can you have an otter as a pet in australia

Asian otters require a tropical climate and room to explore and play. There are many otters kept in captivity, but these are in animal welfare centers, zoos or conservation areas. Because I love otters. Food is expensive. The upfront cost of purchasing an Asian small-clawed otter is approximately $4,000 unaffordable for most individuals. Specifically, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Nebraska and a handful of other states appear to allow the private-ownership of otters. Asian small-clawed otter: This is the only otter to have entered the pet trade. American Toad. Heap, C. J., Wright, L., and Andrews, L. (2008). Vets are expensive. When you see horror movies about canibbals or something you feel freaked out do you eat meat how do you think the cows,pigs and lambs feel and so on. More on each of these later. Cage should have a top and fencing needs to extend in-ground. When otters are agitated or stressed they can bite and become aggressive. On the 4 Asian species 3 are under protection because theyre getting extinct ! Otters are not ferrets; they are not animals that should be kept with the intention of cuddling them. Otters can be destructive. Put a ring on it! Or in a zoo? Live animals and animal products from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. In many states, do you think it's illegal to keep river otters, beavers and many exotic animals as pets? Otters should not live in a domestic household, and a demand for pet otters helps drives illegal animal trade and decimate wild populations. Are otters good pets? These are wild animals who suffer greatly being kept in our houses. Otters are wild animals and can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. you, an, otter, as, a, pet, unit, australia, s, can, have, in. However, it is important to remember that even trained otters are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. In Japan, pet fads appear with a certain regularity. But there are many factors to consider. Otters are delightfully cute. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. It is not meant to substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, or formal and individualized advice from a veterinary medical professional. They live in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps in Southern Asia. No matter how much you fantasize about them, you must accept the fact that they are not house pets. They are carnivores with a high metabolic rate, requiring them to consume 20% of their body weight per day. But there is one species, the Asian small-clawed otter, which could be legal in some states. 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. As the otters like to make a burrow in the land, you will need to have the right sort of soil ans terrain. Some of the different types of otter species include: The North American river otter is the only river otter found in north of Mexico. However, they also mark territory with scent glands at the base of their tail. 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. They have specific dietary and environmental needs, and not everyone is equipped to meet them. It could benefit the scientific community as well since little is known about their behaviors. Some introduced animals, have become serious pests in Queensland that attack pets and damage crops, the environment and the economy. While they were not the first country to open a pet caf (this was Taiwan's honor), the idea gained significant popularity there. In Australia, it is illegal to keep an otter as a pet. WOW!! Quite possibly. Conservationists may need to keep an otter in captivity for protection, post-rescue or for research purposes. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has previously released a general, but not exhaustive, guideline to keeping otters in captivity[4]. They can cause damage to your home and hurt other animals in your family. Otters have very sharp teeth and can turn aggressive quickly, if annoyed. I think otters are fun to watch, have exciting personalities and overall give out positive vibes. 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. Those nails are perfectly manicured, oh yes they are! This time around, the slippery creatures sneaked into a home at Serangoon Gardens near Brockhampton Berwick and killed a whole pond full of koi. 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. In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. These big furry dogs were bred to hunt otters, which were considered as pests back in the day. In the UK, otters are fully protected under Sections 9 and 11 of Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981[2]. They are cunning! This requires a fence which is not climbable and has a horizontal ledge at the top. Can Caracal Kitten be good pets? Owning a pet otter is considered illegal in several countries including the US, Japan, and the UK. Find out in this video all about the Asian Small Clawed Otter, Mr. Chow! 70-80% can be meat-based, and can include chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. This is not a pet for beginners, or the faint-hearted! Valentina z not all exotic pets are ripped away from their habitat some are rescued. The larger the group, the larger the smear. Keeping an otter as a pet has become fashionable in some countries for some time. Also do you own any dogs or cats? 