They force them, they are not pets, they are not our possession, they belong to nature! Some might make an argument that an animal like the cat was not originally domesticated, but now fares well under human co-existence. 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. 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. In so many States in the USA it is illegal to keep a pet otter. Nevertheless, otters are personable, entertaining little creatures, as you would expect from their reputation. Otters have very sharp teeth and can turn aggressive quickly, if annoyed. They are the smallest otter species in the world. Owning a pet otter is considered illegal in several countries including the US, Japan, and the UK. When you are walking, you have to focus on walking because there are so many factors that come into playbalance, proprioceptionand you can't take those for granted.". Shes advising you not, To. The level of protection and types of otters present vary across different parts of the world. If you still want to own this aquatic creature, the biggest obstacle you will face is this: Where can you find one? It's scary to think of what it'll be like in just 5-10 more years. Remember when 101 Dalmations came out and everyone ran and got a Dalmation and thousands got dumped at animal shelters? You can usually visit the otter you have adopted, and some programs offer other perks, like behind-the-scenes tours. Specifically, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Nebraska and a handful of other states appear to allow the private-ownership of otters. There are only 13 extant species of otter across the world[1]. And for those shaming her in the comments. They have been known to destroy furniture with their inquisitive claws and teeth. Otters arent happy to be one or two with a child pool and a bathtub ! Vegetables, insects, crayfish, monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, etc. Even if it weren't, keeping wild animals as pets is not a good idea. Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. I couldn't agree more. Retrieved from, Smith, C. (2017). This does not even take into consideration the amount of capital needed to install the appropriate enclosure and keep the otters well fed. Also They really have an annoying squeal. Placing food out of reach so the animal needs to work out how to get it down. This can be fed irregularly with a "scatter" method to ward off stereotypic behaviorsomething that occurs when certain animals are fed at specific times. Aggression when stressed. If you were able to find one, the cost of their expertise would be prohibitively expensive to most households. Being A Pet Is Not Good For an Otter If you love animals, then please do not keep otters as pets! If left untrained, they can leave many droppings around the house. Can i legaly own a short clawed otter here in Ontario Canada? 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. 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. However, just like any other wild animal, otters can be dangerous and aggressive. Buy iPhone 11 Otter + Pop Symmetry Series Case at Amazon. That includes all game animals, birds and furbearers, including bear, beaver, coyote, deer,. 11 reasons why you should NOT have an otter as a pet. As such, captive otters need ample space to move around, including a deep enough freshwater source in which to swim, bathe, and socialize. No. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. Canadian Arctic Marble Fox as Pets (Are they good pets? 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.. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision! Due to their high fish diet, an otter's excrement is particularly foul. Otters are very territorial and live in family groups. I will stick with my donations and wish them love. Unless you do what Joseph Carter does for his mink to keep them busy, I wouldn't recommend them as pets to most people. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. You will need to provide a heated area for them when temperatures drop below 50F. I cannot recommend any otter species as a personal "pet," although a few have maintained a strong bond with their handler their entire life. Living inside comes with many challenges, like cleaning up otter feces and keeping your furniture intact. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. Are there any research programs to help repopulate endangered species of otters such as the Congo clawless otter which so little is known about. Much more fun fact: Otter poop has an aroma that has been compared to jasmine tea. 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. Here are a few to get you started, plus some basic information about how they fit into the otter pet trade: 1. If i found a fox or coyote i would raise it. The heaviest weigh in at up to 100lbs again, you wouldnt want to get on the wrong side of an animal of that bulk. This is usually at the behest of a larger authority, often governmental. This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! Maybe they are for you, maybe not! Patrons for the Utterly Outrageous Otters Encounter must be 12 years and over. 7080% of the diet can be meat-based and can consist of day-old chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. Otters do climb, adding to the complexity of the habitat, so a top is required. Cage should have a top and fencing needs to extend in-ground. Question: Where do you go to adopt an otter? As a pet, otter