This has spread to the opening of various hedgehog and even owl cafs. They need a much larger enclosure than a typical dog. Taking feathers directly from the bird so the scent is present, and scatter them in various places. Under provincial and federal law, it is illegal to keep a wild animal, as designated under the BC Wildlife Act, as a pet. They can cause damage. That cute, fluffy sea otter you have in your photo? The level of protection and types of otters present vary across different parts of the world. Dogs can infect otters with canine distemper and rabies. It could benefit the scientific community as well since little is known about their behaviors. Put a ring on it! All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes dont make complete sense. Otters are wild animals and require specialized care. They tend to attack when they are intimidated. 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. You see, otters are members of the weasel family. This classification means that only native otters are legal which includes the river otter. The oldest known otter lived to be 21 years old. Even you own a river its not enough! 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. Using food dispensing devices available for dogs and cats that must be manipulated to dispense treats. SafePetsForJoliet. A otter is a species protected by both state and federal wildlife laws, and it is illegal to take them from the wild. Funny Otter Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift Sweatshirt, Cute Otter Sweatshirt, Punctuation Saves Otters, Punctuation Saves Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift . I cannot recommend any otter species as a personal "pet," although a few have maintained a strong bond with their handler their entire life. All those things you find cute on IG are them showing their distress ! Can you have a pet sea otter? With a degree in Animal Behaviour and over a decade of practical animal husbandry experience, Hannah's articles cover everything from pet care to wildlife conservation. I do not even need to mention you all the reasons why. About. Would it require witchcraft for an otter to stay alive like that? When theyre captured and sold as pets, otters are not living their full, natural lives. [removed] Your email address will not be published. In such a case, the average dog run won't cut it. hairs per square inch. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Additionally, otters are social animals and need to live with other otters to thrive. Conservationists may need to keep an otter in captivity for protection, post-rescue or for research purposes. They are apex predators that help keep populations of fish and other aquatic creatures in check. 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. As stated in the introduction, otters are mustelids. This species is not for beginners. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Protect Your Cat From These Household Hazards. In the wild they live in families of up to 15, which contrasts with their life in captivity. So why don't you see more otters playing in the park on a Sunday afternoon? Otters require specific conditions to live well: a large area to roam (the larger the better); a clean water source in which to swim, bathe and (ideally) catch live prey; and adequate daily nutrition. Guests must be fit and healthy, have full motor skill and intellectual capabilities. I couldn't agree more. However, pet owners must meet strict requirements, including providing a secure and appropriate habitat, proper nutrition, and veterinary care. Unless you are an expert or biologist or zoologist, you should not own an exotic pet. 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! You may not think it, just to look at them, although even when stock-still they are adorable. Question: Are pet otters legal in Canada? In some cases, otters that have been in captivity can be released back into the wild. Eastern Garter Snake. They do not fall under the same laws because they are not technically marine mammals. Weird Pets: Sugar Gliders Sugar gliders are quickly becoming America's new exotic pet darling. An otters diet can vary in captivity. Home / My Animal / Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? Fun fact: Otters are one of the lesser-known tool users of the animal kingdom. 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. Not only do these animals make terrible pets, but they're also nearly impossible to domesticate. What is the Difference Between a Donkey, a Mule and an Ass? Retrieved from. 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. Remember when 101 Dalmations came out and everyone ran and got a Dalmation and thousands got dumped at animal shelters? 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. In Japan, pet fads appear with a certain regularity. Required fields are marked *. Valentina z not all exotic pets are ripped away from their habitat some are rescued. Theyre not for us to put them in cute hats ! If you cannot provide an outdoor area, you must provide a large, heated (it must not fall below 50F), secure indoor area, with a pool kept at 75-85F. Such illegal trafficking is detrimental to wild populations of animals worldwide. Otters are wild animals. They have been known to destroy furniture with their inquisitive claws and teeth. I can only make educated guesses as to where they might be legal due to researching what isn't legal. Zoological parks Some zoos have captive breeding programs for otters and may offer the opportunity to adopt one. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. Shes advising you not, To. The following is a list of reasons why you shouldn't. Question: Are Otters legal to own in Texas? can also be offered to supplement the diet. 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. Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia. Are there any health risks associated with otters? 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. In the wild, otters roam over a large area, including terrestrially and aquatically over land and water. Question: How much does a pet otter cost? Otters are notoriously difficult to potty train, and even when they are, they may decide to go against their training. 11 reasons why you should NOT have an otter as a pet. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. Vegetables, insects, crayfish, monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, etc. Only two species of native mammal can be kept . 