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It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. 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. Maximum of two people per encounter. Unless you do what Joseph Carter does for his mink to keep them busy, I wouldn't recommend them as pets to most people. Scent and Body Odour The otters emit an odour and that is the reason they are kept outdoors. Otters can be destructive and are difficult to housetrain. August 20, 2021. Not to mention that an otter in a home life most likely is not going to get the water time he needs. I tend to state that theres no such thing as a good or bad petit depends on what youre looking for in an animal. This can be fed irregularly with a "scatter" method to ward off stereotypic behaviorsomething that occurs when certain animals are fed at specific times. More otters smuggled for sale in Japan as demand as pets grows. North Carolina: Otter ownership is legal in North Carolina with a permit from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. I completed my post-graduate studies at Nottingham Trent University in 2021, securing an MSc Biodiversity Conservation qualification. Otters are protected under various laws and regulations, and owning one without proper permits can result in fines and other legal consequences. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. The recommended space for a pair of otters is 60 m, roughly the size of an average apartment. 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. They smear their droppings, which they produce constantly to mark their territory. Retrieved on 29 November, 2019. Otters are highly social, very active, semi-aquatic, and need a lot of space - so having one single one as a pet would certainly be unethical - even if it were possible. Giant otter: Native to South America, these otters are very large, quite noisy, and actually very social. Thanks to hunting, habit destruction and many other human activities, almost all species of otter are either endangered or at least threatened. Can you own an otter in BC? Captive otters require caging. They werent always domesticated they were rescued or ripped away from thier habitat as well for generations. But there are many factors to consider. Such illegal trafficking is detrimental to wild populations of animals worldwide. The only reason is if they cannot survive in the wild and need to be protected. You'll also need access to plenty of fish. Great job on this article, Melissa! So why don't you see more otters playing in the park on a Sunday afternoon? Remember to always treat otters with respect and caution, and support conservation efforts to protect these important animals. While they were not the first country to open a pet caf (this was Taiwan's honor), the idea gained significant popularity there. Yes, some otter species are endangered. Keeping an otter as a solitary pet can make them very sad. I want a Asian small clawed otter In Arizona ,mesa. You may be asked to demonstrate this. Answer: Yes, but you would have to be granted a permit, which isn't easy. Unfortunately, this fad has lead to the illegal smuggling of otters into Japan[6]. Find out in this video all about the Asian Small Clawed Otter, Mr. Chow! I have seen so many animals killed because of ignorance. AnimalWised takes a look at the different aspects of domestic otters. 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. Are otters legal pets? Stop being sensitive everyone. All rights reserved. Participants must be able to squat/kneel down and stand up quickly and without assistance. However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. Answer: No, animals grouped in Carnivora, except wolfdogs, are illegal. Additionally, if you live near a river, lake, or other natural body of water, you may be able to spot otters in the wild. 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). Not having enough entertainment or putting stress on your pet otter can also lead to destructive, aggressive behavior. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at PetSmart? Not only will we let you know if you can have an otter as a pet, we'll look into the different reasons why this might not be the best idea for both legal and practical reasons. Its time to wake up and change, seriously. Because Dalmations are high energy dogs that were bred to run 25 miles a day under carriages, and the families couldn't handle them. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. Answer: You purchase otters from a breeder or broker. If you have adopted one, youll need to have the proper habitat for it. Reuters It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. In some cases, otters that have been in captivity can be released back into the wild. 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. Other otters have fully webbed feet and strong, well-developed claws. Otters can also dig, so the enclosure will need to have deep walls underground. They deserve to be out in the world in environments which we do't interfere with. But there is one species, the Asian small-clawed otter, which could be legal in some states. 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. Otters are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and their trade is heavily regulated. An otter needs to have the life he was intended to have and need to be around their own kind in order to thrive. Otters arent happy to be one or two with a child pool and a bathtub ! Asian countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, have thriving pet otter industries. 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. Can you touch an otter? It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. Guests must be fit and healthy, have full motor skill and intellectual capabilities. I will stick with my donations and wish them love. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. The best enclosure for an otter is outside. They need a much larger enclosure than a typical dog. Sea otter: Illegal to own under the Marine Animal Protection Act. Theyre not for us to publish to get likes ! Also watch for signs of bacterial infection to the wound. All goods sold at cash converters are cleaned and tested to ensure you're completely satisfied with your purchase. No, and you don't want one. It is the most common type trapped and sold as pets. Alabama law prohibits any wildlife protected by law being held in captivity (as in kept as pets.) As a result, these pets are often abandoned. 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. Otters play an important role in their ecosystems. Otters are so adorable, I can understand why we would want to have them as a pet, but it's not right. However, some US states may allow you to own exotic pet species such as otters. 