I thank you for the info! Nevada: In Nevada, owning an otter is legal as long as you have a permit from the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Slightly less fun, but much more gruesome, fact: Male otters have been known to forcibly penetrate baby seals while holding their heads underwater until they drown. Listen people, trying to stifle information will only lead to more of that thing your trying to stop dont be ignorant. Asian small-clawed otters - the only otter sometimes allowed as pets - need a mixture of land and water in their enclosure. (2018). I don't approve but it amazes me the animals aren't showing obvious signs of distress. If you want to interact with otters, consider visiting a zoo or aquarium or volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitation center. 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. 5 Step Pacman Frog Care: Are they good pets? They also need have enough elements such as trees and branches to scavenge. These toys are excellent for species that hunt and forge. - Repeat the above steps to add more items as needed. Maybe they are for you, maybe not! What zoos and aquariums have sea otters? This can be fed irregularly with a "scatter" method to ward off stereotypic behaviorsomething that occurs when certain animals are fed at specific times. Not to mention that an otter in a home life most likely is not going to get the water time he needs. This is only a very simplified introduction to feeding. Abigailramirez434@yahoo.com on January 01, 2018: Can I buy a baby otter. Pet Collars & Leashes Pet Furniture Pet Clothing & Shoes . In the wild, they mostly eat fish, while sea-dwelling otters use stones to break open mollusks. That way, youll get advice direct from the source! You can have 2 of each of the following animals: American Bullfrog. I will stick with my donations and wish them love. Because theyre so cute, theres been a high demand to own them as pets., Illegal poaching and sales have hurt the global otter population. Dont get a pet to show off get a pet because you have heart ! Otters need plenty of environmental enrichment. 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. 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. How much do scorpions costs? They can have up to 1 million (thats 1 with six zeros!) They are hard to potty train, and their fast metabolism means they poop a lot, and often. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several otter species as either endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. The oldest known otter lived to be 21 years old. Keeping an otter in a home is a surefire way to destroy anything valuable you own. No, it is not safe or ethical to swim with otters. Sea otter: Illegal to own under the Marine Animal Protection Act. Im looking to train otters at the zoo to learn how to care for exotics. Rejoice in the sheer exuberance of otter life. Crested Gecko Enclosures: Whats the Best Choice? Put a ring on it! The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has previously released a general, but not exhaustive, guideline to keeping otters in captivity[4]. More on each of these later. She said yes . Its wrong for all the people who have commented to post where do I get get one, how much do they cost, etc why would you people even post shit like that. 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. 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. 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. Yes, I said scream. You may be asked to demonstrate this. Otters are protected under the law, and it is illegal to keep them as pets or attempt to care for them yourself. 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). [removed] Otters like to climb and dig, so your enclosure will need a top and to be dug into the ground. Average Lifespan, What Do Parakeets Like to Eat? They are easier to care for, cheaper to buy, require zero, or at least fewer, licenses and permits to keep as pets, and are significantly easier to find willing veterinarians for. 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. In many states, do you think it's illegal to keep river otters, beavers and many exotic animals as pets? It is important to exercise caution and practice good hygiene when interacting with otters or their environment. As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. Messy housemates. Question: Are sea otters legal in Kentucky? : They are not illegal to breed. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes dont make complete sense. They are the masters of disaster. The recommended space for a pair of otters is 60 m, roughly the size of an average apartment. They need a much larger enclosure than a typical dog. you, an, otter, as, a, pet, unit, australia, s, can, have, in. Answer: Sea otters are not legal anywhere under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. For enrichment, otters will need walkways, natural shrubbery, nesting boxes and lots of options for safe digging and foraging. They are apex predators that help keep populations of fish and other aquatic creatures in check. However, mascotism damages biodiversity, since it does not focus on . Objects, such as hollowed-out lots, well-placed shrubs and trees, and items of cage furniture. Online classified ads Sites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have individuals who breed or sell otters. Question: are otters legal to own in New York? In Australia, it is illegal to keep an otter as a pet. Eastern Garter Snake. However, some US states may allow you to own exotic pet species such as otters. Their bite is sharp and piercing. Do otters cuddle? Those nails are perfectly manicured, oh yes they are! Enjoy an otter stuffed animal Can you touch an otter? She did nothing wrong shes a vet giving you advice on a animal that people love and right now have are popular. For this reason, petting and handling are ill-advised. 