can you have an otter as a pet in australia

However, they will probably warn you against going down the route of otter husbandry, for the reasons I have outlined in this guide. Although the ferret needs their own considerations when adopted into a family, they are more suited to the role of domestic pet and are a good recommendation for those who previously considered having an otter as a pet. you, an, otter, as, a, pet, unit, australia, s, can, have, in. When theyre captured and sold as pets, otters are not living their full, natural lives. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 31, 2019: Katouchka, I have seen breeders. Additionally, otters can have sharp teeth and claws that can cause injury. 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. Canadian Arctic Marble Fox as Pets (Are they good pets? Most products include Include a 90 day warranty for your convenience and to ensure you're completely satisfied! Otter. 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. This could devastate our unique environment. 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. Yet otters are still being illegally smuggled into these countries to be sold as pets., Loud noises. Great job on this article, Melissa! Depending on the size, the cage should provide at least 30% water. The lifespan of otters varies depending on the species and their environment. All pets have at least some bans on exotic pets, even if they sometimes dont make complete sense. This breed was thriving in the 12th Century and was used to hunt otters. 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. Its amazing and I have always dreamed of having one as a pet. 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. Being A Pet Is Not Good For an Otter If you love animals, then please do not keep otters as pets! Is it illegal to have an otter as a pet in every country? You should be ashamed Mellissa! Otters are excellent diggers and have sharp claws and teeth. 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. Question: Are pet otters legal in Canada? 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. 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. I have to say that most though not all of the comments cause me extreme concern regarding our society today. In the wild, they feed on mostly invertebrates and occasionally frogs. Additionally, swimming with otters can be harmful to the animals, as it can disrupt their natural behaviors and expose them to human diseases. She said yes . SafePetsForJoliet. 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. Otters can be dangerous around children, full grown adults as well as pets. You cannot keep one as a pet in the US. Some might make an argument that an animal like the cat was not originally domesticated, but now fares well under human co-existence. Or someone actually get it and have no proper information on how to care for it? It is illegal to keep almost all otters as pets in North America, with one exception. Interestingly, however, otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Their relatives include wolverines, badgers, and, of course, weasels (stoats). One thing that I think it's important to note is that ASC otters vocalize constantly in captivity for attention. They are cunning and intelligent and predatory and like to know every nook and cranny of their dwelling place. They need a much larger enclosure than a typical dog. EXOTIC ANIMALS ARE NOT PETS. 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. Are Emperor Scorpions Poisonous? (Lifespan Guide). They live in freshwater wetlands and mangrove swamps in Southern Asia. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a 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. What is the Difference Between a Donkey, a Mule and an Ass? Additionally, there may be wildlife rehabilitation centers in your area that need volunteers to help care for injured or orphaned otters. If they are constantly wet, they can develop health conditions.. 7 Caracal Cat Facts. You may have seen videos on YouTube of otters playing in people's homes, but often these videos lack context. Ive occasionally seen them offered for sale on exoticanimalsforsale.net in the past, but not for a while. I just wanna make sure. Finger Monkey Lifespans: How Long Do Pygmy Marmosets Live as Pets? Food is expensive. 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. (2018). These animals include bears, primates, big cats, canids, venomous and large reptiles (crocodilians, large constrictor snakes, and large monitor lizards). Summary of Husbandry Guidelines for Asian Small-clawed Otters in Captivity. 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. That being said there are no breeders , otters are poached from the wild. Before they used to be chased by humans for destroying rice cultures but now the parents are killed at first sight to get the youngs to make money! However, there is also DNA evidence to suggest that cats were susceptible to the process of domestication and may have even domesticated themselves[3]. Do otters cuddle? How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at PetSmart? They deserve to be out in the world in environments which we do't interfere with. Since otters are not legal to buy, its difficult to give a price range. Here are several reasons why: Legal restrictions: Otters are protected by law in many countries and it is illegal to keep them as pets. In the UK, otters are fully protected under Sections 9 and 11 of Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981[2]. There are only 13 extant species of otter across the world[1]. You should remove this article and every advise on owning exotic pets. She did nothing wrong shes a vet giving you advice on a animal that people love and right now have are popular. Aggression in otters is also something important to consider. I greatly agree that some animals are better of wild but I read somewhere as well that as more human encroach on their natural habitats, these animals need to be protected. Participants must be able to squat/kneel down and stand up quickly and without assistance. Can you own an otter in BC? Thanks to hunting, habit destruction and many other human activities, almost all species of otter are either endangered or at least threatened. They are hard to potty train, and their fast metabolism means they poop a lot, and often. Just saying because you want an exotic pet doesnt make you a bad person. Fencing needs to extend in-ground because they can also dig out. Most states make their laws for certain animals unclear and otters could be regulated under some laws when it appears they are legal under another law. Sometimes people can't handle the truth. People in Indonesia, Thailand, Japan,. 