can you have an otter as a pet in australia

Many zoos and aquariums have volunteer programs that allow you to work with otters and other animals. They live in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps in Southern Asia. Additionally, otters are considered indicator species, which means that their presence or absence can indicate the health of the surrounding ecosystem. Interestingly, however, otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. While otters can form bonds with humans, they still retain their natural instincts and behaviors. 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. There should be hollowed-out logs, aptly placed shrubs and trees, and various cage furniture that will make the space more interesting. IM SO SAD READING THESE COMMENTS AND THIS ARTICLE IN GENERAL! Otters are considered to be wildlife, so you will need to follow the state guidelines for ownership. Even many experienced pet owners would not try to take on an otter. When otters are agitated or stressed they can bite and become aggressive. Question: Where do you go to adopt an otter? 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. . Heap, C. J., Wright, L., and Andrews, L. (2008). Poisonous bite symptoms and treatments, 8 AMAZING jumping spiders types you can get as pets, 31 Interesting Axolotl Facts That Will Blow Your Mind. Scent and Body Odour The otters emit an odour and that is the reason they are kept outdoors. Below is a basic care guide. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. Home / My Animal / Can You Have an Otter as a Pet? Animals exhibiting signs and symptoms of distress should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. 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. Then there are, of course, ferrets. 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). 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. 12:16. 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. 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 have been known to destroy furniture with their inquisitive claws and teeth. Expect to pay at least $3000; it could also be a lot higher. Their temperaments are unpredictable they are wild animals at heart and can be dangerous, especially if not under supervision near children. I though a pair of otters would love to have me as their human (based on youtube videos). The upfront cost of purchasing an Asian small-clawed otter is approximately $4,000 unaffordable for most individuals. Otters are very organized in their pooping, and have a designated pooping area per otter community. Uncovering the Price: How Much Does a Canadian Marble Fox Cost? 7080% of the diet can be meat-based and can consist of day-old chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. They are carnivores with a high metabolic rate, requiring them to consume 20% of their body weight per day. However, they also mark territory with scent glands at the base of their tail. But would only ever do it if I had the money #1, a lot of money. I thank you for the info! They love water so it is best if you have a body of water nearby for them to frolic in. This does not even take into consideration the amount of capital needed to install the appropriate enclosure and keep the otters well fed. They werent always domesticated they were rescued or ripped away from thier habitat as well for generations. They have an oil, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which makes them good swimmers. More information can be found by referring to the Asian Small-Clawed Otter Husbandry Manual. As a result, these pets are often abandoned. I cannot recommend any otter species as a personal "pet," although a few have maintained a strong bond with their handler their entire life. Before considering obtaining a permit to keep an otter, it is important to thoroughly research the requirements and responsibilities involved. 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). Ive occasionally seen them offered for sale on exoticanimalsforsale.net in the past, but not for a while. As the otters like to make a burrow in the land, you will need to have the right sort of soil ans terrain. In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. Hi I'm looking to buy a otter I want to know how much they go for. However, I'd like to be able to contribute to the conservation of otters and their habitat, so I hope I can find a way to do that. Otters are not ferrets; they are not animals that should be kept with the intention of cuddling them. Some ideas include: Domesticated minks are actually semi-aquatic and far more readily available, if legal. Dont encourage this craziness! These have brought significant problems and it is very questionable if exotic animals will fare well in such environments. Nevertheless, otters are personable, entertaining little creatures, as you would expect from their reputation. These can grow up to 6 ft long, almost 2 meters, and have a nasty bite, so you probably wouldnt want to own one anyway! They deserve to be out in the world in environments which we do't interfere with. Lets look after wildlife, please! Because I love otters. Its amazing and I have always dreamed of having one as a pet. Zoological parks Some zoos have captive breeding programs for otters and may offer the opportunity to adopt one. Unfortunately, we would not be able to list every country where keeping otter as a pet is legal or illegal. Likely, your otter will spend most of its life in the enclosure. If you were able to find one, the cost of their expertise would be prohibitively expensive to most households. Otters are delightfully cute. But. Can you pet otters? Even if it weren't, keeping wild animals as pets is not a good idea. It depends on the state, but yes, it is likely illegal. However, it is important to remember that even trained otters are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. Question: Are Otters legal to own in Texas? Asian small-clawed otter: This is the only otter to have entered the pet trade. 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. Depending on the size, the cage should provide at least 30% water. 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. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a42687def9b0fea2fd9b99208cd94d0d" );document.getElementById("ae31964646").