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. Complex care requirements: Otters are not domesticated animals and require specialized care. Not only is a home environment not suitable for the welfare of otters, but this relationship can also have some undesirable consequences for their human owners, as they can be loud, destructive and can inflict nasty bites. Poor animals in those cages, would you like to be in jail ? Even if you are granted a permit, you will need to provide proper care for the otter and follow strict regulations. Background on Otter Otters eat 15 to 25% of their body weight daily. In the United States, it is legal to own an otter with a license, although regulations vary from state to state. As a pet, otter ownership can be difficult for a variety of reasons, but owning one is not an easy choice. Living in captivity is simply not a good life for 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. You can keep these animals as personal pets, but you cannot sell, barter, or exchange them. 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. But. 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. As mentioned earlier, they have specific needs that are challenging to meet in a domestic setting. 07:55. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). 3. Finger Monkey Lifespans: How Long Do Pygmy Marmosets Live as Pets? In the majority of the US, it is completely illegal to keep an otter as a pet. Avoid rigid structure in order to prevent stereotypic behavior. most native mammals are nocturnal and some, such as possums and gliders, can only be kept . DeKay's Brown Snake. 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. They have sharp teeth, powerful prey drives, and they're little bundles of furious energy in motion whenever they are awake. Many of these facilities have otters on display, and some even have interactive exhibits where you can watch them play and swim. Some ideas include: Domesticated minks are actually semi-aquatic and far more readily available, if legal. Veterinarians are well trained in looking after a variety of animals, but most will not have the specific training required to look after the health and well-being of an otter. Find Out Now! They bite and they have glands to produce a vile smell , people get those removed , its cruel. Otters have very sharp teeth and can turn aggressive quickly, if annoyed. 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. 2. Members of the Mustelidae family, otters are related to weasels, badgers, honey badgers, martens, minks, polecats and wolverines. 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. The smell of an otters spraint has been likened variously to that of freshly mown hay to putrefied fish. Are otters friendly with humans? However, pet owners must meet strict requirements, including providing a secure and appropriate habitat, proper nutrition, and veterinary care. You should be ashamed Mellissa! Given their sensitivity, less than 10% are likely to survive to adoption. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. This could devastate our unique environment. You just made that up and got angry for no reason. (Complete Budgie Diet Guide). You can have 2 of each of the following animals: American Bullfrog. Ana Sayfa; En iyi videolar; Hafta iin en iyi; . Otters have an odor that lingers around them. Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. But would only ever do it if I had the money #1, a lot of money. Despite being the state small mammal of Texas, they are illegal as pets there because they are one of the few animals which can transmit Hansen's disease, also known as leprosy. Theyre very intelligent and need so much stimulation , just like an African parrot but maybe 10 times more. This is usually at the behest of a larger authority, often governmental. 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. Another relatively popular pet fad in Japan is the practice of keeping otters as pets. 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. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. You should remove this article and every advise on owning exotic pets. They also mark their territory by smearing their feces around, which contributes to the odor.. They live in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps in Southern Asia. Interestingly, however, otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. Can i legaly own a short clawed otter here in Ontario Canada? Their ideal temperature is 75 to 85 degrees. Otters are wild animals and require specialized care. Otters are cute, furry water animals that hold hands and groom each other to bond. 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. She said yes . Under provincial and federal law, it is illegal to keep a wild animal, as designated under the BC Wildlife Act, as a pet. In the wild, otters roam over a large area, including terrestrially and aquatically over land and water. Parasites and general hygiene issues created by otters are also significant factors in why you shouldn't keep an otter as a pet. Rage at the cruelty of man. They can have up to 1 million (thats 1 with six zeros!) Yet otters are still being illegally smuggled into these countries to be sold as pets., Loud noises. Money Box, Personalised Otter Money Box, Coin Bank, Otter Money Box, Otter Gifts, Piggy Bank, Savings Jar, Otter Presents. Smell may seem a minor consideration, but should not be overlooked. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/otters-protection-surveys-and-licences#how-otters-are-protected, http://www.otterspecialistgroup.org/Library/TaskForces/OCT/OCT_ASO_Husbandry_Guidelines_Summary.pdf, https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/07/17/national/otters-smuggled-sale-japan-demand-pets-grows/#.XeDfjZNKiUl, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/12302/21936349, https://ptes.org/get-informed/facts-figures/otter/. How otters are protected. Different provinces have different laws. Additionally, otters are considered indicator species, which means that their presence or absence can indicate the health of the surrounding ecosystem. If you believe your state should be on this list, check with your local state department. Otters need space to roam. 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). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T12302A21936349. I understand how people strongly oppose having otters as pets. Otters can also be loud and destructive. Specifically, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Nebraska and a handful of other states appear to allow the private-ownership of otters. (2019). If not..why? You may not realize that the otter is likely there only as a stop gap in a larger conservation effort. But if you do decide to own an otter telling you how to properly care for your new family member. Are otters legal in New York? The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several otter species as either endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. Vets are expensive. Swimming in circles , chanting, running around like crazy is them showing they suffer! And for those shaming her in the comments. It is very difficult to find anyone who sincerely recommends keeping an otter as a pet. They are mustelids which means they belong to the same family as weasels, minks and badgers, but form a part of the subfamily Lutrinae. They do not fall under the same laws because they are not technically marine mammals. Please be better than that and get a pet that we breed for generations. 