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. They have exotic pet stores with meerkats in rabbit cages. This is only a very simplified introduction to feeding. Yeah I know but some people already own them and they couldnt put them in the wild because they wouldnt survive. Fortunately, many governments and jurisdictions have created contingencies to try to protect these animals. An otters diet can vary. Are otters dangerous? Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. Maybe they are for you, maybe not! How otters are protected. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. Instead, consider visiting them at a zoo or wildlife sanctuary, where you can observe and appreciate these amazing animals in a safe and responsible manner. Live animals and animal products from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. Additionally, otters can have sharp teeth and claws that can cause injury. Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia. They can cause damage. 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. If i found a fox or coyote i would raise it. Objects, such as hollowed-out lots, well-placed shrubs and trees, and items of cage furniture. Let us learn more about this incredible creature as we read this article. Even if it weren't, keeping wild animals as pets is not a good idea. 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. 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. Vets are expensive. No. The upfront cost of purchasing an Asian small-clawed otter is approximately $4,000 unaffordable for most individuals. Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. Otters can also be loud and destructive. This classification means that only native otters are legal which includes the river otter. (2018). Question: Where do you go to adopt an otter? Asian otters require a tropical climate and room to explore and play. No, otters cannot be domesticated. I bet thats bigger than you expected! Remember to always treat otters with respect and caution, and support conservation efforts to protect these important animals. Retrieved from, Smith, C. (2017). Put a ring on it! Click to attach a photo related to your comment. Many Asian countries have taken measures to protect them through bans and regulation.. The recommended space for a pair of otters is 60 m, roughly the size of an average apartment. Asian small-clawed otters are one of 13 species of otters in the carnivore family Mustelidae. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. What states are otters legal in? In such a case, the average dog run won't cut it. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest species of otter. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. Otters arent happy to be one or two with a child pool and a bathtub ! This does not even take into consideration the amount of capital needed to install the appropriate enclosure and keep the otters well fed. When theyre captured and sold as pets, otters are not living their full, natural lives. Before considering obtaining a permit to keep an otter, it is important to thoroughly research the requirements and responsibilities involved. 11 reasons why you should NOT have an otter as a pet. They are not commonly available, and you would likely need to get on a waiting list. I just have no words for it! If a state doesnt prohibit the possession of "non-domesticated carnivores" or the family Mustelidae (of which Asian small-clawed otters are a member), and it doesnt have an awful list of "non-regulated" species of which all not named on it are considered illegal, then these otters might be legal! Australia boasts a huge variety of animals. If you try to teach an otter right vs. wrong, for example regarding littering outside the litter box, it will likely perform the negative action just in order to elicit a reaction from you. Freshwater otters live in family groups of up to 15 in the wild. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. These big furry dogs were bred to hunt otters, which were considered as pests back in the day. Serfass, T., Evans, S. S., & Polechla, P. (2015). 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. Yes, I said scream. Hi I'm looking to buy a otter I want to know how much they go for. -They are relatively low-maintenance, compared to other animals. Eastern Newt. 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. Below is a basic care guide. What Does It Cost to Adopt a Pygmy Marmoset (or Finger, How To Setup a Red-eared Slider Turtle Tank, How Long Do Red-eared Slider Turtles Live? The lifespan of otters varies depending on the species and their environment. However, just like any other wild animal, otters can be dangerous and aggressive. Yes, in some cases, you can volunteer with otters. Many zoos and aquariums train their otters to participate in educational programs or to exhibit natural behaviors for visitors to see. 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. Heap, C. J., Wright, L., and Andrews, L. (2008). Keeping an otter as a pet has become fashionable in some countries for some time. You may not realize that the otter is likely there only as a stop gap in a larger conservation effort. They need plenty of space and care., An otters enclosure needs to be large enough for them to get exercise and forage. Fun fact: Otters have the thickest coats in the animal kingdom! Sea otter: Illegal to own under the Marine Animal Protection Act. They swim 17km everyday , live in large groups of 20 individuals esprantes in multiple families. People in Indonesia, Thailand, Japan,. Smell may seem a minor consideration, but should not be overlooked. Otters are smelly, loud and extremely active; they have sharp teeth and jaws strong enough to crack open shellfish. If you don't provide sufficient environmental enrichment, they will likely find it for themselves, probably among your things. Otters are not ferrets; they are not animals that should be kept with the intention of cuddling them. Otters climb, so a roof or top is required, and they are keen diggers, so any fencing needs to be extended in-ground. It is also something which could see a rise in other countries if the wrong information is spread. 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. 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. They live in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps in Southern Asia. They travel in groups and maintain family ties, for life. Otters are very playful creatures. Answer: You purchase otters from a breeder or broker. Owning native otters is illegal in many countries including the UK, Japan, and the U.S. 