Retrieved from. For example, in Nevada, lions and elephants are actually legal to own, but fennec foxes (which weigh 3 lbs) are not. However, I'd like to be able to contribute to the conservation of otters and their habitat, so I hope I can find a way to do that. Toys are expensive. Dogs and otters do not get along. You may have seen videos on YouTube of otters playing in people's homes, but often these videos lack context. They have exotic pet stores with meerkats in rabbit cages. Some might make an argument that an animal like the cat was not originally domesticated, but now fares well under human co-existence. Lontra canadensis. Also They really have an annoying squeal. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several otter species as either endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. All you say and recommend is ethically against your Vet degree! Otters are protected under various laws and regulations, and owning one without proper permits can result in fines and other legal consequences. Lets look after wildlife, please! In most countries, only dogs and miniature horses are recognized as therapy animals. Thank you for this VERY enlightening article. This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! They are not commonly available, and you would likely need to get on a waiting list. This is only a very simplified introduction to feeding. 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). You cannot keep one as a pet in the US. In what states is it legal to own an otter? Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. 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. 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. I tend to state that theres no such thing as a good or bad petit depends on what youre looking for in an animal. Interestingly, however, otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. There is little similar evidence to suggest otters want to do the same. Otters arent as cute as you might think. As always, wed be delighted to read your comments. The best enclosure for an otter is outside. And for those shaming her in the comments. 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. Otters should not live in a domestic household, and a demand for pet otters helps drives illegal animal trade and decimate wild populations. But what do you think? Many Asian countries have taken measures to protect them through bans and regulation.. Smell may seem a minor consideration, but should not be overlooked. Their appearance may be similar to a friendly dog's, but their temperament is quite the opposite. Otters require a large enclosure with access to water, a specialized diet, veterinary care, and enrichment to keep them mentally and physically healthy. These have brought significant problems and it is very questionable if exotic animals will fare well in such environments. 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. That being said, exotic animals from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. This requires a fence which is not climbable and has a horizontal ledge at the top. 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. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 21, 2016: People in Japan are notorious for doing whatever they want and making it work. Don't even get us started on baby otter pups. Find out in this video all about the Asian Small Clawed Otter, Mr. Chow! But above all, enjoy this unique and intimate insight into one of our wildest, shyest animals. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. The Answer May Surprise You! The upfront cost of purchasing an Asian small-clawed otter is approximately $4,000 unaffordable for most individuals. Would it require witchcraft for an otter to stay alive like that? 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. All rights reserved. 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. 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. 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. How much do scorpions costs? Unfortunately, this fad has lead to the illegal smuggling of otters into Japan[6]. What states are otters legal in? However, some US states may allow you to own exotic pet species such as otters. 11 reasons why you should NOT have an otter as a pet. While they are the smallest otter species in the world, Asian small-clawed otters can still grow to 24 inches (61cm). Have you think for A SECOND how do they take them from their habitat?? 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. Ive occasionally seen them offered for sale on exoticanimalsforsale.net in the past, but not for a while. These include: 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. After reading your expose, I realize that it would not be fair or practical. Maximum of two people per encounter. If an otter does attack, they have sharp teeth which can be very dangerous, especially to children. Even cats and dogs require a team of people to help you. Let us know in the comments below! The space aka property with a huge pond that I would build a huge enclosure around. Otters can also dig, so the enclosure will need to have deep walls underground. I can only make educated guesses as to where they might be legal due to researching what isn't legal. Keeping an otter as a solitary pet can make them very sad. But if you do decide to own an otter telling you how to properly care for your new family member. But they are legal in some states. 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. Pet Collars & Leashes Pet Furniture Pet Clothing & Shoes . Other members of this family include weasels, skunks, and ferrets. However, this is highly unethical and illegal, so be cautious and thoroughly research the seller and the legality of owning an otter as a pet before making a purchase. For example, most states have bans on big cats, primates, and bears, but in states that allow more surprising species as pets, the majority of counties and towns dont allow it. 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. The otter is not a domesticated animal species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has previously released a general, but not exhaustive, guideline to keeping otters in captivity[4]. Quite possibly. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. Thanks. No matter how much you fantasize about them, you must accept the fact that they are not house pets. Keeping an otter as a pet has become fashionable in some countries for some time. There is a high chance of one of them getting bitten. Pool should make up about 30% of the enclosure. If you want to interact with otters, consider visiting a zoo or aquarium or volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitation center. In some states, it is not illegal to keep an Asian small-clawed otter as a pet. It is the most common type trapped and sold as pets. The smell of an otters spraint has been likened variously to that of freshly mown hay to putrefied fish. 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. More on each of these later. 3. They do not like intruders in their space or near their family and will defend accordingly. Additionally, otters can carry diseases that are harmful to humans, which is another reason why they are not suitable as pets. Stop being sensitive everyone. Question: Are Otters legal to own in Texas? 