They are all semiaquatic, aquatic or marine mammals, and subsist on diets mainly based on fish and invertebrates, such as mollusks. You need a vet. They would come to the nano-reef forums posting spotless 10 gallon tanks loaded with fish including tangs. 7080% of the diet can be meat-based and can consist of day-old chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. 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. You should include fish. You can usually visit the otter you have adopted, and some programs offer other perks, like behind-the-scenes tours. Summary of Husbandry Guidelines for Asian Small-clawed Otters in Captivity. They have specific dietary and environmental needs, and not everyone is equipped to meet them. Supporting conservation efforts and avoiding products that contribute to habitat destruction can help protect these animals. 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. Customer reviews and photos may be available to help you make the right purchase decision! Otters are very territorial and live in family groups. They also need have enough elements such as trees and branches to scavenge. You may not realize that the otter is likely there only as a stop gap in a larger conservation effort. They are cunning and intelligent and predatory and like to know every nook and cranny of their dwelling place. These animals include bears, primates, big cats, canids, venomous and large reptiles (crocodilians, large constrictor snakes, and large monitor lizards). Otters can be destructive. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. Even if it weren't, keeping wild animals as pets is not a good idea. Maybe they are for you, maybe not! An otters diet can vary in captivity. They need a much larger enclosure than a typical dog. Are otters friendly with humans? I do not even need to mention you all the reasons why. 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. Can you pet otters? They like attention but do not like to play with humans, in the way humans like to interact with pets. 12:16. Their ideal temperature is 75 to 85 degrees. On the 4 Asian species 3 are under protection because theyre getting extinct ! It depends on the state, but yes, it is likely illegal. Check out Otter Bingo and Otter Kotaro on U-Tube. Here are a few to get you started, plus some basic information about how they fit into the otter pet trade: 1. Hence the name. Their relatives include wolverines, badgers, and, of course, weasels (stoats). Keeping an otter in a home is a surefire way to destroy anything valuable you own. 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. Otters are adorable animals, but keeping them as pets is not a good idea. 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. This doesnt make them automatically legal in every state. As always, wed be delighted to read your comments. How otters are protected. . Therefore, purchasing an otter can do more harm than good and is not advised. If left untrained, they can leave many droppings around the house. In the wild, they use their strong jaws and sharp teeth to crack open shells and catch fish. Even a pair of otters is not ideal and you will need another 5 m per additional otter. 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. Different provinces have different laws. Expenses such as those mentioned above are not the only detrimental factors in keeping an otter as a pet. In Japan, pet fads appear with a certain regularity. I have to say that most though not all of the comments cause me extreme concern regarding our society today. NO. 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. Put up you have it off otters every bit pets uk How To Get A Pet Otter (Realistically) Answer: Yes, but you would have to be granted a permit, which isn't easy. The space aka property with a huge pond that I would build a huge enclosure around. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest species of otter. Answer: Probably not. Living in captivity is simply not a good life for an otter. You may be asked to demonstrate this. But there are many factors to consider. Otters climb, so a roof or top is required, and they are keen diggers, so any fencing needs to be extended in-ground. Its time to wake up and change, seriously. What zoos and aquariums have sea otters? 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. 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. They arent easily housetrained and theyre very active, social animals. Very few are owned by private individuals and habited in domestic environments. However, mascotism damages biodiversity, since it does not focus on . Otters do climb, adding to the complexity of the habitat, so a top is required. The answer is no. For example, in Nevada, lions and elephants are actually legal to own, but fennec foxes (which weigh 3 lbs) are not. Otters are wild animals. 70-80% can be meat-based, and can include chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. Owning a pet otter is considered illegal in several countries including the US, Japan, and the UK. Over half of all 13 otter species are endangered or vulnerable and are not legally breed - they have to be capture, usually by killing the mother and confiscating the pups. There is little similar evidence to suggest otters want to do the same. 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. If they are constantly wet, they can develop health conditions.. In the wild, they feed on mostly invertebrates and occasionally frogs. 