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. I just wanna make sure. Yes, in some cases, you can adopt an otter. 7 Caracal Cat Facts. Some introduced animals, have become serious pests in Queensland that attack pets and damage crops, the environment and the economy. Some ideas include: Domesticated minks are actually semi-aquatic and far more readily available, if legal. American Toad. Because Dalmations are high energy dogs that were bred to run 25 miles a day under carriages, and the families couldn't handle them. Click to attach a photo related to your comment. I have grown up in the redwoods of California. Keeping an otter as a pet would be unfair to the animal and potentially dangerous for you. 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. 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. They will need to be kept in an enclosure that is at least 10' x 8' x 6'. Hence the name. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). Question: Could an otter, raised from a young pup, make a unique and workable therapy animal or visiting moral animal for elderly / disabled / children? 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! I think otters are fun to watch, have exciting personalities and overall give out positive vibes. Many of these facilities have otters on display, and some even have interactive exhibits where you can watch them play and swim. 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. Otters do climb, adding to the complexity of the habitat, so a top is required. Complex care requirements: Otters are not domesticated animals and require specialized care. This breed was thriving in the 12th Century and was used to hunt otters. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. As we have stated, they are not domestic animals. Otters are considered to be wildlife, so you will need to follow the state guidelines for ownership. As the otters like to make a burrow in the land, you will need to have the right sort of soil ans terrain. Even if you are granted a permit, you will need to provide proper care for the otter and follow strict regulations. Answer: Probably not. Some animals are illegal to keep in Queensland. While otters are popularized by their appearance in movies and TV shows, many people are unaware that these animals can actually be kept as pets. This is highly recommended if you want to keep your otters happy and in good mental and physical health. Fun fact: Otters are one of the lesser-known tool users of the animal kingdom. The base can consist of nutritionally-complete cat food. 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. Veterinary Secrets 2022 Bestie PawsLower Manhattan, New York, NY 10038, USA, Pet otters: the truth behind the latest wildlife craze. 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. Some might make an argument that an animal like the cat was not originally domesticated, but now fares well under human co-existence. About. Otters are very playful and charming and it might seem easy to interact with them or have them as pets. If you have adopted one, youll need to have the proper habitat for it. Can i legaly own a short clawed otter here in Ontario Canada? It is very difficult to find anyone who sincerely recommends keeping an otter as a pet. Summary of Husbandry Guidelines for Asian Small-clawed Otters in Captivity. In such a case, the average dog run won't cut it. The larger the group, the larger the smear. You will need to provide a heated area for them when temperatures drop below 50F. 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. Otters can also be loud and destructive. Another relatively popular pet fad in Japan is the practice of keeping otters as pets. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. Both these habitats need to be well-tended. Otters climb, so a roof or top is required, and they are keen diggers, so any fencing needs to be extended in-ground. Guests must be fit and healthy, have full motor skill and intellectual capabilities. 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. However, if youre still keen on the otter, and live in a state where you can legally own one, youre welcome to take the next step. Asian otters require a tropical climate and room to explore and play. 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. 1. They are so delightful, you could see why people might want to have an otter as a pet. This time around, the slippery creatures sneaked into a home at Serangoon Gardens near Brockhampton Berwick and killed a whole pond full of koi. Captive otters are also required to have a registered veterinarian who is happy to see them whenever required, which is hard to find at the best of times. Rage at the cruelty of man. They're actually very aggressive animals. I guess they'd much rather be coddled and have everything handed to them SMH. 