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I just have no words for it! However, Asian small-clawed otters, despite being the otter species best suited for captivity, are not commonly kept, even in the exotic pet-keeping community. These include many species of native birds (mostly parrots), some captive-bred reptiles and frogs from a licensed breeder or society. Non-Domesticated Since these animals aren't domesticated, they're not 100% safe to be around humans full-time without proper training. Otters are social creatures. Reuters Those nails are perfectly manicured, oh yes they are! Can i legaly own a short clawed otter here in Ontario Canada? If the water is not sufficiently well cleaned, it can lead to the quick death of the otter. 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. All those things you find cute on IG are them showing their distress ! If they are constantly wet, they can develop health conditions.. 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! And if they do, it could get messy. 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. Otters do climb, adding to the complexity of the habitat, so a top is required. 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. Can you own an otter in BC? Its so sad everyone just dont care about an species wellbeing just for the fact you as a human want to be cool having a otter pet. Can You Have A Pet Otter In Australia. Guess what, they are picked off by predators within 3 days. Not all countries have strict protection laws and many otter populations are already in decline. Otters are highly social, very active, semi-aquatic, and need a lot of space - so having one single one as a pet would certainly be unethical - even if it were possible. Can you have a pet sea otter? Not only do these animals make terrible pets, but they're also nearly impossible to domesticate. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. I'm leaving school and need to know where to move to own one okay kids you really need to go move to where you can own a bear and just let it live with you in your house just do us all a favor and go get mauled people are really dumb holy shit lmfao. No, you cannot keep a jackal as a pet. 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. You can supplement the diet with monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, crayfish and insects, introduced at irregular intervals with a scatter method. Otters can also be loud and destructive. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 26, 2020: Nixie Nox I guess this also means dalmatians shouldn't be pets then. Keeping an otter as a pet would be unfair to the animal and potentially dangerous for you. It could benefit the scientific community as well since little is known about their behaviors. These animals are also preys in the wild and keeping these animals as pet increase their chances of survival greatly. Hence the name. These animals include bears, primates, big cats, canids, venomous and large reptiles (crocodilians, large constrictor snakes, and large monitor lizards). 12:34. Do you know they have a higher rate of dying of starvation in the wild or dehydration or cars or other animals or hundreds of other things can kill them.my home is a safer place for most animals. Call state wildlife officials to confirm. In the wild they live in families of up to 15, which contrasts with their life in captivity. But there are many factors to consider. Another relatively popular pet fad in Japan is the practice of keeping otters as pets. 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. One thing that I think it's important to note is that ASC otters vocalize constantly in captivity for attention. Their ideal temperature is 75 to 85 degrees. They thrive in social settings within their natural habitat. Do otters stink? Due to their high fish diet, an otter's excrement is particularly foul. But they are legal in some states. Eastern Newt. They're wild animals. Parasites and general hygiene issues created by otters are also significant factors in why you shouldn't keep an otter as a pet. 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. Additionally, there may be wildlife rehabilitation centers in your area that need volunteers to help care for injured or orphaned otters. 1. On the 4 Asian species 3 are under protection because theyre getting extinct ! Members of the Mustelidae family, otters are related to weasels, badgers, honey badgers, martens, minks, polecats and wolverines. 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. Can otters be released into the wild after being in captivity? In such a case, the average dog run won't cut it. Otters are cute, furry water animals that hold hands and groom each other to bond. Otters arent happy to be one or two with a child pool and a bathtub ! Both these habitats need to be well-tended. There are many different laws and regulations regarding "exotic" animals as pets and they vary from state to state, so the answer depends on where you live. Theyre not for us to put them in cute hats ! Asian small-clawed otters - the only otter sometimes allowed as pets - need a mixture of land and water in their enclosure. Funny Otter Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift Sweatshirt, Cute Otter Sweatshirt, Punctuation Saves Otters, Punctuation Saves Sweatshirt, Teacher Gift . The best enclosure for an otter is outside. States where Otters may be legal, New York. Unfortunately, this fad has lead to the illegal smuggling of otters into Japan[6]. Owning native otters is illegal in many countries including the UK, Japan, and the U.S. Australia boasts a huge variety of animals. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. 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. Are there any health risks associated with otters? They are mustelids which means they belong to the same family as weasels, minks and badgers, but form a part of the subfamily Lutrinae. White ceramic money box Personalised. Their relatives include wolverines, badgers, and, of course, weasels (stoats). 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Fun fact: Otters are one of the lesser-known tool users of the animal kingdom. Otters can be destructive and are difficult to housetrain. The recommended space for a pair of otters is 60 m, roughly the size of an average apartment. Using food dispensing devices available for dogs and cats that must be manipulated to dispense treats. This is highly recommended if you want to keep your otters happy and in good mental and physical health. 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. In the wild, otters roam over a large area, including terrestrially and aquatically over land and water. Required fields are marked *. 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. 