If you still want to own this aquatic creature, the biggest obstacle you will face is this: Where can you find one? But if you do decide to own an otter telling you how to properly care for your new family member. 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. When theyre captured and sold as pets, otters are not living their full, natural lives. They also mark their territory by smearing their feces around, which contributes to the odor.. But there is one species, the Asian small-clawed otter, which could be legal in some states. Supporting conservation efforts and avoiding products that contribute to habitat destruction can help protect these animals. Your email address will not be published. When otters are agitated or stressed they can bite and become aggressive. They are hard to potty train, and their fast metabolism means they poop a lot, and often. You should be ashamed Mellissa! 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. 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. 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. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes don't make complete sense. Habitat destruction, hunting, and pollution threaten their conservation. Owning a pet otter is considered illegal in several countries including the US, Japan, and the UK. They love water so it is best if you have a body of water nearby for them to frolic in. Or in a zoo? Otters are carnivores and primarily eat fish, shellfish, and other aquatic creatures. 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. Theyre very intelligent and need so much stimulation , just like an African parrot but maybe 10 times more. 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. And pets are different again to 'keeping otters'. Using food dispensing devices available for dogs and cats that must be manipulated to dispense treats. 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. ), Are jumping spiders friendly or harmful to us? Many Asian countries have taken measures to protect them through bans and regulation.. No, otters cannot be domesticated. 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. Product details: Item Number: 001000265731 Brand: Otter Box Model Number: iPhone 7 Plus Colour: Pink We ship nationwide! Ana Sayfa; En iyi videolar; Hafta iin en iyi; . They're actually very aggressive animals. The base can consist of nutritionally-complete cat food. Even with the best intentions we cant give them enough , enough playtimes, enough nutrition.l enough everything. Yes, I said scream. you, an, otter, as, a, pet, unit, australia, s, can, have, in. "Oh honey~~~ you shouldn't have! I will stick with my donations and wish them love. NO. Click to attach a photo related to your comment. Feel free to share this guide with anyone who loves otters! That cute, fluffy sea otter you have in your photo? They're wild animals. Keeping an otter in a home is a surefire way to destroy anything valuable you own. 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. Because Dalmations are high energy dogs that were bred to run 25 miles a day under carriages, and the families couldn't handle them. They are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. All rights reserved. Domestication is a process that occurs over generations of selective breeding, and it is not possible to fully domesticate a wild animal like an otter. Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia. I think otters are fun to watch, have exciting personalities and overall give out positive vibes. Well address some of the most frequently asked questions about buying an otter. (Lifespan Guide). Theyre not for us to put them in cute hats ! This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! In the wild, otters roam over a large area, including terrestrially and aquatically over land and water. Are there any research programs to help repopulate endangered species of otters such as the Congo clawless otter which so little is known about. You see, otters are members of the weasel family. However, they also mark territory with scent glands at the base of their tail. Arkansas: Arkansas is one of the few states in the U.S. that allows otter ownership as a pet. Otters are considered to be wildlife, so you will need to follow the state guidelines for ownership. Dont take my word for it read this! Thank you for this VERY enlightening article. Summary of Husbandry Guidelines for Asian Small-clawed Otters in Captivity. A lot more animals are legal in New York State, as opposed to New York City, where most animals are illegal. As a result, these pets are often abandoned. 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. Otters play an important role in their ecosystems. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. Additionally, swimming with otters can be harmful to the animals, as it can disrupt their natural behaviors and expose them to human diseases. Different provinces have different laws. 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). Their unpleasant smell can permeate a home if they live indoors. Additionally, otters can have sharp teeth and claws that can cause injury. The woman in the video DOES SAY she would 100% NOT recommend an otter as a pet Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 27, 2019: Shame on you! Answer: Sea otters are not legal anywhere under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. They do not like intruders in their space or near their family and will defend accordingly. Given their sensitivity, less than 10% are likely to survive to adoption. Question: are otters legal to own in New York? They can be very destructive when they dont get what they want., Strong odor. 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. Otters are very playful and charming and it might seem easy to interact with them or have them as pets. Find out in this video all about the Asian Small Clawed Otter, Mr. Chow! Question: Are pet otters legal in Canada? The local authority's regulations will need to be assessed before it could even be considered. The otter is not a domesticated animal species. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. Home / My Animal / Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? And if they do, it could get messy. They need attention all the time. 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. In some cases, otters that have been in captivity can be released back into the wild. No, you cannot keep a jackal as a pet. Licences to possess, sell or capture otters European protected species: apply for a licence to possess them (A37 and LR37) 8 March 2022 Form Licence to possess plants and animals for scientific. Asian countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, have thriving pet otter industries. Are otters legal in New York? If the water is not sufficiently well cleaned, it can lead to the quick death of the otter. 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! . Veterinary Secrets 2022 Bestie PawsLower Manhattan, New York, NY 10038, USA, Pet otters: the truth behind the latest wildlife craze. The only reason is if they cannot survive in the wild and need to be protected. Otters are notoriously difficult to potty train, and even when they are, they may decide to go against their training. 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. 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. The Answer May Surprise You! 