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. Additionally, otters are considered indicator species, which means that their presence or absence can indicate the health of the surrounding ecosystem. This has spread to the opening of various hedgehog and even owl cafs. 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. I guess they'd much rather be coddled and have everything handed to them SMH. Online classified ads Sites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have individuals who breed or sell otters. So, if you keep an otter as a pet, be ready to clean the potty of your otter several times during the days from different parts of your home. 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. In the wild, they mostly eat fish, while sea-dwelling otters use stones to break open mollusks. The larger the group, the larger the smear. Other animals in the Mustelidae family include the ferret. Non-Domesticated Since these animals aren't domesticated, they're not 100% safe to be around humans full-time without proper training. They arent easily housetrained and theyre very active, social animals. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T12302A21936349. Trained professionals can provide the care and rehabilitation necessary to ensure the otter can be released back into the wild. Not all our wants are positive. 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. 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. Otters are very organized in their pooping, and have a designated pooping area per otter community. Supporting conservation efforts and avoiding products that contribute to habitat destruction can help protect these animals. Under provincial and federal law, it is illegal to keep a wild animal, as designated under the BC Wildlife Act, as a pet. They prefer flat stones that are as wide as a large orange. Remember to always treat otters with respect and caution, and support conservation efforts to protect these important animals. In so many States in the USA it is illegal to keep a pet otter. Although the ferret needs their own considerations when adopted into a family, they are more suited to the role of domestic pet and are a good recommendation for those who previously considered having an otter as a pet. 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. Many zoos and aquariums train their otters to participate in educational programs or to exhibit natural behaviors for visitors to see. Otters like to climb and dig, so your enclosure will need a top and to be dug into the ground. From a legal standpoint, owning an otter can be trickier than a skunk, but it is possible. Prohibited mammals, reptiles and amphibians You are not allowed to keep prohibited animals as a pet in Queensland. Messy housemates. (2019). Theyll need a dry area as well as a pool. Otters have very sharp teeth and can turn aggressive quickly, if annoyed. There are many otters kept in captivity, but these are in animal welfare centers, zoos or conservation areas. 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! Some ideas include: Domesticated minks are actually semi-aquatic and far more readily available, if legal. Rejoice in the sheer exuberance of otter life. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. Yes, I said scream. Even many experienced pet owners would not try to take on an otter. You may be asked to demonstrate this. Answer: Since pet otters are rare, a dealer has a lot of leeway when naming their price. Placing food out of reach so the animal needs to work out how to get it down. A lot more animals are legal in New York State, as opposed to New York City, where most animals are illegal. I do not even need to mention you all the reasons why. 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. How To Care for A Pet Otter? Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. I have recently embarked on this career change due to my passion for the natural world and our role within it. Question: Are sea otters legal in Kentucky? Additionally, otters are social animals and need to live with other otters to thrive. Otters in this genus are characterized by only partial webbing between their toes, and small, blunt, peg-like claws. They are all semiaquatic, aquatic or marine mammals, and subsist on diets mainly based on fish and invertebrates, such as mollusks. The humble, or not so humble, otter is one of the most widespread mammals on Earth. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. You need another animal carer to assist you if you need to leave. In the UK, otters are fully protected under Sections 9 and 11 of Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981[2]. Can you pet otters? 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). You just made that up and got angry for no reason. WOW!! Asian countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, have thriving pet otter industries. Its so sad everyone just dont care about an species wellbeing just for the fact you as a human want to be cool having a otter pet. 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. However, just like any other wild animal, otters can be dangerous and aggressive. Your email address will not be published. Dont get an otter just because its adorable , you probably will not be able to care for her . Japan Times. Even you own a river its not enough! They're actually very aggressive animals. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Note: All information comes from online resources and personal knowledge. They are cunning and intelligent and predatory and like to know every nook and cranny of their dwelling place. Otters are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Many zoos and aquariums offer adoption programs, which allow you to support the care of an otter without owning one. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Yes, there are some health risks associated with otters. 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. In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. Cats Domesticated Themselves, Ancient DNA Shows. Vets are expensive. -They have a lot of personality and can be very affectionate with their owners. many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoor enclosures. Likely, your otter will spend most of its life in the enclosure. More otters smuggled for sale in Japan as demand as pets grows. Animals other than those that are usually kept as a companion or domestic animal attract a lot of attention and generate curiosity to know what it is like to have one at home. A otter is a species protected by both state and federal wildlife laws, and it is illegal to take them from the wild. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). Giant otter: Native to South America, these otters are very large, quite noisy, and actually very social. You should remove this article and every advise on owning exotic pets. What is the Difference Between a Donkey, a Mule and an Ass? The woman in the video DOES SAY she would 100% NOT recommend an otter as a pet Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 27, 2019: Shame on you! Members of the Mustelidae family, otters are related to weasels, badgers, honey badgers, martens, minks, polecats and wolverines. 