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. But if you do decide to own an otter telling you how to properly care for your new family member. If the water is not sufficiently well cleaned, it can lead to the quick death of the otter. Otters are social creatures. Scent and Body Odour The otters emit an odour and that is the reason they are kept outdoors. Even you own a river its not enough! The level of protection and types of otters present vary across different parts of the world. Unfortunately we humans have too often put our own desires in front of what is best for nature. In Japan, pet fads appear with a certain regularity. This is only a very simplified introduction to feeding. And for those shaming her in the comments. They need attention all the time. August 20, 2021. If you want to see otters, your best bet is to visit a zoo or aquarium. Even if you are granted a permit, you will need to provide proper care for the otter and follow strict regulations. Maybe they are for you, maybe not! Question: are otters legal to own in New York? Even if it is legal to have an otter as a pet, many exotic pet curators do not go through proper channels to capture and sell animals. It is important to exercise caution and practice good hygiene when interacting with otters or their environment. There are owners who have domesticated otters. The heaviest weigh in at up to 100lbs again, you wouldnt want to get on the wrong side of an animal of that bulk. Members of the Mustelidae family, otters are related to weasels, badgers, honey badgers, martens, minks, polecats and wolverines. 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. Otters in this genus are characterized by only partial webbing between their toes, and small, blunt, peg-like claws. They are the smallest otter species in the world. Yes, I said scream. Trained professionals can provide the care and rehabilitation necessary to ensure the otter can be released back into the wild. Speaking from experience in both areas, the caregivers who work with them are not taking on an easy job - they're noisier than a Siamese cat on an airplane. Only one species of otters is not considered federally illegal in the US, which is the Asian small-clawed otter (Aonyx cinereus). Question: Could an otter, raised from a young pup, make a unique and workable therapy animal or visiting moral animal for elderly / disabled / children? Also watch for signs of bacterial infection to the wound. If i found a fox or coyote i would raise it. If a state doesnt prohibit the possession of "non-domesticated carnivores" or the family Mustelidae (of which Asian small-clawed otters are a member), and it doesnt have an awful list of "non-regulated" species of which all not named on it are considered illegal, then these otters might be legal! 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. 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. Laws change, and this list is not necessarily exhaustive. But theyre probably more likely to bite unfamiliar people, like visitors! 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! 12:34. How To Care for A Pet Otter? Asian countries, including Japan, Thailand, and Malaysia, have thriving pet otter industries. Otters are carnivores and primarily eat fish, shellfish, and other aquatic creatures. Otters are usually kept outdoors because they emit an odor. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on May 26, 2020: Nixie Nox I guess this also means dalmatians shouldn't be pets then. Even cats and dogs require a team of people to help you. 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). Pet Collars & Leashes Pet Furniture Pet Clothing & Shoes . The smell of an otters spraint has been likened variously to that of freshly mown hay to putrefied fish. While otters can form bonds with humans, they still retain their natural instincts and behaviors. 12:16. The base can consist of nutritionally-complete cat food. You may be asked to demonstrate this. It is extremely important that you provide diverse enrichment for ottersand all animals for that matter. The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest species of otter. 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? Veterinary Secrets 2022 Bestie PawsLower Manhattan, New York, NY 10038, USA, Pet otters: the truth behind the latest wildlife craze. Why is is not right to have an OTTER as a PET? Their appearance may be similar to a friendly dog's, but their temperament is quite the opposite. Otters are much happier (and quieter) in their natural habitat. In the wild, otters can live up to 10-15 years, while those in captivity may live longer. Japan Times. 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. Can You Have An Otter As A Pet In Australia. They're actually very aggressive animals. please can someone help. If you do not live in a warm climate, supplementary heat is necessary for land. Plumbing fixture you fuck an otter as a pet linear unit australia OTTERS as PETS Reason It's a BAD Thought. Gonna go out on a limb and say that's where the otter encounters take place. They are wild animals and do not like to be restrained., Owning an otter is a big commitment. However, it is important to remember that even trained otters are still wild animals and should be treated with respect and caution. 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. I am currently an ecological project officer at Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. The only reason is if they cannot survive in the wild and need to be protected. Asian otters require a tropical climate and room to explore and play. Answer: Probably not. Very few are owned by private individuals and habited in domestic environments. 