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. When it appears that an otter is legal under one statute but not another, the animal may be regulated by several laws. In the wild, they mostly eat fish, while sea-dwelling otters use stones to break open mollusks. Arkansas: Arkansas is one of the few states in the U.S. that allows otter ownership as a pet. 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. For example, in Nevada, lions and elephants are actually legal to own, but fennec foxes (which weigh 3 lbs) are not. The only way to know for sure would be to contact your state's Department of Agriculture/Fish and Game, and even they sometimes don't know. However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. Here are some pros and cons to consider: Pros: -Otters are very playful and active, which can make them fun pets. You can discover many popular videos of them interacting with their caretakers in ways other than direct contact. Gonna go out on a limb and say that's where the otter encounters take place. Otters in this genus are characterized by only partial webbing between their toes, and small, blunt, peg-like claws. If you want to interact with otters, consider visiting a zoo or aquarium or volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitation center. However, there is also DNA evidence to suggest that cats were susceptible to the process of domestication and may have even domesticated themselves[3]. This article is very upfront and honest, however when reading the comments I was overwhelmed with all the ignorance. Not to mention that an otter in a home life most likely is not going to get the water time he needs. NO. However, owning an otter requires a permit, which can be obtained from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Their relatives include wolverines, badgers, and, of course, weasels (stoats). There are 13 types of otter in total, but some are more common than others. please can someone help. You need another animal carer to assist you if you need to leave. 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. These are wild animals who suffer greatly being kept in our houses. If the water is not sufficiently well cleaned, it can lead to the quick death of the otter. Otters are carnivores and primarily eat fish, shellfish, and other aquatic creatures. They like attention but do not like to play with humans, in the way humans like to interact with pets. The cage should have a decent size that allows the animal adequate room to exercise and forge. 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. No. You are wrong. Space alone is not enough to mimic the otter's natural ecosystem. For enrichment, otters will need walkways, natural shrubbery, nesting boxes and lots of options for safe digging and foraging. Do otters stink? In the United States, it is legal to own an otter with a license, although regulations vary from state to state. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. All rights reserved. Otters are adorable animals, but keeping them as pets is not a good idea. The otter is not a domesticated animal species. When she isn't creating content for blog posts, Hannah enjoys long walks with her Rottweiler cross Senna, reading fantasy novels and breeding aquarium shrimp. The short answer is yes, but it comes with many caveats or catches. You will need to provide a heated area for them when temperatures drop below 50F. Trained professionals can provide the care and rehabilitation necessary to ensure the otter can be released back into the wild. Non-Domesticated Since these animals aren't domesticated, they're not 100% safe to be around humans full-time without proper training. Question: Are otters legal in Pennsylvania? There are many different laws and regulations regarding "exotic" animals as pets and they vary from state to state, so the answer depends on where you live. Not all countries have strict protection laws and many otter populations are already in decline. 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. Otters are cute, furry water animals that hold hands and groom each other to bond. Specifically, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Nebraska and a handful of other states appear to allow the private-ownership of otters. You can have 2 of each of the following animals: American Bullfrog. Other zoological animals like meerkats, raccoon dogs, slow lorises, and pangolins can't be owned privately for many reasons, at least in the United States. All goods sold at cash converters are cleaned and tested to ensure you're completely satisfied with your purchase. 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. Nevada: In Nevada, owning an otter is legal as long as you have a permit from the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Nevertheless, otters are personable, entertaining little creatures, as you would expect from their reputation. They smear their droppings, which they produce constantly to mark their territory. Because I love otters. And then you need to give all your time. Otters arent happy to be one or two with a child pool and a bathtub ! 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/. In some cases, it is possible to obtain a permit to own an otter. 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. They have sharp teeth, powerful prey drives, and they're little bundles of furious energy in motion whenever they are awake. Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. White ceramic money box Personalised. 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. No, it is not safe or ethical to swim with otters. Some introduced animals, have become serious pests in Queensland that attack pets and damage crops, the environment and the economy. Otters can be destructive. Vets are expensive. An otters diet can vary. I have recently embarked on this career change due to my passion for the natural world and our role within it. Cats and dogs were bred to be companions and we couldn't even handle that. In the majority of the US, it is completely illegal to keep an otter as a pet. Otters are social creatures. The local authority's regulations will need to be assessed before it could even be considered. They deserve to be out in the world in environments which we do't interfere with. Money Box, Personalised Otter Money Box, Coin Bank, Otter Money Box, Otter Gifts, Piggy Bank, Savings Jar, Otter Presents. Otters climb, so a roof or top is required, and they are keen diggers, so any fencing needs to be extended in-ground. . Expenses such as those mentioned above are not the only detrimental factors in keeping an otter as a pet. 