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 restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. Otters are not ferrets; they are not animals that should be kept with the intention of cuddling them. Your bathtub or pool cant substitute for the large bodies of water otters are naturally found in. 70-80% can be meat-based, and can include chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 31, 2019: Katouchka, I have seen breeders. Additionally, there may be wildlife rehabilitation centers in your area that need volunteers to help care for injured or orphaned otters. Answer: I would guess no, but it might depend on the animal and your particular talent in animal training. However, a recent uptick of otter attacks has caused distress to many fish owners across the island. Question: Are otters legal pets in California? 11:06. -They are relatively low-maintenance, compared to other animals. Are Emperor Scorpions Poisonous? Living in captivity is simply not a good life for an otter. Otters are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Lontra canadensis. It's scary to think of what it'll be like in just 5-10 more years. In most countries, only dogs and miniature horses are recognized as therapy animals. They are cunning! Question: Are otters legal to have as pets in North Carolina? 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. Otters can give dogs Salmonella, just like humans. You are wrong. Many Asian countries have taken measures to protect them through bans and regulation.. It could benefit the scientific community as well since little is known about their behaviors. Different provinces have different laws. Yes, you can own an otter in Massachusetts as long as you have a permit from the state. It is illegal to own most otter species as pets. They need plenty of space and care., An otters enclosure needs to be large enough for them to get exercise and forage. They can cause damage to your home and hurt other animals in your family. What is the Difference Between a Donkey, a Mule and an Ass? 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. 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. Native birds are also federally protected. Because I love otters. However, it is important to remember that even trained otters are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. Most people do not know what they are doing. You can supplement the diet with monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, crayfish and insects, introduced at irregular intervals with a scatter method. The fact that these otters require a tropical climate may be why they tend to be kept mostly by zoo professionals. If you keep a pet otter, be very careful when you have visitors. They are mustelids which means they belong to the same family as weasels, minks and badgers, but form a part of the subfamily Lutrinae. In this AnimalWised video, we talk about the lifestyle of these mammals, what types of otter exist and why you should never have them in a. Point is people that invest this kind of money on pets love 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. Unless you do what Joseph Carter does for his mink to keep them busy, I wouldn't recommend them as pets to most people. They prefer flat stones that are as wide as a large orange. Otters are carnivores and primarily eat fish, shellfish, and other aquatic creatures. A lot more animals are legal in New York State, as opposed to New York City, where most animals are illegal. SafePetsForJoliet. Check out Otter Bingo and Otter Kotaro on U-Tube. Likely, your otter will spend most of its life in the enclosure. You need resources to own any pet, much less an exotic one. 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! Placing food out of reach so the animal needs to work out how to get it down. Aggression when stressed. It is the most common type trapped and sold as pets. Vets are expensive. The local authority's regulations will need to be assessed before it could even be considered. Otters make loud whistling or screeching noises. I understand how people strongly oppose having otters as pets. If you believe your state should be on this list, check with your local state department. The humble, or not so humble, otter is one of the most widespread mammals on Earth. Cats and dogs were bred to be companions and we couldn't even handle that. 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. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. Not all our wants are positive. If you love animals, then volunteer at shelters, rescues, or an ACA accredited zoo. Many zoos and aquariums offer adoption programs, which allow you to support the care of an otter without owning one. Answer: Yes, but you would have to be granted a permit, which isn't easy. However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. please can someone help. One of the few ways to keep an armadillo as a pet is to be someone who holds an Animal Breeding License, but obtaining one is difficult. 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. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 16, 2018: Can you have an Asian small clawed otter as a pet in the state of Georgia. For instance, in Nevada, lions and elephants are technically legal to own but not 3-pound fennec foxes. These are wild animals who suffer greatly being kept in our houses. Yes, there are some health risks associated with otters. But theyre probably more likely to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors! This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! 