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. If you still want to own this aquatic creature, the biggest obstacle you will face is this: Where can you find one? For instance, in Nevada, lions and elephants are technically legal to own but not 3-pound fennec foxes. Swimming in circles , chanting, running around like crazy is them showing they suffer! While they were not the first country to open a pet caf (this was Taiwan's honor), the idea gained significant popularity there. Maybe they are for you, maybe not! That way, youll get advice direct from the source! I have grown up in the redwoods of California. One thing that I think it's important to note is that ASC otters vocalize constantly in captivity for attention. Since otters are not legal to buy, its difficult to give a price range. - Repeat the above steps to add more items as needed. 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. Mrs Smith, inform yourself, go back to University to learn the BASIC ethics of your job. This is the smallest. But. Answer: Yes, but you would have to be granted a permit, which isn't easy. 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. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes don't make complete sense. No, otters cannot be domesticated. If you believe your state should be on this list, check with your local state department. As mentioned earlier, they have specific needs that are challenging to meet in a domestic setting. The short answer is yes, but it comes with many caveats or catches. Living inside comes with many challenges, like cleaning up otter feces and keeping your furniture intact. If you have adopted one, youll need to have the proper habitat for it. It is extremely important that you provide diverse enrichment for ottersand all animals for that matter. These are wild animals who suffer greatly being kept in our houses. Zoological parks Some zoos have captive breeding programs for otters and may offer the opportunity to adopt one. Australia boasts a huge variety of animals. States where Otters may be legal, New York. Well address some of the most frequently asked questions about buying an otter. Some of the different types of otter species include: The North American river otter is the only river otter found in north of Mexico. (2018). However, keeping otters in captivity is not the same as keeping an otter as a pet. They need attention all the time. Or in a zoo? 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. As a result, these pets are often abandoned. Live animals and animal products from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. Ana Sayfa; En iyi videolar; Hafta iin en iyi; . As we have stated, they are not domestic animals. Aggression when stressed. The local authority's regulations will need to be assessed before it could even be considered. Point is people that invest this kind of money on pets love them. If you are bit by an otter, you'll need to treat the wound immediately. She said yes . Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. -They are relatively low-maintenance, compared to other animals. Yes, you can own an otter in Massachusetts as long as you have a permit from the state. Some introduced animals, have become serious pests in Queensland that attack pets and damage crops, the environment and the economy. The food they eat will also need to be considered with an appropriate diet and at least 350 g of food per day for each animal. Pet owners must provide proper care, including a secure enclosure, appropriate food and water, and veterinary care. 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. Do otters like to cuddle? As a vet you shouldnt explain people what to do if they still wanna keep a wild pet! In some cases, it is possible to obtain a permit to own an otter. Are Emperor Scorpions Poisonous? can also be offered to supplement the diet. Buy iPhone 11 Otter + Pop Symmetry Series Case at Amazon. 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. I spearfish the invasive fish in the eel river and have had wild otters swimming feet away from me eating the fish I kill. For enrichment, otters will need walkways, natural shrubbery, nesting boxes and lots of options for safe digging and foraging. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. 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. Answer: I would guess no, but it might depend on the animal and your particular talent in animal training. On the 4 Asian species 3 are under protection because theyre getting extinct ! Otters arent happy to be one or two with a child pool and a bathtub ! 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). Question: How much does a pet otter cost? Otters are generally well loved in Singapore. They deserve to be out in the world in environments which we do't interfere with. Dont get a pet to show off get a pet because you have heart ! Hundreds of thousands of newborn kittens are euthanized at shelters because no one can take care of them. Can you have a pet otter in australia. Guess what, they are picked off by predators within 3 days. 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. Its not like they are using them for fur or food. They're very aggressive and bite, and they have very sharp teeth. Food is expensive. Laws change, and this list is not necessarily exhaustive. Serfass, T., Evans, S. S., & Polechla, P. (2015). They have specific dietary and environmental needs, and not everyone is equipped to meet them. Objects, such as hollowed-out lots, well-placed shrubs and trees, and items of cage furniture. Feel free to share this guide with anyone who loves otters! Owning a pet otter is considered illegal in several countries including the US, Japan, and the UK. In conclusion, it is not advisable to keep otters as pets. About. Question: Are otters legal pets in California? As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. Additionally, swimming with otters can be harmful to the animals, as it can disrupt their natural behaviors and expose them to human diseases. As wild animals, otters will not want to be kept in a small enclosure and their dexterous claws mean they will try to climb or dig their way out. Are otters good pets? Can You Have A Pet Otter In Australia. They will need to be kept in an enclosure that is at least 10' x 8' x 6'. These animals include bears, primates, big cats, canids, venomous and large reptiles (crocodilians, large constrictor snakes, and large monitor lizards). (Lifespan Guide). For example, most states have bans on big cats, primates, and bears, but in states that allow more surprising species as pets, the majority of counties and towns don't allow it. 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. They live in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps in Southern Asia. That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! Even ferrets are not necessarily easy pets but the first thing I would recommend as a mustelid for a pet. Due to their high fish diet, an otter's excrement is particularly foul. Otters are not ferrets; they are not animals that should be kept with the intention of cuddling them. They are mustelids which means they belong to the same family as weasels, minks and badgers, but form a part of the subfamily Lutrinae. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. They love to swim and dive in shallow waters although there are records of sea otters diving as deep as 100 meters. 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. centre college assistant athletic director,
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