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. Not only do these animals make terrible pets, but they're also nearly impossible to domesticate. Stop being sensitive everyone. Otters attack again lol Serangoon Gardens | HardwareZone Forums 2. In what states is it legal to own an otter? I cannot recommend any otter species as a personal "pet," although a few have maintained a strong bond with their handler their entire life. Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia Watch HD Videos. Are Otters Dangerous? - AZ Animals 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. There are many otters kept in captivity, but these are in animal welfare centers, zoos or conservation areas. Yes, you can own an otter in Massachusetts as long as you have a permit from the state. Please be better than that and get a pet that we breed for generations. Guests must be fit and healthy, have full motor skill and intellectual capabilities. A certified veterinarian giving advise on how to get an exotic animal to own as a pet? An otter needs to have the life he was intended to have and need to be around their own kind in order to thrive. Your bathtub or pool cant substitute for the large bodies of water otters are naturally found in. But if you do decide to own an otter telling you how to properly care for your new family member. Nutritionally complete cat food can serve as a base subsistence food. The upfront cost of purchasing an Asian small-clawed otter is approximately $4,000 unaffordable for most individuals. Their relatives include wolverines, badgers, and, of course, weasels (stoats). Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual. Question: Are otters legal to keep as pets in Georgia? Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 26, 2020: Nixie Nox I guess this also means dalmatians shouldn't be pets then. 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. 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. They have varying sizes across all species, weighing between 2.2 to 99.2 lb and having lengths between 2.0 to 5.9 feet. 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). 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. : They are not illegal to breed. 11:06. No, otters are not good pets. Otters are very territorial and live in family groups. People who like to physically interact with their pets will be disappointed. Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. Are otters friendly with humans? Not having enough entertainment or putting stress on your pet otter can also lead to destructive, aggressive behavior. You may not realize that the otter is likely there only as a stop gap in a larger conservation effort. Not all our wants are positive. For this reason, petting and handling are ill-advised. They are so delightful, you could see why people might want to have an otter as a pet. Otters make loud whistling or screeching noises. In the wild, they mostly eat fish, while sea-dwelling otters use stones to break open mollusks. 11:06. Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? 2023 Bestie Paws Hospital 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. (8 Best Scorpions Types as Pets), How Often Do Scorpions Eat? More on each of these later. Eastern Newt. 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 will need to be kept in an enclosure that is at least 10' x 8' x 6'. Maybe they are for you, maybe not! Unfortunately we humans have too often put our own desires in front of what is best for nature. Otters need plenty of environmental enrichment. Required fields are marked *. Freshwater otters live in family groups of up to 15 in the wild. Funny Otter Sweatshirt Teacher Gift Sweatshirt Cute Otter - Etsy It is extremely important that you provide diverse enrichment for ottersand all animals for that matter. Let us know in the comments below! 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. Can you own an otter in BC? You are wrong. !" EatRawPotatoes. Most pet otters are actually owned by private zoos and animal educators. 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). Taking feathers directly from the bird so the scent is present, and scatter them in various places. 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. The best enclosure for an otter is outside. IM SO SAD READING THESE COMMENTS AND THIS ARTICLE IN GENERAL! Then there are, of course, ferrets. They also need have enough elements such as trees and branches to scavenge. Background on Otter Otters eat 15 to 25% of their body weight daily. So why don't you see more otters playing in the park on a Sunday afternoon? You can have 2 of each of the following animals: American Bullfrog. Different provinces have different laws. AnimalWised takes a look at the different aspects of domestic otters. Otters have very sharp teeth and can turn aggressive quickly, if annoyed. Otters mostly eat fish and planktons, but they also feed on the ground with small birds, snails, frogs, or other amphibians. Unfortunately, this fad has lead to the illegal smuggling of otters into Japan[6]. 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 otters are agitated or stressed they can bite and become aggressive. you, have, a, pet, otter, in, australia, can. Otters can also dig, so the enclosure will need to have deep walls underground. These big furry dogs were bred to hunt otters, which were considered as pests back in the day. Sea otter: Illegal to own under the Marine Animal Protection Act. One thing that I think it's important to note is that ASC otters vocalize constantly in captivity for attention. Dont encourage this craziness! Otters are smelly, loud and extremely active; they have sharp teeth and jaws strong enough to crack open shellfish. This is highly recommended if you want to keep your otters happy and in good mental and physical health. Otters and most exotic pets may not like to be restrained, especially with strangers. Swimming in circles , chanting, running around like crazy is them showing they suffer! This species is not for beginners. With that said, most or all states will likely ban possession of native otters, and the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act strongly protects marine species (sea otters). Many zoos and aquariums train their otters to participate in educational programs or to exhibit natural behaviors for visitors to see. If you still want to own this aquatic creature, the biggest obstacle you will face is this: Where can you find one? 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. They also mark their territory by smearing their scent; which is known as sprinting. Otters should not live in a domestic household, and a demand for pet otters helps drives illegal animal trade and decimate wild populations. While otters can form bonds with humans, they still retain their natural instincts and behaviors. They bite and they have glands to produce a vile smell , people get those removed , its cruel. Its not like they are using them for fur or food. So, here are some of the reasons you should not keep an otter as a pet: Above all, otters are wild animals that are happiest in their natural habitats and are not meant to be kept in our homes. Tarka the Otter eBook : Henry Williamson: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store 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. Pool should make up about 30% of the enclosure. You should include fish. They have been known to destroy furniture with their inquisitive claws and teeth. They love to swim and dive in shallow waters although there are records of sea otters diving as deep as 100 meters. 