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. Parasites and general hygiene issues created by otters are also significant factors in why you shouldn't keep an otter as a pet. Their temperaments are unpredictable they are wild animals at heart and can be dangerous, especially if not under supervision near children. Otters are cute, furry water animals that hold hands and groom each other to bond. Additionally, otters can carry diseases that are harmful to humans, which is another reason why they are not suitable as pets. This doesnt make them automatically legal in every state. As such, captive otters need ample space to move around, including a deep enough freshwater source in which to swim, bathe, and socialize. If not..why? They would come to the nano-reef forums posting spotless 10 gallon tanks loaded with fish including tangs. Aggression when stressed. In some states, it is not illegal to keep an Asian small-clawed otter as a pet. They also mark their territory by smearing their feces around, which contributes to the odor.. Otters may bite when threatened and are not good housemates., Wild otters are not fit to live in your home environment., They need plenty of space to roam and to be with their family. Put a ring on it! If you were able to find one, the cost of their expertise would be prohibitively expensive to most households. Fun fact: Otters have the thickest coats in the animal kingdom! However, these permits are usually only granted to licensed wildlife rehabilitators, educators, or researchers. I cannot recommend any otter species as a personal "pet," although a few have maintained a strong bond with their handler their entire life. 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. They are semi-aquatic animals, and they are well adapted to life on both land and in water, like rivers, streams, freshwater wetlands, and the sea. Theyre not for us to put them in cute hats ! Find Out Now! Please be better than that and get a pet that we breed for generations. So why don't you see more otters playing in the park on a Sunday afternoon? As a result, these pets are often abandoned. Other otter species, like the ocean otter and giant otter, can reach lengths of 6 ft (1.8m), as long as a tall human. 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. Also do you own any dogs or cats? The recommended space for a pair of otters is 60 m, roughly the size of an average apartment. Lets look after wildlife, please! The upfront cost of purchasing an Asian small-clawed otter is approximately $4,000 unaffordable for most individuals. Nevertheless, otters are personable, entertaining little creatures, as you would expect from their reputation. This permit requires that you have a secure and adequate enclosure for your otter, and that you provide proper care and nutrition for your pet. Click to attach a photo related to your comment. Otters can also dig, so the enclosure will need to have deep walls underground. How otters are protected. In such a case, the average dog run won't cut it. Yes, there are some health risks associated with otters. Money Box, Personalised Otter Money Box, Coin Bank, Otter Money Box, Otter Gifts, Piggy Bank, Savings Jar, Otter Presents. 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. you, have, a, pet, otter, in, australia, can. Habitat destruction, hunting, and pollution threaten their conservation. I spearfish the invasive fish in the eel river and have had wild otters swimming feet away from me eating the fish I kill. Thank you for taking the time to look at our personalised otter ceramic money box. Question: Where do you go to adopt an otter? We are living in a world full of ignorant, entitled, beings who have little/no respect for anyone or anything. You are wrong. 7080% of the diet can be meat-based and can consist of day-old chicks, chicken, venison, rabbit, etc. !" EatRawPotatoes. They smear their droppings, which they produce constantly to mark their territory. Likely, your otter will spend most of its life in the enclosure. Australia boasts a huge variety of animals. They bite and they have glands to produce a vile smell , people get those removed , its cruel. In some cases, it may be possible to keep an otter with the proper permits and licenses. They have sharp teeth, powerful prey drives, and they're little bundles of furious energy in motion whenever they are awake. 11 reasons why you should NOT have an otter as a pet. Otters can also be loud and destructive. Unless you do what Joseph Carter does for his mink to keep them busy, I wouldn't recommend them as pets to most people. In the majority of the US, it is completely illegal to keep an otter as a pet. Otters can be legally obtained for private ownership. You need a vet. Otters need space to roam. You see, otters are members of the weasel family. Otters are not ferrets; they are not animals that should be kept with the intention of cuddling them. 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! Otters are notoriously difficult to potty train, and even when they are, they may decide to go against their training. Otters are being poached from the wild to become pets in Japan and Thailand The Asian small-clawed otter has become a popular pet in Southeast Asia. Not all countries have strict protection laws and many otter populations are already in decline. If left untrained, they can leave many droppings around the house. 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. It is illegal in all US States to keep this indigenous otter as a pets. 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. Eastern Garter Snake. Vegetables, insects, crayfish, monkey nuts, soft-boiled eggs, etc. This requires a fence which is not climbable and has a horizontal ledge at the top. In the United States, it is legal to own an otter with a license, although regulations vary from state to state. 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 protected under various laws and regulations, and owning one without proper permits can result in fines and other legal consequences. 