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! However, like all mustelids that arent domesticated ferrets, they are also challenging to keep, and will require large enclosures and extensive enrichment. For enrichment, otters will need walkways, natural shrubbery, nesting boxes and lots of options for safe digging and foraging. Other otter species, like the ocean otter and giant otter, can reach lengths of 6 ft (1.8m), as long as a tall human. Supporting conservation efforts and avoiding products that contribute to habitat destruction can help protect these animals. They're very aggressive and bite, and they have very sharp teeth. Vets are expensive. Unfortunately, this fad has lead to the illegal smuggling of otters into Japan[6]. Toys are expensive. Theyre not for us to put them in cute hats ! I bet thats bigger than you expected! The IUCN guidelines don't even provide a the space for a single otter as otters are social animals that need at least one other otter for company. They need attention all the time. West Virginia: Otter ownership is legal in West Virginia with a permit from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. 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. One thing that I think it's important to note is that ASC otters vocalize constantly in captivity for attention. The otter is not a domesticated animal species. Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? The Legal Answer Answer: I would guess no, but it might depend on the animal and your particular talent in animal training. When theyre captured and sold as pets, otters are not living their full, natural lives. Otters arent happy to be one or two with a child pool and a bathtub ! Since otters are not legal to buy, its difficult to give a price range. If you still want to own this aquatic creature, the biggest obstacle you will face is this: Where can you find one? Other members of this family include weasels, skunks, and ferrets. However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. Answer: No, animals grouped in Carnivora, except wolfdogs, are illegal. 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! About. Otters should not live in a domestic household, and a demand for pet otters helps drives illegal animal trade and decimate wild populations. 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. 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. Where To Buy Otters In Australia - CelestialPets For this reason, petting and handling are ill-advised. Both these habitats need to be well-tended. They tend to attack when they are intimidated. Product details: Item Number: 001000265731 Brand: Otter Box Model Number: iPhone 7 Plus Colour: Pink We ship nationwide! 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. The lifespan of otters varies depending on the species and their environment. Dogs and otters do not get along. No, you cannot keep an otter as a therapy animal. Freshwater otters live in family groups of up to 15 in the wild. The only way to know for sure would be to contact your state's Department of Agriculture/Fish and Game, and even they sometimes don't know. Printed on the money box will be a beautiful otter with your required name. Captive otters require caging. I don't approve but it amazes me the animals aren't showing obvious signs of distress. Otters need space to roam. Ive occasionally seen them offered for sale on exoticanimalsforsale.net in the past, but not for a while. you, an, otter, as, a, pet, unit, australia, s, can, have, in. In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. Enjoy an otter stuffed animal Hands-on experience with an otter : r/aww - reddit Its time to wake up and change, seriously. The Answer May Surprise You! You need resources to own any pet, much less an exotic one. Nevada: In Nevada, owning an otter is legal as long as you have a permit from the Nevada Department of Wildlife. Giant otter: Native to South America, these otters are very large, quite noisy, and actually very social. No, you cannot keep a jackal as a pet. Can You Have an Armadillo as a Pet? - Is it Legal? - AnimalWised In some cases, otters that have been in captivity can be released back into the wild. Find out in this video all about the Asian Small Clawed Otter, Mr. Chow! In such a case, the average dog run won't cut it. There is a high chance of one of them getting bitten. Owning native otters is illegal in many countries including the UK, Japan, and the U.S. If not..why? - Repeat the above steps to add more items as needed. My dogs have full access to run outside and play in the backyard but they choose to stay inside on a bed watching tv and eatting treats. For instance, in Nevada, lions and elephants are technically legal to own but not 3-pound fennec foxes. 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? I tend to state that theres no such thing as a good or bad petit depends on what youre looking for in an animal. Where can I hold hands with otters? The humble, or not so humble, otter is one of the most widespread mammals on Earth. This has spread to the opening of various hedgehog and even owl cafs. Otters are delightfully cute. Can you own an otter in BC? If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. All goods sold at cash converters are cleaned and tested to ensure you're completely satisfied with your purchase. Utterly Outrageous Otters Encounter - Australia Zoo - Steve Irwin If you do not live in a warm climate, supplementary heat is necessary for land. You will need to provide a heated area for them when temperatures drop below 50F. As always, wed be delighted to read your comments. Not needing to be walked or taken out for exercise is a big plus for many people. But what do you think? Can you touch an otter? Otters are very territorial and live in family groups. Question: Are pet otters legal in Canada? Otters are excellent diggers and have sharp claws and teeth. Theyre very intelligent and need so much stimulation , just like an African parrot but maybe 10 times more. What is a good pet? Aquarium where you can touch otters? - aquariums - 2023 If you were able to find one, the cost of their expertise would be prohibitively expensive to most households. 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. Not only will we let you know if you can have an otter as a pet, we'll look into the different reasons why this might not be the best idea for both legal and practical reasons. They are the masters of disaster. She said yes . Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? - Is it Illegal or Even Practical? In the wild, they use their strong jaws and sharp teeth to crack open shells and catch fish. Nevertheless, otters are personable, entertaining little creatures, as you would expect from their reputation. As mentioned earlier, they have specific needs that are challenging to meet in a domestic setting. Eastern Racer. Can you have a pet sea otter? Canadian Arctic Marble Fox as Pets (Are they good pets? In Australia, it is illegal to keep an otter as a pet. This is usually at the behest of a larger authority, often governmental. Valentina z not all exotic pets are ripped away from their habitat some are rescued. On the 4 Asian species 3 are under protection because theyre getting extinct ! Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. They can be very destructive when they dont get what they want., Strong odor. As stated in the introduction, otters are mustelids. Can Dogs Have Whipped Cream? This classification means that only native otters are legal which includes the river otter. Fortunately, many governments and jurisdictions have created contingencies to try to protect these animals. Otters attack again lol Serangoon Gardens | HardwareZone Forums They are cunning and intelligent and predatory and like to know every nook and cranny of their dwelling place. It is also something which could see a rise in other countries if the wrong information is spread. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. That being said, exotic animals from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. I have recently embarked on this career change due to my passion for the natural world and our role within it. 3. Otters need plenty of environmental enrichment. If you are interested in adopting an otter, you will need to provide a specialized diet that includes a variety of fresh fish and shellfish. Not to mention the sad ways in which they are breed, in cages, only to then be separated from their significant others. Otters are considered to be wildlife, so you will need to follow the state guidelines for ownership. That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! 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. If you believe your state should be on this list, check with your local state department. However, it is important to remember that even trained otters are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. Otter as a pet [Facts & Guides] | Pet Comments 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! 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. Yes, otters can be trained using positive reinforcement techniques. Pets You Can Have In Australia - UniAcco 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. Online classified ads Sites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have individuals who breed or sell otters. In some cases, it may be possible to keep an otter with the proper permits and licenses. Great job on this article, Melissa! Answer: Probably not. Can Otters Be Pets? - wildlifefaq.com There are only 13 extant species of otter across the world[1]. This is the smallest. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. They do not like intruders in their space or near their family and will defend accordingly. Uncovering the Price: How Much Does a Canadian Marble Fox Cost? As wild animals, otters will not want to be kept in a small enclosure and their dexterous claws mean they will try to climb or dig their way out. 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 dont allow it. Not to mention that an otter in a home life most likely is not going to get the water time he needs.