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. Due to their high fish diet, an otter's excrement is particularly foul. NO. Animals and mostly exotic ones are not our toys or our means to make money. Even if it weren't, keeping wild animals as pets is not a good idea. Can you have a pet sea otter? Hands-on experience with an otter : r/aww - reddit There is a high chance of one of them getting bitten. All rights reserved. In some cases, it may be possible to keep an otter with the proper permits and licenses. But would only ever do it if I had the money #1, a lot of money. Keeping an otter as a pet would be unfair to the animal and potentially dangerous for you. Question: Are Otters legal to own in Texas? But if you do decide to own an otter telling you how to properly care for your new family member. Supporting conservation efforts and avoiding products that contribute to habitat destruction can help protect these animals. 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. It is the most common type trapped and sold as pets. Emergency Vet Prices: How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost? Otters mostly eat fish and planktons, but they also feed on the ground with small birds, snails, frogs, or other amphibians. Heap, C. J., Wright, L., and Andrews, L. (2008). Otter. Even a pair of otters is not ideal and you will need another 5 m per additional otter. 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. 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. An otter needs to have the life he was intended to have and need to be around their own kind in order to thrive. I have to say that most though not all of the comments cause me extreme concern regarding our society today. Otters are protected under the law, and it is illegal to keep them as pets or attempt to care for them yourself. Below is a basic care guide. This is usually at the behest of a larger authority, often governmental. They do not fall under the same laws because they are not technically marine mammals. 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! In the wild, otters roam over a large area, including terrestrially and aquatically over land and water. They have been known to destroy furniture with their inquisitive claws and teeth. 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. It's scary to think of what it'll be like in just 5-10 more years. What types of animals am I allowed to keep as a pet in NSW? Yes, there are some health risks associated with otters. iPhone 11 Otter + Pop Symmetry Series Case - amazon.com Hundreds of thousands of newborn kittens are euthanized at shelters because no one can take care of them. Trained professionals can provide the care and rehabilitation necessary to ensure the otter can be released back into the wild. But. Are otters legal in New York? Maybe they are for you, maybe not! In the wild, they use their strong jaws and sharp teeth to crack open shells and catch fish. Do OTTERS make good PETS? - YouTube These have brought significant problems and it is very questionable if exotic animals will fare well in such environments. Are otters dangerous? Much more fun fact: Otter poop has an aroma that has been compared to jasmine tea. Remember when 101 Dalmations came out and everyone ran and got a Dalmation and thousands got dumped at animal shelters? Where can I hold hands with an otter? : r/orangecounty Otters do climb, adding to the complexity of the habitat, so a top is required. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Most pet otters are actually owned by private zoos and animal educators. All you say and recommend is ethically against your Vet degree! 4. It is the smallest otter species in the world, reaching a length of just 3 ft, or 90cm. . "Oh honey~~~ you shouldn't have! 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. They like attention but do not like to play with humans, in the way humans like to interact with pets. Online classified ads Sites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have individuals who breed or sell otters. slowelevator . Why you shouldn't share that cute pet otter video 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. Different provinces have different laws. It is also something which could see a rise in other countries if the wrong information is spread. Likely, your otter will spend most of its life in the enclosure. However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. Additionally, otters are social animals and need to live with other otters to thrive. 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. You can have 2 of each of the following animals: American Bullfrog. Obtaining a permit for keeping an otter is difficult, if not impossible. She did nothing wrong shes a vet giving you advice on a animal that people love and right now have are popular. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has previously released a general, but not exhaustive, guideline to keeping otters in captivity[4]. Scent and Body Odour The otters emit an odour and that is the reason they are kept outdoors. Given their sensitivity, less than 10% are likely to survive to adoption. A new fundraiser, Made by Mori: A Day at the Movies has been organised to raise funds for the recovery, with a day of iconic Mori-made films to screen at Silky Otter Cinemas across Aotearoa . many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoor enclosures. Unfortunately, this fad has lead to the illegal smuggling of otters into Japan[6]. An otters diet can vary in captivity. Otters like to climb and dig, so your enclosure will need a top and to be dug into the ground. some native mammals, particularly wallabies and kangaroos, are prone to diseases caused by the stress of contact with humans, domestic pets (cats and dogs) and noise. Otters are very playful creatures. Reuters Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. I greatly agree that some animals are better of wild but I read somewhere as well that as more human encroach on their natural habitats, these animals need to be protected. Also watch for signs of bacterial infection to the wound. Many zoos and aquariums offer adoption programs, which allow you to support the care of an otter without owning one. However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. While otters can form bonds with humans, they still retain their natural instincts and behaviors. Otters are not ferrets; they are not animals that should be kept with the intention of cuddling them. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T12302A21936349. Most products include Include a 90 day warranty for your convenience and to ensure you're completely satisfied! There are several websites and online sources where pet otters are sold. No matter how much you fantasize about them, you must accept the fact that they are not house pets. 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. What zoos and aquariums have sea otters? 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. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. You may not think it, just to look at them, although even when stock-still they are adorable. 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. Placing food out of reach so the animal needs to work out how to get it down. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 31, 2019: Katouchka, I have seen breeders. 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. If you are handling or cuddling your otter, it will know if it doesnt have your full attention, and scream in order to get it. Its time to wake up and change, seriously. Toys are expensive. Arkansas: Arkansas is one of the few states in the U.S. that allows otter ownership as a pet. Instead of citing specific sizes, I would recommend simply imagining what you would deem an acceptable length and width for a very energetic and playful carnivore that will spend most, if not all, of its life in the enclosure. In the United States, it is legal to own an otter with a license, although regulations vary from state to state. you, an, otter, as, a, pet, unit, australia, s, can, have, in. 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. Live animals and animal products from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. 2. Then there are, of course, ferrets. They thrive in social settings within their natural habitat. But can you keep one as a pet? Asian small-clawed otter: This is the only otter to have entered the pet trade. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. Retrieved on 29 November, 2019. Otters are very territorial and live in family groups. No, you cannot keep an otter as a therapy animal. Can Caracal Kitten be good pets? Members of the Mustelidae family, otters are related to weasels, badgers, honey badgers, martens, minks, polecats and wolverines. (2018). Pet Guide: How to Care for a Pet Emperor Scorpion, Blue Parakeets: 5 Step Complete Care and Color Mutation Guide, How Long Do Budgie or Parakeet Live as Pets? Otters require a large enclosure with access to water, a specialized diet, veterinary care, and enrichment to keep them mentally and physically healthy. Answer: Since pet otters are rare, a dealer has a lot of leeway when naming their price. Fr Rudi, as . 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. Can you own an otter as a pet in Australia? - KnowledgeBurrow.com You'll also need access to plenty of fish. 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. Would it require witchcraft for an otter to stay alive like that? Answer: Sea otters are not legal anywhere under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. There are only 13 extant species of otter across the world[1]. Can otters be released into the wild after being in captivity? Keeping an otter as a pet has become fashionable in some countries for some time. Otters are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Otters are adorable animals, but keeping them as pets is not a good idea. In the wild they live in families of up to 15, which contrasts with their life in captivity. Theyre very intelligent and need so much stimulation , just like an African parrot but maybe 10 times more. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. It takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, patience, and experience to house them, provide them with enrichment, and keep them safe and secure. Cats and dogs were bred to be companions and we couldn't even handle that. Can you have otters as pets in Canada? - ruggedthuglife.com Their appearance may be similar to a friendly dog's, but their temperament is quite the opposite. They do not like intruders in their space or near their family and will defend accordingly. I couldn't agree more. Aquarium where you can touch otters? - aquariums - 2023 Even many experienced pet owners would not try to take on an otter. IM SO SAD READING THESE COMMENTS AND THIS ARTICLE IN GENERAL! Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision! DeKay's Brown Snake. Sadly, due to the difficulties that come with owning an otter, many are abandoned or discarded to rescue groups., National Geographic: Wild otters are the latest exotic pet trend., PetHelpful: A Guide to Legally Owning and Caring for a Pet Otter., Sea Otter Savvy: Dangerous Liaisons: Interactions Between Pets and Sea Otters., The Furry Companion: FAQs for Aspiring Pet Otter Owners., WORLD ANIMAL PROTECTION: Why You Shouldnt Share That Cute Pet Otter Video.. There are several ways to support otter conservation efforts, including: In conclusion, otters are unique and fascinating animals that are best appreciated from a distance. However, these permits are usually only granted to licensed wildlife rehabilitators, educators, or researchers. If you keep a pet otter, be very careful when you have visitors. How otters are protected. You can discover many popular videos of them interacting with their caretakers in ways other than direct contact. Question: Are sea otters legal in Kentucky? If you want to see otters, your best bet is to visit a zoo or aquarium. Pool should make up about 30% of the enclosure. 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. Retrieved from, Smith, C. (2017). White ceramic money box Personalised. Question: Are otters legal pets in California? Captive otters require caging. For instance, in Nevada, lions and elephants are technically legal to own but not 3-pound fennec foxes. Where can you shake hands with an otter? 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). 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. Well address some of the most frequently asked questions about buying an otter. Funny Otter Sweatshirt Teacher Gift Sweatshirt Cute Otter - Etsy Plus I would never just have one. Otters are wild animals. 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. Answer: Yes, but you would have to be granted a permit, which isn't easy. In many states, do you think it's illegal to keep river otters, beavers and many exotic animals as pets? Some species of otter exist discontinuously in patches unconnected by land because of over-poaching. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest species of otter. North Carolina: Otter ownership is legal in North Carolina with a permit from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. She said yes . Otter For Sale (747) | Petzlover Being A Pet Is Not Good For an Otter If you love animals, then please do not keep otters as pets! It could benefit the scientific community as well since little is known about their behaviors. I just wanna make sure. Some of the different types of otter species include: The North American river otter is the only river otter found in north of Mexico. 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. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. Native birds are also federally protected. Otter as a pet [Facts & Guides] | Pet Comments Serfass, T., Evans, S. S., & Polechla, P. (2015). It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Even cats and dogs require a team of people to help you. Marvel at the patience that the author must have had. This is highly recommended if you want to keep your otters happy and in good mental and physical health. Unfortunately, we would not be able to list every country where keeping otter as a pet is legal or illegal. Otters can give dogs Salmonella, just like humans. Can You Have A Pet Otter In Australia. 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. How To Care for A Pet Otter? Summary of Husbandry Guidelines for Asian Small-clawed Otters in Captivity. Dv Kaufman's Adventures 44.5K subscribers OTTERS AS PETS?!? As we have stated, they are not domestic animals. Can You Have Otters as Pets - Petsnetic HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Can you have an otter as a pet? | AgroCorrn Finger Monkey Lifespans: How Long Do Pygmy Marmosets Live as Pets? Your email address will not be published. You can keep an otter as a pet with the proper permits that allow you to house game animals in captivity. Keeping an otter in a home is a surefire way to destroy anything valuable you own. They travel in groups and maintain family ties, for life. In the wild, they feed on mostly invertebrates and occasionally frogs. If you find a wild otter, it is best to leave it alone and contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center. But above all, enjoy this unique and intimate insight into one of our wildest, shyest animals. Required fields are marked *. Its amazing and I have always dreamed of having one as a pet. I am currently an ecological project officer at Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Expenses such as those mentioned above are not the only detrimental factors in keeping an otter as a pet. 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. 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. Using food dispensing devices available for dogs and cats that must be manipulated to dispense treats. Stop being sensitive everyone. In some states, it is not illegal to keep an Asian small-clawed otter as a pet. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Petco? These can grow up to 6 ft long, almost 2 meters, and have a nasty bite, so you probably wouldnt want to own one anyway! Question: Are otters legal to keep as pets in Georgia? If you want to interact with otters, consider visiting a zoo or aquarium or volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitation center. If you love animals, then volunteer at shelters, rescues, or an ACA accredited zoo. Shes advising you not, To. Complex care requirements: Otters are not domesticated animals and require specialized care. Theyre not for us to put them in cute hats ! They are extremely uncommon, and you would likely need to contact a broker who can track down a breeder or import one. 