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. They're wild animals. They can be very destructive when they dont get what they want., Strong odor. In addition to common domesticated pets such as cats, dogs, aviary birds and aquarium fish, some native animals can be kept as pets under a special licence from NPWS. Vets are expensive. One of the few ways to keep an armadillo as a pet is to be someone who holds an Animal Breeding License, but obtaining one is difficult. They are extremely uncommon, and you would likely need to contact a broker who can track down a breeder or import one. And I really want to pet or hold hands with an otter. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has previously released a general, but not exhaustive, guideline to keeping otters in captivity[4]. An otters diet can vary. They require about 2-2, 5 pounds of meat every day. Answer: I would guess no, but it might depend on the animal and your particular talent in animal training. AnimalWised takes a look at the different aspects of domestic otters. Otters are very organized in their pooping, and have a designated pooping area per otter community. For enrichment, otters will need walkways, natural shrubbery, nesting boxes and lots of options for safe digging and foraging. Taking feathers directly from the bird so the scent is present, and scatter them in various places. You can usually visit the otter you have adopted, and some programs offer other perks, like behind-the-scenes tours. Retrieved from. I just have no words for it! Of course, this depends on whether or not you can find someone willing to sell you one in the first place. 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. This is the otter species Ill be focusing on in this guide, as it is the only one you could, feasibly or otherwise, keep as a pet otter. If the otter is not able to be released, it may be possible to adopt it as a pet. The humble, or not so humble, otter is one of the most widespread mammals on Earth. From a legal standpoint, owning an otter can be trickier than a skunk, but it is possible. However, a recent uptick of otter attacks has caused distress to many fish owners across the island. And pets are different again to 'keeping otters'. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on December 16, 2018: Can you have an Asian small clawed otter as a pet in the state of Georgia. In the U.S. there is only one otter species that can be kept in the home so to speak - the Asian Short-clawed Otter . Retrieved on 29 November, 2019. Otters can be destructive and are difficult to housetrain. Other animals in the Mustelidae family include the ferret. As with all wild animals, otters are likely to react to humans in unexpected ways, and they can turn aggressive when they feel threatened. 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. Question: Are sea otters legal in Kentucky? Retrieved from, Smith, C. (2017). Question: Are otters legal pets in California? Additionally, otters are social animals and need to live with other otters to thrive. Exotic animals have many guidelines regarding their maintenance in captivity, but possession laws do change depending on the State. States where Otters may be legal, New York. Not to mention the sad ways in which they are breed, in cages, only to then be separated from their significant others. They are mustelids which means they belong to the same family as weasels, minks and badgers, but form a part of the subfamily Lutrinae. In conclusion, it is not advisable to keep otters as pets. Living with a Pet Otter There are many effects which you should be aware of before getting a pet otter. 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. I think otters are fun to watch, have exciting personalities and overall give out positive vibes. Retrieved from. These include many species of native birds (mostly parrots), some captive-bred reptiles and frogs from a licensed breeder or society. Dont take my word for it read this! Point is people that invest this kind of money on pets love them. Do otters like to cuddle? Some animals are illegal to keep in Queensland. For this reason, petting and handling are ill-advised. What zoos and aquariums have sea otters? Theyre very intelligent and need so much stimulation , just like an African parrot but maybe 10 times more. 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. 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. They have an oil, waterproof coat and webbed feet, which makes them good swimmers. Answer: Yes, but you would have to be granted a permit, which isn't easy. Therefore, purchasing an otter can do more harm than good and is not advised. While sea and river otters are deemed federally illegal due to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Asian small-clawed otters are not covered by the same level of protection. These big furry dogs were bred to hunt otters, which were considered as pests back in the day. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Otters make loud whistling or screeching noises. In captivity, diets can vary somewhat but need to provide a lot of basic nutrients. Poor animals in those cages, would you like to be in jail ? However, even if you could buy an otter, the cost of owning one would be significant. Eastern Red-backed Salamander. How Old Do You Have to Be to Work at Petco? Native birds are also federally protected. Otters climb, so a roof or top is required, and they are keen diggers, so any fencing needs to be extended in-ground. Even with the best intentions we cant give them enough , enough playtimes, enough nutrition.l enough everything. You may not realize that the otter is likely there only as a stop gap in a larger conservation effort. Who knew? North Carolina: Otter ownership is legal in North Carolina with a permit from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. There is little similar evidence to suggest otters want to do the same. They prefer flat stones that are as wide as a large orange.

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