You can usually visit the otter you have adopted, and some programs offer other perks, like behind-the-scenes tours. Some species of otter exist discontinuously in patches unconnected by land because of over-poaching. This craze of having exotic pets like fennec and foxes (in Russia its popular ), beautiful exotic reptiles and so much more is so wrong ! Pet otters are sought after in many Asian countries like Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia.. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. I don't approve but it amazes me the animals aren't showing obvious signs of distress. In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. DeKay's Brown Snake. In Australia, it is illegal to keep an otter as a pet. 5 Step Pacman Frog Care: Are they good pets? 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. Many zoos and aquariums train their otters to participate in educational programs or to exhibit natural behaviors for visitors to see. 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. They also mark their territory by smearing their scent; which is known as sprinting. These include: Very few are owned by private individuals and habited in domestic environments. If you want to interact with otters, consider visiting a zoo or aquarium or volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitation center. Poor animals in those cages, would you like to be in jail ? Asian small-clawed otters - the only otter sometimes allowed as pets - need a mixture of land and water in their enclosure. Asian small-clawed otter: This is the only otter to have entered the pet trade. They're wild animals. The otter is one of the cutest creatures you can imagine. Not only do these animals make terrible pets, but they're also nearly impossible to domesticate. Asian countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, have thriving pet otter industries. I guess they'd much rather be coddled and have everything handed to them SMH. This is not a pet for beginners, or the faint-hearted! An otters diet can vary. Their temperaments are unpredictable they are wild animals at heart and can be dangerous, especially if not under supervision near children. Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. They are hard to potty train, and their fast metabolism means they poop a lot, and often. Other otter species, like the ocean otter and giant otter, can reach lengths of 6 ft (1.8m), as long as a tall human. Otters should not live in a domestic household, and a demand for pet otters helps drives illegal animal trade and decimate wild populations. It is very difficult to find anyone who sincerely recommends keeping an otter as a pet. Its not like they are using them for fur or food. Many Asian countries have taken measures to protect them through bans and regulation.. They're very aggressive and bite, and they have very sharp teeth. 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. If left untrained, they can leave many droppings around the house. 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. Yes, you can own an otter in Massachusetts as long as you have a permit from the state. All rights reserved. Yes, I said scream. That cute, fluffy sea otter you have in your photo? IM SO SAD READING THESE COMMENTS AND THIS ARTICLE IN GENERAL! They swim 17km everyday , live in large groups of 20 individuals esprantes in multiple families. However, keeping otters in captivity is not the same as keeping an otter as a pet. Pet owners must provide proper care, including a secure enclosure, appropriate food and water, and veterinary care. AnimalWised takes a look at the different aspects of domestic otters. North Carolina: Otter ownership is legal in North Carolina with a permit from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. Most pet otters are actually owned by private zoos and animal educators. Supporting conservation efforts and avoiding products that contribute to habitat destruction can help protect these animals. Smell may seem a minor consideration, but should not be overlooked. Question: Are otters legal to keep as pets in Georgia? Trained professionals can provide the care and rehabilitation necessary to ensure the otter can be released back into the wild. Eastern Red-backed Salamander. Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. 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. Eastern Garter Snake. They will need to be kept in an enclosure that is at least 10' x 8' x 6'. You need resources to own any pet, much less an exotic one. As always, wed be delighted to read your comments. As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. 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. Otters can also dig, so the enclosure will need to have deep walls underground. If you keep a pet otter, be very careful when you have visitors. Don't even get us started on baby otter pups. Otters play an important role in their ecosystems. Not having enough entertainment or putting stress on your pet otter can also lead to destructive, aggressive behavior. No, and you don't want one. Living with a Pet Otter There are many effects which you should be aware of before getting a pet otter. Your bathtub or pool cant substitute for the large bodies of water otters are naturally found in. Otters require a large enclosure with access to water, a specialized diet, veterinary care, and enrichment to keep them mentally and physically healthy. But even if this is the case, keeping them as a pet will be discouraged by animal control and the Department of Health. This has spread to the opening of various hedgehog and even owl cafs. But there is one species, the Asian small-clawed otter, which could be legal in some states. Vets are expensive. Guests must be fit and healthy, have full motor skill and intellectual capabilities. Otters in this genus are characterized by only partial webbing between their toes, and small, blunt, peg-like claws. Yes, otters can be trained using positive reinforcement techniques. The smell of an otters spraint has been likened variously to that of freshly mown hay to putrefied fish. Where can I hold hands with otters? Question: Could an otter, raised from a young pup, make a unique and workable therapy animal or visiting moral animal for elderly / disabled / children? 