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. 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. These include many species of native birds (mostly parrots), some captive-bred reptiles and frogs from a licensed breeder or society. Placing food out of reach so the animal needs to work out how to get it down. Laws change, and this list is not necessarily exhaustive. You may be asked to demonstrate this. They are hard to potty train, and their fast metabolism means they poop a lot, and often. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. Supporting conservation efforts and avoiding products that contribute to habitat destruction can help protect these animals. Retrieved from. The otter is not a domesticated animal species. Question: Specifically what is required to own an otter in North Carolina and what type of otter(s) can you have? Do pet otters smell? As mentioned earlier, they have specific needs that are challenging to meet in a domestic setting. No, otters cannot be domesticated. 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. The answer is no. Otters can also be loud and destructive. Poor animals in those cages, would you like to be in jail ? Yeah I know but some people already own them and they couldnt put them in the wild because they wouldnt survive. 5 Step Pacman Frog Care: Are they good pets? 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. You'll also need access to plenty of fish. 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. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. Being A Pet Is Not Good For an Otter If you love animals, then please do not keep otters as pets! In the United States, it is legal to own an otter with a license, although regulations vary from state to state. Rage at the cruelty of man. I just have no words for it! Several countries have legislation protecting otters from being kept as pets. Crested Gecko Enclosures: Whats the Best Choice? Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. Yes, some otter species are endangered. 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. Your email address will not be published. Fun fact: Otters are one of the lesser-known tool users of the animal kingdom. Their ideal temperature is 75 to 85 degrees. You can supplement the diet with monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, crayfish and insects, introduced at irregular intervals with a scatter method. Answer: Australia is extremely strict with entry and exportation of exotics, so no. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. Expect to pay at least $3000; it could also be a lot higher. Answer: I would guess no, but it might depend on the animal and your particular talent in animal training. WOW!! Even with the best intentions we cant give them enough , enough playtimes, enough nutrition.l enough everything. Native birds are also federally protected. - Repeat the above steps to add more items as needed. And pets are different again to 'keeping otters'. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T12302A21936349. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has previously released a general, but not exhaustive, guideline to keeping otters in captivity[4]. I am currently an ecological project officer at Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. They swim 17km everyday , live in large groups of 20 individuals esprantes in multiple families. If you do not live in a warm climate, supplementary heat is necessary for land. The cage should have a decent size that allows the animal adequate room to exercise and forge. 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. Otter. Your email address will not be published. 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. Otters require a large enclosure with access to water, a specialized diet, veterinary care, and enrichment to keep them mentally and physically healthy. They travel in groups and maintain family ties, for life. Can Dogs Have Whipped Cream? please can someone help. An otters diet can vary in captivity. I want a Asian small clawed otter In Arizona ,mesa. West Virginia: Otter ownership is legal in West Virginia with a permit from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. They prefer flat stones that are as wide as a large orange. In some cases, it may be possible to keep an otter with the proper permits and licenses. They live in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps in Southern Asia. Cats and dogs were bred to be companions and we couldn't even handle that. There should be hollowed-out logs, aptly placed shrubs and trees, and various cage furniture that will make the space more interesting. All states have bans on at least some exotic pets, even states that are notorious for having lax pet laws. Additionally, otters are social animals and need to live with other otters to thrive. Utterly Outrageous Otters Encounter - Australia Zoo - Steve Irwin Very few are owned by private individuals and habited in domestic environments. And if they do, it could get messy. Given their sensitivity, less than 10% are likely to survive to adoption. Asian small-clawed otters - the only otter sometimes allowed as pets - need a mixture of land and water in their enclosure. Keeping an otter as a pet would be unfair to the animal and potentially dangerous for you. While it's common to keep dogs and cats as pets, other unique and interesting animals including reptiles, insects, amphibians and terrestrial . All those things you find cute on IG are them showing their distress ! Their unpleasant smell can permeate a home if they live indoors. But there is one species, the Asian small-clawed otter, which could be legal in some states. Yes, in some cases, you can volunteer with otters. Theyll need a dry area as well as a pool. Otters For Sale Online | baby otters for sale near me - GOLDEN EXOTIC PETS 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. Where To Buy Otters In Australia - CelestialPets In so many States in the USA it is illegal to keep a pet otter. Otters are generally well loved in Singapore. This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! Can Caracal Kitten be good pets? 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. Japan Times. I have recently embarked on this career change due to my passion for the natural world and our role within it. Answer: Sea otters are not legal anywhere under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. 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. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. Guess what, they are picked off by predators within 3 days. 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. They thrive in social settings within their natural habitat. They would come to the nano-reef forums posting spotless 10 gallon tanks loaded with fish including tangs. Pet Collars & Leashes Pet Furniture Pet Clothing & Shoes .