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. Eastern Red-backed Salamander. That being said there are no breeders , otters are poached from the wild. Being A Pet Is Not Good For an Otter If you love animals, then please do not keep otters as pets! Yes, you can own an otter in Massachusetts as long as you have a permit from the state. 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're actually very aggressive animals. I know a lady who owns an otter , she displays her on insta with her other exotic pets that rescued and even doing so much for her baby she still sees signs of distress! Check out Otter Bingo and Otter Kotaro on U-Tube. Otters can carry and transmit diseases that can be harmful to humans, such as salmonella and giardia. A otter is a species protected by both state and federal wildlife laws, and it is illegal to take them from the wild. Veterinary Secrets 2022 Bestie PawsLower Manhattan, New York, NY 10038, USA, Pet otters: the truth behind the latest wildlife craze. 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. Answer: I would guess no, but it might depend on the animal and your particular talent in animal training. All states have bans on at least some exotic pets, even states that are notorious for having lax pet laws. An otters diet can vary. Do pet otters smell? The base can consist of nutritionally-complete cat food. Is it illegal to have an otter as a pet in every country? 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. Food is expensive. There are only 13 extant species of otter across the world[1]. The cage should have a decent size that allows the animal adequate room to exercise and forge. Otters should not live in a domestic household, and a demand for pet otters helps drives illegal animal trade and decimate wild populations. As such, captive otters need ample space to move around, including a deep enough freshwater source in which to swim, bathe, and socialize. There is little similar evidence to suggest otters want to do the same. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. Let us learn more about this incredible creature as we read this article. West Virginia: Otter ownership is legal in West Virginia with a permit from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. If you do not live in a warm climate, supplementary heat is necessary for land. Theyre destructive and will hurt you or your kids and they will get depressed ! They are apex predators that help keep populations of fish and other aquatic creatures in check. Aggression in otters is also something important to consider. 7 Caracal Cat Facts. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes dont make complete sense. Placing food out of reach so the animal needs to work out how to get it down. Otters are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Otters in this genus are characterized by only partial webbing between their toes, and small, blunt, peg-like claws. This breed was thriving in the 12th Century and was used to hunt otters. My dogs have full access to run outside and play in the backyard but they choose to stay inside on a bed watching tv and eatting treats. Half the houses in my neighborhood can't even take care of their own dogs right. But even if this is the case, keeping them as a pet will be discouraged by animal control and the Department of Health. Don't even get us started on baby otter pups. In the wild they live in families of up to 15, which contrasts with their life in captivity. Nutritionally complete cat food can serve as a base subsistence food. You can give them a complete cat food as the base, but make sure that over half of their diet is meat-based. They love water so it is best if you have a body of water nearby for them to frolic in. Here are some pros and cons to consider: Pros: -Otters are very playful and active, which can make them fun pets. In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. Otters are usually kept outdoors because they emit an odor. Asian otters require a tropical climate and room to explore and play. They have an oil, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which makes them good swimmers. Where can I hold hands with otters? Abigailramirez434@yahoo.com on January 01, 2018: Can I buy a baby otter. Question: How much does a pet otter cost? But above all, enjoy this unique and intimate insight into one of our wildest, shyest animals. They are so delightful, you could see why people might want to have an otter as a pet. Habitat destruction, hunting, and pollution threaten their conservation. Retrieved from, Smith, C. (2017). Additionally, otters require specialized care and a suitable habitat, making them unsuitable as pets for most people. This requires a fence which is not climbable and has a horizontal ledge at the top. Fun fact: Otters have the thickest coats in the animal kingdom! 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. This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! 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. And pets are different again to 'keeping otters'. Marvel at the patience that the author must have had. In the wild, they mostly eat fish, while sea-dwelling otters use stones to break open mollusks. They're very aggressive and bite, and they have very sharp teeth. I thank you for the info! Summary of Husbandry Guidelines for Asian Small-clawed Otters in Captivity. Keeping an otter as a pet has become fashionable in some countries for some time. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. Toys are expensive. Otters make loud whistling or screeching noises. That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! Quite possibly. This is highly recommended if you want to keep your otters happy and in good mental and physical health. 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. Additionally, otters are social animals and need to live with other otters to thrive. Its not like they are using them for fur or food. How To Care for A Pet Otter? Of course, this depends on whether or not you can find someone willing to sell you one in the first place. 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! Even if you could get an otter certified as a therapy animal, it would still be illegal to buy or sell one. How much do scorpions costs? Some of the different types of otter species include: The North American river otter is the only river otter found in north of Mexico. 11:06. Otters are notoriously difficult to potty train, and even when they are, they may decide to go against their training. However, it is important to remember that even trained otters are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. What zoos and aquariums have sea otters? Guess what, they are picked off by predators within 3 days. For this reason, petting and handling are ill-advised. Laws change, and this list is not necessarily exhaustive. 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). Expect to pay at least $3000; it could also be a lot higher.