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. Question: Are otters legal to have as pets in North Carolina? Can You Have A Pet Otter In Australia. Living inside comes with many challenges, like cleaning up otter feces and keeping your furniture intact. They arent easily housetrained and theyre very active, social animals. 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! Im looking to train otters at the zoo to learn how to care for exotics. But would only ever do it if I had the money #1, a lot of money. It is also something which could see a rise in other countries if the wrong information is spread. Otters are adorable animals, but keeping them as pets is not a good idea. No, otters are not good pets. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. Otters are protected under various laws and regulations, and owning one without proper permits can result in fines and other legal consequences. Here are some pros and cons to consider: Pros: -Otters are very playful and active, which can make them fun pets. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Smoking Pot Every Day Linked to Heart Risks, Artificial Sweetener Linked to Heart Risks, FDA Authorizes First At-Home Test for COVID and Flu, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Protect Your Cat From These Household Hazards. Otters are generally well loved in Singapore. Do otters like to cuddle? Otters can be destructive and are difficult to housetrain. She did nothing wrong shes a vet giving you advice on a animal that people love and right now have are popular. Thanks to hunting, habit destruction and many other human activities, almost all species of otter are either endangered or at least threatened. Here is a list of places where you might be able to find a pet otter: Exotic pet stores These are specialty stores that deal with rare and exotic animals. They also mark their territory by smearing their feces around, which contributes to the odor.. you, have, a, pet, otter, in, australia, can. You can give them a complete cat food as the base, but make sure that over half of their diet is meat-based. Being A Pet Is Not Good For an Otter If you love animals, then please do not keep otters as pets! They have exotic pet stores with meerkats in rabbit cages. 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. People who like to physically interact with their pets will be disappointed. Their bite is sharp and piercing. For instance, in Nevada, lions and elephants are technically legal to own but not 3-pound fennec foxes. The otter is not a domesticated animal species. The oldest known otter lived to be 21 years old. However, owning an otter as a pet is illegal in many states, so be sure to check local laws before purchasing. More otters smuggled for sale in Japan as demand as pets grows. 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). 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. Even a pair of otters is not ideal and you will need another 5 m per additional otter. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. Unfortunately, this fad has lead to the illegal smuggling of otters into Japan[6]. Their ideal temperature is 75 to 85 degrees. 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. Only two species of native mammal can be kept . No, you cannot keep a jackal as a pet. Sea otter: Illegal to own under the Marine Animal Protection Act. Because they are cute is not a valid reason for keeping captive otters, even if it is an enjoyable bonus. Habitat destruction, hunting, and pollution threaten their conservation. In such a case, the average dog run won't cut it. Unfortunately we humans have too often put our own desires in front of what is best for nature. Listen people, trying to stifle information will only lead to more of that thing your trying to stop dont be ignorant. 7 Caracal Cat Facts. Nutritionally complete cat food can serve as a base subsistence food. As a result, these pets are often abandoned. 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. This is only a very simplified introduction to feeding. Otters need a tropical climate. How much do scorpions costs? 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. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. There is a high chance of one of them getting bitten. Not only is a home environment not suitable for the welfare of otters, but this relationship can also have some undesirable consequences for their human owners, as they can be loud, destructive and can inflict nasty bites. Theyre very intelligent and need so much stimulation , just like an African parrot but maybe 10 times more. I thank you for the info! However, these permits are usually only granted to licensed wildlife rehabilitators, educators, or researchers. Patrons for the Utterly Outrageous Otters Encounter must be 12 years and over. Laws change, and this list is not necessarily exhaustive. 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. While they're widely illegal in the U.S., you may be able to own and care for an otter in some states with the proper permitting. These toys are excellent for species that hunt and forge. Otters are restless and do not like to be restrained or restricted. You will need to provide a heated area for them when temperatures drop below 50F. Otters can carry and transmit diseases that can be harmful to humans, such as salmonella and giardia. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. 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. Fr Rudi, as . They have varying sizes across all species, weighing between 2.2 to 99.2 lb and having lengths between 2.0 to 5.9 feet. (Complete Budgie Diet Guide). They're cute and playful when you see them on nature specials and at zoos, but in reality: They aren't domesticated in the slightest. They need plenty of space and care., An otters enclosure needs to be large enough for them to get exercise and forage. 