They have an oil, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which makes them good swimmers. Living inside comes with many challenges, like cleaning up otter feces and keeping your furniture intact. Not needing to be walked or taken out for exercise is a big plus for many people. It is also something which could see a rise in other countries if the wrong information is spread. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest species of otter. SafePetsForJoliet. Are otters dangerous? 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. 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! Yes, some otter species are endangered. Because they are cute is not a valid reason for keeping captive otters, even if it is an enjoyable bonus. DeKay's Brown Snake. Funny Otter Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift Sweatshirt, Cute Otter Sweatshirt, Punctuation Saves Otters, Punctuation Saves Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift . They do not like intruders in their space or near their family and will defend accordingly. Average Lifespan, What Do Parakeets Like to Eat? Otters in this genus are characterized by only partial webbing between their toes, and small, blunt, peg-like claws. Otters can carry and transmit diseases that can be harmful to humans, such as salmonella and giardia. 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. Cage should have a top and fencing needs to extend in-ground. 11:06. Otters play an important role in their ecosystems. They need plenty of space and care., An otters enclosure needs to be large enough for them to get exercise and forage. However, they also mark territory with scent glands at the base of their tail. Poor animals in those cages, would you like to be in jail ? As mentioned earlier, they have specific needs that are challenging to meet in a domestic setting. Additionally, swimming with otters can be harmful to the animals, as it can disrupt their natural behaviors and expose them to human diseases. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. In most countries, otters are considered wild animals, and it is illegal to buy or sell them. If you want to have an otter as a pet, make sure that they have a pond or a lake filled with their food, or you can manage to bring them fresh one from the market. 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. Aggression in otters is also something important to consider. Remember when 101 Dalmations came out and everyone ran and got a Dalmation and thousands got dumped at animal shelters? Lontra canadensis. However, a recent uptick of otter attacks has caused distress to many fish owners across the island. They are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. (Complete Budgie Diet Guide). NO. They are expensive to buy and house. That way, youll get advice direct from the source! About. Are there any research programs to help repopulate endangered species of otters such as the Congo clawless otter which so little is known about. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes dont make complete sense. That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! 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. In Japan, pet fads appear with a certain regularity. Have you ever seen an otter in the wild? Otters arent happy to be one or two with a child pool and a bathtub ! Money Box, Personalised Otter Money Box, Coin Bank, Otter Money Box, Otter Gifts, Piggy Bank, Savings Jar, Otter Presents. As stated in the introduction, otters are mustelids. I have to say that most though not all of the comments cause me extreme concern regarding our society today. And pets are different again to 'keeping otters'. Canadian Arctic Marble Fox as Pets (Are they good pets? Answer: You purchase otters from a breeder or broker. Guests must be fit and healthy, have full motor skill and intellectual capabilities. 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. 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. Otters are wild animals. They have been known to destroy furniture with their inquisitive claws and teeth. Click to attach a photo related to your comment. But what do you think? Finger Monkey Lifespans: How Long Do Pygmy Marmosets Live as Pets? They have sharp teeth, powerful prey drives, and they're little bundles of furious energy in motion whenever they are awake. 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! 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. Otters are so adorable, I can understand why we would want to have them as a pet, but it's not right. Retrieved on 29 November, 2019. In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. many native mammals have large home-ranges and need to kept in large outdoor enclosures. . 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. 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. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 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. Such illegal trafficking is detrimental to wild populations of animals worldwide. Otters need plenty of environmental enrichment. Otters have very sharp teeth and can turn aggressive quickly, if annoyed. Those nails are perfectly manicured, oh yes they are! 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! They arent easily housetrained and theyre very active, social animals. Otters do climb, adding to the complexity of the habitat, so a top is required. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. Even ferrets are not necessarily easy pets but the first thing I would recommend as a mustelid for a pet. Poisonous bite symptoms and treatments, 8 AMAZING jumping spiders types you can get as pets, 31 Interesting Axolotl Facts That Will Blow Your Mind. Feel free to share this guide with anyone who loves otters! Most people do not know what they are doing. If an otter does attack, they have sharp teeth which can be very dangerous, especially to children. How To Care for A Pet Otter? In conclusion, it is not advisable to keep otters as pets. This has spread to the opening of various hedgehog and even owl cafs. Thank you for this VERY enlightening article. Otters are very organized in their pooping, and have a designated pooping area per otter community. Question: Could an otter, raised from a young pup, make a unique and workable therapy animal or visiting moral animal for elderly / disabled / children? Asian small-clawed otters are one of 13 species of otters in the carnivore family Mustelidae. 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. They deserve to be out in the world in environments which we do't interfere with. Other zoological animals like meerkats, raccoon dogs, slow lorises, and pangolins can't be owned privately for many reasons, at least in the United States. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. You may be asked to demonstrate this. 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. But theyre probably more likely to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors! Much more fun fact: Otter poop has an aroma that has been compared to jasmine tea. A certified veterinarian giving advise on how to get an exotic animal to own as a pet? They belong in the wild, where they can swim, run, hunt and live freely. Otters and most exotic pets may not like to be restrained, especially with strangers. But in Japan, where more than a dozen animal cafes now feature otters, they have . In so many States in the USA it is illegal to keep a pet otter. Otters can be dangerous around children, full grown adults as well as pets. 