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. You may not realize that the otter is likely there only as a stop gap in a larger conservation effort. 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. You can give them a complete cat food as the base, but make sure that over half of their diet is meat-based. Otters For Sale Online | baby otters for sale near me - GOLDEN EXOTIC PETS They tend to attack when they are intimidated. Otters and most exotic pets may not like to be restrained, especially with strangers. They are all semiaquatic, aquatic or marine mammals, and subsist on diets mainly based on fish and invertebrates, such as mollusks. Additionally, swimming with otters can be harmful to the animals, as it can disrupt their natural behaviors and expose them to human diseases. 5 Step Pacman Frog Care: Are they good pets? 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). Even with the best intentions we cant give them enough , enough playtimes, enough nutrition.l enough everything. !" EatRawPotatoes. Nutritionally complete cat food can serve as a base subsistence food. South Carolina: In South Carolina, otter ownership is allowed with a permit from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. They are carnivores with a high metabolic rate, requiring them to consume 20% of their body weight per day. Tarka the Otter eBook : Henry Williamson: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store If you don't provide sufficient environmental enrichment, they will likely find it for themselves, probably among your things. They have high exercise and socialization needs and require a large living space with access to water. You may have seen videos on YouTube of otters playing in people's homes, but often these videos lack context. 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. They also mark their territory by smearing their feces around, which contributes to the odor.. They require about 2-2, 5 pounds of meat every day. However, it is important to remember that even trained otters are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. Otters are social creatures. Money Box Personalised Otter Money Box Coin Bank Otter - Etsy UK In Japan, pet fads appear with a certain regularity. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). Unfortunately we humans have too often put our own desires in front of what is best for nature. 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. 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. Since otters are not legal to buy, its difficult to give a price range. 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. Are Otters Dangerous? - AZ Animals They are the smallest otter species in the world. 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. OTTERS as PETS Why It's a BAD IDEA - YouTube (Complete Budgie Diet Guide). Question: How much does a pet otter cost? They need plenty of space and care., An otters enclosure needs to be large enough for them to get exercise and forage. 11:06. Their fast metabolism and evolutionarily hard-wired habit of smearing their spraint in order to mark their territory mean that they poop a lot like, every litter box will need cleaning twice a day. Even you own a river its not enough! They are expensive to buy and house. In the wild, otters can live up to 10-15 years, while those in captivity may live longer. 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. Dogs can infect otters with canine distemper and rabies. They're wild animals. When it appears that an otter is legal under one statute but not another, the animal may be regulated by several laws. Not to mention that an otter in a home life most likely is not going to get the water time he needs. You need resources to own any pet, much less an exotic one. Rejoice in the sheer exuberance of otter life. 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. Money Box, Personalised Otter Money Box, Coin Bank, Otter Money Box, Otter Gifts, Piggy Bank, Savings Jar, Otter Presents. 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. All those things you find cute on IG are them showing their distress ! Guess what, they are picked off by predators within 3 days. if you want to have a wire sort of cage and live in a winter climate would i have to make a little room with heating. Sea otters carry around a favorite rock in a pouch under their arms between meals, which they use to crack open the shells of various crustaceans. If you are bit by an otter, you'll need to treat the wound immediately. 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. Click to attach a photo related to your comment. Printed on the money box will be a beautiful otter with your required name. Can you have an Otter as a Pet? - Petaddon Their unpleasant smell can permeate a home if they live indoors. In the majority of the US, it is completely illegal to keep an otter as a pet. Answer: No, animals grouped in Carnivora, except wolfdogs, are illegal. Asian countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, have thriving pet otter industries. They're very aggressive and bite, and they have very sharp teeth. Eastern Red-backed Salamander. And then you need to give all your time. Note: All information comes from online resources and personal knowledge. For enrichment, otters will need walkways, natural shrubbery, nesting boxes and lots of options for safe digging and foraging. 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. This does not even take into consideration the amount of capital needed to install the appropriate enclosure and keep the otters well fed.