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. Members of the Mustelidae family, otters are related to weasels, badgers, honey badgers, martens, minks, polecats and wolverines. The level of protection and types of otters present vary across different parts of the world. They require about 2-2, 5 pounds of meat every day. Here are several reasons why: Legal restrictions: Otters are protected by law in many countries and it is illegal to keep them as pets. Their relatives include wolverines, badgers, and, of course, weasels (stoats). This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. They are apex predators that help keep populations of fish and other aquatic creatures in check. However, pet owners must meet strict requirements, including providing a secure and appropriate habitat, proper nutrition, and veterinary care. Or someone actually get it and have no proper information on how to care for it? 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. 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 bet thats bigger than you expected! If you want to read similar articles to Can You Have an Otter as a Pet?, we recommend you visit our What you need to know category. Yes, there are some health risks associated with otters. 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! It is illegal to own most otter species as pets. They do not like intruders in their space or near their family and will defend accordingly. I don't approve but it amazes me the animals aren't showing obvious signs of distress. 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. As a vet you shouldnt explain people what to do if they still wanna keep a wild pet! Find Out Now! Asian small-clawed otters are one of 13 species of otters in the carnivore family Mustelidae. Captive otters are also required to have a registered veterinarian who is happy to see them whenever required, which is hard to find at the best of times. The ideal temperature for their pool is 7585F, but they also need a dry area because if they are wet all the time, they can develop health issues. Abigailramirez434@yahoo.com on January 01, 2018: Can I buy a baby otter. As a pet, otter ownership can be difficult for a variety of reasons, but owning one is not an easy choice. West Virginia: Otter ownership is legal in West Virginia with a permit from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. You can keep an otter as a pet with the proper permits that allow you to house game animals in captivity. These have brought significant problems and it is very questionable if exotic animals will fare well in such environments. Even if you could get an otter certified as a therapy animal, it would still be illegal to buy or sell one. Are Emperor Scorpions Poisonous? Poisonous bite symptoms and treatments, 8 AMAZING jumping spiders types you can get as pets, 31 Interesting Axolotl Facts That Will Blow Your Mind. And pets are different again to 'keeping otters'. Let us know in the comments below! In the wild, otters roam over a large area, including terrestrially and aquatically over land and water. Average Lifespan, What Do Parakeets Like to Eat? All 13 species of otters are wild animals, extremely sensitive to environmental changes, and are a marking, latrine species. Otters can also be loud and destructive. I just wanna make sure. Taking feathers directly from the bird so the scent is present, and scatter them in various places. Pet owners must provide proper care, including a secure enclosure, appropriate food and water, and veterinary care. 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. Please be better than that and get a pet that we breed for generations. Question: Are otters legal to keep as pets in Georgia? Not only do these animals make terrible pets, but they're also nearly impossible to domesticate. This is the smallest. They're wild animals. Are otters friendly with humans? Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. Otters are considered to be wildlife, so you will need to follow the state guidelines for ownership. Thank you for this VERY enlightening article. Fun fact: Otters have the thickest coats in the animal kingdom! Otters are smelly, loud and extremely active; they have sharp teeth and jaws strong enough to crack open shellfish. You may have seen videos on YouTube of otters playing in people's homes, but often these videos lack context. But in Japan, where more than a dozen animal cafes now feature otters, they have . Living in captivity is simply not a good life for an otter. Their temperaments are unpredictable they are wild animals at heart and can be dangerous, especially if not under supervision near children. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. 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. Feel free to share this guide with anyone who loves otters! Online classified ads Sites such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace sometimes have individuals who breed or sell otters. There are 13 types of otter in total, but some are more common than others. Can you have a pet sea otter? Question: Are Otters legal to own in Texas? 