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. We are living in a world full of ignorant, entitled, beings who have little/no respect for anyone or anything. Listen people, trying to stifle information will only lead to more of that thing your trying to stop dont be ignorant. They are so delightful, you could see why people might want to have an otter as a pet. Have you think for A SECOND how do they take them from their habitat?? 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. South Carolina: In South Carolina, otter ownership is allowed with a permit from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. Veterinary Secrets 2022 Bestie PawsLower Manhattan, New York, NY 10038, USA, Pet otters: the truth behind the latest wildlife craze. They will need to be kept in an enclosure that is at least 10' x 8' x 6'. How much does a pet otter cost? They can cause damage. Otters in this genus are characterized by only partial webbing between their toes, and small, blunt, peg-like claws. Trained professionals can provide the care and rehabilitation necessary to ensure the otter can be released back into the wild. The short answer is yes, but it comes with many caveats or catches. There are only 13 extant species of otter across the world[1]. Do pet otters smell? All states have bans on at least some exotic pets, even states that are notorious for having lax pet laws. Yes, in some cases, you can volunteer with otters. Let us know in the comments below! 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. As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. Several countries have legislation protecting otters from being kept as pets. It takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, patience, and experience to house them, provide them with enrichment, and keep them safe and secure. You should be ashamed Mellissa! Answer: Since pet otters are rare, a dealer has a lot of leeway when naming their price. 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. Cats and dogs were bred to be companions and we couldn't even handle that. They require about 2-2, 5 pounds of meat every day. Otters are usually kept outdoors because they emit an odor. 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. You see, otters are members of the weasel family. Given their sensitivity, less than 10% are likely to survive to adoption. Live animals and animal products from overseas could introduce some of the world's most damaging pests and diseases into Australia. Or someone actually get it and have no proper information on how to care for it? 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. I am currently an ecological project officer at Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. Pet otters are sought after in many Asian countries like Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia.. They belong in the wild, where they can swim, run, hunt and live freely. But can you keep one as a pet? Food is expensive. 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. I will stick with my donations and wish them love. Remember to always treat otters with respect and caution, and support conservation efforts to protect these important animals. This article is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge. Theyll need a dry area as well as a pool. (Lifespan Guide). They are wild animals and do not like to be restrained., Owning an otter is a big commitment. Captive otters require caging. I can only make educated guesses as to where they might be legal due to researching what isn't legal. More otters smuggled for sale in Japan as demand as pets grows. These include: No, otters cannot be domesticated. 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. Supplement their diet with vegetables, soft-boiled eggs, and insects. Otters like to climb and dig, so your enclosure will need a top and to be dug into the ground. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at PetSmart? For example, in Nevada, lions and elephants are actually legal to own, but fennec foxes (which weigh 3 lbs) are not. They arent easily housetrained and theyre very active, social animals. Do otters like to cuddle? Pet Guide: How to Care for a Pet Emperor Scorpion, Blue Parakeets: 5 Step Complete Care and Color Mutation Guide, How Long Do Budgie or Parakeet Live as Pets? People in Indonesia, Thailand, Japan,. Additionally, otters can carry diseases that are harmful to humans, which is another reason why they are not suitable as pets. The lifespan of otters varies depending on the species and their environment. 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 swim 17km everyday , live in large groups of 20 individuals esprantes in multiple families. 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. Supporting conservation efforts and avoiding products that contribute to habitat destruction can help protect these animals. Question: Are otters legal pets in California? Question: Are pet otters legal in Canada? The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest species of otter. You'll also need access to plenty of fish. Question: Are otters legal to keep as pets in Georgia? Otters are very playful and charming and it might seem easy to interact with them or have them as pets. 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. It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. Otters can carry and transmit dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and Streptococcus phocae to you and your other animals. You may have seen videos on YouTube of otters playing in people's homes, but often these videos lack context. If you have adopted one, youll need to have the proper habitat for it. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. You should remove this article and every advise on owning exotic pets. This article is very upfront and honest, however when reading the comments I was overwhelmed with all the ignorance. For many, ferrets make a viable alternative. 5 Step Pacman Frog Care: Are they good pets? She said yes . 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. This is usually at the behest of a larger authority, often governmental. Otters can give dogs Salmonella, just like humans. And then you need to give all your time. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. Some of the different types of otter species include: The North American river otter is the only river otter found in north of Mexico. Otters are accustomed to preying on live animals; hunting is an integral part of an otters life.