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. Question: Are sea otters legal in Kentucky? Half the houses in my neighborhood can't even take care of their own dogs right. Question: Specifically what is required to own an otter in North Carolina and what type of otter(s) can you have? AnimalWised takes a look at the different aspects of domestic otters. You just made that up and got angry for no reason. And then you need to give all your time. But there are many factors to consider. No matter how much you fantasize about them, you must accept the fact that they are not house pets. Eastern Garter Snake. They are mustelids which means they belong to the same family as weasels, minks and badgers, but form a part of the subfamily Lutrinae. Scent and Body Odour The otters emit an odour and that is the reason they are kept outdoors. Some introduced animals, have become serious pests in Queensland that attack pets and damage crops, the environment and the economy. Living in captivity is simply not a good life for an otter. The smell of an otters spraint has been likened variously to that of freshly mown hay to putrefied fish. many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoor enclosures. In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. Squirrels as Pets - Is It OK to Have a Pet Squirrel? 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. They love to swim and dive in shallow waters although there are records of sea otters diving as deep as 100 meters. All you say and recommend is ethically against your Vet degree! Do otters like to cuddle? Plus I would never just have one. Otters need plenty of environmental enrichment. States where Otters may be legal, New York. Asian small-clawed otter: This is the only otter to have entered the pet trade. Zoological parks Some zoos have captive breeding programs for otters and may offer the opportunity to adopt one. Native birds are also federally protected. Abigailramirez434@yahoo.com on January 01, 2018: Can I buy a baby otter. Members of the Mustelidae family, otters are related to weasels, badgers, honey badgers, martens, minks, polecats and wolverines. -They have a lot of personality and can be very affectionate with their owners. However, even if you could buy an otter, the cost of owning one would be significant. However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. Obtaining a permit for keeping an otter is difficult, if not impossible. They werent always domesticated they were rescued or ripped away from thier habitat as well for generations. Find Out Now! Here are several reasons why: Legal restrictions: Otters are protected by law in many countries and it is illegal to keep them as pets. (Diet and Feeding Frequency). In what states is it legal to own an otter? Otters require a large enclosure with access to water, a specialized diet, veterinary care, and enrichment to keep them mentally and physically healthy. They can have up to 1 million (thats 1 with six zeros!) Or someone actually get it and have no proper information on how to care for it? 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. 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. If not..why? It is important to work with trained professionals and follow guidelines for releasing otters back into the wild. About. Question: are otters legal to own in New York? After otter hunting was banned in the UK in 1978, their numbers dropped. Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Feel free to share this guide with anyone who loves otters! Cats Domesticated Themselves, Ancient DNA Shows. What is the Difference Between a Donkey, a Mule and an Ass? While they are the smallest otter species in the world, Asian small-clawed otters can still grow to 24 inches (61cm). Answer: Australia is extremely strict with entry and exportation of exotics, so no. Put up you have it off otters every bit pets uk How To Get A Pet Otter (Realistically) Gonna go out on a limb and say that's where the otter encounters take place. While it's common to keep dogs and cats as pets, other unique and interesting animals including reptiles, insects, amphibians and terrestrial . They are apex predators that help keep populations of fish and other aquatic creatures in check. Both these habitats need to be well-tended. You are wrong. Poor animals in those cages, would you like to be in jail ? That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! In fact with a fast google search youll find that its 100% illegal but it seems theres a twist depending where you live. The fact that these otters require a tropical climate may be why they tend to be kept mostly by zoo professionals. 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. 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. It is the most common type trapped and sold as pets. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T12302A21936349. You need resources to own any pet, much less an exotic one. Space alone is not enough to mimic the otter's natural ecosystem. More on each of these later. 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. Hundreds of thousands of newborn kittens are euthanized at shelters because no one can take care of them. Interestingly, however, otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. Alabama law prohibits any wildlife protected by law being held in captivity (as in kept as pets.) Otters are accustomed to preying on live animals; hunting is an integral part of an otters life. This doesnt make them automatically legal in every state. No, and you don't want one. Specifically, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Nebraska and a handful of other states appear to allow the private-ownership of otters. Your email address will not be published. Its time to wake up and change, seriously. Pet Collars & Leashes Pet Furniture Pet Clothing & Shoes . Can you have a pet penguin in Canada? These toys are excellent for species that hunt and forge. Otters and most exotic pets may not like to be restrained, especially with strangers. Unfortunately, this fad has lead to the illegal smuggling of otters into Japan[6]. 9 Affordable Pet Insurance for Low Income Families, Donating to organizations that support otter conservation, research, and habitat protection, Purchasing products made from sustainable materials to reduce habitat destruction, Volunteering at a local wildlife rehabilitation center or conservation organization, Advocating for policies and regulations that protect otters and their habitats. EXOTIC ANIMALS ARE NOT PETS. 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! As always, wed be delighted to read your comments. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). Tremble with Tarka as the sounds of the otter hounds come down the valley. ), Are jumping spiders friendly or harmful to us? Funny Otter Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift Sweatshirt, Cute Otter Sweatshirt, Punctuation Saves Otters, Punctuation Saves Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift . 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. 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. Yet otters are still being illegally smuggled into these countries to be sold as pets., Loud noises. 