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Even you own a river its not enough! This is only a very simplified introduction to feeding. They are carnivores with a high metabolic rate, requiring them to consume 20% of their body weight per day. It could benefit the scientific community as well since little is known about their behaviors. I have recently embarked on this career change due to my passion for the natural world and our role within it. As a result, these pets are often abandoned. 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. You can supplement the diet with monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, crayfish and insects, introduced at irregular intervals with a scatter method. I cannot recommend any otter species as a personal "pet," although a few have maintained a strong bond with their handler their entire life. They need a much larger enclosure than a typical dog. Listen people, trying to stifle information will only lead to more of that thing your trying to stop dont be ignorant. Otters are accustomed to preying on live animals; hunting is an integral part of an otters life. Check out Otter Bingo and Otter Kotaro on U-Tube. And pets are different again to 'keeping otters'. Guess what, they are picked off by predators within 3 days. please can someone help. Therefore, purchasing an otter can do more harm than good and is not advised. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. 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. Also do you own any dogs or cats? It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. Otters are social creatures. They are cunning and intelligent and predatory and like to know every nook and cranny of their dwelling place. You can keep these animals as personal pets, but you cannot sell, barter, or exchange them. You should include fish. Theyll need a dry area as well as a pool. But if you do decide to own an otter telling you how to properly care for your new family member. The only reason is if they cannot survive in the wild and need to be protected. They thrive in social settings within their natural habitat. This classification means that only native otters are legal which includes the river otter. They force them, they are not pets, they are not our possession, they belong to nature! In the wild, they mostly eat fish, while sea-dwelling otters use stones to break open mollusks. However, like all mustelids that arent domesticated ferrets, they are also challenging to keep, and will require large enclosures and extensive enrichment. Funny Otter Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift Sweatshirt, Cute Otter Sweatshirt, Punctuation Saves Otters, Punctuation Saves Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift . Otters are carnivores and primarily eat fish, shellfish, and other aquatic creatures. 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. Quite possibly. Many zoos and aquariums have volunteer programs that allow you to work with otters and other animals. 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. Objects, such as hollowed-out lots, well-placed shrubs and trees, and items of cage furniture. 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! Unfortunately we humans have too often put our own desires in front of what is best for nature. Question: Are pet otters legal in Canada? You can give them a complete cat food as the base, but make sure that over half of their diet is meat-based. And for those shaming her in the comments. Additionally, there may be wildlife rehabilitation centers in your area that need volunteers to help care for injured or orphaned otters. This is the smallest. But there are many factors to consider. Question: Are Otters legal to own in Texas? They have specific dietary and environmental needs, and not everyone is equipped to meet them. Theyre destructive and will hurt you or your kids and they will get depressed ! These big furry dogs were bred to hunt otters, which were considered as pests back in the day. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. Retrieved from. Who knew? The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists several otter species as either endangered or vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. 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. Their appearance may be similar to a friendly dog's, but their temperament is quite the opposite. I have seen so many animals killed because of ignorance. While it's common to keep dogs and cats as pets, other unique and interesting animals including reptiles, insects, amphibians and terrestrial . There is a high chance of one of them getting bitten. You cannot keep one as a pet in the US. If they are constantly wet, they can develop health conditions.. They belong in the wild, where they can swim, run, hunt and live freely. Shes advising you not, To. It is also something which could see a rise in other countries if the wrong information is spread. Otters are cute, furry water animals that hold hands and groom each other to bond. They do not fall under the same laws because they are not technically marine mammals. Otters are not ferrets; they are not animals that should be kept with the intention of cuddling them. All goods sold at cash converters are cleaned and tested to ensure you're completely satisfied with your purchase. However, these permits are usually only granted to licensed wildlife rehabilitators, educators, or researchers. 11:06. Remember when 101 Dalmations came out and everyone ran and got a Dalmation and thousands got dumped at animal shelters?