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. A lot more animals are legal in New York State, as opposed to New York City, where most animals are illegal. These have brought significant problems and it is very questionable if exotic animals will fare well in such environments. 25 million cats and dogs are euthanized in the US each year. However, there are few countries which appear to favor having otters as pets. Point is people that invest this kind of money on pets love them. Some introduced animals, have become serious pests in Queensland that attack pets and damage crops, the environment and the economy. 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. All you say and recommend is ethically against your Vet degree! 7 Caracal Cat Facts. Living with a Pet Otter There are many effects which you should be aware of before getting a pet otter. Please be better than that and get a pet that we breed for generations. Dont take my word for it read this! When theyre captured and sold as pets, otters are not living their full, natural lives. There are several websites and online sources where pet otters are sold. White ceramic money box Personalised. Pool should make up about 30% of the enclosure. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Their bite is sharp and piercing. Eric Farmer from Rockford Illinois on February 18, 2018: On one hand, this sounded somewhat cute but some of the things you listed as negatives really turn me off owning an Otter as a pet. The following is a list of reasons why you shouldn't. Fun fact: Otters are one of the lesser-known tool users of the animal kingdom. Unless you do what Joseph Carter does for his mink to keep them busy, I wouldn't recommend them as pets to most people. As mentioned earlier, they have specific needs that are challenging to meet in a domestic setting. No, you cannot keep a jackal as a pet. Before considering obtaining a permit to keep an otter, it is important to thoroughly research the requirements and responsibilities involved. They swim 17km everyday , live in large groups of 20 individuals esprantes in multiple families. But. Animals and mostly exotic ones are not our toys or our means to make money. If you want to interact with otters, consider visiting a zoo or aquarium or volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitation center. : They are not illegal to breed. They have an oil, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which makes them good swimmers. 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. While it's common to keep dogs and cats as pets, other unique and interesting animals including reptiles, insects, amphibians and terrestrial . All goods sold at cash converters are cleaned and tested to ensure you're completely satisfied with your purchase. Here are some pros and cons to consider: Pros: -Otters are very playful and active, which can make them fun pets. Asian otters require a tropical climate and room to explore and play. Money Box, Personalised Otter Money Box, Coin Bank, Otter Money Box, Otter Gifts, Piggy Bank, Savings Jar, Otter Presents. 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. Cats and dogs were bred to be companions and we couldn't even handle that. Veterinary Secrets 2022 Bestie PawsLower Manhattan, New York, NY 10038, USA, Pet otters: the truth behind the latest wildlife craze. 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.. In the wild they live in families of up to 15, which contrasts with their life in captivity. 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. I just wanna make sure. Another relatively popular pet fad in Japan is the practice of keeping otters as pets. The best enclosure for an otter is outside. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. The local authority's regulations will need to be assessed before it could even be considered. Many of these facilities have otters on display, and some even have interactive exhibits where you can watch them play and swim. Put a ring on it! Ana Sayfa; En iyi videolar; Hafta iin en iyi; . Cats Domesticated Themselves, Ancient DNA Shows. Not having enough entertainment or putting stress on your pet otter can also lead to destructive, aggressive behavior. They will need to be kept in an enclosure that is at least 10' x 8' x 6'. 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! 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. The short answer is yes, but it comes with many caveats or catches. 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. They are mustelids which means they belong to the same family as weasels, minks and badgers, but form a part of the subfamily Lutrinae. That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! They are carnivores with a high metabolic rate, requiring them to consume 20% of their body weight per day. 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. 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. Trained professionals can provide the care and rehabilitation necessary to ensure the otter can be released back into the wild. In most countries, otters are considered wild animals, and it is illegal to buy or sell them. Asian small-clawed otters are one of 13 species of otters in the carnivore family Mustelidae. Otters are so adorable, I can understand why we would want to have them as a pet, but it's not right. Yes, in some cases, you can adopt an otter. When she isn't creating content for blog posts, Hannah enjoys long walks with her Rottweiler cross Senna, reading fantasy novels and breeding aquarium shrimp. In Australia, it is illegal to keep an otter as a pet. Otters play an important role in their ecosystems. But if you do decide to own an otter telling you how to properly care for your new family member. 