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. Even a pair of otters is not ideal and you will need another 5 m per additional otter. I have grown up in the redwoods of California. They bite and they have glands to produce a vile smell , people get those removed , its cruel. How otters are protected. Don't even get us started on baby otter pups. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. Answer: Since pet otters are rare, a dealer has a lot of leeway when naming their price. 4. The heaviest weigh in at up to 100lbs again, you wouldnt want to get on the wrong side of an animal of that bulk. Unless you do what Joseph Carter does for his mink to keep them busy, I wouldn't recommend them as pets to most people. Such illegal trafficking is detrimental to wild populations of animals worldwide. You should remove this article and every advise on owning exotic pets. This can be fed irregularly with a "scatter" method to ward off stereotypic behaviorsomething that occurs when certain animals are fed at specific times. 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. Freshwater otters live in family groups of up to 15 in the wild. 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. A certified veterinarian giving advise on how to get an exotic animal to own as a pet? These include many species of native birds (mostly parrots), some captive-bred reptiles and frogs from a licensed breeder or society. However, this is highly unethical and illegal, so be cautious and thoroughly research the seller and the legality of owning an otter as a pet before making a purchase. Otters are being poached from the wild to become pets in Japan and Thailand The Asian small-clawed otter has become a popular pet in Southeast Asia. I was looking into purchasing a friend but after all this I think its not the best for either of us. In most countries, only dogs and miniature horses are recognized as therapy animals. Otters in this genus are characterized by only partial webbing between their toes, and small, blunt, peg-like claws. They are the masters of disaster. However, just like any other wild animal, otters can be dangerous and aggressive. Do otters like to cuddle? Rage at the cruelty of man. 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. Retrieved on 29 November, 2019. You will need to provide a heated area for them when temperatures drop below 50F. Otters are excellent diggers and have sharp claws and teeth. Taking feathers directly from the bird so the scent is present, and scatter them in various places. But there are many factors to consider. Messy housemates. More information can be found by referring to the Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual. Much more fun fact: Otter poop has an aroma that has been compared to jasmine tea. I know a lady who owns an otter , she displays her on insta with her other exotic pets that rescued and even doing so much for her baby she still sees signs of distress! However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. Dogs and otters do not get along. Do otters cuddle? This is only a very simplified introduction to feeding. 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. Conservationists may need to keep an otter in captivity for protection, post-rescue or for research purposes. 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. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. 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. Other otter species, like the ocean otter and giant otter, can reach lengths of 6 ft (1.8m), as long as a tall human. 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. They are not commonly available, and you would likely need to get on a waiting list. [removed] It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Japan Times. - Repeat the above steps to add more items as needed. Pet owners must provide proper care, including a secure enclosure, appropriate food and water, and veterinary care. However, mascotism damages biodiversity, since it does not focus on . Can you have a pet penguin in Canada? Yet otters are still being illegally smuggled into these countries to be sold as pets., Loud noises. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. 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. In some cases, it is possible to obtain a permit to own an otter. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest species of otter. Some ideas include: Domesticated minks are actually semi-aquatic and far more readily available, if legal. Obtaining a permit for keeping an otter is difficult, if not impossible. They are cunning! It is the most common type trapped and sold as pets. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. Crested Gecko Enclosures: Whats the Best Choice? You are wrong. 1. I spearfish the invasive fish in the eel river and have had wild otters swimming feet away from me eating the fish I kill. 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! slowelevator . I couldn't agree more. Because theyre so cute, theres been a high demand to own them as pets., Illegal poaching and sales have hurt the global otter population. Under provincial and federal law, it is illegal to keep a wild animal, as designated under the BC Wildlife Act, as a pet. People's Trust for Endangered Species. Where can you shake hands with an otter? The space aka property with a huge pond that I would build a huge enclosure around. However, this is a complex process that requires specialized care and rehabilitation to ensure the otter can survive in its natural environment. You may have seen videos on YouTube of otters playing in people's homes, but often these videos lack context. If you believe your state should be on this list, check with your local state department. In the UK, otters are fully protected under Sections 9 and 11 of Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981[2]. This could devastate our unique environment. However, a recent uptick of otter attacks has caused distress to many fish owners across the island. 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). There are 13 types of otter in total, but some are more common than others. Yes, in some cases, you can adopt an otter. If left untrained, they can leave many droppings around the house. Note: All information comes from online resources and personal knowledge. This is usually at the behest of a larger authority, often governmental. I completed my post-graduate studies at Nottingham Trent University in 2021, securing an MSc Biodiversity Conservation qualification. Asian small-clawed otters are one of 13 species of otters in the carnivore family Mustelidae. Another relatively popular pet fad in Japan is the practice of keeping otters as pets. 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. Even you own a river its not enough! This classification means that only native otters are legal which includes the river otter. Not all countries have strict protection laws and many otter populations are already in decline. If you want to interact with otters, consider visiting a zoo or aquarium or volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitation center. It is illegal to have an otter in most states, Pet otters require a lot of space and water, Axolotl Care: How to take care of an axolotl, Vietnamese Mossy Frog Pet Care (10 Steps Complete Guide), American Green Tree Frog as Pets (4 Care Facts You Must. Answer: Probably not. Question: Are Otters legal to own in Texas? Answer: Australia is extremely strict with entry and exportation of exotics, so no. The level of protection and types of otters present vary across different parts of the world. What zoos and aquariums have sea otters?
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