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. They have exotic pet stores with meerkats in rabbit cages. The local authority's regulations will need to be assessed before it could even be considered. You just made that up and got angry for no reason. Question: How much does a pet otter cost? You should include fish. Keeping an otter as a pet would be unfair to the animal and potentially dangerous for you. Well address some of the most frequently asked questions about buying an otter. I have an affinity for unique companions (my first buddy was a nurse shark that imprinted on me). They are mustelids which means they belong to the same family as weasels, minks and badgers, but form a part of the subfamily Lutrinae. Otters are very territorial and live in family groups. 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. Avoid rigid structure in order to prevent stereotypic behavior. They also need have enough elements such as trees and branches to scavenge. "Oh honey~~~ you shouldn't have! This article is very upfront and honest, however when reading the comments I was overwhelmed with all the ignorance. Even if you are granted a permit, you will need to provide proper care for the otter and follow strict regulations. It depends on the state, but yes, it is likely illegal. Answer: No, animals grouped in Carnivora, except wolfdogs, are illegal. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. They are the smallest otter species in the world. - Once you have that set, click "Add to Cart". More otters smuggled for sale in Japan as demand as pets grows. There are some 83% of mammals, 89% of reptiles, 90% of fish and insects and 93% of amphibians that inhabit the continent are endemic to Australia. I just have no words for it! Otters can be destructive. Mrs Smith, inform yourself, go back to University to learn the BASIC ethics of your job. Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual. This doesnt make them automatically legal in every state. Many zoos and aquariums offer adoption programs, which allow you to support the care of an otter without owning one. All those things you find cute on IG are them showing their distress ! Please be better than that and get a pet that we breed for generations. Otters need a tropical climate. 7080% of the diet can be meat-based and can consist of day-old chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. 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. For example, in Nevada, lions and elephants are actually legal to own, but fennec foxes (which weigh 3 lbs) are not. Other animals in the Mustelidae family include the ferret. They tend to attack when they are intimidated. Is it illegal to have an otter as a pet in every country? A otter is a species protected by both state and federal wildlife laws, and it is illegal to take them from the wild. Otters are carnivores and primarily eat fish, shellfish, and other aquatic creatures. But there are many factors to consider. In the wild, they use their strong jaws and sharp teeth to crack open shells and catch fish. Captive otters require caging. Answer: Probably not. (Diet and Feeding Frequency). As a pet, otter ownership can be difficult for a variety of reasons, but owning one is not an easy choice. Scent and Body Odour The otters emit an odour and that is the reason they are kept outdoors. What exotic pets can you own in Australia? They live in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps in Southern Asia. The water not only needs to be the right temperature (your local climate may not be able to maintain this correct temperature), but it needs to be free of disease-promoting bacteria. In fact with a fast google search youll find that its 100% illegal but it seems theres a twist depending where you live. : They are not illegal to breed. Just saying because you want an exotic pet doesnt make you a bad person. If you love animals, then volunteer at shelters, rescues, or an ACA accredited zoo. As such, captive otters need ample space to move around, including a deep enough freshwater source in which to swim, bathe, and socialize. However, mascotism damages biodiversity, since it does not focus on . Dont get an otter just because its adorable , you probably will not be able to care for her . Other members of this family include weasels, skunks, and ferrets. Given their sensitivity, less than 10% are likely to survive to adoption. These animals include bears, primates, big cats, canids, venomous and large reptiles (crocodilians, large constrictor snakes, and large monitor lizards). Weird Pets: Sugar Gliders Sugar gliders are quickly becoming America's new exotic pet darling. Thank you for taking the time to look at our personalised otter ceramic money box. Obtaining a permit for keeping an otter is difficult, if not impossible. 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. Answer: Yes, but you would have to be granted a permit, which isn't easy. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2015: e.T12302A21936349. Smitten. They werent always domesticated they were rescued or ripped away from thier habitat as well for generations. If you want to interact with otters, consider visiting a zoo or aquarium or volunteering with a wildlife rehabilitation center. Because Dalmations are high energy dogs that were bred to run 25 miles a day under carriages, and the families couldn't handle them. There are several ways to support otter conservation efforts, including: In conclusion, otters are unique and fascinating animals that are best appreciated from a distance. Hannah Elizabeth is an English animal behavior author, having written for several online publications. In such a case, the average dog run won't cut it. Not to mention the sad ways in which they are breed, in cages, only to then be separated from their significant others. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. In some cases, it may be possible to keep an otter with the proper permits and licenses. If you still want to own this aquatic creature, the biggest obstacle you will face is this: Where can you find one? Swimming in circles , chanting, running around like crazy is them showing they suffer! Pet owners must provide proper care, including a secure enclosure, appropriate food and water, and veterinary care. 11:06. As always, wed be delighted to read your comments. Otters are much happier (and quieter) in their natural habitat. There are 13 types of otter in total, but some are more common than others. Heap, C. J., Wright, L., and Andrews, L. (2008). I want a Asian small clawed otter In Arizona ,mesa. This time around, the slippery creatures sneaked into a home at Serangoon Gardens near Brockhampton Berwick and killed a whole pond full of koi.

Tahoe Blue Pebble Tec Photos, Mission Row Police Department Fivem, Deangelo Vickers Name, What Is A Shrew Worth Adopt Me, Disadvantages Of Work Councils, Articles C