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. They are the masters of disaster. If you don't provide sufficient environmental enrichment, they will likely find it for themselves, probably among your things. All 13 species of otters are wild animals, extremely sensitive to environmental changes, and are a marking, latrine species. You need resources to own any pet, much less an exotic one. Buy iPhone 11 Otter + Pop Symmetry Series Case at Amazon. They have sharp teeth, powerful prey drives, and they're little bundles of furious energy in motion whenever they are awake. It is illegal to own most otter species as pets. What is a good pet? It is very difficult to find anyone who sincerely recommends keeping an otter as a pet. As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. But what do you think? You can keep an otter as a pet with the proper permits that allow you to house game animals in captivity. Unfortunately we humans have too often put our own desires in front of what is best for nature. Required fields are marked *. Let us know in the comments below! Feel free to share this guide with anyone who loves otters! 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. You are wrong. They also mark their territory by smearing their scent; which is known as sprinting. The heaviest weigh in at up to 100lbs again, you wouldnt want to get on the wrong side of an animal of that bulk. Do otters like to cuddle? Otters are excellent diggers and have sharp claws and teeth. Freshwater otters live in family groups of up to 15 in the wild. In what states is it legal to own an otter? Additionally, otters are considered indicator species, which means that their presence or absence can indicate the health of the surrounding ecosystem. Funny Otter Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift Sweatshirt, Cute Otter Sweatshirt, Punctuation Saves Otters, Punctuation Saves Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift . Question: Specifically what is required to own an otter in North Carolina and what type of otter(s) can you have? The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several otter species as either endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. hairs per square inch. Have you think for A SECOND how do they take them from their habitat?? Only two species of native mammal can be kept . Otters require a large enclosure with access to water, a specialized diet, veterinary care, and enrichment to keep them mentally and physically healthy. I guess they'd much rather be coddled and have everything handed to them SMH. However, keeping otters in captivity is not the same as keeping an otter as a pet. Half the houses in my neighborhood can't even take care of their own dogs right. 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. Poisonous bite symptoms and treatments, 8 AMAZING jumping spiders types you can get as pets, 31 Interesting Axolotl Facts That Will Blow Your Mind. Squirrels as Pets - Is It OK to Have a Pet Squirrel? Even with the best intentions we cant give them enough , enough playtimes, enough nutrition.l enough everything. 1. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Living inside comes with many challenges, like cleaning up otter feces and keeping your furniture intact. You can have 2 of each of the following animals: American Bullfrog. It could benefit the scientific community as well since little is known about their behaviors. -They have a lot of personality and can be very affectionate with their owners. It is important to exercise caution and practice good hygiene when interacting with otters or their environment. 5 Step Pacman Frog Care: Are they good pets? Are otters legal pets? Due to their high fish diet, an otter's excrement is particularly foul. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes don't make complete sense. However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. (Diet and Feeding Frequency). Poor animals in those cages, would you like to be in jail ? That being said, exotic animals from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. While they are the smallest otter species in the world, Asian small-clawed otters can still grow to 24 inches (61cm). They werent always domesticated they were rescued or ripped away from thier habitat as well for generations. (Complete Budgie Diet Guide). 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. Can you own an otter in BC? As a vet you shouldnt explain people what to do if they still wanna keep a wild pet! Otters have an odor that lingers around them. Your bathtub or pool cant substitute for the large bodies of water otters are naturally found in. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at PetSmart? They are the smallest otter species in the world. August 20, 2021. While otters can form bonds with humans, they still retain their natural instincts and behaviors. Native birds are also federally protected. Your email address will not be published. As the otters like to make a burrow in the land, you will need to have the right sort of soil ans terrain. Reuters Yes, I said scream. 