ownership can be difficult for a variety of reasons, but owning one is not an easy choice. Can You Have A Pet Otter In Australia. Owning native otters is illegal in many countries including the UK, Japan, and the U.S. Otters are very playful creatures. Well address some of the most frequently asked questions about buying an otter. Question: Are otters legal pets in California? If they are constantly wet, they can develop health conditions.. I bet thats bigger than you expected! Not only does this depend on the country, the legality of keeping an otter as a pet will also depend on regions and jurisdiction within a given country. This could devastate our unique environment. Question: How much does a pet otter cost? You can have 2 of each of the following animals: American Bullfrog. Such illegal trafficking is detrimental to wild populations of animals worldwide. The Answer May Surprise You! I am currently an ecological project officer at Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual. 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. Conservationists may need to keep an otter in captivity for protection, post-rescue or for research purposes. Space alone is not enough to mimic the otter's natural ecosystem. Can you touch an otter? People's Trust for Endangered Species. 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/. Health and safety risks: Otters can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets, and their sharp claws and teeth can cause injury. Otters are protected under the law, and it is illegal to keep them as pets or attempt to care for them yourself. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes don't make complete sense. They have an oil, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which makes them good swimmers. That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! Otters are so adorable, I can understand why we would want to have them as a pet, but it's not right. Many Asian countries have taken measures to protect them through bans and regulation.. Several countries have legislation protecting otters from being kept as pets. 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. There are 13 types of otter in total, but some are more common than others. Many zoos and aquariums offer adoption programs, which allow you to support the care of an otter without owning one. This is only a very simplified introduction to feeding. They're actually very aggressive animals. Messy housemates. There are owners who have domesticated otters. What exotic pets can you own in Australia? Gonna go out on a limb and say that's where the otter encounters take place. They are cunning! Don't even get us started on baby otter pups. It is extremely important that you provide diverse enrichment for ottersand all animals for that matter. Many zoos and aquariums train their otters to participate in educational programs or to exhibit natural behaviors for visitors to see. 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. 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. They can cause damage to your home and hurt other animals in your family. About. 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. slowelevator . NO. Theyre not for us to put them in cute hats ! More on each of these later. Question: Are otters legal to keep as pets in Georgia? You can keep an otter as a pet with the proper permits that allow you to house game animals in captivity. These toys are excellent for species that hunt and forge. 11:06. There are many otters kept in captivity, but these are in animal welfare centers, zoos or conservation areas. However, owning an otter requires a permit, which can be obtained from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. This is the way for all animals, but the fundamental problem is that wild animals are better off wild, no matter how well we think we can look after them. Objects, such as hollowed-out lots, well-placed shrubs and trees, and items of cage furniture. This is highly recommended if you want to keep your otters happy and in good mental and physical health. 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. Can Caracal Kitten be good pets? So why don't you see more otters playing in the park on a Sunday afternoon? Hundreds of thousands of newborn kittens are euthanized at shelters because no one can take care of them. No, it is not safe or ethical to swim with otters. Otters can carry and transmit diseases that can be harmful to humans, such as salmonella and giardia. Dont take my word for it read this! 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. They love water so it is best if you have a body of water nearby for them to frolic in. Answer: Australia is extremely strict with entry and exportation of exotics, so no. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several otter species as either endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. I just have no words for it! From a legal standpoint, owning an otter can be trickier than a skunk, but it is possible. You can keep these animals as personal pets, but you cannot sell, barter, or exchange them. The oldest known otter lived to be 21 years old. No, you cannot keep an otter as a therapy animal. Answer: Yes, but you would have to be granted a permit, which isn't easy. Their appearance may be similar to a friendly dog's, but their temperament is quite the opposite. 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. Squirrels as Pets - Is It OK to Have a Pet Squirrel? 