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. All those things you find cute on IG are them showing their distress ! Giant otter: Native to South America, these otters are very large, quite noisy, and actually very social. However, there are few countries which appear to favor having otters as pets. Remember when 101 Dalmations came out and everyone ran and got a Dalmation and thousands got dumped at animal shelters? The heaviest weigh in at up to 100lbs again, you wouldnt want to get on the wrong side of an animal of that bulk. If a state doesnt prohibit the possession of "non-domesticated carnivores" or the family Mustelidae (of which Asian small-clawed otters are a member), and it doesnt have an awful list of "non-regulated" species of which all not named on it are considered illegal, then these otters might be legal! Unique or exotic pets. Several countries have legislation protecting otters from being kept as pets. Maximum of two people per encounter. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. Zoological parks Some zoos have captive breeding programs for otters and may offer the opportunity to adopt one. Most pet otters are actually owned by private zoos and animal educators. Ive occasionally seen them offered for sale on exoticanimalsforsale.net in the past, but not for a while. Question: Are pet otters legal in Canada? Live animals and animal products from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. 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. Pet otters are sought after in many Asian countries like Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia.. This species is not for beginners. If they are constantly wet, they can develop health conditions.. As stated in the introduction, otters are mustelids. Its not like they are using them for fur or food. There are several websites and online sources where pet otters are sold. 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. In fact with a fast google search youll find that its 100% illegal but it seems theres a twist depending where you live. The space aka property with a huge pond that I would build a huge enclosure around. In the wild, they feed on mostly invertebrates and occasionally frogs. In what states is it legal to own an otter? It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Lets look after wildlife, please! !" EatRawPotatoes. Australia boasts a huge variety of animals. They bite and they have glands to produce a vile smell , people get those removed , its cruel. Due to their high fish diet, an otter's excrement is particularly foul. . Emergency Vet Prices: How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost? 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. 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. The otter is not a domesticated animal species. Otters have an odor that lingers around them. Here are some pros and cons to consider: Pros: -Otters are very playful and active, which can make them fun pets. For example, in Nevada, lions and elephants are actually legal to own, but fennec foxes (which weigh 3 lbs) are not. Well address some of the most frequently asked questions about buying an otter. When otters are agitated or stressed they can bite and become aggressive. The best enclosure for an otter is outside. For many, ferrets make a viable alternative. Have a secondary pond/enclosure that I keep stocked with fish,frogs, and other native species that I would let my baby out in daily and go swimming with it. If you want to read similar articles to Can You Have an Otter as a Pet?, we recommend you visit our What you need to know category. Asian small-clawed otters are one of 13 species of otters in the carnivore family Mustelidae. Do you know they have a higher rate of dying of starvation in the wild or dehydration or cars or other animals or hundreds of other things can kill them.my home is a safer place for most animals. 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. Where can I hold hands with otters? This, we can presume, is because they were always found at the waters edge, be it at the seaside (sea otters), riverside (river otters), clambering over brooks (Asian small-clawed otter) or in The Guianas (giant otters). All 13 species of otters are wild animals, extremely sensitive to environmental changes, and are a marking, latrine species. It is important to work with trained professionals and follow guidelines for releasing otters back into the wild. I do not even need to mention you all the reasons why. Answer: Since pet otters are rare, a dealer has a lot of leeway when naming their price. They are the smallest otter species in the world. I bet thats bigger than you expected! amanda panda 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. 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. These big furry dogs were bred to hunt otters, which were considered as pests back in the day. Their temperaments are unpredictable they are wild animals at heart and can be dangerous, especially if not under supervision near children. DeKay's Brown Snake. Eastern Racer. The short answer is yes, but it comes with many caveats or catches. Have you ever seen an otter in the wild? Asian small clawed otters may be kept with a permit. 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. Even if it is legal to have an otter as a pet, many exotic pet curators do not go through proper channels to capture and sell animals. 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. However, just like any other wild animal, otters can be dangerous and aggressive. But if you do decide to own an otter telling you how to properly care for your new family member.