy choice. American Toad. Below is a basic care guide. They are not commonly available, and you would likely need to get on a waiting list. If you are bit by an otter, you'll need to treat the wound immediately. 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. Can you have a pet sea otter? Also watch for signs of bacterial infection to the wound. 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 otters require a tropical climate and room to explore and play. Question: Could an otter, raised from a young pup, make a unique and workable therapy animal or visiting moral animal for elderly / disabled / children? Asian countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, have thriving pet otter industries. 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. No, otters are not good pets. No, you cannot keep a jackal as a pet. No. slowelevator . There are several websites and online sources where pet otters are sold. 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. Eric Farmer from Rockford Illinois on February 18, 2018: On one hand, this sounded somewhat cute but some of the things you listed as negatives really turn me off owning an Otter as a pet. Question: Are otters legal to have as pets in North Carolina? What zoos and aquariums have sea otters? Retrieved on 29 November, 2019. They can have up to 1 million (thats 1 with six zeros!) It could benefit the scientific community as well since little is known about their behaviors. 12:34. 11:06. However, Asian small-clawed otters, despite being the otter species best suited for captivity, are not commonly kept, even in the exotic pet-keeping community. They require about 2-2, 5 pounds of meat every day. Answer: Australia is extremely strict with entry and exportation of exotics, so no. They are cunning and intelligent and predatory and like to know every nook and cranny of their dwelling place. "Oh honey~~~ you shouldn't have! 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. 25 million cats and dogs are euthanized in the US each year. It is the most common type trapped and sold as pets. Sea otters carry around a favorite rock in a pouch under their arms between meals, which they use to crack open the shells of various crustaceans. If i found a fox or coyote i would raise it. However, like all mustelids that arent domesticated ferrets, they are also challenging to keep, and will require large enclosures and extensive enrichment. Smitten. Additionally, otters require specialized care and a suitable habitat, making them unsuitable as pets for most people. They have an oil, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which makes them good swimmers. Let us know in the comments below! Great job on this article, Melissa! Listen people, trying to stifle information will only lead to more of that thing your trying to stop dont be ignorant. 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. Cats Domesticated Themselves, Ancient DNA Shows. Additionally, if you live near a river, lake, or other natural body of water, you may be able to spot otters in the wild. In what states is it legal to own an otter? Space alone is not enough to mimic the otter's natural ecosystem. They have exotic pet stores with meerkats in rabbit cages. You can have 2 of each of the following animals: American Bullfrog. Are otters dangerous? I do not even need to mention you all the reasons why. Some ideas include: Domesticated minks are actually semi-aquatic and far more readily available, if legal. Gonna go out on a limb and say that's where the otter encounters take place. The otter is not a domesticated animal species. Weird Pets: Sugar Gliders Sugar gliders are quickly becoming America's new exotic pet darling. However, mascotism damages biodiversity, since it does not focus on . can also be offered to supplement the diet. Answer: Yes, but you would have to be granted a permit, which isn't easy. West Virginia: Otter ownership is legal in West Virginia with a permit from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. However, this is a highly regulated process and requires meeting strict requirements for the care and housing of the animal. Here are a few to get you started, plus some basic information about how they fit into the otter pet trade: 1. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. Toys are expensive. They can cause damage to your home and hurt other animals in your family. Vegetables, insects, crayfish, monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, etc. The heaviest weigh in at up to 100lbs again, you wouldnt want to get on the wrong side of an animal of that bulk. However, if you have ever seen one having a snooze while going down river, opening up lunch on their bellies or rollicking in the water with their friends, only the meanest of the mean wouldn't find them enchanting. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. Eastern Newt. (Lifespan Guide). You may not realize that the otter is likely there only as a stop gap in a larger conservation effort. If left untrained, they can leave many droppings around the house. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several otter species as either endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. Canadian Arctic Marble Fox as Pets (Are they good pets? Not to mention the sad ways in which they are breed, in cages, only to then be separated from their significant others. Taking feathers directly from the bird so the scent is present, and scatter them in various places. 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. There is a high chance of one of them getting bitten. Note that you still require special permits in many of these states, and local city governments also stipulate whether it is legal or illegal to keep exotic animals within city limits, so make sure you find out this information before buying an otter! In most countries, only dogs and miniature horses are recognized as therapy animals. These include many species of native birds (mostly parrots), some captive-bred reptiles and frogs from a licensed breeder or society. There are 13 types of otter in total, but some are more common than others. Living with a Pet Otter There are many effects which you should be aware of before getting a pet otter. They love to swim and dive in shallow waters although there are records of sea otters diving as deep as 100 meters. Check out Otter Bingo and Otter Kotaro on U-Tube. Participants must be able to squat/kneel down and stand up quickly and without assistance. In such a case, the average dog run won't cut it. Dogs can infect otters with canine distemper and rabies. Note: All information comes from online resources and personal knowledge. The level of protection and types of otters present vary across different parts of the world. An otter needs to have the life he was intended to have and need to be around their own kind in order to thrive. 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. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 26, 2020: Nixie Nox I guess this also means dalmatians shouldn't be pets then. That cute, fluffy sea otter you have in your photo? It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Otters climb, so a roof or top is required, and they are keen diggers, so any fencing needs to be extended in-ground. I was looking into purchasing a friend but after all this I think its not the best for either of us.