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. Participants must be able to squat/kneel down and stand up quickly and without assistance. Rejoice in the sheer exuberance of otter life. Laws change, and this list is not necessarily exhaustive. Otters are notoriously difficult to potty train, and even when they are, they may decide to go against their training. This can be fed irregularly with a "scatter" method to ward off stereotypic behaviorsomething that occurs when certain animals are fed at specific times. Using food dispensing devices available for dogs and cats that must be manipulated to dispense treats. Vegetables, insects, crayfish, monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, etc. Under provincial and federal law, it is illegal to keep a wild animal, as designated under the BC Wildlife Act, as a pet. However, there is also DNA evidence to suggest that cats were susceptible to the process of domestication and may have even domesticated themselves[3]. There are many otters kept in captivity, but these are in animal welfare centers, zoos or conservation areas. 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. For instance, in Nevada, lions and elephants are technically legal to own but not 3-pound fennec foxes. Unless you are an expert or biologist or zoologist, you should not own an exotic pet. Rage at the cruelty of man. Because I love otters. 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. I do not even need to mention you all the reasons why. Thank you for taking the time to look at our personalised otter ceramic money box. This requires a fence which is not climbable and has a horizontal ledge at the top. She did nothing wrong shes a vet giving you advice on a animal that people love and right now have are popular. They like attention but do not like to play with humans, in the way humans like to interact with pets. Keeping an otter as a solitary pet can make them very sad. Question: How much does a pet otter cost? They are hard to potty train, and their fast metabolism means they poop a lot, and often. If you still want to own this aquatic creature, the biggest obstacle you will face is this: Where can you find one? Otters are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and their trade is heavily regulated. 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. 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. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. Depending on the size, the cage should provide at least 30% water. It is very difficult to find anyone who sincerely recommends keeping an otter as a pet. This could devastate our unique environment. Theyre very intelligent and need so much stimulation , just like an African parrot but maybe 10 times more. Can you own an otter in BC? 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. Additionally, swimming with otters can be harmful to the animals, as it can disrupt their natural behaviors and expose them to human diseases. You may have seen videos on YouTube of otters playing in people's homes, but often these videos lack context. Even if you could get an otter certified as a therapy animal, it would still be illegal to buy or sell one. Your email address will not be published. 11:06. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Petco? Prohibited mammals, reptiles and amphibians You are not allowed to keep prohibited animals as a pet in Queensland. American Toad. Asian countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, have thriving pet otter industries. Answer: No, animals grouped in Carnivora, except wolfdogs, are illegal. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Sometimes people can't handle the truth. In the UK, otters are fully protected under Sections 9 and 11 of Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981[2]. 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. Your bathtub or pool cant substitute for the large bodies of water otters are naturally found in. While otters can form bonds with humans, they still retain their natural instincts and behaviors. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. 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. most native mammals are nocturnal and some, such as possums and gliders, can only be kept . Can you have a pet otter in australia. Additionally, otters require specialized care and a suitable habitat, making them unsuitable as pets for most people. When you see cute baby otters interacting with their keeperssuch as those in the videos hereremember that these are often socialized babies that have not yet undergone maturation. And I really want to pet or hold hands with an otter. Many zoos and aquariums offer adoption programs, which allow you to support the care of an otter without owning one. Animals and mostly exotic ones are not our toys or our means to make money. Note that you still require special permits in many of these states, and local city governments also stipulate whether it is legal or illegal to keep exotic animals within city limits, so make sure you find out this information before buying an otter! Are otters good pets? 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? It depends on the state, but yes, it is likely illegal. In the majority of the US, it is completely illegal to keep an otter as a pet. The oldest known otter lived to be 21 years old. 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! Different provinces have different laws. Some ideas include: Domesticated minks are actually semi-aquatic and far more readily available, if legal. And pets are different again to 'keeping otters'. That includes all game animals, birds and furbearers, including bear, beaver, coyote, deer,. Crested Gecko Enclosures: Whats the Best Choice? Yes, you can own an otter in Massachusetts as long as you have a permit from the state. They do not like intruders in their space or near their family and will defend accordingly. They bite and they have glands to produce a vile smell , people get those removed , its cruel. 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. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision! It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. Some of the different types of otter species include: The North American river otter is the only river otter found in north of Mexico. But in Japan, where more than a dozen animal cafes now feature otters, they have . How much does a pet otter cost? I have grown up in the redwoods of California. The following is a list of reasons why you shouldn't. However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. They are wild animals and do not like to be restrained., Owning an otter is a big commitment. Otters in this genus are characterized by only partial webbing between their toes, and small, blunt, peg-like claws. 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. And for those shaming her in the comments. Retrieved on 29 November, 2019. Theyre not for us to publish to get likes ! you, have, a, pet, otter, in, australia, can. (Complete Budgie Diet Guide). There are owners who have domesticated otters. Even many experienced pet owners would not try to take on an otter. They will need to be kept in an enclosure that is at least 10' x 8' x 6'. Eastern Red-backed Salamander. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several otter species as either endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. They are the masters of disaster. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. West Virginia: Otter ownership is legal in West Virginia with a permit from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. 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. 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.