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. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T12302A21936349. I though a pair of otters would love to have me as their human (based on youtube videos). How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Petco? 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. Giant otter: Native to South America, these otters are very large, quite noisy, and actually very social. 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. Do otters like to cuddle? Note: All information comes from online resources and personal knowledge. Due to their high fish diet, an otter's excrement is particularly foul. If you still want to own this aquatic creature, the biggest obstacle you will face is this: Where can you find one? 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. Here is a list of places where you might be able to find a pet otter: Exotic pet stores These are specialty stores that deal with rare and exotic animals. The best enclosure for an otter is outside. Otters require a large enclosure with access to water, a specialized diet, veterinary care, and enrichment to keep them mentally and physically healthy. It is important to exercise caution and practice good hygiene when interacting with otters or their environment. You should be ashamed Mellissa! However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. Nutritionally complete cat food can serve as a base subsistence food. 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. The heaviest weigh in at up to 100lbs again, you wouldnt want to get on the wrong side of an animal of that bulk. And I really want to pet or hold hands with an otter. They are the masters of disaster. 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. They swim 17km everyday , live in large groups of 20 individuals esprantes in multiple families. However, like all mustelids that arent domesticated ferrets, they are also challenging to keep, and will require large enclosures and extensive enrichment. Asian small-clawed otter: This is the only otter to have entered the pet trade. They need plenty of space and care., An otters enclosure needs to be large enough for them to get exercise and forage. Have you think for A SECOND how do they take them from their habitat?? 11:06. Veterinary Secrets 2022 Bestie PawsLower Manhattan, New York, NY 10038, USA, Pet otters: the truth behind the latest wildlife craze. Do pet otters smell? They do not like intruders in their space or near their family and will defend accordingly. Obtaining a permit for keeping an otter is difficult, if not impossible. All 13 species of otters are wild animals, extremely sensitive to environmental changes, and are a marking, latrine species. Supporting conservation efforts and avoiding products that contribute to habitat destruction can help protect these animals. If an otter does attack, they have sharp teeth which can be very dangerous, especially to children. Objects, such as hollowed-out lots, well-placed shrubs and trees, and items of cage furniture. Have you ever seen an otter in the wild? Lets look after wildlife, please! Retrieved from, Smith, C. (2017). 70-80% can be meat-based, and can include chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. They are mustelids which means they belong to the same family as weasels, minks and badgers, but form a part of the subfamily Lutrinae. Keeping an otter in a home is a surefire way to destroy anything valuable you own. (Diet and Feeding Frequency). Question: are otters legal to own in New York? Otters need plenty of environmental enrichment. Your bathtub or pool cant substitute for the large bodies of water otters are naturally found in. 4. If you do not live in a warm climate, supplementary heat is necessary for land. Their appearance may be similar to a friendly dog's, but their temperament is quite the opposite. Its not like they are using them for fur or food. While most countries and states have made keeping a jackal as a pet illegal, others will require you to get . It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. But would only ever do it if I had the money #1, a lot of money. You should remove this article and every advise on owning exotic pets. Even ferrets are not necessarily easy pets but the first thing I would recommend as a mustelid for a pet. Can Caracal Kitten be good pets? I guess they'd much rather be coddled and have everything handed to them SMH. 1. 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. 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. They thrive in social settings within their natural habitat. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. While otters can form bonds with humans, they still retain their natural instincts and behaviors. 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). 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). Are otters legal in New York? Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual. Half the houses in my neighborhood can't even take care of their own dogs right. Point is people that invest this kind of money on pets love them. I tend to state that theres no such thing as a good or bad petit depends on what youre looking for in an animal. But. Otters are very playful creatures. But above all, enjoy this unique and intimate insight into one of our wildest, shyest animals. You may have seen videos on YouTube of otters playing in people's homes, but often these videos lack context. Asian small-clawed otters are one of 13 species of otters in the carnivore family Mustelidae. Asian countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, have thriving pet otter industries. That being said there are no breeders , otters are poached from the wild. Crested Gecko Enclosures: Whats the Best Choice? Rejoice in the sheer exuberance of otter life. Smitten. 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. Remember to always treat otters with respect and caution, and support conservation efforts to protect these important animals. 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. As a result, these pets are often abandoned. No matter how much you fantasize about them, you must accept the fact that they are not house pets. Can you own an otter in BC? It is illegal to own most otter species as pets. How To Care for A Pet Otter? You may be asked to demonstrate this. But can you keep one as a pet? The water not only needs to be the right temperature (your local climate may not be able to maintain this correct temperature), but it needs to be free of disease-promoting bacteria.