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. This doesnt make them automatically legal in every state. They love water so it is best if you have a body of water nearby for them to frolic in. So, here are some of the reasons you should not keep an otter as a pet: Above all, otters are wild animals that are happiest in their natural habitats and are not meant to be kept in our homes. It is very difficult to find anyone who sincerely recommends keeping an otter as a pet. 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. When it appears that an otter is legal under one statute but not another, the animal may be regulated by several laws. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 21, 2016: People in Japan are notorious for doing whatever they want and making it work. Yeah I know but some people already own them and they couldnt put them in the wild because they wouldnt survive. Health and safety risks: Otters can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans and pets, and their sharp claws and teeth can cause injury. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes don't make complete sense. Additionally, otters are considered indicator species, which means that their presence or absence can indicate the health of the surrounding ecosystem. But. Otters can also dig, so the enclosure will need to have deep walls underground. The Answer May Surprise You! Even many experienced pet owners would not try to take on an otter. Your email address will not be published. Due to their high fish diet, an otter's excrement is particularly foul. Can you own an otter in BC? Stoats as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, The Ocelot as a Pet: Everything you Need to Know, Silver Foxes as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Ostriches as Pets: Guidelines and General Tips, Gov UK. They can be very destructive when they dont get what they want., Strong odor. About. They would come to the nano-reef forums posting spotless 10 gallon tanks loaded with fish including tangs. But even if this is the case, keeping them as a pet will be discouraged by animal control and the Department of Health. As always, wed be delighted to read your comments. Just saying because you want an exotic pet doesnt make you a bad person. Using food dispensing devices available for dogs and cats that must be manipulated to dispense treats. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes dont make complete sense. You may be asked to demonstrate this. Can you touch an otter? 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. All states have bans on at least some exotic pets, even states that are notorious for having lax pet laws. Otters do climb, adding to the complexity of the habitat, so a top is required. Their unpleasant smell can permeate a home if they live indoors. As stated in the introduction, otters are mustelids. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. It is extremely important that you provide diverse enrichment for ottersand all animals for that matter. Complex care requirements: Otters are not domesticated animals and require specialized care. slowelevator . Question: Specifically what is required to own an otter in North Carolina and what type of otter(s) can you have? I tend to state that theres no such thing as a good or bad petit depends on what youre looking for in an animal. Most people do not know what they are doing. Lets look after wildlife, please! Much more fun fact: Otter poop has an aroma that has been compared to jasmine tea. All you say and recommend is ethically against your Vet degree! Click to attach a photo related to your comment. Maybe they are for you, maybe not! Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 26, 2020: Nixie Nox I guess this also means dalmatians shouldn't be pets then. Who knew? They have an oil, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which makes them good swimmers. Question: Are sea otters legal in Kentucky? 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. 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. When you are walking, you have to focus on walking because there are so many factors that come into playbalance, proprioceptionand you can't take those for granted.". However, some US states may allow you to own exotic pet species such as otters. These include many species of native birds (mostly parrots), some captive-bred reptiles and frogs from a licensed breeder or society. 2. 4. To stay warm in the water for so long, otters have incredibly thick fur, and very fast metabolisms, which means they need to eat a lot 20% of their body weight per day, during certain months. You need a vet. That is a great way to help, thank you for your comment! You'll also need access to plenty of fish. 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. They're actually very aggressive animals. Otters can be dangerous around children, full grown adults as well as pets. 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. North American river otter (or common otter): Found in and along North Americas waterways and coasts, these otters weigh between 11 and 31 lbs (5-14kg). How much does a pet otter cost? 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. However, this is a complex process that requires specialized care and rehabilitation to ensure the otter can survive in its natural environment. Retrieved from. The name otter derives from the Old English word otor which, alongside other Indo-European cognates, ultimately stems from the root word *wdr, which, you guessed it, gives us the modern word water. However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. There is little similar evidence to suggest otters want to do the same.

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