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. They are cunning! You see, otters are members of the weasel family. They are expensive to buy and house. They require about 2-2, 5 pounds of meat every day. Valentina z not all exotic pets are ripped away from their habitat some are rescued. If an otter does attack, they have sharp teeth which can be very dangerous, especially to children. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. I want a Asian small clawed otter In Arizona ,mesa. IM SO SAD READING THESE COMMENTS AND THIS ARTICLE IN GENERAL! Do otters cuddle? 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! The larger the group, the larger the smear. Otters are considered to be wildlife, so you will need to follow the state guidelines for ownership. They're very aggressive and bite, and they have very sharp teeth. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. Lets look after wildlife, please! We are living in a world full of ignorant, entitled, beings who have little/no respect for anyone or anything. Placing food out of reach so the animal needs to work out how to get it down. 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. However, it is important to remember that even trained otters are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. 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! Can you touch an otter? Also They really have an annoying squeal. Tremble with Tarka as the sounds of the otter hounds come down the valley. Where can I hold hands with otters? many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoor enclosures. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Petco? Or in a zoo? Heap, C. J., Wright, L., and Andrews, L. (2008). Its various extant subspecies, numbering a total of 13, can be found on almost every continent (its too cold in Antarctica, apparently), and come in a range of shapes and sizes, and levels of ferocity. 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. Its amazing and I have always dreamed of having one as a pet. This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! Great job on this article, Melissa! All rights reserved. 11:06. Well address some of the most frequently asked questions about buying an otter. Canadian Arctic Marble Fox as Pets (Are they good pets? They need plenty of space and care., An otters enclosure needs to be large enough for them to get exercise and forage. North Carolina: Otter ownership is legal in North Carolina with a permit from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. No, it is not safe or ethical to swim with otters. In many states, do you think it's illegal to keep river otters, beavers and many exotic animals as pets? One of the few ways to keep an armadillo as a pet is to be someone who holds an Animal Breeding License, but obtaining one is difficult. 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. Other members of this family include weasels, skunks, and ferrets. However, they also mark territory with scent glands at the base of their tail. So why don't you see more otters playing in the park on a Sunday afternoon? Even if you could get an otter certified as a therapy animal, it would still be illegal to buy or sell one. This has spread to the opening of various hedgehog and even owl cafs. Asian small clawed otters may be kept with a permit. Finger Monkey Lifespans: How Long Do Pygmy Marmosets Live as Pets? Otters make loud whistling or screeching noises. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. You may have seen videos on YouTube of otters playing in people's homes, but often these videos lack context. Answer: Since pet otters are rare, a dealer has a lot of leeway when naming their price. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). Owning native otters is illegal in many countries including the UK, Japan, and the U.S. Thanks. Nevertheless, otters are personable, entertaining little creatures, as you would expect from their reputation. Some animals are illegal to keep in Queensland. I was headstrong about owning an otter and this article actually dissuaded me people are insane nowadays, would you rather there I have not come across this information then got an otter and regretted? These are wild animals who suffer greatly being kept in our houses. 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. All states have bans on at least some exotic pets, even states that are notorious for having lax pet laws. Weird Pets: Sugar Gliders Sugar gliders are quickly becoming America's new exotic pet darling. You just made that up and got angry for no reason. They have been known to destroy furniture with their inquisitive claws and teeth. 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. (Lifespan Guide). 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). Question: Where do you go to adopt an otter? 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. 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. Australia boasts a huge variety of animals. They thrive in social settings within their natural habitat. You'll also need access to plenty of fish. However, like all mustelids that arent domesticated ferrets, they are also challenging to keep, and will require large enclosures and extensive enrichment. Likely, your otter will spend most of its life in the enclosure.