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. Otters climb, so a roof or top is required, and they are keen diggers, so any fencing needs to be extended in-ground. They are wild animals and do not like to be restrained., Owning an otter is a big commitment. No, otters cannot be domesticated. In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. August 20, 2021. Who knew? Nutritionally complete cat food can serve as a base subsistence food. Answer: You purchase otters from a breeder or broker. But. Call state wildlife officials to confirm. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. If you have adopted one, youll need to have the proper habitat for it. You may not think it, just to look at them, although even when stock-still they are adorable. I tend to state that theres no such thing as a good or bad petit depends on what youre looking for in an animal. The best enclosure for an otter is outside. I want a Asian small clawed otter In Arizona ,mesa. In some cases, otters that have been in captivity can be released back into the wild. How much does a pet otter cost? They prefer flat stones that are as wide as a large orange. However, some US states may allow you to own exotic pet species such as otters. In the U.S. there is only one otter species that can be kept in the home so to speak - the Asian Short-clawed Otter . Otters arent as cute as you might think. The larger the group, the larger the smear. 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! Do otters stink? Question: Are pet otters legal in Canada? Otter. Fortunately, many governments and jurisdictions have created contingencies to try to protect these animals. Alabama law prohibits any wildlife protected by law being held in captivity (as in kept as pets.) I just wanna make sure. But what do you think? In the wild, otters roam over a large area, including terrestrially and aquatically over land and water. Are otters dangerous? In the United States, it is legal to own an otter with a license, although regulations vary from state to state. However, this is a highly regulated process and requires meeting strict requirements for the care and housing of the animal. Pet owners must provide proper care, including a secure enclosure, appropriate food and water, and veterinary care. Rejoice in the sheer exuberance of otter life. I think otters are fun to watch, have exciting personalities and overall give out positive vibes. They also mark their territory by smearing their scent; which is known as sprinting. More information can be found by referring to the Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual. All those things you find cute on IG are them showing their distress ! The only reason is if they cannot survive in the wild and need to be protected. They are mustelids which means they belong to the same family as weasels, minks and badgers, but form a part of the subfamily Lutrinae. 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. 12:34. Fr Rudi, as . These are wild animals who suffer greatly being kept in our houses. There should be hollowed-out logs, aptly placed shrubs and trees, and various cage furniture that will make the space more interesting. They travel in groups and maintain family ties, for life. Can Dogs Have Whipped Cream? Hence the name. Retrieved from. Yes, in some cases, you can volunteer with otters. Otters like to climb and dig, so your enclosure will need a top and to be dug into the ground. Can you have a pet otter in australia. Most people do not know what they are doing. I have an affinity for unique companions (my first buddy was a nurse shark that imprinted on me). can also be offered to supplement the diet. After reading your expose, I realize that it would not be fair or practical. They have high exercise and socialization needs and require a large living space with access to water. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest species of otter. Not to mention the sad ways in which they are breed, in cages, only to then be separated from their significant others. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. These include many species of native birds (mostly parrots), some captive-bred reptiles and frogs from a licensed breeder or society. However, there is also DNA evidence to suggest that cats were susceptible to the process of domestication and may have even domesticated themselves[3]. Thank you for taking the time to look at our personalised otter ceramic money box. Interestingly, however, otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. Guess what, they are picked off by predators within 3 days. If you have managed to acquire an otter, please make sure you know how to care for it properly and that you are committed to keeping it for the entirety of its lifetime. Here is we collected all that you wanted about Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia Watch free videos. Otters need plenty of environmental enrichment. They are cunning and intelligent and predatory and like to know every nook and cranny of their dwelling place. AnimalWised takes a look at the different aspects of domestic otters. Otters are usually kept outdoors because they emit an odor. In some cases, it is possible to obtain a permit to own an otter. For example, in Nevada, lions and elephants are actually legal to own, but fennec foxes (which weigh 3 lbs) are not. Feel free to share this guide with anyone who loves otters!
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